78 Photo Essay: Iris Jarvis
Vice President at Young Jewelers
Words by Justin Hunter | Image by Blakeney Clouse
Iris Jarvis is as multi-faceted as the hand-selected diamond engagement rings the Young family has sold for generations. In other words, it is impossible to put this 29-year-old entrepreneur in a box.
“There are several different components to my life,” Iris says, her hands resting on the illuminated display case. “First and foremost, I'm a full-time mother. My daughter, Monroe, is two years old. I’m full-time wife to Grant Jarvis and a full-time career person at Young Jewelers.”
Young Jewelers was established by Iris’s grandparents, Hoyt and Evelyn Young, in 1948. Over the last 73 years, the business has evolved into an engagement and fine jewelry and gift store. Debbie Young Sanders, current owner and Iris’s mother, has guided the store with a commitment to tradition, luxury, quality, integrity, and top-notch customer service.
“My mother is one of my biggest influences,” Iris says. “She was the first president of Jasper Main Street and is committed to improving our community. She is a woman who has empowered other women.”
In October, Young Jewelers will celebrate 20 years in its present location on 19th Street in downtown Jasper. Iris was nine years old when the store relocated, and she is surrounded by cherished family memories.
“I grew up here,” she recalls. “I remember when we were next door, being a little girl and playing in the bridal section. I’ve always loved and been interested in the industry.”
Iris graduated from Walker High School in 2010 and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama, majoring in marketing and double-minoring in sales and entrepreneurship. While attending Alabama, she was president of her sales team for the business school, leading revitalization projects for the university. However, it wasn’t the college classroom that shifted her approach to life and to the jewelry industry, but rather a study abroad program to Cape Town, South Africa.
“Being able to go to school is great, but the best education I ever received was to travel,” Iris says. “I was able to experience the culture, work in their townships, and see how other cultures thrive.”
As Iris contemplates the future of Young Jewelers, she envisions expanding the brand and reaching a more diverse clientele. The ever-changing retail climate brings challenges which have played into their brick and mortar store, online, and custom design business. Her expertise is visible in each of these areas.
No matter where her journeys take her, Iris always returns to her roots with a greater appreciation for the folks in her hometown. “When I come back,” she says, “I am able to recognize how unique the people of Jasper are and how they are true gems.” 78