Local StoriesFebruary 10, 2026

Exploring Life & Business with Michell Herrera of Affordable Jewelry and Watch Repair

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michell Herrera.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a first-generation Mexican American, raised by a mother who came to the United States in search of a better life. She has always been a businesswoman, and watching her work taught me discipline, resilience, and perseverance.

I grew up in jewelry shops and flea markets, with ultrasonic cleaners buzzing in the background and long days behind the counter. By 13, I was already helping in my parents’ businesses, starting with basic tasks and eventually learning how to sell gold and silver. Being the eldest meant carrying responsibility early, and over time I became someone my family relied on. Those early experiences taught me how to connect with people, take initiative, and stay calm under pressure.

As I got older, I deepened my understanding of the trade. Watching my stepfather, a bench jeweler, create custom pieces sparked my curiosity about the trade. He taught me about gemstones, diamonds, precious metals, and the fundamentals of jewelry work, giving me early hands-on exposure to jewelry repair and design.

In May of 2021, I met John McFadden, an award-winning jewelry designer and owner of a watch and jewelry repair shop inside Agri-Supply, Garner. He hired me the same day we met and introduced me to watchmaking. John became a mentor who taught me patience, craftsmanship, and confidence, through him I discovered a genuine passion for the craft.

In 2022, my family went through a difficult period, and I became the sole provider for my mother and sister. Around that same time, John and his wife, Jovi, asked me if I wanted to take over the business. I was 19 years old, and while the decision was intimidating, I felt prepared. With the help of my mother, faith, and determination, I said yes.

Today, I run my business with gratitude and purpose, honoring the legacy John and Jovi built while continuing to grow, learn, and serve my community with integrity. I’m incredibly blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me and support me. Everything I do is driven by faith, hard work, and the desire to make my family proud.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. After taking over the business, I had to figure out many aspects on my own, there wasn’t a clear roadmap for how to keep everything running smoothly. I learned through experience, problem-solving, and adapting as situations came up.

My mother supported me in certain areas and offered guidance when I needed it, especially early on. At the same time, the responsibility of day-to-day operations, decision-making, and learning the technical and operational sides of the business ultimately fell on me

Balancing that independence with knowing when to ask for advice was one of the biggest learning curves. Over time, I built confidence in my judgment, created systems that worked for the business, and grew into the role naturally. The challenges weren’t easy, but they shaped me into a capable and self-sufficient business owner.

We’ve been impressed with Affordable Jewelry and Watch Repair, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a jewelry and watch repair shop focused on quality, trust, and craftsmanship. We are located inside of Agri-Supply in Garner, NC. We specialize in watch repairs; including battery replacements, band repair, quartz and automatic services—as well as jewelry repairs, soldering, resizing, and custom work. Many of the pieces we work on are sentimental, and we treat them with care and respect

Since we’re a small business, attention to detail and trust are at the core of everything we do. We also carry a wide selection of real, solid 10k & 14k gold and sterling silver jewelry, with a variety of styles and price points so there’s truly something for everyone.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built for honesty, fair pricing, and reliable work. I want readers to know that our focus is simple: doing quality work, preserving meaningful pieces, and providing a service people can truly rely on

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see a continued focus on quality and personalized service in jewelry and watch repair, especially as customers choose to preserve meaningful pieces. Mechanical and vintage watches will stay popular alongside smartwatches, and transparency in repairs and pricing is becoming more important. Sustainability is also growing, many people prefer repairing instead of replacing and with gold prices rising, I’ve noticed more customers melting down old jewelry and redesigning it into something new rather than buying more gold, which is both meaningful and sustainable. Overall, I think people still value craftsmanship and want to care for pieces that matter to them.

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