How Two Sisters Began a Small, Latina-Owned Vintage Jewelry Business
By Josie Jack
November 6, 2021
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sofia Tapias
Sisters Maria and Sofia Tapias grew up knowing they would start a business someday.
“My dad is a business owner,” said Sofia Tapias. “(He said), ‘if you ever want to have this freedom and these opportunities, you have to think about having your own business.’”
Before the COVID-19 lockdown, Sofia Tapias lived in Europe. She visited a vintage market in Milan and was inspired to create a business based in repurposing vintage items. The idea combined two of her passions: sustainability and fashion.
So, over the COVID-19 lockdown, Sofia Tapias moved back home and roped her sister in on her business idea. The pair started their online, DMV-based business Dov Jewelry. They repurpose vintage luxury brand buttons and charms into jewelry, and recently, they have begun selling candles in vintage containers.
This niche business, which recently marked one year of existence, has unique challenges, such as lack of supply. The sisters often struggle to find the luxury buttons they use in their jewelry in large quantities. This determines their stock and products.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sofia Tapias
And, there is sometimes simply a lack of knowledge given they are the only two employees.
“I have to do the accounting, and I don’t like it,” said Maria Tapias, who has a psychology degree. “As soon as we get to a point to hire a person, they’re doing accounting.”
However, they have seen success through social media marketing and forming connections with customers. Their business is particularly popular around holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
One of their first big waves of orders was on Black Friday. They received over 20 orders.
“I saw this guy with a huge transparent trash bag full of packages from his business, and he was struggling, and he was so upset. And I said, ‘Oh my god! I wish those were my problems, that I have so many packages that I couldn't even handle it,’” said Sofia Tapias, remembering a collection launch around Black Friday. “Then the next week, I arrived to the post office with this huge bag with like 15 or 16 packages that I (couldn’t) handle.”
Both sisters agreed hearing customers be excited about collection launches or seeing people wear their jewelry on social media brings them joy.
“Recently, we had a YouTuber wear one of our necklaces the day she got engaged,” said Maria Tapias. “There’s also a Tik Toker. We adore her because she wears our jewelry literally every day.”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sophia Tapias
Though both still work full-time jobs in addition to Dov Jewelry, they hope their business will eventually become their only jobs. They are even currently planning to start another business producing eco-friendly household items.
“We need a hobby or something else, we’re always talking and we’re like ‘oh, write that down, I have a business idea,’” said Sofia Tapias.