Building the Valley: Vandergrift native's jewelry business success set in stone
Vandergrift native Bobbie Morda opened her dream jewelry store 34 years ago with a handful of necklaces and six engagement rings.
Her store, Bobbie’s Jewelers, occupies a former barbershop at 173 Columbia Ave. in Vandergrift’s historic business district.
“This comes from blood, sweat and tears. This was not turnkey,” Morda said, gesturing around her store on a recent busy Saturday morning.
“I did this on true grit while taking care of ill parents, keeping my family together and raising two daughters.”
Morda’s husband, Mark, was always supportive.
“He told me to go do my thing,” Morda said. “He supported me 100%. I’ve watched many businesses come and go since I first came to this corner. I just always closed my door and concentrated on what went on here even though I was told I’ll never make it.”
Mother-daughter customers Elaine and Jamie Silicki have been loyal shoppers at Bobbie’s for more than a decade.
Jamie Silicki, 36, of Scott Township said she quit shopping at the big-box jewelry stores.
“She’s wonderful. She always gives a fair price, and her customer service is top-notch,” Jamie Silicki said.
Morda said engagement rings are her bread and butter. She encourages couples shopping for engagement rings to come in, sit down and take their time with their jewelry decision.
“Never let anyone create a sense of urgency,” Morda said.
The most expensive engagement ring she sold was $17,000 — a lot for “little Vandergrift,” she said.
Morda credits her success to prioritizing her family.
“I never compared myself to anybody. My family is my biggest support, and I put them up top,” Morda said.
With a strong faith in God, Morda is parish member of St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church, a few blocks from her store.
All jewelry repairs and services are done in-house.
Morda employs several cousins who work alongside her.
Originally, the shop had only three display cases.
Now, the store is a shiny, glittering mecca, chock-full of jewelry including rings, necklaces, watches and earrings.
“My goal was to make it one year in business, and I never looked past that,” Morda said. “I had a wise man tell me, and he said, ‘You start down low and build up — one piece, and person, at a time.’ And I took his advice.”
The walls are filled with family photos. Morda’s First Communion photo from St. Gertrude School is there.
With no plans to retire, Morda prides herself on emphasizing one-on-one customer service.
“I don’t rush people. Whether they’re spending $5 or $5,000, you will get the same service,” Morda said.
Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini said he takes any jewelry items in need of repairs to Bobbie’s.
“I bought my wedding rings there,” Collini said. “Bobbie’s is an asset to our community, and she and Mark get involved with functions when they can. Congratulations to Bobbie’s Jewelers and continued success in our community.”
And when Bobbie finds herself shopping for her own jewelry, what’s her preference?
“A big beautiful piece of gold,” she said. “That’s outstanding.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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