May 8, 2017

Meet Scott Freeman of Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company in Edgewater

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Freeman.

Scott, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started when I was 16 years old and my parents told me it was time to get a job. I started working at a watch shop in a mall doing quick fix watch repairs. Little did I know, it would be a lifelong career. After I graduated high school, I knew I needed to further my education and training in the jewelry field. I attended the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). After two intense years of studying, I graduated with a degree in Jewelry Manufacturing Arts and Diamond Grading. I got my first job out of school working at a family owned jewelry store in Schaumburg. When my boss hired me, he told me he was going to teach me how to run a jewelry store.

At the age of 20, I didn’t really take that remark to heart. It wasn’t until five years later, that he pulled me aside, and said, “This is all I can teach you. Now it is up to you to start your own business.” I am so incredibly grateful that he gave me the opportunity to perfect my craft while taking me under his wing.

It was around that time that I heard about a small jewelry store going up for sale in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. I’m a total history geek, so I made a point to extensively research the origin of the space. When I found out that this jewelry store had been around since 1918, I was totally sold. It was obviously a gamble, and I love a good game of chance. So at the ripe age of 25, I became the fourth owner of the almost 99 year old store. Though the name has changed several times over the years, I love that the concept and integrity of the store has basically stayed the same. In thirteen years of business, I haven’t looked back once. I enjoy it so much, that I have a hard time viewing it as a job.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was a tremendous struggle at first. The owner that I purchased it from ran it as a pawn shop and business had really dwindled during the 12 years that he owned it. I didn’t take a paycheck for almost a year and a half. After the first couple of years though, the business started to grow and I started taking on employees. Business only grew from there.

Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in custom made jewelry, bridal, gifts, and jewelry repairs. I have a true passion for vintage jewelry, the detail, the craftsmanship, it’s what I love the most! I carry a great variety of estate jewelry as well. What I am most proud of is that we run a no frills, honest, full service jewelry store. We provide a no pressure environment where we try and educate our customers. Honesty and great customer service are our focus. We believe wholeheartedly that this is what keeps our customers coming back to us.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as feeling the excitement surrounding my jewelry through my customers’ eyes. It doesn’t matter if it’s a piece I made myself or one that I picked from a showcase. Knowing that I’m selling wearable art that will last beyond my years is incredibly gratifying. Beyond all of that though, I look forward to the day that I can pass down my store to the next generation of my family. That is the true testament of success.

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