Student Shop: A Spotlight on Jayce Gregg

Bailey Lincoln

Smiling wide, junior Jayce Gregg shares why she began her small shop. “I was inspired by the tremendous support I got when I was originally selling scrunchies and necklaces I was giving away,” Gregg says. “I also wanted to have a pop up shop in the farmers market one day.” Photo contributed

Many students have aspirations larger than life to become a CEO, own a business, or be involved in the business realm. Junior Jayce Gregg has taken a leap into opening her own jewelry shop while juggling her school work. Her shop “Buttons and Beads Boutique” first debuted in June of 2020 and started by selling hair scrunchies and giving away some necklaces. The support from selling necklaces encouraged her to create her own shop in hand making all sorts of jewelry pieces and selling them. Gregg says she one day dreams of having a small pop-up shop in a farmers market, for both experience and publicity of her student owned jewelry shop.

With the current state of the world, Gregg uses jewelry making as her creative outlet and a way to take a break from the hectic year.

“My favorite part is the creativity and uniqueness that goes into making each piece. You don’t normally see the same pieces around town or in every shop. Only a few people will own our handmade pieces which is pretty crazy to me but it’s definitely a great feeling!”

Running a business while still getting an education can be challenging, especially with how school systems are operating during COVID-19. Gregg states she often does fall out of her routine of posting on her shop Instagram (@buttonandbeadsboutique_), but feels that being patient and getting your name out there is all part of the process.

For the fellow students who are in a place of inspiration and with goals such as opening a shop, Gregg has some advice so you can follow your passions as well:

“I would say that if you’re unsure, make a plan! Start planning it out because you truly never know until you try. Owning a boutique/ business is very difficult! My advice to those who open it is to work hard. your work does not go unnoticed & you have to try & be patient. It’s not about all the profit you make it’s about community & creativity & customer service. The more you show that, the more your customers will notice that you’re interacting with them & helping them find the best pieces/ products they’re looking for!”