Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie & Derrick Henstock & Trumbly.
Hi Leslie & Derrick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our path to becoming the proud owners of Essbe wasn’t linear, but in hindsight, every chapter prepared us for this one.
My husband and I both began our careers as professional actors, spending years working on stage and screen and living in cities like New York and Chicago. Like many performers, we balanced creative work with service and retail jobs, experiences that taught us how to connect with people, stay adaptable, and keep things running smoothly under pressure. During that time, we also developed a deep appreciation for small businesses. For Leslie, that included a small independent jewelry shop in New York City she returned to again and again for delicate, meaningful pieces that marked milestones and everyday moments. That sense of care and connection stayed with us.
Over time, our paths diverged but continued to complement each other. Leslie transitioned into a career supporting executive leadership in fast-paced organizations, where she discovered a passion for building structure, supporting teams, and helping leaders navigate growth and change. Derrick returned to school to become a registered nurse, developing a calm-under-pressure mindset, deep empathy, and a strong appreciation for systems and community through his work in healthcare.
As our careers evolved, we realized we shared a desire to build something of our own. We spent nearly a year researching, working with a business coach, talking with other business owners, and visiting independent shops, looking for a business that felt both financially sound, a beloved part of the community and deeply personal to US. When we found Essbe, a boutique jewelry store on Main Street in Rochester, it immediately felt right.
Today, we’re the proud owners of Essbe and are learning quickly while building intentionally. We’re focused on supporting an incredible existing team, honoring the foundation laid by the founder, and growing the business in a way that values people, craftsmanship, and community. It’s exciting, humbling, and sometimes terrifying, but it feels exactly like where we’re meant to be.
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?
Not exactly smooth, but where’s the fun in that?! If anything, it felt like jumping into the pilot seat of a jet at 36,000 feet in the middle of a thunderstorm — welcome to holiday retail!
We stepped into ownership during the busiest season of the year, which meant learning everything at once: payroll and scheduling, staffing and training, inventory and ordering, systems and utilities, marketing and window displays, pop-ups, customer raves, and yes, customer complaints. There wasn’t much time to ease in, but that pace forced us to learn quickly and make decisions with confidence.
Another challenge was finding our footing in a business with an established culture and an incredible team. We were very intentional about listening first, honoring what was already working, and earning trust, rather than making changes for the sake of change, all while keeping the business moving forward at full speed.
Balancing this alongside our other professional commitments added another layer of complexity, but it also reinforced how important communication, structure, and teamwork are when things move fast.
It hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been clarifying. The intensity accelerated our learning curve and showed us exactly where people and systems matter most. Once we landed the plane, we knew we were exactly where we were supposed to be.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Essbe is a boutique jewelry studio and shop on Main Street in Rochester, Michigan, known for thoughtfully made, meaningful pieces and an experience that feels personal from the moment you walk in.
We specialize in permanent jewelry, 14k gold-filled and sterling silver pieces, and everyday jewelry designed to be worn, loved, and lived in. Many of our pieces can also be personalized, whether that’s adding a specific birthstone (or multiple stones to represent loved ones), incorporating meaningful charms, or customizing our classic hoop earrings with charms when the hoops alone don’t quite float your boat. Those small, thoughtful details often turn a beautiful piece into something deeply personal.
What truly sets Essbe apart is the experience. We believe jewelry shopping should feel warm, welcoming, and unrushed. Our team takes pride in listening to our customers’ stories and helping them find pieces that carry meaning, not just shine. We hope our customers feel empowered as they get to design their piece with unique personalizations. That’s why so many of our favorite moments involve shared experiences: friends celebrating together, couples marking a chapter, or multiple generations choosing matching permanent jewelry as a symbol of connection.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust Essbe has built in the community. Customers return not just for the jewelry, but for how they feel here. That sense of care extends behind the scenes as well. We’re deeply committed to supporting and empowering our team, sourcing thoughtfully, and running the business with intention.
We also love being part of the larger Rochester community. From pop-up events to private parties, we see Essbe as more than a retail space; it’s a place where people gather, celebrate, and connect.
What we want readers to know most is that Essbe is about meaning. Every piece tells a story, and we’re honored to play a small role in some very big moments.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If we had to name one quality that’s been most important to our success, it would be adaptability.
Our path hasn’t been linear, and owning a small business requires constant adjustment. From learning new systems to responding to customer feedback to navigating the realities of retail, the ability to stay flexible, curious, and open has mattered more than any single skill.
Equally important is our commitment to people. We listen, we communicate, and we genuinely care about the team and customers we serve. That combination of adaptability and people-first thinking allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively, even when things move fast.
Success for us isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to learn, adjust, and keep showing up with intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopessbe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopessbe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopessbe
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/essbe-permanent-jewelry
