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From Starbucks tables to Taylor Swift’s spotlight to Nordstrom shelves, Melinda Maria Spigel has built a jewelry empire on vision, grit, and fearless self-advocacy. Joining Lindsay Pinchuk in this episode, Melinda shares how she turned handmade pieces into a multimillion-dollar brand by trusting her instincts, funding growth in unconventional ways, and pushing past rejection until doors opened. Melinda reflects on the viral moment Taylor Swift wore her “Julian Loves Diamonds” necklace during the Eras Tour, why persistence mattered more than luck when Nordstrom finally took a chance on her, and how a relentless belief in her product carried her through every stage of growth. Her story leaves entrepreneurs with three powerful reminders: keep betting on yourself even when no one else does, treat rejection as a doorway instead of a wall, and understand your numbers as deeply as you understand your craft.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Believing in Yourself and Your Business

05:07 Early Passion for Jewelry

08:07 Selling Jewelry at Starbucks

10:09 Winning Game Shows for Seed Money

16:37 Self-Advocating and Building Connections

27:08 Persistence Pays Off with Nordstrom

39:32 Melinda’s Actionable Advice for Entrepreneurs

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