Julia’s Creations, jewelry store, opens on Lee Road
On May 5, Shaker Heights residents Julia and Victor Nimmons opened Julia’s Creations, a jewelry boutique on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.
The couple has been married for two years, and both worked at MetroHealth for more than 30 years before resigning from their jobs. “I decided to follow my passion,” Victor said. He wrote a book, Perception, in just 87 days.
After leaving their jobs, they started God’s Work Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to end hunger and establish cultural centers for young people. Meanwhile, Julia was adjusting to retirement. “I was trying to find something that I liked,” she said.
Julia found an outlet in jewelry making and eventually converted one floor of their home into a jewelry studio. “I love jewelry anyway, so it was right up my alley,” she said. As her hobby grew, the couple decided to open a store.
They began to search for a location. After driving by a vacant building on Lee Road, Victor recalled, “We saw opportunity there because of the amount of foot traffic.” Julia agrees that their business is in a prime location. “It’s fast paced right in this spot,” she said.
Julia’s Creations has a colorful storefront and a cozy interior. “Handmade jewelry along with the ambiance, the intimate feel,” she said, “makes people feel special.”
The store features one-of-a-kind, handmade items displayed on pedestals, tables, shelves, and inside glass cases. “Items range from $2 to $100 for the more intricate pieces,” Victor said.
In addition to selling Julia’s jewelry, the shop also sells sunglasses, hats, bags, body oils, organic soaps, and music by local artists. There are items at Julia’s Creations for both men and women.
Julia and Victor think that the best part of their business is pleasing customers. “We enjoy it immensely,” Victor said. “I love seeing them,” Julia said. “It’s like they’re in a candy store.”
Despite the challenges that come with opening a business, Victor thinks that Julia’s Creations will thrive in this economy. “For a lot of women, jewelry and accessories are necessities,” he said.
Julia feels happy that she is able to offer affordable items to her customers. She encourages others who want to start a business. “Go for it,” she said.
Julia’s Creations
2242 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights
216-673-1696
Juliascreationsjewelry.net
Simone Jasper
Simone Jasper is a senior at Beaumont School. She is a staff writer for the Beaumont Voice student newspaper and an intern at the Heights Observer.