Meet Diane Harris of Birmingham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Harris

Hi Diane, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Inspiration…..
After many years of working for other people, I saw an opportunity to create something that did
not exist a jewelry store that seamlessly blended fashion and fine jewelry, all handmade by
small-batch designers from across the United States. I wanted to create a space where women
could confidently purchase jewelry they felt passionate about without hesitation.
The Beginning…..
After leaving my job at a custom jeweler, I spent countless nights researching and planning. I
decided to start my own store right in my home, infusing it with my personal flair. My first
clients were a couple looking for an engagement ring, and when the future groom proposed in
my kitchen upon picking it up, I knew I was on the right path. Just four weeks later, My House
of Style was born.
Growing Within the Community…..
The early years were exciting and full of rapid growth. I reached out to a few people, and word
spread quickly. Women would drop by after school drop-offs for coffee, conversation, and
jewelry. This sense of community inspired the name My House of Style a place where women
could connect, share ideas, and treat themselves to beautiful, unique pieces.
Taking the Leap of Faith…..
The moment of validation came when new customers were arriving daily, and custom projects
were lining up. In 2009, while many businesses were closing due to an economic downturn, I
trusted my instincts and took a leap of faith. I moved out of my home and into a
brick-and-mortar location in Birmingham, Michigan. Many thought it was a risky move, but I
knew that expanding would allow me to connect with even more clients.
My Evolving Vision….
Now in a larger space, I expanded my collection to include more one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery,
hand-blown glass, and gifts, slowly evolving into a lifestyle boutique. In 2014, My House of
Style was honored as one of Americas Coolest Stores by a jewelry trade magazine and
featured in JCK Magazine as a store to watch.
As the business grew, I made the difficult decision to step away from custom jewelry design to
focus on running the store. Still, I am deeply touched when clients return wearing pieces I
created. I take great pride in my relationships, remembering the small details about my
customers and their families. Buying trips allow me to meet new designers and reconnect with
longtime artisans. I buy from the heart, curating a selection that caters to different aesthetics
while maintaining the high standards of design and quality that define My House of Style.
Looking to the Future……
My House of Style is an extension of who I am. Recently celebrating 20 years in business, I
continue to evolve, adding new designers and curating fresh collections. The biggest lesson
I’ve learned? Never take anything for granted. Hard work and perseverance pay off, but
kindness and connection are what truly matter in business. I am grateful to offer not just
jewelry, but friendship and community to my customers, and I intend to do so for as long as I
am in business.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With every business there are always struggles and MHOS is no different. Continuing to grow our client base and making sure we connect and resonate with younger buyers is always a challenge. In order to continue to grow we need to offer the most current trends that will appeal to their taste and wants. It is something that I work at on a continuous basis. Also, finding new Designers is a full time job, as well. The store has to stay “current” to showcase and offer fresh looks to keep our customers engaged and coming back.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I spent many years designing and visualizing a piece of custom design jewelry. I loved the creative aspect of design and sitting with my clients discussing their vision of what they wanted. It was a wonderful time period in my career. I treasure the memories and when someone walks into the store wearing one of my past creations I feel very proud and happy that they are still wearing and enjoying their jewelry. That part of my life was been put to rest about 10 years ago and I now concentrate on building relationships with other designers that fill my jewelry cases. As I celebrate 20 years in business I can reflect on all the things that sets me and my store apart from others. I make sure that I truly know my customers and build relationships that make them feel like family. You never find us on our phones or talking to each other and not recognizing that someone special has walked in the door. I have blended a very curated collection of handmade products that work together to offer affordable jewelry, home decor and personal accessories in one inviting space. I am proud of what I have created and I love to come to work every day. Its always fun to see to see who will walk through the door.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most? Actually that is a very easy question to answer. I want to be happy, have work that is interesting and spending each day enjoying what I do. I want to share my day with my staff who are my dear friends. and my customers. who, by the way, many of them stop by just to visit, have coffee and chat. Success comes easy when you wake up and are excited for what the day will bring

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myhouseofstyle.com
• Instagram: @myhouseofstyle
• Facebook: Myhouseofstyle