Ronan Galab, a 26-year-old from Sydney, spends his weekdays in his family's construction business but has built a successful weekend venture welding permanent jewellery. His side hustle, Albi Amore Permanent Jewellery, now generates up to $3,000 per week.
Galab's entry into the jewellery business began almost by accident in 2024 after an impulsive $2,000 purchase of a specialized welding machine at a beauty expo. Initially, he had no prior experience with jewellery and had never even worn any himself. After a period of learning and overcoming early failures where bracelets frequently detached, Galab decided to test the market.
His first market stall yielded only $40 in sales from one sterling silver bracelet, despite significant initial investment in equipment. His setup was basic, consisting of a welder, a table, a box of chains, and a cheap gazebo. Facing doubt from his mother and dwindling funds, Galab invested his last $100 in a stall at a Christmas market. Before the market, he experimented with a TikTok video promoting his permanent bracelets. The clip gained 50,000 views quickly, leading to a busy evening where he made over $3,000 in sales.
Since that breakthrough, Albi Amore has expanded. Galab now operates at various Sydney markets, including Glebe and Kirribilli, and participates in larger events interstate. He keeps overheads low by focusing on markets, private appointments, weddings, and corporate events. Social media, particularly TikTok, continues to be a primary driver for customer acquisition, with deliberately unpolished videos proving effective.
The business model focuses on accessible pricing. Silver bracelets are $60, gold-filled bracelets are $80, and charms are an additional $20. Galab uses gold-filled rather than solid gold to maintain affordability, which suits impulse purchases.
Galab currently works five days a week in construction before dedicating his evenings and weekends to the jewellery business. He personally trains a team to work at different markets. He has already used the income to purchase an investment property. Looking ahead, Galab is considering expanding into e-commerce and developing a conventional jewellery line within the next two to five years.