Small Business Spotlight: Leona Ruby Jewelry & Accessories

The inspiration for the name behind Downtown Des Moines (DSM) jewelry boutique, Leona Ruby, brings a heartwarming feel. Owner Ellen Martinson named the shop after her two grandmothers. The store pays homage to both by embodying love, humor and generosity.

Martinson graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She went directly into retail management and quickly knew she wanted to eventually open her own store. Martinson opened the shop 13 years ago in the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM, and has loved watching the neighborhood grow and flourish.

Leona Ruby carries a variety of goodies and trinkets, including jewelry, gifts and accessories from dozens of designers and including staple items and unique pieces. And Martinson works hard to stay with the latest trends — like their monthly Charm Bar where customers can pick a customized assortment of charms and assemble a necklace with the baubles on-the-spot.

 

Martinson emphasized the importance of cause when it comes to her local business. “We love sharing as many female-owned jewelry designers as we can as well as companies that give back to great causes,” says Martinson. And Leona Ruby isn’t shy when it comes to making an impact as well.

For example, during the annual PrideFest produced by Capital City Pride, the shop offers special, custom-made bracelets and proceeds from the bracelet sales benefit local nonprofit One Iowa. ”Shopping local keeps your dollars local. It lets us sponsor local nonprofits that need funding or even exposure,” she adds.

“We have seen an increase of people specifically wanting to shop local [following the COVID-19 pandemic], which is so great for the entire community,” says Martinson. And for Leona Ruby, a great outcome of the pandemic has been their increased emphasis on e-commerce, where customers can shop their one-of-a-kind pieces on the store’s website in addition to in-store.

Additionally, Martinson leans into the sense of local pride and deep connection that comes with the territory of owning a small business: “We love to get to know our customers! When I’m at market or looking for new lines to carry, in my head I’ll think, ‘Oh! So-and-so would love this! And it’s that unique sense of community that shopping local creates.”

She also adds, “We love you [Historic East Village] neighbors! Everyone at She Home & Gift, Allspices and Salon Spa W have become great friends. Another great part of our local community is how we all send customers to each other.”

With new items arriving every week, you just can’t miss a visit to this unique jewelry and accessories boutique in Downtown DSM by local owner, Martinson.

Fun Facts About Leona Ruby

Look for a new line of sunglasses at the shop called Sebastian Cho, designed right here in Des Moines by a local artist!

Mark your calendar to shop during the annual Historic East Village Holiday Promenade, which takes place several Fridays between Thanksgiving to Christmas!

Pups welcome here! Leona Ruby is dog friendly, so stop in for a treat for your furry friend!

About Leona Ruby

Location: 
400 E. Locust St., #7
Des Moines, IA 50309

Hours:
T - F: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also open until 8 p.m. on the First Friday of every month!

Learn More:
Website: leonaruby.com
Facebook: facebook.com/leonarubyjewelry
Instagram: instagram.com/leonaruby_DSM

 

Find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation and additional shopping spots and more. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.