Start-up story featuring Jennifer Keller.

Meet Lady Boss, Jennifer (Jen) Keller. Jen has been the proud owner of UpTown Gifts in Marquette, MI for the past year and a half.

Twelve years ago, Jen took a class to learn how to make wire wrapped jewelry. Instantly, Jen fell in love with the idea of handmade jewelry! Jen found a passion for creativity and for seeing other people enjoy her creations. Jewelry making became Jens favorite hobby. After some hard thinking, Jen decided to turn her jewelry making skills into a business. After four years of selling at local farmers market, craft shows, and other various opportunities, Jen’s sales picked up. Jen started receiving requests for custom orders. Jen felt accomplished. One of the things Jen appreciated most about her business was the support she received from her local community. With a supportive community at her side, Jen felt on top of the world.

Farmers markets and craft shows weren’t the only business plans on Jen’s mind. In late 2018, a local gift shop went up for sale. The gift shop had a focus of selling local art. Jen jumped on the opportunity and purchased the store. Jen not only wanted a place to expand her jewelry business, Jen wanted to payback her community by supporting other local artists. This store was her gateway. Jen became the proud owner of UpTown Gifts. Becoming her own boss was a dream she has always wished for and now, she was turning that dream into reality. Sadly, Jen had no idea how she was going to accomplish this dream. Jen needed a support system that was bigger than her community. Jen needed a guide, a mentor. That’s when, Jen reached out to Lady Boss Coaches. Jen found someone who would walk alongside her and her journey to becoming a business owner.

Lady Boss Coaches assisted Jen in the purchase of the business and in structuring a business plan that would lead her to success. Jen’s coach guided her in a step-by-step plan, mapping everything out that she needed to do. Jen’s lady boss coach assisted her with connections and resources.

A year and a half later, Jen’s store is thriving! So what’s next for UpTown gifts?

“I plan to expand my sales and support in my local community by making all of the “Yooper” offerings available online.” – Jen Keller

Check Jen out on Facebook and visit UpTown Gifts online.