Business feature: Diamonds Evermore owner honored

CLOVIS - Jewelry, Gail Tarson said, is almost always connected to some special event. On Tuesday, the owner of Clovis' Diamonds Evermore was honored for her 10-year connection with local small business development.

The Clovis Community College branch of New Mexico's Small Business Development Center named Diamonds Evermore as its Star Client. Tarson has worked with SBDC since 2011 when she began the process of opening her store.

Unlike past years in which awards recipients from across the state attended a ceremony at the capitol building in Santa Fe, this year they were commemorated during a virtual Roundhouse event on Tuesday.

"We determine the Star Client by our relationship with the client, years of operation, journey since our initial meeting, and the value they see in having the Small Business Development Center assist them. The honor entails interacting with state Legislatures, the governor, other Star Clients from our sister SBDCs and recognition by the community and the state," SBDC-Clovis Executive Director Sandra Taylor-Sawyer said.

"Over the 10-year period, the SBDC has assisted Gail with a business plan, accounting, marketing, personnel, and community connections as she wanted to not only be a business owner; but, an active community member," Taylor-Sawyer said. "This year has been very challenging for our retail and dine-in food service establishments, as well as the world. Gail was able to pivot her business by changing her marketing plan, learning and pursuing the various COVID-19 tools, and maintaining a positive outlook for the future of the Clovis community."

During the ceremony Taylor-Sawyer noted that Tarson's use of social media marketing and online store accessibility made her stand out in the community and expanded retail options during the pandemic. Her active involvement with local organizations and clubs from the beginning of her time in Clovis also stood out to the SBDC.

When Tarson first moved to Clovis and began her business, Taylor-Sawyer had recommended several groups for her to join. Those included the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis Rotary Club; Tarson went on to become president of both organizations.

Taylor-Sawyer said Tarson is not only active in being a part of the community, but is active in giving back to the community "not only with her business but with her volunteerism and selfless service."

Diamonds Evermore was the fruition of Tarson's longtime interest in jewelry and gemstones, which started at a young age.

"It was at a point in my life where I had worked for another company for so many years, half of my life, and that's when I decided to really pursue what my passion was," Tarson said. "I can tell you it isn't all easy. A lot of businesses make it look easy but there's a lot that goes into it, a lot of sacrifice. But this community fully embraced us, accepted us, and made us part of this family so it's worked."

She said the SBDC was her first stop when starting out. It helped her create the business plan that she took to the bank to secure a loan. Since, she has participated in SBDC seminars and free services that help her do what she loves.

"When you're buying a piece of jewelry it's always connected to a special event in someone's life," Tarson said. "It's always celebrating love in one way or another. So the fact that we get to be involved with people during those beautiful moments in their lives makes it really special."