Joy Opfer: Woman Entrepreneur Turns Steel into Eco-Jewelry

“I was very naïve actually when I started my business ... I had no idea how much I didn’t know.”
— Joy Opfer

Name: Joy Opfer
Business: Kyler by Joy O
Sector: Jewelry and Accessories
Founded: 2008
Employees: 1
Initial Investment: $13,000
Website: www.kylerdesigns.com
Countries: U.S.

NHK Consulting, Electrical Engineering

"Having the humiliation that we were subjected to every second of our life, that didn’t give me high self-esteem but it gave me the push to succeed."

Alma Jadallah

Kommon Denominator, Consulting: conflict resolution

“The measure of success for me and my work is [when] I had really given people the tools, so when I’m not there they’re able to move forward.”

Laura Zander

Jimmy Beans Wool, yarn and fabric retail

“The business challenge that has been the most difficult has been learning how to communicate with other people so that they can help with the work.”

Anna Chau

King Parrot Group, restaurant chain

"I don't make lots of money. I just see people happy eating in my restaurant, and I think 'this is enough for me.'"

Ana Perez

Kika Hair Design, hair salon

“People confide in you, talk to you, and being able to not only make them beautiful, but also give them a word of hope and advice. That’s for me, the ultimate.”

Hanny Lerner

MOD Restoration, furniture upholstery and restoration

“I had to learn how to be respected by people who are twice my age and of the opposite sex.”

Judi Townsend

Mannequin Madness, mannequin sales, rental, and recycling

"I realized these [businessmen] aren't any smarter than I am. They just have a lot more confidence."

Becky O’Neil

Becky's Pet Care, pet care service

“When I wanted to start a business the best advice I got was to go back to what you loved as a child."

Adrienne Ma

Shouke.com, fashion e-commerce

“It's a huge learning curve. Hopefully, I come out of it above the waves."

Elim Chew

77th Street, fashion and accessories

"It's not about how well you do in school, because I never did well.”

Rose Yeong

Interpax, shoe retailer

“Whether you’re married or single, it’s very, very important that you're independent.”

Puifung Leung

Fair Taste, fair trade food and beverages

“Where there is risk, there is opportunity.”

Elizabeth Woods

Magnificent Quiche, food production

Do I stay a victim or do I become victorious? And I choose to not be a victim.”

Lysanne Tusar

8th Estate Winery, wine production

“Yes it's going to be scary, yes it's going to be frightening."

Violet Lim

Lunch Actually, matchmaking

“Rather than putting a goal on how much money I want to make, it’s about helping people.”

Deborah Olivo

VidaAire, organic sanitizing products

“I look in the mirror and I see the potential that I possess.”

Melissa Mowbray-d’Arbela

Filligent, a bio-tech company

“Being a woman in business, sure you're treated differently.”

Lyn Lee

Awfully Chocolate, a pastry franchise

“I wanted to raise my kids and be with them when I wanted.”

Joy Opfer

Kyler by Joy O, eco-jewelry

“I was very naïve actually when I started my business."

Pat Law

Goodstuph, social media marketing

“Starting your own business, make sure it’s related to your passion.”

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Joy Opfer: Woman Entrepreneur Turns Steel into Eco-Jewelry

“I was very naïve actually when I started my business ... I had no idea how much I didn’t know.”
— Joy Opfer

About Continuum

More in Confident, Inspiration, Passionate, Role Models, The Stories, USA

Alma Jadallah: Immigrant Makes Peace, Near and Far

Joy Opfer: Woman Entrepreneur Turns Steel into Eco-Jewelry

“I was very naïve actually when I started my business ... I had no idea how much I didn’t know.” — Joy Opfer

About Continuum

More in Confident, Inspiration, Passionate, Role Models, The Stories, USA

Alma Jadallah: Immigrant Makes Peace, Near and Far

“I was very naïve actually when I started my business ... I had no idea how much I didn’t know.”
— Joy Opfer