Sleek, elegant, fashionable. It’s what many people aspire to be, and STRATTON The Jewelry Company can help make that a reality. The recently rebranded Huntsville store is making its mark on the jewelry industry with twenty-six-year-old Stratton Hobbs at the helm.
While other children played dress-up with Ring Pops and plastic beads, Stratton grew up surrounded by the real thing in her family’s jewelry store.
Rodney Hobbs started the company in 1984, and after Stratton was born in 1996 she spent much of her life there. As a toddler, she crawled between cases filled with gold and precious gems, and as a small child, her favorite task was cleaning the display glass. As she got older, if she wasn’t busy with sports or school, she was working in the store.
Growing up, she didn’t think much about it, but later she realized her childhood experiences taught her the ins and outs of the jewelry industry. In 2018, when Rodney was ready to step away from the spotlight, twenty-two-year-old Stratton was more than capable of taking the reins.
“Growing up in the industry, in my heart, I always knew I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps. In my twenties, I was ready to take the lead and make the company my own.”
Her father, Rodney, agreed. “It made me so proud when she told me she was ready to take over.” He still works in the store, but Stratton is in charge of bringing the vision to life. “I work harder now than ever before,” he joked. “But she’s so good at what she does, knowing what’s in and trendy.”
Stratton said she and her father love working together. “He supports me and all my ideas, and we learn from each other every day.”
While she wanted to honor her father’s years of hard work and success, she had a vision for the company’s future. She is building a brand with a modern twist while still offering the same high-quality jewelry and stellar customer service that her father established his business upon.
Traditionally, one may think of the jewelry industry as formal and intimidating. Stratton and her team strive to make the jewelry buying experience accessible, welcoming, and interactive.
“When my dad started out, chunky gold was popular, but today clients are more likely to lean toward a dainty, layered look, although we are seeing a lot of those 80’s styles coming back,” said Stratton. “And custom jewelry is more popular than ever, with new design technologies making it easier to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.”
Piercing parties have become one of the highlights for clients of STRATTON. Party attendees are able to select up to three 14k gold flat back studs, and a professional piercer will map their ear and pierce them right there in the store. With food, drinks, music and snacks, these events always have a waitlist.
Another popular trend that STRATTON brought to Huntsville is permanent jewelry. Appointments are available for clients to select from a variety of chains and charms and have them soldered on. Depending on your style, they have bracelets, rings, necklaces, and anklets to choose from.
“Our phones are constantly ringing off the hooks for permanent jewelry appointments,” said Stratton. “We love creating matching jewelry for mothers and daughters, couples, and groups of friends.”
As Stratton looks toward the future expansion of the STRATTON brand, she is designing an exclusive custom jewelry line. She’s always been interested in personalizing her own jewelry, and with the launch of her new brand, she feels the timing is perfect to debut her designs.
Stratton was inspired to design her own jewelry after her grandfather gifted her a diamond ring. Initially, the ring wasn’t something she felt she could wear daily. In her early teen years, she had the diamond remade into a pendant, which she’s worn almost daily ever since.
“I love the story that comes with jewelry and I’m always reminded of my grandfather when people point out my necklace,” said Stratton.
Stratton’s leadership is paying off, with STRATTON The Jewelry Company winning the award for Best Jeweler of Huntsville in 2020, 2021, and 2022. They were also voted Best Small Business of Huntsville in 2022.
“This is only the beginning and we are so excited to see where the next few years take us,” said Stratton.
For more information, please visit strattonhsv.com or follow their Instagram page at strattonhsv.
