Business & Tech

10 Questions for Judy's Buckles Owner Judy Stanley

A homegrown business began in 2002 is now selling products successfully at a local boutique and at a jewelry store in Carmel.

Judy Stanley started Judy's Buckles in 2002. Her love of vintage jewels and brooches gives her the inspiration for one-of-a-kind, high-end belt buckles. She carries her buckles at European Jewelers in Carmel and Monterey, and . In Los Gatos. She also does many charitable trunk shows and events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Judy Stanley: I always thought I would live on a big farm or sanctuary and help animals that were in need. Although that didn't happen, I am still a big lover and rescuer of animals, especially dogs. My friends call me the Dog Whisperer.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Stanley: I love to create things. I have a very photographic mind. I see everything in an image in my mind before I design it. Being able to create new designs on all my belt buckles that are one of a kind is easy for me, and I love hunting for unique jewels and brooches that I use to create those pieces

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Stanley: I knew that after the birth of my second child in 2002, I would be leaving the pharmaceutical business and stay at home with my children. A few months later I made my first few belt buckles and sold them immediately to friends. I always knew, though, that I would someday have my own business that it would be something very creative.

Patch: What inspired you?

Stanley: Everything I love inspires me. Flowers, animals, vintage style, beautiful colors, distant places I dream of.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Stanley: I haven't really had any big challenges yet. Everything has been really uneventful so far, in a good way.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Stanley: All the great clients and friends that wear my product and I see them around town. That is a thrill for me.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Stanley: I will never change the fact that I am the only one who will ever design my pieces

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Stanley: The accessibility I have of finding many vintage pieces to use on my buckles at all different places all over the world.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Stanley: Town Square when Jazz on the Plazz is in session.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Stanley: That I am a Los Gatos native, have lived here since 1970, and will be happy to stay here in this beautiful, historic town forever.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here