logo
Reimagining the Jewelry Shopping Experience

Reimagining the Jewelry Shopping Experience

Yahoo14-02-2025
In this week's episode of WWD Voices, Nicole Wegman, founder and chief executive officer of Ring Concierge, a fine jewelry company, joins host Arthur Zaczkiewicz to discuss how her engagement ring shopping experience in New York's Diamond District led to the inception of her business in 2013. Frustrated by the antiquated and high-pressure sales environment, she saw an opportunity to leverage her e-commerce experience to modernize the engagement ring and fine jewelry buying experience.
To listen to this episode, .Since its founding, Ring Concierge has broadened its scope beyond engagement rings to fine jewelry. Wegman explained, 'We started with just engagement rings, hence the name Ring Concierge, but it has since evolved into so much more.' Today, the company caters to Millennial women, particularly professionals who typically purchase jewelry for themselves.Ring Concierge boomed as an online business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recognizing the enduring value of brick-and-mortar stores in the fine jewelry sector, Wegman has expanded her business model. 'To date, about 90 percent of the fine jewelry industry is still done in brick-and-mortar…we realized quite quickly that we needed to get ahead of having a brick-and-mortar location,' she stated.Today, Ring Concierge operates five successful stores in key locations including Manhattan, Los Angeles, Houston, and Boca Raton, Fla. These venues offer an immersive and tactile shopping experience that resonates well with the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who crave engaging and memorable shopping experiences.A key ingredient to Ring Concierge's success is its strategic use of social media, particularly Instagram. Wegman highlighted the monumental role of Instagram in building trust and brand recognition globally. As the company prepares for future growth, maintaining a robust online presence remains a pivotal strategy.
More from WWD
K-beauty Retailer Olive Young Is Setting Up a U.S. Subsidiary in Los Angeles
Alexis Bittar Brought the Subversive to NYFW With His First Presentation
How the State of Consumer Search Continues to Evolve Past Search Engines
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Yankees GM Brian Cashman Defends Aaron Boone as Team Struggles Continue
Yankees GM Brian Cashman Defends Aaron Boone as Team Struggles Continue

Newsweek

time5 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Yankees GM Brian Cashman Defends Aaron Boone as Team Struggles Continue

The New York Yankees have struggled in the second half of the season after the All-Star break. They've now fallen into third place in the American League East and enter Saturday 6 1/2 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays, who are in first. As cries for manager Aaron Boone to be fired grow louder, general manager Brian Cashman is defending Boone and doesn't appear ready to make a change. WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman talks with manager Aaron Boone prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Washington Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of... WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman talks with manager Aaron Boone prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Washington Nationals at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on March 12, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Many professional and college sports are canceling or postponing their games due to the ongoing threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. More"One thing that people maybe really forget is that we play in a market that holds you — maybe Boston and Philly, too — that holds you more accountable automatically," Cashman told Chris Kirschner and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. "The market already provides instant accountability. In many cases, today's world is so much different than maybe generations before. I think leaders, managers, coaches are more inclined to try to support and help players that are going through a lot as they try to navigate their struggles. Struggles are part of the game. It's just louder in a bigger market." That is correct. New York is obviously a bigger market compared to smaller ones even within the same division such as Toronto and Tampa Bay. However, market size has nothing to do with performances, and the Yankees have been one of baseball's worst teams since the All-Star break. Catching up within the division is going to be difficult for the Bronx Bombers to do. However, Cashman believes Boone is the guy to lead them through the chase. "He knows how tough this sport is," Cashman told The Athletic about Boone. "He's invested in these guys heavily, as we all are. Trying to explain away a difficult play or a bad performance for some time while the storm is upon us is not an easy task to navigate or deal with and remain cool, calm and collected. He's obviously done an amazing job of working through that. ... We're the defending American League champs trying to re-defend that. Obviously, right now, we're not in control of the division. Our first goal is try to win the American League East and automatically punch the ticket that way. If not, we'll be fighting to punch a ticket a different way. We have a lot of time on the clock, but not enough time at the same time. I don't want to misrepresent (that) there's not urgency, because there is." There needs to be a little more urgency for the final six weeks of the regular season. New York holds just a 1 1/2-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for the final wildcard spot. Cashman might have a different stance if/when the Yankees are eliminated from the playoffs. More MLB: Fernando Tatis Jr. on Padres-Dodgers Rivalry: 'It's What We Play For'

Inside the Business Model of Smudge the Cat
Inside the Business Model of Smudge the Cat

Business Upturn

time9 hours ago

  • Business Upturn

Inside the Business Model of Smudge the Cat

The internet has always had a soft spot for cats, but few have reached the level of viral fame that Smudge the Cat enjoys. Known for his now-iconic appearance in the viral 'Woman Yelling at a Cat' meme, Smudge went from being an ordinary housecat to a global digital sensation. While the meme started as a piece of internet comedy, it quickly evolved into a lucrative business model in the USA, turning Smudge into one of the most recognized pet influencers in the world. But how exactly does a meme-famous cat like Smudge transform internet clout into a thriving income stream? Let's dive deep into the Smudge the Cat business model and explore the economic engines behind this fluffy internet star. Smudge the Cat's Rise to Meme-Fueled Fame in the USA Smudge wasn't always a celebrity. In fact, like many viral stars, fame found him unexpectedly. The photo of Smudge sitting at a dinner table with a grumpy expression, paired with the yelling woman meme template, exploded across Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram in 2019. Almost overnight, Smudge became a face recognized worldwide. What makes Smudge's story unique is that his fame was not initially manufactured by branding agencies or marketing professionals. Instead, it was entirely grassroots — powered by shares, reposts, and remixes from millions of online users. This organic virality laid the foundation for what would later become a carefully managed and profitable influencer business in the USA. Smudge's human family quickly realized the potential of this fame and began shaping it into a sustainable income model. How the Smudge the Cat Business Model Works in the USA When it comes to understanding how pet influencers make money, Smudge provides one of the clearest examples. His business model combines meme culture, influencer economics, and traditional branding strategies. Here are the core pillars: Smudge Pet Influencer Income USA: Brand Sponsorships and Partnerships One of the primary revenue streams for Smudge comes from brand sponsorships. With millions of meme fans across social media platforms, Smudge has a built-in audience that brands want to tap into. Pet food companies, lifestyle brands, and even tech firms see value in associating with an instantly recognizable internet celebrity. In these deals, Smudge's image is used to promote products in fun, meme-inspired ways. Unlike traditional influencer ads that sometimes feel forced, Smudge's campaigns often use humor, making them more authentic and shareable. This keeps engagement rates high, which in turn drives up his value to advertisers. Smudge Meme Brand Deals: Merchandise and E-Commerce If there's one place Smudge has truly thrived, it's merchandise. The Smudge meme brand deals often come to life in the form of T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and even plush toys. Fans of the meme love owning physical reminders of their favorite internet joke, and Smudge's signature table-sitting expression is instantly recognizable on products. What sets Smudge's merchandise apart from generic meme merch is that it's officially licensed, meaning fans know their purchases support Smudge's family and help maintain his influencer career. In the USA, where e-commerce is booming, this merchandise arm is a key driver of Smudge's income stream. Licensing and Media Opportunities in the Smudge Business Model Another important part of the Smudge the Cat business model is licensing. Memes often exist in a gray area of internet ownership, but Smudge's photo is original content, allowing his family to legally license it. This means Smudge's likeness can appear in official memes, ad campaigns, and even media productions. Licensing agreements are highly valuable because they generate passive income. Once a deal is signed, Smudge earns royalties whenever his image is used commercially. This makes licensing one of the most sustainable long-term strategies for meme-based pet influencers. Social Media Monetization: Turning Followers Into Revenue With millions of followers across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, Smudge also benefits from social media monetization programs. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide monetization options such as ad revenue sharing, bonuses for engagement, and special creator partnerships. While these earnings may not rival sponsorships or merchandise, they create a steady background income. More importantly, high engagement on these platforms boosts Smudge's credibility as an influencer, making him more appealing to brands. Public Appearances and Fan Engagement Smudge's meme fame has also extended into the offline world. From meet-and-greet events to pop culture conventions, appearances give fans a chance to interact with their favorite internet cat. These events often sell tickets, merchandise, or photo opportunities, generating another income stream. What makes this special is that it reinforces Smudge's brand as more than just an internet meme. Fans see him as a real personality, not just a static image on a screen. This personal connection translates directly into higher loyalty and stronger merchandise sales. Behind-the-Scenes Economics of Smudge Pet Influencer Income USA The economics of Smudge's influencer career show how virality can be monetized in smart, sustainable ways. Engagement plays a massive role here. The original meme's popularity created a loyal community, and that community now drives revenue by liking, sharing, and purchasing. For example, every time a Smudge meme resurfaces online, it reignites interest in his social media accounts and merchandise. This cyclical nature of meme culture ensures that Smudge's relevance doesn't fade easily. Unlike a single viral video, a meme template has infinite remix potential, which keeps Smudge in circulation year after year. Comparing Smudge's Business Model to Other Pet Influencers in the USA Smudge's business model stands out when compared to other top pet influencers in the USA, like Grumpy Cat or Jiffpom. Grumpy Cat, for instance, relied heavily on licensing and merchandise before her passing, while Jiffpom's revenue comes primarily from brand sponsorships and TikTok fame. Smudge, however, occupies a unique niche: meme culture. While other pets may go viral for their looks or tricks, Smudge's fame is rooted in internet humor. This allows for a broader audience appeal — not just cat lovers, but meme lovers in general. It also means his income streams can be more diverse, spanning from merchandise to digital licensing. Why Fans Love Following Smudge the Cat A big part of the Smudge pet influencer income USA story is the audience. Fans don't just follow Smudge because he's cute; they follow him because he represents internet culture. His expressions are endlessly relatable, making him the perfect 'reaction face' for daily emotions. This relatability is what makes Smudge's brand so powerful. Fans feel connected to him in a way that goes beyond traditional influencer-audience relationships. Every share, like, or purchase is a way for fans to participate in the meme, which fuels the income model even further. The Cultural Impact of the Smudge Meme Business Model Beyond money, Smudge's business model has cultural significance. He shows how a single viral moment can be transformed into long-term success. In many ways, Smudge's career is a case study in modern internet economics, where humor and relatability can be monetized just as effectively as beauty or talent. Interestingly, Smudge's fame has also contributed to broader conversations about pet adoption and responsible ownership. Many fans are inspired by his story to adopt cats themselves, proving that meme culture can have real-world impact. What Smudge Teaches Us About How Pet Influencers Make Money Smudge's journey from viral meme to thriving pet influencer highlights the adaptability of internet culture. His business model blends brand sponsorships, merchandise, licensing, social media monetization, and appearances, showing that influencer income in the USA doesn't come from a single source but from a carefully balanced mix. This diversified approach ensures that even if one revenue stream slows down, others can carry the brand forward. It also demonstrates how important authenticity and relatability are in today's influencer economy. Fans aren't just buying into Smudge the cat — they're buying into the cultural moment he represents. Final Thoughts: Smudge as a Blueprint for Meme-Economy Success Smudge's story proves that internet memes are more than fleeting jokes — they can be sustainable businesses when managed well. The Smudge the Cat business model is a fascinating example of how viral fame, when paired with smart branding and audience engagement, can generate lasting income in the USA. What makes Smudge unique is that his career isn't just about selling products or posting sponsored content. It's about being part of a cultural phenomenon that resonates with millions. For anyone curious about how pet influencers make money, Smudge's thriving income stream offers a cheerful, meme-filled answer: with a mix of humor, strategy, and a whole lot of personality. This article is intended solely for informational and editorial purposes. It does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any artificial intelligence technology. Business Upturn makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.

How Gen Z Can Make Getting Wealthy ‘Inevitable,' According to Self-Made Millionaire Rachel Rodgers
How Gen Z Can Make Getting Wealthy ‘Inevitable,' According to Self-Made Millionaire Rachel Rodgers

Yahoo

time10 hours ago

  • Yahoo

How Gen Z Can Make Getting Wealthy ‘Inevitable,' According to Self-Made Millionaire Rachel Rodgers

Some of Gen Z are already years into the workforce. Self-made millionaire Rachel Rodgers, author and founder of Hello Seven, in an extensive interview with Jessica Moorhouse explores ways the generation, often cited as born between 1997 and 2012, can make getting wealthy inevitable. Trending Now: Explore More: Here are four of the considerations. Have That Million-Dollar Dream As the classic song goes, don't stop believing. Dream big — and dream beyond college. Rodgers points out that the path to success looks different today. What do you envision for yourself? 'The plan can't just be to go to college, get a good job,' said Rodgers. 'Because those good jobs are not enough anymore to live off of comfortably.' For a growing number of high school graduates, trade school is the way to go. Trade school enrollment has increased almost 20% since the spring of 2020, according to The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. No matter the chosen path, leadership experts tend to agree that dreaming big reveals your full potential. For You: Get a Job That Funds Your Side Hustle Rodger recommends Gen Z find 'a side hustle that feels like a hobby that you enjoy that makes you money.' Then, you amass enough wealth to start investing. Be strategic. 'The ultimate goal is always to separate your labor from your earnings and be able to earn money when you're not laboring,' said Rodgers. Side hustles have become increasingly common. A recent The MarketWatch Guides survey found that one in two Americans (51%) have worked a side hustle in the past year, and the rate among Gen Z is even higher (72%). Pay Attention to Your Money Rodgers suggests a 'sacred' weekly meeting with yourself that she calls 'Money Church.' While everyone has a personally preferred way for tracking expenses, it's not just dollars and math for Rodgers. 'How do you feel about the decisions you made around your money,' she asked. 'Do you want to return anything you bought? Look at what happened and what's coming up. And, come up with ways to earn more money.' The key is training your brain for money-making opportunities. Be Investing Put a small amount into your investments each month and watch it, said Rodgers who was well into her thirties when she started investing. She suggested generally putting more money into investments than into savings. Investing for growth may have long-term benefits, according to Fidelity. 'Look at the history of stock markets over years and decades — the movement is consistent in a positive way,' she said, although also pointing out that 'nothing about building wealth is guaranteed.' More From GOBankingRates 5 Ways Trump Signing the GENIUS Act Could Impact Retirees7 Ways To Tell If You're Rich or Middle Class -- It's More Than Your Paycheck This article originally appeared on How Gen Z Can Make Getting Wealthy 'Inevitable,' According to Self-Made Millionaire Rachel Rodgers Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store