A permanent jewelry IBC (Integrated Business Corps) company has opened at BYU-Idaho, providing the students involved with an opportunity for hands-on experience in designing, creating and marketing jewelry while gaining real-world business experience.
Golden links is a permanent jewelry store that offers six different chains: A stainless steel Cuban link chain, a sterling silver Figaro chain, a sterling silver beaded chain, a 14-karat gold Figaro chain, a 14-karat gold beaded chain and a 14-karat gold paper clip chain.
The customer determines which chain they would like and whether they would like it to be cut for a bracelet, anklet or necklace. The jewelry is custom fitted and welded directly onto the customer using an Orion mPulse welder. The jewelry is worn until it is cut it off.
The company is currently located in the south hall of the BYU-Idaho Center, just outside of the track. The business has goals to set up in several locations throughout the semester with booths on and off campus.
You can schedule an appointment or find the links to the company’s social media pages here.
The business is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
As of right now, the business offers bracelets, anklets and necklaces. The company is also considering adding pendants to its products list.
Golden Links offers a few promotions for customers looking for a discount. The promotions include a Wednesday deal where customers can receive 10% off their purchases if they wear pink. The company also offers a raffle for a chance to win a free bracelet.
The company prides itself on its low prices and customer service.
“The biggest thing that sets us apart from other IBC companies is we focus on high-quality products and offer them at significantly lower prices than our competitors at other jewelry stores,” said Dillon Cook, a Golden Links employee and a sophomore studying accounting.
BYU-I’s IBC program allows students to receive hands-on experience as business owners and entrepreneurs. Students take turns working a position at each level of the business hierarchy, from the sales team all the way to the CEO.
The program splits the students taking the class into different groups and each group comes up with its own business idea. Each group must also create a business plan and be approved for a loan through the campus. After approval, the business is ready to open and begin sales.
“What I’ve learned from running an IBC business is that teamwork is key,” said Tyler Crosby, a Golden Links employee and a senior studying business management. “Coming into the semester I thought it would be more of an ‘every man for himself’ atmosphere. However, I have learned that you have to rely on each other to be successful in any business setting.”
Deciding on a single business plan wasn’t easy. The 15-person team says they started with more than a hundred business ideas and had to narrow down to one.
After weeks of deliberation and surveys, the team decided on Golden Links.
“We chose to do Golden Links because it was unique and permanent jewelry is a rising and popular trend,” said Talmage Jacobson, an employee at Golden Links and a senior studying marketing. “Our short-term goal is to be profitable and build a reputable brand. Long term we are working to build a presence and connect with as many people as possible.”