Chatterbox Shop Celebrates One Year of Building Community Through Jewelry and Connection

COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — What started as an idea during a walk through downtown Collingswood has grown into a thriving family business that is redefining jewelry shopping as an experience centered on creativity, storytelling and community.

The Black woman-owned business specializes in customizable charm jewelry, permanent jewelry and hands-on experiences that encourage customers to create pieces reflecting their personal stories. Unlike temporary charm bar pop-ups, Chatterbox Shop operates as a permanent storefront where customers can return to add charms and celebrate new milestones over time.

As Chatterbox Shop celebrates its first anniversary, owner Nikki Coleman said reaching the point is both surreal and rewarding.

“You don’t go into a business thinking that it won’t make it to a year, but it is still equally as gratifying to know that we did,” Coleman said. “I’m excited for what this second year will bring because there’s so much growth still ahead.”

A Family Dream Comes to Life

Coleman, a South Jersey native and longtime educator, never imagined owning a retail business. After her youngest son left for college, she and her husband moved to Collingswood. While walking through town one day, they noticed a vacant storefront that had once housed a Black-owned bookstore. The couple saw potential.

With ideas from their daughters in New York, who introduced them to the growing popularity of charm bars, and support from Coleman’s sister-in-law, a jewelry merchandiser, the family transformed the empty storefront into Chatterbox Shop.

“It was a beautiful family affair,” Coleman said. “Now it’s mostly my husband and I running the show, but we built something together from nothing.”

The store’s name also carries personal meaning. Chatterbox comes from a poem Coleman’s husband’s great-grandmother used to recite to him. A recording of her reading the poem is featured inside the shop as a tribute to her legacy and the welcoming spirit she embodied.

“We hope that’s what the Chatterbox Shop encapsulates as well,” Coleman said.

More Than Jewelry

Rather than simply selling accessories, Coleman hopes every customer leaves with a meaningful memory.

Visitors can create personalized charm bracelets, necklaces, bookmarks and other keepsakes while spending time with friends, family or loved ones. Customers often explore nearby businesses and restaurants while their jewelry is assembled, making a day out of their visit to Collingswood.

“I love being a part of those stories,” Coleman said. “People come in and create something together that reminds them of a special day, and we’re honored to be part of that memory.”

One unexpected bestseller has been customizable bookmarks, thanks in part to the shop’s proximity to Collingswood’s independent bookstore.

Customers have embraced the opportunity to pair their favorite books with personalized bookmarks featuring meaningful charms, Coleman said. Permanent jewelry has also become one of the shop’s most popular offerings, where shoppers can have bracelets welded shut around their wrists.

Finding Joy During Challenging Times

Like many small businesses, Chatterbox Shop has faced economic uncertainty as consumers carefully manage their spending. Still, she hopes the shop offers customers a brief escape.

“Jewelry hasn’t been at the top of everyone’s list when they’re really trying to survive,” Coleman said.”One of the things I hope our shop brings is a little bit of whimsy and joy for the hard times that we’re all facing.”

Even on slower days, Coleman said she’s motivated by first-time visitors who discover the store and immediately begin planning return trips with friends and family.

“The excitement starts all over again every time someone walks through the door,” she said.

Community Support Makes the Difference

Coleman credits Collingswood’s business community for helping Chatterbox Shop succeed during its first year. Neighboring businesses have donated food and beverages for events, shared advice and welcomed the family into the town’s thriving downtown district.

“As a first-time business owner, it is the perfect place to start this journey,” Coleman said.

Looking Ahead

As Chatterbox Shop enters its second year, Coleman plans to continue evolving while keeping customer experience at the center of the business.

The shop recently expanded with a dedicated permanent jewelry studio and a new private event space for birthday parties, girls’ nights, book clubs and other celebrations. It also launched DIY Fridays, allowing customers to assemble their own jewelry with guidance from staff, along with monthly hands-on workshops.

Looking ahead, Coleman hopes the business remains flexible enough to embrace new trends while continuing to offer quality products and exceptional service.

“I want customer service and an environment where people feel welcomed and excited to come to always be there,” she said.

For Coleman, the goal has never been just selling jewelry. It’s about being part of the community, commemorating people’s precious moments.

“We’re excited to be a stop on people’s day in Collingswood,” she said. “Every time someone opens the door, they bring excitement into our shop. That’s what keeps us going.”

This story is part of NJ Urban News’ Business of the Month series, highlighting outstanding businesses making an impact across New Jersey. Know a business we should feature? Email us at editorial@njurbannews.com