Ep 50_AmiePJX_GLP_FINAL

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Jen Thyrion: [00:00:00] Hey there, I'm Jen Therian and I'm so glad you're here. I'm a former nine to fiver that dove an entrepreneurship eight years ago with zero business experience. I'm a wife, mama of two young girls, boutique owner, jewelry designer, and now the proud owner and coach. Leading Goldie Link's permanent jewelry.

I have a passion to empower fellow business spades. This podcast is made to equip you with everything you need to succeed from actionable marketing steps to digging deep on your mindset. I know firsthand the heart hard work, and let's be real at times of struggle that makes up this amazing journey. You wanna know what has enabled me to shine the brightest coaching plus community here at Goldie Links.

We share openly, educate and lift each other up. Expect to get linked with fellow PJ owners that will do just that sprinkled with plenty of fun along the way. Competition is an old school thought and connection is the way. Get ready to feel inspired. Welcome to the Goldie Links podcast.[00:01:00]

Hey there. Did you know that we offer handmade permanent jewelry supplies? Go to goldie link supplies.com to view our beautiful chains, connectors, Bengals, and more, including our non-permanent stretchy bracelets that are available to you for wholesale. Everything is created by a tribe of mama makers.

What is a mama maker? Stay-at-home moms that create on their own time between raising their children, serving as a self-care creative outlet, and supporting their families. Your items come with signage on how these supplies are made, along with Gemstone property info, as each gemstone has a special meaning.

If you wanna level up your business with handmade supplies, not made by a machine, but made by hand with love, then check it out@goldielinksupplies.com. Now onto the show. PJX, are you going? It's a few short weeks away. I cannot believe it. If you are going, this is the episode to listen to, to kind of see what to expect, and just get excited if you're on the fence.

This is the episode to listen to [00:02:00] so you understand how important it is and how amazing PJX is and what crucial it is to elevate your business. And if you've never heard of PJX. Then this is the episode to also listen to, um, we have Amy, the events coordinator with Sunstone. She is gonna share all the goodies about PJX, and I hope to see you there in a few weeks.

Enjoy. Hey, Amy, I'm so glad you're here today. Do you wanna start off by letting everybody know who you are and a little bit about yourself?

Amie PJX: Yeah, absolutely. So my name's Amy Collier. I am, I'm the trade show and events coordinator for Sunstone Welders, and I get to oversee all things PJX, which is just so fun.

I'm local here to Utah, um, which is where Sunstone is located. And, you know, I was born and raised here, but Jen and I actually made a fun, um, connection that she's from Castle Rock, Colorado, which is where my sister's from. So that's kind of fun.

Jen Thyrion: I know. That's so crazy. I was gonna say, you have to like send her in my shop so I can meet her.

That's like [00:03:00] I know. What a crazy connection there. So tell us a little bit, like what, have you kind of been in this industry for a while? Like before being with Sunstone?

Amie PJX: Yeah, I have a background in events. So I have a degree in hospitality management and event and event management from Utah Valley University.

So Utah Valley University has a really cool event. Program for that major and you can you essentially the last two years of your school have to work at the resorts up in Park City and for two straight years and just like get experience and do like, we do like field trips at all the resorts, like it's very hands-on learning.

A lot of my classes, we like went up and did like stuff with the resorts up there and I was working at the. Like the resorts up there. For two years I was with a Bears Resorts, and that's kind of where my like experience and events kicked off was working with a Bears Resorts, both at the lodge of Blue Sky and at, um, golden Hirsch and Deer Valley.

So it was really fun. I have, that's kind of like my events background and then I went to, I moved away like further [00:04:00] from Park City and man, if you've ever driven up there, the snow is just terrifying. If it's, is it. You're a long commuter. Yeah, so I got a new job, um, in, in downtown Salt Lake City at a, um, salt Lake City's very first social club, which is called Edison House.

And so, um, it's a luxury social club and I, I was their, um, senior events manager. I, um, oversaw the events that were sold there. I, um, uh, for their private events program. And it was really fun. I loved it, but I was just looking for something a little bit closer to home. So I'm like an hour, we're about an hour south of Salt Lake City.

That's when I was just looking around and this, this opportunity with Sunstone came up and I love, I also like am really passionate about supporting like women owned businesses. So yes, this is perfect. Then like, I feel like in a way, you know, my job is now dedicated to like, you know, putting on a good PJX, which is primarily a women owned, you know, bus like industry.

And so I just love that I get to do that with my specialty in events. So I, I think [00:05:00] it's fun. That's amazing and

Jen Thyrion: yeah, tell us how, how long have you been with Sunstone? Because I feel like it, it's pretty new. So you kind of got like right in the middle of probably them, like organizing the PJX. Right? It was like, oh, here we are.

Amie PJX: Like, yes. I got hired in February, so, okay. Yeah. Sunstone for just about two months. Okay. So it's been, yeah, it's been a whirlwind. It's been really fun and exciting, but I am, I, I'm really excited for PGX. There's so many fun things, like, I'm trying to, right now what I'm trying to do is to force my husband to come with so Yes.

So much fun. I'm like, I, I was

Jen Thyrion: like, you just have to come

Amie PJX: party.

Jen Thyrion: I know, right? Like, I know a lot of people do bring their partners and I think that's a great idea, you know, bringing their significant others. Yeah. I think it make it. Like a trip too. Like make it a fun thing as well as like a work trip, right?

Like why not to combine business and pleasure. So do you wanna go into, if no one even is for some reason, does not know what PJX is, do we wanna say, let's go start off by just saying what it is and kind of [00:06:00] when and where it is, I guess. Yeah,

Amie PJX: yeah, absolutely. So PJX is the permanent jewelry expo and this year it's being held in San Antonio, Texas, May 15th through May 18th, and it is the permanent jewelry expo.

The purpose of it is to, um, create a space where permanent jewelry artists from all over the country can come and shop all the best vendors right then. They're in person. A lot of these supply companies, you know, they're, they're all over the country and it's so hard to, it's, it makes such a big difference to be able to go shop at in person and to be able to, you know, touch and fill all the different chains and charms that people have experience.

We have lots of different zones and areas and classes that you can go, like experience and get a little bit of instruction before you buy a certain product. Or like, like for sunstone, we, we sell welders, right? And that might. Scary to buy a whole welder before you've Yes. This statement before. And so you can go in into our welding lab and get training before you buy and [00:07:00] it's just a really great opportunity for you to get, you know, that very hands on, all in one spot on top of like the great vendors that are coming.

We have really great classes and panels and so it's just a really great way to like refresh your business, if you will, and get new upcoming year. There's gonna be awesome discounts and so it's a great place to come and like shop at the market and you know, stock up for the year and whatnot. So

Jen Thyrion: yeah, I know it's like all this amazing stuff in one place.

And if anyone has been to like the previous pgx, 'cause I've gone to the first and second, this'll be the third. Right. And can you speak to like, what is different? Because I think a lot of times when people have gone to it, they're like, oh, okay, I've been to it, I don't need to go again. Like, what? What is different about this time versus the last couple years?

Amie PJX: Oh my gosh. I love that you asked that question, so that Yeah, that is a great, great question. So this year, and I will say there's a, there's a reason that they hired a whole person just to like give some tender love and carrot to [00:08:00] PJX because like they are really trying to go big and to have this thing grow.

And so this year it's gonna be bigger than. Anything else that's been in the past? I mean, I'd say the biggest difference is in like why you should come again if you've been in previous years, and not only will there be continuing deals, you always want to make sure you're on trend and seeing the new products that are getting put out there, the new supplies that will help you be more successful in your business.

But also there's, the classes this year are fantastic in the sense of just new things that are very relevant to write. And so if I'd say, if you're at an aggressive, like trying to grow your business, it's always good to come and network at those new ideas. Think about where your business is gonna grow.

You know, we have some, some classes about like adding onto your business or growing your business in certain ways, and that is a huge helpful thing for people that have, you know, are into their permanent jewelry business. But wanna take it further, you know, it's. And want, want it to keep going. And so yeah, this, this year there's [00:09:00] a lot of great elements that way.

There's also a lot of fun elements, I will say this year. Yeah, like after hours in town activities together, we have like some cocktail hours planned. There's a welcome reception with like a whole like disco cowgirl theme and

Jen Thyrion: Love it. Love it.

Amie PJX: Yes. And we've got like some vendors coming as well that are.

For experience areas. So if you want to like, you know, we'll have someone doing headshots and we'll have someone doing tattoos and piercings and we'll have a content lab so you can come and like get new content and get tips about getting content with your new products that you, or the new chain that you just bought.

Right. And anyways, there's gonna be lots just it's, there's gonna be lots of fun elements as well as lots of like educational and great networking opportunities as well. Just the people we have involved with this are. Fantastic. And our, Karen, the whole thing, I, I'm so impressed with all of our instructors and panelists and defenders, so

Jen Thyrion: that's amazing.

I know. I feel like it's just this great place where it's all encompassed in one, like you said, [00:10:00] supplies, and I'll say this again and again. I know I've said a million times, but nothing beats in person, right? Because of course we can shop everything online, we can learn things online. You can YouTube anything.

Like there's a course for everything. But there's nothing that beats in person. Um, I think it just hits different. You are able to actually like converse and ask questions and actually, like, and also just like you said, networking, like meeting other permanent jewelers. That is like priceless, honestly.

Like the people you meet. And I think too, it's like whether or not you are in the. State of your business where you wanna take it to the next level. But even if you are just beginning and say you're in the first few months, you're like, okay, am I ready for this? And I, I, I'm sorry, but I'm gonna say yes because I feel like there's so many times I've, like, there was a time where I joined a business mastermind and I was definitely, I'll say it again.

Again. I was the dumbest person in the room. Like I knew nothing about business. There were women in there making million plus a year. And I'm like, what? Like, and honestly. I still tap into that knowledge that I got back in 2018 when I did not really, I was not ready for the information, but [00:11:00] it was like something like a, I, it was basically planted a seed is what I say, and like I felt like it was something I could go back to.

And it's like I tapped into later. Yes. I wasn't maybe ready. But it opened my mind and kind of like put some things in my back pocket to like access later. You know what I mean? So even if you feel like if you're going to a class talking about a studio space or brick and mortar and you're like, whoa, I just started.

But at least it like opens your eyes to the possibilities or I. Like what you would do if you got there, you could access that information later,

Amie PJX: you know? Oh, yeah. Absolutely. And I, I agree with we're, we're trying to add a lot of variety of, like, verbals, business owners or, you know, just sort out, or people that have had their, you know, their business for a while and there's a lot of value.

Everywhere. And yes, real. Again, I love what you brought up about the networking, just priceless opportunities with networking. It is, it's one thing to, uh, you know, be trying to Google like solutions or when you're having like issues or problems that you know, these are like-minded [00:12:00] business owners that have experienced exactly what you're going through or might also be experiencing right now.

And it's just great to even chat and be like, what are you doing? What you know? And. Get ideas, bounce ideas off each other and it's, it's amazing, you know, that in person feel is so different. So,

Jen Thyrion: yeah. And even just like welders too, it's like I actually, when I remember last year, I was so impressed with a woman that came and she didn't even start her business yet, but she came and she bought her welder and she was starting her business right after.

And I was like, that is so like courageous too, too for you not to even know. And you, you came right to PJX and. I'm like thinking, gosh, like that is so amazing that she has this vessel of knowledge and inspiration and motivation going right from the beginning, like and then starting a business right after she left.

I'm like, man, that is like, that's power right there, you know? So, because usually, you know, unless of course there's trainings out there, but again, a lot of is virtual. So the fact of doing this like in person, having welders help you also like commenced a local permanent jeweler here last year to go and even [00:13:00] though she got trained virtually, and I'm not saying by a training company, and I'm sure it was.

Very thorough and whatnot, but it's still different and it hits different when you're doing it in person. So when she was actually able to test other welders and have a welder show her, she's like, honestly, Jen, I was kinda like welding incorrectly and like there was things I could have been doing way easier that I wasn't doing and I end up buying another welder.

And so like, you know, it was just like, now she has like a mobile welder and one that she stays in her shop like, and so it really, she's like, I can't tell you how much I appreciate going and just how much I learned and. Realize and troubleshoot of what I kind of was doing that was made my job harder.

That's awesome. That's fantastic sharing

Amie PJX: experience. I mean, yeah, being in person is priceless. I, and when you were sharing that, I actually remember too, like with our, you know, we're trying to add a lot of aspects that will help just overall business. Owners as well as like permit. So we have three different kinds of classes.

We have technical and welding classes, so you can like go, you know, see different techniques in different lights from [00:14:00] profe like professionals. People have been doing this for a while and, and then also we have business ones. So. These ones are focused on social media, like how to improve your social media, how to use chat, GPT in your businesses, hiring fundamentals, like how do you know when to hire people and, and how does that work?

And, you know, growing your business. We have one of our classes. Is is gonna be on moving, doing permanent jewelry events. You know, there's, and getting in touch with those corporates that do wanna do like really fun, that will pay big bucks to have a permanent jewelry artist, you know, at their event doing, just to add a fun activ activation at their event and.

Get noticed by companies like that. And so, yeah, there's just, there's a very well-rounded, you know, opportunities and very great, like hands-on experience with the like, social media stuff too. We are gonna have a content lab and so people can go into the content lab and, and you know, if you wanna bring your camera, you know, if you have one, awesome.

Bring, totally can. If not, they'll show you how to do it with your [00:15:00] iPhone. That's totally fine. 'cause I get, like, nowadays it's like you're starting a business, you're doing everything with your iPhone or you know. Everything with your phone. And so we'll have people there that can, you know, give you tips and tricks on like the lighting and the angles and whatever.

And that's such an in-person experience. Like you can google that. True. Yes. That's, it's, it's gonna make a huge difference just like night and day to be able to have that in-person help as well as, I, I love what you brought up about the welding. The welding as well. Like Yes. That hands on. Or if you, if you've been considering buying an engraver as well, they'll be.

There that you can try and experiment with and all the, all the things I know and this,

Jen Thyrion: and this industry's constantly evolving. So even if you feel like you've been doing this for a while and you're like, well, no, I'm good. Like I'm, I'm booked, I'm busy. Like, what? You know what I mean? What do I really need?

I. But in the end, I feel like it's always coming from a beginner's mindset of just, there's always more you can learn. There's gonna be a way that's industry is evolving like crazy, you know? And just even like you said, the laser engraver, like you might [00:16:00] get inspired by something you see that you did not even consider and you're like, whoa, I can elevate my business so much more if I add this.

Right. And like almost being able to offer as well, like ready to wear items, you know, when it comes to holiday and giftable things and who knows, like who knows what it could lead to. And. Really, again, just be kind of thinking outside the box really. I mean, going with just an arsenal of like, I mean that's the thing.

It's like come with all the questions and try and to soak every minute in because yes, I understand it's an expense, but it is literally like, I feel like these types of things are so priceless. You're, it is this knowledge, it's going to last you kind of a lifetime really. You know what I mean? You're gonna tap back into these things or.

See something that also inspires you and give you ideas that you would've never had if you just kind of stay in your, your bubble. You know what I mean? Like your every day it kind of gets you out of, and I honestly, I would say like people that are scared also to go alone is like one, I think one of the also things you're like, okay, like that whole, like wrestling with that thought.

But I have to say the best. Like experiences I have [00:17:00] is when I go to those things alone, like I went with my really good friend Ashley the first year, and although it's great, it's like you tend to stick to that person the whole time. So it doesn't really allow you to like just kind of just talk to anyone because you're just, you know, yeah.

You have your person, so it really gets you outta your comfort zone, and, and that's like the best way to just meet new people and kind of also not feel like you're attached to that person or like, okay, what classes are we going together? Like, no, it's really like, what do you wanna do, you know?

Amie PJX: Yes. Uh, I love that.

I love what you brought up about going alone, and this year we actually have like added some like really fun elements to hopefully help those that are coming alone, so shy and afraid to come alone because I, you know, I agree with exactly what you said. What do you come alone? Like that's where your business grows the most because it's seriously,

Jen Thyrion: yeah.

Amie PJX: Then you gotta meet and you gotta network with people. We are having some like after hours, like little excursions if you will, in town. It's so fun. Experiences in town. We're gonna do like a ghost tour and we're gonna do the [00:18:00] san, if you're familiar with San Antonio, like there's a river that runs through the center of town.

There's all these really fun. You know, shops and restaurants and it like, just all these things to like, everything is on the river. So also if you're looking for somewhere to stay, that could be really fun too, is like looking for somewhere on the river to stay. But we're gonna do like a river cruise and cocktail hours and there's, yeah, it's gonna be really fun.

So you can just sign up to go and that's, and it's a fun way to like experience town, but you'll still be like not all on your own. You can go, you know. Meet people there in the evenings and, and yeah, it's gonna be great. So,

Jen Thyrion: good. So how do people, um, actually speaking of that then, if they, uh, is that information that once you purchase a ticket you will get that information of how to sign up for those kind of things?

Or how does that work?

Amie PJX: Yes, we are going to have a booth there where you can just like walk up to the booth and, you know, sign up to go. Some of them you have to purchase a ticket in advance. And some of 'em you purchase it just when you get there. So we're just gonna say like, like the river cruise, it's just gonna be more of like a ever meet here [00:19:00] at seven and we're gonna like walk down to the like little site where you know, the, where they dock.

And then we're gonna get our boats and go on the river cruise and you know, just wait. It's like a little standby line and you wait and you get on and the boats hold like 20 to 30 people on it and okay, we'll all get on a boat. And that one's more like, how fun. Yeah. Kind of a thing. But yeah, I'm sure we're gonna be posting once those things are finalized, we'll be posting on our website just so you can see, you know what fun things are available in the evenings, but yeah, you can always, you can buy ticket.

I think we're planning on just doing tickets there, but we might a link to buy 'em in advance as well. So keep an eye on the website. There's. I'm gonna be updates probably every day from now until PJs. I was

Jen Thyrion: gonna say website. And I'm assuming your social media too, probably, right? Oh yeah. Yeah. That's perfect.

So we'll share all that at the end actually too, like social media, website, all this stuff that you can find all the information, which is great. And then, yeah, first day, like you said, there's plenty of, I know there's a couple really popular hotels that people think people are staying at that are pretty close to the venue.

Correct. That like literally you can walk to, I'm assuming

Amie PJX: there [00:20:00] are. A good handful though, and I think we put some, like some options on our website that were really cool. But also, I mean, I know one of our employees, like one of my coworkers, Brooklyn here, she's our media, so social media manager and marketing manager, and she's gonna be doing, she's gonna be staying a little further down the river because she wants to get her like Hilton points or whatever.

But she, I love it. But it's so great because that river, there's like this beautiful like little trail that goes straight to the convention center so you can, oh my God. So

Jen Thyrion: basically like pack my raft and just like go, yeah,

I'll totally do that.

Amie PJX: Jen shows of the whole raft.

Jen Thyrion: Totally. I'm like in my scuba gear when I arrive every day, like it's fine. Oh my gosh. Um, yeah, I can't wait 'cause I actually speaking. So why did you guys choose actually the first two years, if you don't know, it was in Vegas. So it's really fun that this year it's in San Antonio, which I've always heard amazing things about San Antonio.

I've actually never [00:21:00] been. So why the, like why the choice in a different location this time?

Amie PJX: Yeah, I think we were just looking to reach, um, you know, further, further areas of the country and, you know, a little closer for those on the East coast or, and, um, just try and reach more permanent jewelry artists.

And I think they picked San Antonio. I think we ran some data reports just on like, you know what cities were the best cities for something like this. And you know, where were people tra traveling from last year? Yeah. And there were four or five cities up for debate and they just, they. Selected San Antonio.

So I love

Jen Thyrion: it. It kind of gives someone an excuse to try a new, like most likely everyone's probably been to Vegas. I'm willing to say 90 something percent have been to Vegas. So it kind of gives you an opportunity to try out a different, like just kind of visit a different area too, like make it a vacation spot every year knowing you're gonna go to PJX, like where are you gonna be next year?

Amie PJX: Yes, exactly. A fun, new experience. We want people. To be like a full on experience for everyone. So yeah, that's, uh, that's kind of the why there. [00:22:00] Hey, busy entrepreneur.

Jen Thyrion: As you know, being a business owner, you have to wear all the hats. You're a social media manager, marketer, graphic designer, accountant, photographer, videographer, what designer, business coach scheduler, and the list goes on.

I know how overwhelming it can be, and this is why I created the GoldLink Society. It's our monthly permanent jewelry membership. We have a weekly call to talk about all the things, but not only that. Including monthly photography and video to use for your social media and marketing. Canva templates, monthly business expert, monthly training, support group discount and first dibs on Goldie Link supplies and more.

My intention is to create a beautiful community of permanent jewelers that wanna level up their businesses together while creating lasting friendships and having fun. This is what I wish existed when I started my business almost 10 years ago. If you wanna know more, check it out@goldielinkssociety.com or at all the things permanent jewelry.com.

I hope to see you there. Okay. I can't say enough too about, I know it seems silly 'cause again, we all start this off and you can buy supplies and, and you, [00:23:00] I've been making jewelry for so long. It's so funny. When I say three millimeter, you think, I would know in my head what three millimeter looks like.

But still a order chain. And I'm like, oh wait, this is a different size than I thought it was. So it's like, it's just so nice to see things like even if you just, honestly too, even from last year, I said this last year actually, I remember sitting down with Andy last year, we talked about this PJX, and I was like, how many more connectors and like styles are available And now here we are a year later and I'm saying the same thing.

Of course, you know? So like, again, things are, it's not the same stuff. There's new things I know. Me as like with Goldie links, I'm bringing so much more than I was last year and so many more new designs and new things. I'm like even like debuting there, but just to see things in person is also, again, I keep using the word priceless, but it really is because it just, things hit different than you see things online, especially when it comes to chain as you know, like you see this beautiful stack on someone's wrist.

You take a picture and you're like, God, it just doesn't hit the same when you see it in person, like the sparkle and everything. So you really get to like, feel and see. All of the products, which is like huge.

Amie PJX: Yes. You know? [00:24:00] Absolutely. I love that you brought up that you're debuting items. Yeah, I know Sunstone is also, Ooh, I was gonna ask This's a little secret, but, uh, we're debuting a new product at at PJX, which will be really exciting.

So if you wanna like go check that out, that's a really fun spot as well. Can you hint at it? It's not a

Jen Thyrion: new welder, is it? It is a tool.

Amie PJX: It is a

Jen Thyrion: tool. Okay.

Amie PJX: That's what I thought. I'm excited to see it. It's, it's something that I feel like we've gotten a lot of requests on, so it's coming. It's coming. I

Jen Thyrion: know.

So you're not talk, you're literally not gonna like talk about it at all until, until Pjx No. In fact,

Amie PJX: I

Jen Thyrion: don't even

Amie PJX: know if I'm supposed to say anything on the spot. Okay. That's I. Say we were doing a new product, but I know that we're printing, I don't know, we're printing a bunch of stuff that's gonna be advertising the new product.

Oh my gosh, how exciting.

Jen Thyrion: Oh my gosh, that's so exciting. Um, well, I can't wait to see what it is. I have it in my head. I don't wanna say it out loud, but I feel like I [00:25:00] have a little bit of a, I don't know. I have a thought and I'll have to see if I'm right. I feel

Amie PJX: like if you, if you're not right, I feel like I need to hear what your idea is though about pjx because I, I was looking for new ideas then,

Jen Thyrion: unless this is so outta the box that I'm like, not even like, you know, I have no idea.

Yeah. I love that. What I really want is, and I need to, I've been saying this since I started, so almost three years ago. I want really cute. Like for the customer welding glasses that are cute, like, you know, like almost aviator style or something like, right. Yeah. Oh my gosh, I'm gonna write that down. Right?

Like, well, and I, I have like, obviously the welding glasses you buy in bulk or you know, whatnot. And I was, I've been saying for years on wanna bling 'em out, like just put little rhinestones on 'em and just make them fun. 'cause then people wanna take pictures wearing them and have fun. Right. So it's probably something I really, honestly.

I always, I've been saying that forever and I just haven't done it. So, but I, I looked for a while on like stylish welding glasses and I could not find anything. I was like, I want like, just, yeah, like, 'cause usually when people see 'em on the table, they're like, oh no, I'm good. Like, you know, [00:26:00] because they're just not very cute.

But I bet you if they were cute they'd wanna put 'em on. So, yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Oh my gosh.

Amie PJX: The whole thing and experience too, so, right.

Jen Thyrion: Yes. I love it. That's amazing. So let's talk about, okay, so you said there's panels, so how do, that's sounds really cool and interesting too, and something different that we haven't had in the last couple years.

So how is that gonna work?

Amie PJX: Yes. So there are gonna be. A total of five panels. And so there will be smaller ones during the daytime, but there will be a keynote panel on Thursday or on Friday night, sorry, on Friday night. Okay. And so we have, and I can, I can share what those topics are for the panel. So these are all, you know, experts in the industry or people that we, um, people that our board has found.

Have experience in this and be able to share great insight on these, these topics that were selected by the board as like, uh, topics that are, are, you know, artists need to hear about. So the topics we have are overcoming imposter syndrome, [00:27:00] social media success. The powerhouse of women in permanent jewelry scaling with intention beyond the bracelet, mastering your permanent jewelry business.

And so the, like that keynote is, you know, some real great professionals have come a long way in this industry, are gonna give a lot of details on the true bi like mastery of like permit jewelry and, and the growth there and all the things that go into it. So That's awesome.

Jen Thyrion: Okay. Those sound fun. And then like I heard there's like an experience room.

Right?

Amie PJX: Yes. Kind of. It's not like a room. There's gonna be little experienced lounges throughout whole venue, and so there's gonna be, um, a spot where you can go get, um, tattoos and piercings. Actually, we have a fine line tattoo artist coming.

Jen Thyrion: I love it. And so

Amie PJX: that'll be really fun to do, especially if you're gonna be coming with friends.

Or if not too, like they, the tattoo, she sent me the flash sheet yesterday. Oh no. It's so cute. It, it is seriously like the [00:28:00] cutest little designs that are totally on brand with our PGX theme this year. Oh sure. Oh my gosh. That's amazing. For the memories as well. And then. We have, again, a headshot area as well, so you can go and get your, you know, if you are looking for a professional headshot or anything like that, you can, you can do that there.

And then we'll have like a photo op, lots of photo ops, lots of, lots of them. That's four. And then, um, also the content lab, as I mentioned. We also are gonna be having a VIP lounge this year. And so you can add a VIP ticket add on. Which I would love to talk about the benefits of, um, of the VIP ticket. Yes, please.

But there is that VIP lounge, which is great. If you just, we're gonna have lounge furniture, we're gonna be serving lunch in there. That is the only place that lunch is being served this year. And so that's exclusively for the VIPs. I also, one thing that's gonna be really exciting for our VIPs is we are doing a.

Exclusive networking opportunities. So each of our instructors that are teaching classes will be spending [00:29:00] one hour and we'll have a whole schedule and everything so you can, you know, pick when you're going and whatnot. But, um, just throughout the three days, every one of our instructors will be spending an hour in the VIP lounge.

So you can go, if you are a VIP, you can go in there and have that one-on-one networking opportunity that you know that more discussion based. In our lounge, in those, you know, sitting on the couches and being all cozy and whatnot. But you can get advice with them about whatever they taught about. Or if you even wanna sit down, I mean, you brought up earlier, you know, do you need to go if you're, if you've been in years past, if, do you need to go?

If you're like already. You know, put along in your business, or even if you're just starting, that's a really great opportunity where you could sit down with a professional and just say, Hey, this is where I'm at in my business. Like, what do you like? If you're having a hard time setting some goals, like don't feel like you have to come to PGX with goals.

I mean, if you want to, that's great and that's very helpful. But if you wanted, you could even come and just like sit down and talk with a professional and be like, this is where my business is at. What advice do you have for me [00:30:00] to grow? Like what goals would you recommend set setting? And I'm. All these amazing, um, instructors would love to just give advice and help with that.

So, and, and give you tips on like where, where to go from there. So that's a huge benefit that we're adding for our VIPs this year. Also this year, let's see, let me pull up this, make sure I'm not missing, oh, we are doing exclusive or VIP seating as well in all of our classes and all the panels. So the handful of roll rows will be reserved for VIPs only the, the lounge and the exclusive networking in the lounge, we, oh, we are, this is a huge, huge benefit.

We are opening the marketplace early this year just exclusively for VIPs. Ooh. Love that. Yeah. If you've never been to PJX, I will say that it, I've, I've also, I mean, I just joined Sunstone, so I haven't been yet either, so we'll be new together. But I've heard in years past that the marketplace was just really, really crazy and, [00:31:00] um, that things were going really fast and whatnot.

And so if you are there primarily for shopping, VIP, add-on is. So huge, we will be doing an hour early every day. So nine to 10:00 AM will be exclusively for VIPs, and then 10:00 AM on will be anyone else. So you can have that exclusive mark, um, shopping time, which is great too. If you wanna focus on the classes.

You can have that shopping time in the morning before you go to your classes. And then classes will run all day. Um, but there won't be any classes during the VIP. Hours. 'cause that's just for you guys to shop and get those great deals.

Jen Thyrion: Oh my gosh, I'm glad you pointed that out because I agree. So being a vendor last year too, and I was racing around trying to buy my own chain and supplies and I've been, and just even I've been to GEM shows here where I have like chain suppliers I always see here in Denver.

And um, I'll just share this because yeah, it just kind of reminds me, I mean, I had a limited time when it was open and I had to leave to go pick up my girls from school and I was like racing around and there's people swarming. And [00:32:00] measuring chain takes a while, right? So if you have all these spools of chain and people, you're, you're five D, but you know, and I'm like, okay, I'm leaving my number, I'll be right back.

I'm like running around the, you know, 'cause I have limited time and I'm like literally like sweating, trying to pick up my girls on time because it was so hard to like get all that in, in, into a short period of time. And it does take time to shop and obviously decide and chain runs out and things like that too.

So you feel this kind of urgency, right? That's actually a great perk for VIP. I think that alone would sell me. Yeah.

Amie PJX: Is huge. When it's really huge we are on that like same note, we, another perk for the VIPs is we're gonna be asking all of our vendors to be supplying some sort of like special dealer discount just for VIPs as well.

Love it. So again, if you're there to shop, like having that VIP will get you will be paid off. In like your first shop, I'm sure, because Yes, for sure. The Happy ticket add-on is only $250. You get lunch every day. Oh yeah. You get lunch every day and you're gonna get exclusive deals. [00:33:00] You're gonna get exclusive networking, like it's gonna pay for itself in about five minutes of you being there.

Jen Thyrion: So's crazy. So like real quick questions like, so is a marketplace open during lunchtime? Is it open all day?

Amie PJX: Yeah, so it's open

Jen Thyrion: all day. Okay. Yes.

Amie PJX: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and then it closes at four on Sunday.

Jen Thyrion: Okay. And if you're not part of VIP, how do you eat? Do you, do you have to pack a lunch? Like how does this work?

Does or are there places within that you can like go to? Yes.

Amie PJX: Yeah, there are places, it's this year, that's also something I guess a little bit different about this year. It's, it's in a convention center, and so there are like restaurants like. Right outside the door. Got it. So you can, you know, there's a Starbucks, there's, you know, all these things.

We're gonna have a coffee station in our, in our venue. Of course there'll be coffee and whatnot, but there's like restaurants there, like in the building and so it's, it's a little different than last year where last year it's like you had to leave kind of a thing. You could like something quick and then run to your next panel.

That is totally. Totally gonna be totally feasible, so, [00:34:00] okay. How much

Jen Thyrion: time do you have for lunch? Is lunch like an hour or?

Amie PJX: Well, there's not like a lunch break 'cause we're just letting people essentially like design your own schedule. Oh, that's cool. Not based on, you know, there's gonna be six different classrooms that have classes running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Oh.

Oh, okay. Okay. There's gonna be about 30 different classes every single day and each of those will be taught. At least we taught twice during the, you know, three days. Some only taught three times. Okay. And so you can kind of design out your schedule. We are doing like a little break in the classes. So at noon there won't be any classes.

That way if you do wanna sneak away and get lunch or, you know, and or do some shopping in the marketplace, if you're gonna be, you know, very focused on classes, that'll help. That break will be a great time for you to go check out stuff in the marketplace. To grab a quick. Eat, you know, sit down and network a little bit.

On top of, I will say like also on top of the classes, on top of the panels, we're also doing [00:35:00] some demonstrations and round tables as well. So we're gonna be having a few other different vendors as well as different instructors be doing. Um, we'll have a little demonstration schedule. There'll be a little zone where you can go up and watch a certain technique or something being done.

Certain, you know, or, and then the round table discussions is more like a conversational topic that will be, that you can go and sit down and join and have more of like a sitting at a table discussion with someone less, less like as an instructor thing, like a class would be, but like a, let's go talk about this topic and more interactive there.

So there'll be plenty of things for everyone to do and stay busy with. You can design your own schedule. If you don't want to eat at noon, that's totally fine. You know, go, if you're, you know, you wanna eat at 11 and maybe you take that as your like shopping hour or whatever, and that's, that's great too.

So it's a design your own schedule as well, so

Jen Thyrion: I love that. Yeah. The VIP sounds worth it. I just love the idea of like, not having to worry about like, yeah. Having. To make decisions, you know? 'cause I'm already probably making so many [00:36:00] your, your mind, you're gonna be so like mentally exhausted in the best way at the end of something like this.

Right? So yeah, like when you're talking about VIP I'm like, oh yeah, I love that. Like, that seems more simple. I have more of a one-on-one shopping experience a little bit. Right. Comparably to like the whole, you know, shebang. And then also just not having to worry about like, if you're serving food. Okay, cool.

Like, I don't have to worry about any of that. Because I will have so many other things going on. So it's like, it's just nice that that's all there. So, um, the more you talk about VIP, I'm like, that sounds actually very worth it in my mind. But yeah,

Amie PJX: done a lot to try and make it very like, valuable. You know, we put the networking, the exclusive networking, we put food the early hours, and honestly, I'm like.

Looking back at it now, I'm like, dang, we should have charged more. 'cause like I was actually thinking the same thing. I'm not gonna lie to you. It's like literally only two 50. We're not gonna end up charging no more, everyone. No worries. But it's, it's, uh, yeah, it's only two 50. There's a lot of benefits. A lot of benefits for it there.

And, and really, honestly, if I had two tips. For like how to have [00:37:00] the best experience at PGX. That would be number one for sure, but my, my number two, if I will, I would say we are gonna be posting now that today is exactly 30 days out, so.

Jen Thyrion: Mm-hmm.

Amie PJX: Oh my God. Is it? Yes. Yeah. I know it's crazy. Um, this week and next week we're gonna be posting a lot of our, like official schedules, official, like, you know, all the, the timeline stuff.

So I would highly recommend before coming, taking just some time to like sit down and make a little plan. You know, star the classes that you wanna prioritize and, you know, star the networking opportunities in the VIP lounge. You wanna make sure to hit, or which, you know, demos and I guess demos and round tables will be.

Shared on later, closer to PJX, right? Like the week before. Yeah. I'll highlight the stuff that you wanna make sure you hit and so you can kind of be prepared and ready to go and know what stuff to

Jen Thyrion: bring. And I love that so much. I'm so excited. Of course, talking about it makes me even more excited, so.

Yeah, I can't say enough good things about PGX. I [00:38:00] think it's something that honestly, if you really take like permanent jewelry seriously as a business and wanna grow, I think it's honestly the best thing like you could do for your business is like, is going to something like this. And it's so industry specific, obviously, because there are other business retreats and things you can do, but there's nothing.

Else like this, like that is literally the only like there is out there for permanent jewelers specifically, right? Yeah. So, yeah, and it just keeps getting better and better every year. I can say that. Obviously going from year one to even year two and now hearing you talk, I'm like, obviously it's like, it's gonna be amazing.

It's gonna be even better this year than last year, so. That's something to also witness and see and, you know, just see the industry evolve. So anyway, anything else you wanna share about PJX or anything you feel you would like people to know maybe that are on the fence about going to PJX and not sure.

Amie PJX: Yeah, I mean, if you're on the fence about it, I would just really consider, you know, what, what does the future of your business look like? You know, are you unsure about what the future of your business looks like? You know, [00:39:00] and are you, are you. Maybe overwhelmed by where you're at in your business right now.

It's really overwhelming and it's like you're having a hard time managing all these things, that there's gonna be so many tools for that. At PJX, this is like the greatest place where you can get advice about managing this specific business. This is truly the only expo that is very focused on permit jewelry, and that is.

That is the expo. You know, when we, I mean we've been selling permanent jewelry welders for a while now, and I remember our, or our CEO when I got hired a few weeks, or you know, two months ago, they told me, they were like, yeah, a couple of years ago we were just like, we wanna go to a permanent jewelry trade show.

We have all this permanent jewelry equipment. Like why can't, why is there, you know, let's find a permanent jewelry expo to go to. And there there was none. Mm-hmm. There was lots of jewelry ones, but it was not. I mean, jewelers, that's like, that's just such a different ball game, you know, than Yes. Permanent jewelry and people are starting their own businesses and [00:40:00] whatnot.

And so it was, it's just such a perfect, so they, you know, they were like, this is dumb. Like, why are we not, let's just start our own, like, let's, let's reach out to other vendors and, you know, other suppliers in the industry. Like, let's make this a community thing. Let's bring it together. Let's, you know, sunstone is huge.

Believers on like supporting the community and the, the community that is the permanent jewelry community and just helping everyone win. Like, let's all win together, let's. Let's do this expo together and you know, yes, it helps us as like a business and other, you know, the other vendors as well. There's huge, huge benefits to coming.

But also we love to support, you know, our, our premature artists and make it easy for Bill to go in person and shop and experience all the things. And you know, if you've been on the fence about buying a certain welder, like come and experience it in our welding lab. Get trained hands on, you know, that's all included.

Included with the ticket, you know, it's a overall experience that you will not regret. It's, it'll boost your business so much. I feel like nowadays is like one of the, [00:41:00] the toughest parts of like being a business, business owner is just being creative and proactive enough to like keep it going and keeping.

New ideas and whatnot, and we're just gonna supply all that for you at pgx. You know? I hear you. And if there's gonna be tools, there's gonna be tips and tricks. Like it's, I would commit to going every single year and just have that be like your, almost like New Year's resolutions, but for your business, right?

Yes. Like, you know, here's the time, like if PTex is coming around and I'm gonna set some goals, plans, and, and then. You know, see where you are next year and, and make those connections, those networking connections, and stay in touch with these people beyond just PJX. You can reach out to them and I'm sure all of them would love that.

Like we have some really fantastic instructors and panelists and I just can't, I can't recommend

Jen Thyrion: it

Amie PJX: enough.

Jen Thyrion: I know. I feel like it's something almost that you just put in your business budget for the year. That's how I feel. Because also as we know getting into, into this industry, you can literally do it for.

Basically meaning training $0, right? You could go on YouTube and [00:42:00] train yourself, which a lot of us have if you started at the time too, where there is no training. Um, but of course there's amazing training programs out there now, but it's relatively pretty in the, in the grand scheme of a business to start is actually really inexpensive.

To be honest, right? So the fact that like, you know, spending the funds to go to something like this to keep also for even just a kudos to you guys, like keeping the industry at a level where there's an industry standard, so to speak. Because, um, again, as people are kind of training themselves and that is an opportunity you could do really, again, speaking back to that friend who went, who was like, oh my God, I was doing things wrong, right?

So it's like, it's just helpful to know and kinda keep elevating your skill. And if you wanna get better about this at, at. This, and you really want this to be a business that you wanna, it just, it's kind of a no brainer, I guess, you know what I mean? To learn all those different aspects, even down to the skill of welding, handmade products, whatever it is for you.

Because as we know, as this business and, and industry is evolving, it's not only permanent jewelers are adding a lot of services. So speaking of having a tattoo artist there, a [00:43:00] piercer like that is actually things that you can add to your permanent, you know, if you find. So that's actually becoming more common to add and evolve in your business in that way, and having more service-based options.

So even that, you know, like it's as again, as evolving. There's gonna be more opportunity to learn about that at, at a, at a permanent jewelry expo if you have questions about that. So, I mean, yeah, it's crazy how fast things change. I think it's just the, the way of our world right now, like, you know, things like TikTok makes things trendy like every other day, you know what I mean?

So you have to kind of keep up with like

Amie PJX: all.

Jen Thyrion: I, I don't, I don't go on TikTok 'cause I feel like I'll lose hours of my life. So I'm always like asking my friends are like, what's, what's going on right now? Like, what's, what's the new trend?

Amie PJX: Yes. Oh

Jen Thyrion: my, I love that. What's the new trend? Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's always changing and evolving, which is great too.

Like, it's, it makes, it makes it more fun, I have to say. And how do you feel like actually being, did you have any. Going back to like, I guess the beginning of your story, did you have any experience with permanent jewelry or have any permanent jewelry [00:44:00] prior to getting this position? Like what were you, what was your interest in permanent jewelry?

Have you learned a lot since you've been in sunstone?

Amie PJX: I have learned a ton and I, well, I didn't have any experience in permanent jewelry is in the sense of like artists work and whatnot, but I, I mean, I. I actually have a friend that's a permanent jewelry artist, so I've like, heard a little bit about it and then I had, you know, it's, it's becoming very trendy for, you know, permanent jewelry is trending up like every year I swear I hear about it, and so all my friends are like getting permanent jewelry.

The, the last place I used to work, the CEO had a little, like a little permanent jewelry with his, his fiance. Oh, I love. I was like, oh my gosh, I kind of want one. And I, I just remember like having a lot of interest in it beforehand. And then, you know, I applied at this welding company to their trade shows, and lo and behold, I learned all about, they're like, oh, well we also do permit jewelry welding.

And, and they, they're all like, they're like, and that's most of the job. And I was like, wow. Oh my gosh. And I just, you know, I've fallen in love with it. It. [00:45:00] Been, it's been a fun, like a really fun aspect to this job of just, yeah, I, I always say whenever I'm talking to a permanent jewelry artist, I'm like, wow, maybe I should, maybe I should get into PJ maybe Right.

Jen Thyrion: My house. I could totally see that. That would be hard to not want to, I think.

Amie PJX: Yes. Yeah. And we're like talking about the starter kits. I'm like, dang, maybe I should do this. I've always kind of in the back of my mind, like wanted to start my own little, like home business one day and I'm like, yeah. This is like the perfect, I mean, I would love it too.

I mean, I hear all the permanent, the T jewelry like community if you will too. Such awesome, awesome women and, and I love, again, it's a women strong like industry and I love, I love that and I love to see just like how women have like evolved their businesses and have used their creativity just. Be complete like bosses.

I, well, you know, girl bosses and I love it. So yeah, I, I didn't have much experience or exposure to it beforehand, but I'm loving it so far for sure.

Jen Thyrion: Yeah, I feel like that just brings a whole nother aspect to your, [00:46:00] like your job, like, you know, we're doing events is one thing, but like learning this whole other like, industry really at the same time, which is kind of cool.

Yes, absolutely. Awesome. Well, where can someone find out all the information about PJX and everything we chat about? Um, you know. Tickets. Are tickets on sale all the way up to the day of the PJX or how does that work?

Amie PJX: They are on sale all the way up until, I think the day before we have to like get your registration badge.

And so I think it closes like the day before something so we can get everyone's badges. But I would definitely recommend buying in advance, I will say so on our website, which is you can just search. The permanent jewelry expo will be the first one that comes up, but our, the, the website is sunstone dot reg fox.com/pjx or PJ dash Expo.

Jen Thyrion: Okay. Okay. We can put it in the show notes so people can just go to the show notes and click right on that. Or if they're on the blog, they'll. Can also click on that and then where would be another good PLA is like the [00:47:00] Instagram. Is it one specific for PJX or Yes, there

Amie PJX: is one specific for PJ X, it is Permit Jewelry Expo is the handle for the, for our PJX account.

And we are announcing stuff on this like every single day. So yes, I bet it's down to like, yes. Honestly, highly recommend if you are just like looking to get updates on PJX, that is the best way. To do that and then checking our website maybe like, you know, every couple days or whatever we, we we're posting stuff on our website quite frequently.

Also, we have a vendor code for Goldie Links actually. So if you use a hundred dollars off code, you can get a hundred dollars off your PGX ticket. You can just enter it in as the promo code. The code is Goldie. Just Goldie. Yes. Okay, perfect.

Jen Thyrion: We'll put that in the show notes too.

Amie PJX: Yes, so get off more reason to

Jen Thyrion: get that VIP ticket.

If you're getting a hundred dollars off,

Amie PJX: you might as well. I mean.[00:48:00]

Yes. So use, use dense code and get your PJX ticket and Perfect. So you'll be there, right? You'll be there all the days. And so happy in person. Please let me down everyone. Yes, I was gonna say, everyone can say hi to you. Yes, I, I am really excited. Oh, and our welcome reception night. Everybody could better come dressed up, disco cowgirl.

That's all I have to say.

Jen Thyrion: I know someone told me about that yesterday and I had no idea. So I'm like, well, okay, now I have to Yeah. Search. Um, like I'm sure everyone's going on Amazon, like

Amie PJX: disco cow. I did it last night. Did you? Yeah, I was, I was like watching with my sister and I was like, disco cowgirl on Amazon.

I was like, I, I feel like I might need to get more creative in this anyway. I know, right? I know the creativity outfits. So come I, I was like, I was like, maybe I could share on this podcast like what I'm gonna be wearing so you can like, come find the girl in the purple crazy hat or something, you know.

Jen Thyrion: Just picturing a sea of like, sparkle, [00:49:00] cowgirl, hats. Right. Like a sea of them. Like that's what I'm picturing.

Amie PJX: Oh my gosh. That's be so fun. And there'll be food and bar and dancing and DJ at this welcome reception as well as like, Ooh, okay. The marketplace. Um, I'll look.

Jen Thyrion: Yes. That sounds like, honestly, yeah, that sounds amazing.

Yeah. Makes all those things together. That's actually makes for a perfect night. I'm like shopping, disco, co dancing. Yes. Okay. I'm, sign me up. Yes. Totally. Well, thank you so much for your time. Um, we're all looking forward to this so much. And if you're on the fence, I'd say just go and then thank me later, you know?

Yeah. To my booth. And thank me you're there. Use gen code

Amie PJX: and

Jen Thyrion: yeah. Use my code. It's totally fine. Yeah. Alright. Sounds great. Well, thank you so much. You're welcome. And it was so great to actually meet you and and chat about this, and I'm sure we'll all meet you very soon. So thank you so much. Awesome. See you all soon.

Well, how do you feel? I hope you found value in today's episode and you walk away feeling [00:50:00] inspired. I would love to hear from you. Let's link up. You can find me on Instagram at Goldie Link Society. You can find out more about our permanent jewelry membership@goldielinksociety.com, our handmade permanent jewelry, supplies of connectors, chain, and more@goldielinksupplies.com.

Okay, I will see you next time. Have a golden day.