Life & Work with Nancy Gallop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Gallop.

Hi Nancy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Seventeen years ago, I was living in LA, CA. designing/creating a line of women’s jewelry. I was selling to boutique stores around town. My friend and I went to the La brea tar pits to adopt a dog. I adopted Shayna, a Lab/Stafford, and felt she looked a bit naked with just a collar on. I made a joke about doing a necklace for her and my close friend who adopted his dog Niki at the same time… said yes, you should do it. I did a necklace called Hippie Mix for her and friends would ask where I got that. I was getting stopped by people I didn’t know…

So I started doing necklaces for dogs, All in natural stones, tigers eye, turquoise, coral, etc, in turn, I called a few pet stores to carry my line and they wanted me to also include pearl necklaces. The line Gems 4 Paws was created. I contacted a kiosk in century city that carried pet supplies, upscale, and they wanted to meet with me and bring on my jewelry, in turn, they wanted me to represent their line of pet harnesses and clothing so which put me back into repping a few lines, but this time it was in pet stores. (I knew the repping business as I repped women’s couture clothing in my earlier years). Over the next few years, I kept acquiring a multitude of lines in the pet industry. In 2006, I moved to Az to be closer to family, and in turn, I sold to pet stores everywhere. I was so busy that, I slowed on the women’s side. Fast forward to 2008 hit and many stores closed, but the pet industry kept thriving.

10 years ago I started doing hot yoga, and I began designing and creating a line of bracelets & necklaces that give back, with every sale… I donate to a pet rescue. That started GemGirl Jewelry my line is in yoga studios, pet stores, and clothing boutiques all over.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s had some struggles, as in every business. 2008 stores went out of business. Trying to keep up with demand.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I design and create a line of pet jewelry and jewelry for humans. My creations set me apart.

What were you like growing up?
Fun, silly, was always active very creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: gemgirljewelry.com
• Instagram: @gemgirljewelry
• Facebook: nancygallop