Check Out Loretta Clayton’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Loretta Clayton.

Hi Loretta, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career in 2007 at Signet Jewelers (formerly Sterling Jewelers) shortly after graduating high school in 2006. I started in the Diamond Department as a Shipper, simply packing boxes—but what began as just a job quickly became a passion. I was captivated by the beauty and complexity of the jewelry industry, and thankfully, the company saw potential in me and invested in my education. I transitioned into roles as a Diamond Assorter and eventually a Senior Diamond Grader.

In 2013, I moved into the Merchandising department and was later promoted to Assistant Merchandise Buyer for the Kay Outlet Bridal Team in 2017. Throughout my time at Signet, I pursued industry credentials, earning certifications from the Diamond Council of America (Certified Diamontologist and Guild Gemologist) as well as the Gemological Institute of America (Accredited Jewelry Professional and Graduate Diamonds diploma). I also completed an Associate’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising.

In 2020, when my position was eliminated due to COVID-19, I was thrust into a new chapter—entrepreneurship. As a first-time mom in 2019, I had already begun rethinking what success and wealth truly meant for my family. That year, my husband and I purchased a self-service laundromat (Clayton’s Laundry) and launched our own courier business (Clayton’s Carriers). I found joy in being a present mother while still supporting my household.

Once my son started kindergarten, I challenged myself to build residual income and launched TC Business Solutions, offering life insurance, notary/loan signing, and tax preparation services. Even while growing my businesses, my love for the jewelry world never faded. With my family’s support, I returned to school at GIA to pursue my Graduate Gemology diploma, which I will complete in December 2025.

Today, I work as a Jewelry Appraiser while still managing my businesses. My goal is to combine my passion and expertise to mentor young people and introduce them to the many rewarding opportunities in the jewelry industry. There’s more to come—so stay tuned!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t believe “smooth” is a word that exists in an entrepreneur’s vocabulary—especially during those first three years. The journey has definitely come with its share of challenges. Our laundromat, for example, faced unexpected setbacks like vandalism and increased competition from large, modernized mega-laundromats. As a result, we made the tough decision to sublease our business for a time to regroup and re-strategize.

With our courier company, one of the biggest struggles was finding reliable and consistent drivers, especially when balancing growing demand with quality service.

Through it all, persistence and faith have been our anchors. We’ve learned to lean on God through every challenge, trusting that each obstacle is an opportunity to grow, adjust, and move forward. Our faith helps us stay grounded and turn every difficulty into a valuable learning experience.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the core of everything I do is service—I’ve found that no matter what industry I’m in, I’m most fulfilled when I’m helping people connect to what matters. Whether it’s offering someone a sense of ownership and dignity through clean clothes, delivering essential medical supplies to hospitals, or providing families with financial security through life insurance, my goal is simple: I just want to help.

Now that I’ve returned to the jewelry industry, I’m able to combine my passion with years of experience and education. I specialize in curating beautiful, meaningful pieces and assessing their true value through professional appraisals. I take pride in being a trusted expert who brings both technical skill and a deep appreciation for the emotional significance of jewelry.

I’m most proud of the credentials and knowledge I’ve gained over the past 18 years in the industry—from Diamond Grading and Merchandising to earning certifications from both the Diamond Council of America and the Gemological Institute of America. I’m also proud of the entrepreneurial skills I’ve built while running multiple businesses.

What sets me apart is not just my experience, but also representation. In an industry where you don’t often see someone who looks like me in accomplished, authoritative roles, I take pride in paving a path forward—not just for myself, but for others who will come after me. I know where I’ve been, and I’m excited about where I’m going.

What does success mean to you?
To me, success isn’t measured by money or the number of years you’ve been in business. True success is defined by the impact you make—whether you were of service and a valuable asset to your customers, your team, or your community. At the end of each day, I ask myself two simple questions: Did I help someone today? and Was I able to reflect God’s love in the process? If the answer is yes, then I know I’m walking in purpose—and to me, that’s success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tctaxsolution.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doneright_tctax/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555640045608
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-clayton-42a23759/
• Other: https://claytonscarriers.com/