Business
Making it in Big Sky: Shelly Bermont Fine Jewelry
Published
5 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Bay Stephens EBS Staff Writer
After working as a flight attendant, realtor, caterer, baker chef and full-time mom, Shelly Bermont’s midlife crisis led to making her own jewelry. She began redesigning jewelry given to her, making it less ostentatious, more comfortable for everyday wear. Then her friends began asking her to redesign their jewelry.
While still living part time in Miami, Florida, Bermont began learning how to smith her own jewelry studying under Bozeman goldsmiths while at a second home in Big Sky during the summers. She discovered a passion for pearls—which gleam in many of her store’s showcases—and earned a Geologist Institute of America certification.
She had been coming to Big Sky for 25 years before deciding the area had grown enough to support a high-end jewelry store. Shelly Bermont Fine Jewelry opened in August of 2017 in the Meadow Village Center next to OZssage Therapeutic Massage and Skin Care. She employs four women, all of whom have GIA certifications that ensure an understanding of gemstones and diamonds.
As part of this ongoing series, Bermont shared her thoughts on what it takes to make it as a small business owner in Big Sky.
Explore Big Sky: What has been the key to your success?
Shelly Bermont: I think that I stay very true to myself. I design jewelry that speaks to me, that I love, and I wear. And I’m very passionate about that. None of my girls are on commission because I don’t want hard sells. … I’ve always said I don’t want anyone selling anything to [a customer] that’s not right for them.
For us, jewelry is not a necessity in life. If you’re buying, you want it to be something you put on and it makes you feel pretty, and you wear it, and you enjoy it.
EBS: Do you remember your first customer or sale?
S.B.: Oh yes. I was making jewelry for myself … and one of my friends asked me how much I’d sell it for. … She wanted a pair of the earrings and I think I sold them for $35 or something. But the fact that somebody wanted something I’d made, [I thought,] “Oh, this could go somewhere.”
EBS: What are the biggest obstacles to operating a small business in Big Sky?
S.B.: I think because we don’t have a very clear distinction between the Meadow Village versus the Town Center, people think that Town Center’s the only place that has stores. … Kate Tompkins, who owns [The] Trove [West] said once, “We should call [Meadow Village] the Old Village and [Town Center] the new village so that people would know [the difference].” … We don’t get walk-in traffic. I advertise so people find me.
EBS: What are some challenges of operating a jewelry business of which most people aren’t aware?
S.B.: Well, the setup every day. Every piece of jewelry goes in a 5,200-pound safe [at night]. So, every night we take everything out of the cases and lock it up. … [In the morning] it’s 45 minutes of several people working to get the cases set up.
EBS: What does your process for sourcing raw materials look like?
S.B.: I buy from vendors that guarantee me what I’m buying. If I say, “I’m looking for conflict-free stones”—and that’s all I buy—they will [show those stones to me]. Just about everyone now is sourcing conflict-free, because it’s become a big issue … I don’t want slave labor in mines producing stones [I buy].
EBS: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
S.B.: Don’t overspend. When starting a jewelry business, it’s very easy to overspend on inventory. You don’t want to put yourself in a position where you owe money and have to produce x amount of dollars.
EBS: What advice would you give to small business owners just starting out in Big Sky?
S.B.: Know your market, know what you need. I knew that I did not need foot traffic, that people looking for fine jewelry would find me [but] if you were selling cupcakes, you need foot traffic. So, you need to understand what you need, and your location is important.
EBS: As a business owner and resident, what do you see as the area that deserves the most focus in order for Big Sky to successfully grows?
S.B.: Affordable housing. I’m very fortunate because all four of my employees live here in Big Sky. I think a lot of businesses here have issues with getting and keeping employees because of the lack of affordable housing. We really have to get a handle on affordable housing so that people who work in Big Sky can live in Big Sky.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm