My story starts like this...

At 16 years old Joi was selling jewelry, in a bathing suit, on the beaches of Atlantic Beach, NY.

I wanted to design and reset diamond rings for the ladies who spent their days sunning and playing bridge. I asked them to trust me to take their ordinary jewelry and make it into something different - they did. And this is how I began to build a business....

I started working on 47th street, and continued to do so for four years, which allowed me to establish myself and continuously develop my clientele.

At twenty years old I realized I was ready for more and announced to my mother: "I am going to open my own booth on 47th St."

She replied, "How are you going to compete with all those people who have already been in business so long?" My simple response was "I am not going to compete with them, they will be competing with me."

By 1980 I opened up shop in 50 W. 47th St. and incorporated Designs By Joi Frankel Inc. I was one of the first woman designers on 47th St. designing for many of the retailers and growing my clientele base.

As a New York City jewelry designer in 1986 my collection of sterling silver and 14kt. gold combinations were showcased in Fortunoff's and Saks Fifth Avenue. This began my manufacturing of fine jewelry business. As jewelry manufacturer and a 47th.Street retailer, I allowed my company to expand, acquiring a diverse client base and creating designs that were "value conscious."

Currently, the Designs By Joi Collection has been selling in catalogs across the United States and in the Caribbean. My clientele consists of the best independent jewelry chains and retail stores.

Part of my success is attributed to doing shows across the country and also maintaining strong relationships with my customers. Having my own company has enabled me to be original and continuously design fresh new styles that are great affordable gifts and priced correctly.

I am a woman designing favorite jewelry for women.

Now, looking back 25 years, I see success I never imagined!

My venture continues knowing that I love what I do, and will continue to be extremely competitive in the industry.