She Sold Her Wedding Ring to Start a Jewelry Business: The Lou & Veronica Guarino Story
MAY 13, 2026When Lou and Veronica Guarino decided to start their own business, they made a bold and personal sacrifice by selling Veronica's wedding ring to fund what would become Louis Anthony…
“The struggle is real. But sometimes I think about the struggle as fondly as I think about the success.”
When Lou and Veronica Guarino decided to start their own business, they made a bold and personal sacrifice by selling Veronica’s wedding ring to fund what would become Louis Anthony Jewelers. Located in Pittsburgh, their store has become a destination for clients seeking exquisite, well-crafted jewelry and a personalized experience that feels like home.
On this episode, Lou and Veronica share the defining moments of their journey. They started with just a desk and a few chairs, grew to carry prestigious brands like Rolex, and created jewelry for notable figures including Madeleine Albright, who served as U.S. Secretary of State from 1997 until 2001. They reflect on the passion, perseverance, and teamwork required to turn a dream into a thriving family business and the legacy they are leaving for future generations.
In this episode, gain insights on:
- The power of partnership: how shared vision and teamwork can turn a bold idea into a thriving family business.
- Starting from scratch: the sacrifices, risks, and small steps that set the foundation for lasting success.
- Staying true to your values: why refusing to compromise on quality and service builds trust and differentiation.
- Creating experiences, not transactions: how making clients feel at home transforms relationships and loyalty.
- Turning moments into milestones: defining experiences that shape growth, from first major clients to high-profile opportunities.
- Legacy in action: how the jewelry you create and sell can carry meaning and stories across generations.
- Passion as a driver: why loving what you do fuels resilience, creativity, and long-term impact.
- Learning from struggles: embracing challenges and setbacks as essential lessons on the journey to success.
Greg Weimer
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman — Confluence Financial Partners
Greg is passionate about helping individuals and families maximize their lives and legacies. His journey began in 1986 as a financial advisor, and he went on to join American Funds Distributors in 1993, where he became senior vice president and served on the Board of Directors.
Greg attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a business degree with a concentration in computer science and mathematics. He serves on the Board of Directors of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, is Vice Chair of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, and is a Knight of the Order of Malta.
He was named Italian Man of the Year by the Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund in 2024 and received the Community Caritas Award from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2025.
