Dads on Mondays - John from Gunner & Lux + Little Lux

This week I am so proud to feature John and Riley from Gunner & Lux!  They are a father daughter duo who make the most amazing jewelry for kids and adults!  They sent over a necklace for Lemon (in the cutest packaging!) and the minute we got it, she wanted to wear it.  John seems like the coolest dad and he is creating such awesome memories (and a smart business!) for his little girl.  Check out his post and then go shop, you must get your hands on some of their stuff!

What is the name of your shop and how can we find you?  

Our shop is Gunner & Lux + Little Lux and we are also on Instagram. 

Tell us about what you make/sell in your shop. 

We have two shops in one - Gunner & Lux jewelry (our adult line) and Little Lux jewelry (our kids' line).  I started collecting vintage jewelry for our five-year old daughter, Riley, when she was born, knowing there would be a time when she would want to play "dress up" while she danced her way to an imaginary costume ball. Since neither of her dads wear jewelry, we searched thrift stores, antique stores, and asked friends and family for jewelry that they didn't use. Within just a few short months, we had collected a treasure chest of amazing jewels. As our daughter grew, she picked out the jewels she wanted to keep, and I decided to try my hand at crafting a one-of-a-kind necklace out of them. Riley wanted to watch, and before I knew it, she was helping me create. My first necklace was a huge success, and I decided to start my own jewelry line. Riley also showed a knack for making jewelry, so after dinner she and I worked on the necklaces together. Using her fine motor skills, she learned how to tie knots, use pliers, and tweezers as she developed her own line of necklaces . . . and that is how Gunner & Lux and Little Lux was born!  {This is the cutest thing I've ever read, love it!  My daughter LOVES to play with all of my vintage jewelry as well!}

 How long have you been in business? 

We started Gunner & Lux 5 years ago and Little Lux a year and a half ago.  

What is your background?

I have a regular 9-5 job, so Riley and I work on our lines after school, and then I continue after she is in bed.  ;) 

Tell us a little bit about your family. 

I have been with my partner for 13+ years, and we adopted Riley when she was born. Best day ever! Riley is now “5 and half.” 

How does this company help your family? Or you? 

It's a fantastic way to spend time with Riley, laughing, talking, and being creative together. She has learned so much about building a business from the ground up. She writes “thank you” cards for each new website order, she goes to the post office to drop the packages off with me. She helps plan the Trunk Shows, and loves to talk about her “business” when handing out her business cards to people she meets. 

Did you ever think you'd be doing this? What did you think you'd be doing instead? 

I have always been creative and love to create. I wrote and illustrated a children’s book, I draw, I paint, I just need to constantly keep creating, and am lucky that Riley loves to do those things as well! As long as she is having fun, we will continue and see where this goes! 

 Does anyone help you with your shop? 

 Riley and I work very hard, and Riley’s other dad is great about letting the dishes pile up when we have big orders to fill! 

 How do you find time to run your shop and create products? 

 LOTS OF LATE NIGHTS! 

 What do you love about this businesses? 

Seeing all the kids/women wearing our necklaces through Instagram!! With Gunner & Lux, our adult line, I really love knowing that almost all the necklaces are truly so unique. You won’t walk into a party and see someone else wearing the same necklace. A G&L necklace has history, it's OOAK [one of a kind], it's bold, it's a statement. 

What is the most challenging part of this business?

Right now, its just keeping up with the demand. We are always producing! We love that we offer free shipping, and we get our orders out usually the same day, or the next morning, because we keep everything in stock. We ship USPS 2 day Priority. We just want everyone to get their jewelry super fast so they can enjoy their necklaces! 

Where do you see your shop in the future? 

We are so excited about the retail and on-line stores we are in. Each store is so unique. We will continue to move into more stores, and introduce more necklaces in the future. 

Tell us your favorite product or your most favorite thing you've created? 

We really love all of our necklaces, but each new necklace becomes our new favorite! 

Do you have any advice for future dad-entrepreneurs? 

Just do it! We had no idea, that we would be in over 40 stores so quickly with Little Lux, but we just figured things out as we went. We continue to push forward, and try new things. The Instagram community has been an amazing marketing tool for us, and we have meet so many amazing people through it as well.

What are some of YOUR favorite shops/products, besides your own? 

Wolfe Brothers & Co., Love Lane Designs, Copper and Torch, and NG Collective Studio.

Thanks John, so happy to have you here, and to feature my first Dad!  Best of luck to you and your sweet girl!  :)