Episode 63 - Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator - Robin Lies

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Starting out with a background in art, Robin Lies found her way into the jewelry business with Burnell’s Fine Jewelry. Learn how customer experience is at the forefront of creating a lasting legacy through business.

Welcome to Burnell’s Fine Jewelry And Design, Wichita’s premiere custom jewelers, gemologists and purveyors of the most exciting lines of designer jewelry. We offer a wide variety of styles and prices in amazing jewelry by the world’s most sought after designers. Founder Jerry Burnell began his career in his basement. With a few used tools he forged the foundation of the business, which still thrives today. In 1979 he opened his first store on Rock Road and began to earn a reputation for fine custom work that won over 50 state and national awards. Jerry retired in 2014 and his legacy lives on in today’s store, which employs many of the original staff and enjoys continued success.

Robin Lies is the Co–General Manager, Gemologist and Buyer, has had a passion for the jewelry business since she was 5. She had the good fortune of being able to help her grandmother pick out new jewelry every time she got a new dress. It stuck. Robin majored in art in college and focused on jewelry and textile design. After teaching art for a few years, she decided to pursue a career in jewelry.

Robin’s been in the business thirty-seven years as buyer, corporate sales director, manager and gemologist. She has a B.A. degree, a Gemologist degree from GIA and a Jewelers of America Senior Management Certificate. Robin is involved in the Wichita Independent Business Association and Wichita Chamber of Commerce. She teaches glassblowing and her hobbies include all things dogs, reading and music. Her dog’s name is Marilyn and it is fitting.

Burnell’s Fine Jewelry and Design
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On this episode we discuss:

● From art teacher to the jewelry business
● Having someone dedicated to social media marketing
● Switching from traditional to digital media
● Recreating jewelry from sentimental pieces
● The Burnell Story
● The booming bridal business
● Seeing multiple generations of jewelry customers
● Building trust with customers through integrity
● Wrestling against the COVID shutdowns to have the best year ever
● The need for Wichita’s transportation infrastructure to improve
● Glassblowing is magical at CityArts

Listen on popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and ICT Podcast Network or using the player above. Send feedback on this show and/or suggestions for future guests or topics by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or emailing communications@wichitachamber.org.

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Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a weekly podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Released every Wednesday, it's produced by Forge Podcast Co, managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Evergy. 

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