156 - Laryssa and Liz Talk 2026 Trends: Flexibility, Consistency, and What Shoppers Want Now

Welcome to the Success With Jewelry podcast, hosted by marketing strategist Laryssa Wirstiuk and creative consultant Liz Kantner. Together, we’re passionate about helping independent jewelry brands thrive through honest conversations about what it really takes to succeed.

In Episode #156, we’re diving into the trends shaping 2026 — not just what people are buying, but how they’re buying and what that means for your marketing. We talk about how AI is shifting search and trust online, why flexibility is no longer optional, and why consistency from your brand matters more than ever (even when the platforms feel unpredictable).

We also reflect on something big: both of our businesses are approaching 10 years, which leads to a real conversation about what long-term success actually requires — staying grounded in human connection, showing up with clarity, and building trust over time. If you’ve been feeling like the marketing landscape is changing too fast, this episode will help you zoom out and focus on what will still work.

💎 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why flexibility is the #1 mindset to plan for in 2026 (and what it looks like in real life)

• What’s changing in search + marketing as AI becomes more dominant

• Why “perfect” content is becoming less trustworthy — and how human content stands out more now

• What clienteling is and why relationship-building matters more than ever (especially for higher price points)

• Why shoppers are leaning toward meaningful, emotional jewelry (talisman pieces, initials, birthstones, heirloom redesigns)

• How “small joys” messaging can resonate — and why treating yourself isn’t fluff, it’s strategy

• The rise of micro-communities and why smaller, more engaged groups can outperform big audiences

• Why in-person connection and local community building can be a powerful growth channel if ads aren’t realistic

• What “slower and more intentional buying” means — and how to market for the long game

• Why your consistent work in Q1–Q3 is what creates a stronger, easier Q4

🔒 Insider Bonus – What You’ll Hear When You Join:
This episode continues with an insiders-only conversation where Liz and Laryssa get candid about change — what it looks like when you can’t rely on Instagram, why “going viral” doesn’t necessarily lead to sales, and how to stay nimble without losing your consistency. They also talk about auditing your website and messaging, what it means to refresh your brand over time, and the challenge of making space to think about your own business when client work always comes first.

👉 Love this teaser? Unlock the full insider episode at https://patreon.com/SuccesswithJewelry for instant access and more exclusive content.

About Your Hosts

Liz Kantner helps independent jewelry artists find their voices and thrive in today’s marketplace through consulting, digital strategy, and her Stay Gold Collective community. Learn more at lizkantner.com.

Laryssa Wirstiuk is the founder and creative director of Joy Joya, a digital marketing agency for jewelry brands. She’s also the author of Jewelry Marketing Joy and the creator of JoyDeck, a platform that makes marketing easier for jewelry designers. Discover more at joyjoya.com.