Meg Rankin and her husband have been operating J. Rankin Jewellers for 14 years, the past few in downtown Edmonds, the city they call home. For the Rankins, treating customers and their community like the jewels they sell is key to success.
Q: When and where did your business open? Why Edmonds?
A: We opened our own business in 1998, in Seattle, and stayed there for 10 years. We finally decided that since we live in Edmonds, we should have our store here also. It has worked out wonderfully.
Q: How, or why, did you decide to open your business?
A: My husband, John, had been in the jewelry business for 30 years before we decided to open our own store. It was an easy decision – having control over our inventory and the relationships we have formed have proven that.
Q: What convinced you that this was the job for you?
A: I stumbled upon this career when I married into it! But the joy that jewelry brings to the lives of our customers is priceless. Weddings, anniversaries and birthdays are just some of life’s celebrations that we can be a small part of. Plus I love jewelry too.
Q: What does it take to blend your passion with your livelihood?
A: Dedication. Once we decided that this was our passion, we made the jewelry store our new home away from home.
Q: What are the crucial elements for success for your business?
A: Being trustworthy and honest. People need to trust someone wholeheartedly with their jewelry. We have formed many close relationships with our customers because they know we can be trusted and will fulfill their desires.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how did you meet it?
A: The economy change was difficult, but we have always been a strong business with a loyal customer base.
Q: How did your friends and family react when you told them you were getting into this business?
A: “Do we get a discount?”
Q: What motivates you?
A: This great community of Edmonds! The support we get and the giving back we do motivates us every day.
Q: When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: John and I love our family. We have five kids, two of whom got married last year. Grandkids may not be too far off in the future! And we love to travel in the USA and in Europe. Italy has great jewelry that we love to check out!
J. Rankin Jewellers
WHERE: 505 Fifth Ave. S, Edmonds
PHONE: 425-673-6161
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