Running a creative business is never straightforward, but partnering with someone who complements your strengths can truly transform your trajectory. Sitting down with Hart Hagerty and Curry Uflacker, the dynamic sister duo behind HART Jewelry, gave me fresh insights into the value of strategic partnerships, the realities of scaling a brand, and the delicate balance of authentic storytelling in digital marketing.
From the start, it was clear that Hart and Curry share a unique synergy. As someone who also operates Cobble Hill alongside my wife, Carter, I resonated deeply with their experiences of navigating both the personal and professional sides of a partnership. Hart described their relationship succinctly: Curry is the integrator to her visionary. Their dynamic echoes the principles of the book "Rocket Fuel" by Gino Wickman, which emphasizes the power of pairing visionary creativity with disciplined execution. This distinction between the visionary and integrator roles has proven fundamental in their ability to scale effectively.
Their decision to formalize their partnership was not impulsive. Instead, they involved lawyers, coaches, and family members, highlighting the importance of proactive alignment in vision and values before fully committing. Reflecting on my past partnerships at Cobble Hill, I realized that adopting a similarly methodical approach could have saved me considerable headaches. Hart emphasized repeatedly how Curry’s structured approach and meticulous execution allowed her to focus her energies on the creative aspects she naturally gravitates toward. Curry, on the other hand, brings a clear-minded pragmatism to the business, reinforcing that successful partnerships are built on complementary skills and mutual trust.
One particularly compelling takeaway was their approach to scaling during the critical period of 2020. HART Jewelry experienced significant growth, fueled by the burgeoning popularity of their custom charm jewelry line. Hart candidly shared that their "tipping point" wasn't some viral social media moment, but rather identifying a genuine gap in the market: high-quality, customizable jewelry offered at an accessible price. What stood out was her conviction that even as competitors emerged, authenticity and originality continued to set them apart. Their charms aren’t simply sourced; they’re thoughtfully designed and created in-house, a detail often overlooked by consumers yet central to the brand’s narrative and enduring success.
Another critical juncture for their growth involved transitioning from private appointments to a physical retail location. Curry’s strategic vision shone here, demonstrating how thoughtfully expanding into retail could amplify their digital and physical presence simultaneously. Opening their flagship store in Charleston wasn't merely about increasing sales—it created deeper emotional connections with customers, elevating average order values, and enriching their brand story through genuine interactions. Witnessing this integration between the digital and physical worlds reaffirmed my belief that direct, authentic customer relationships remain essential, even in an increasingly digital landscape.
Our conversation inevitably pivoted toward digital marketing and advertising strategies. Hart’s perspective was refreshingly skeptical, questioning the transparency and effectiveness of digital ads in today’s environment. Like many founders, she expressed concern over rising costs and ambiguous results, highlighting a common frustration: the feeling that money spent on digital advertising sometimes disappears into an abyss. Despite acknowledging these challenges, Hart also understood the necessity of digital ads for sustained growth, especially when introducing new products or reaching untapped audiences.
Curry brought a grounded perspective to this discussion, emphasizing their reliance on concrete metrics such as contribution margin, MER, and CAC over traditional vanity metrics like ROAS. It struck me how their approach represents a more evolved understanding of modern digital marketing, prioritizing data-driven decisions while maintaining flexibility. Curry’s willingness to double down on high-performing ads without fixed budget constraints exemplifies a fluid and pragmatic approach to marketing spend—something I've seen consistently pay off in my experience with Cobble Hill clients.
However, Hart and Curry both stressed that effective marketing isn't just about ads; it's about authentic storytelling. This became particularly clear as Hart discussed her excitement around YouTube as a potential platform. Rather than rushing into it, she underscored the importance of thorough research and ensuring readiness to commit wholeheartedly. Her point resonated deeply with my experiences—launching a channel without adequate planning or capacity risks diluting the brand and stretching resources too thin. It’s a cautionary reminder that authenticity in storytelling isn't merely about the content itself but also about consistency and sustainability.
Another compelling part of our discussion centered on email marketing, a channel they have mastered. Their thoughtful segmentation strategies and disciplined content calendar have earned them a remarkable open rate of 55%, a testament to their deep understanding of their audience. Curry described email as their primary storytelling platform, highlighting the deliberate care taken with each communication. This approach echoed my philosophy at Cobble Hill—investing time and creativity into channels you truly own, like email, pays dividends far beyond short-term metrics. The pride they take in their email content reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and customer value.
Throughout our conversation, it was clear that HART Jewelry’s success lies in their ability to combine genuine creativity with disciplined strategy. They are not afraid to keep critical functions like creative and content development in-house, recognizing that nobody can tell their story better. Yet, they're also realistic about where external expertise adds value, carefully balancing internal capabilities with strategic partnerships.
Reflecting on the insights Hart and Curry shared, several key takeaways stand out for anyone leading a creative or consumer-facing business:
This conversation reminded me that the art of marketing remains rooted in authentic storytelling, disciplined execution, and genuine customer connections. Hart and Curry’s thoughtful, balanced approach offers valuable lessons—not just for those in fashion or jewelry—but for any brand striving to grow thoughtfully and sustainably in today’s complex marketplace.