Camille Habeeb Hojnacki showcases several one-of-a-kind designer pieces as Camille’s Original Jewelry Designs in Habeeb Square gears up for Valentine’s Day. Staff photo
When Camille Habeeb Hojnacki opened her doors about 40 years ago, she knew she wanted to work with her hands and she knew she had the jewelry business in her blood. Her path to success in showcasing her original jewelry designs included a lot of hard work and the support and guidance of her family.
Hojnacki and her brother and sisters grew up in the jewelry business, thanks to their parents, Emil and Marie Habeeb. When she was in her early 20s, Hojnacki’s father gave her his old jewelry casting equipment. From there, she started developing her jewelry designing craft.
“I loved it! I designed day and night,” Hojnacki said. “Using the tools and carving waxes — I did all the time. Back then, free-form rings were popular, and there was a real need for the work I was doing.”
By the age of 22, Hojnacki opened her own store, Camille’s Original Jewelry Designs, at 6345A South Padre Island Drive.
“My dad set me up in a shop, here in Habeeb Square,” she added with a laugh. “And he told me to make something of myself.”
Which is exactly what she set out to do.
Hojnacki built a solid reputation for her original and quality work, becoming a trusted jeweler. After a few years in business, she hired another designer, Tawnya LaPointe, who’s been with her ever since.
The business continued to grow and evolve, and so did the staff. Another full-time designer, Lisa Ruff, came on board about 12 years ago. Today, Hojnacki has a core group of knowledgable employees who have been with the store for years.
“We love what we do,” Hojnacki said. “We love working with our longtime customers and meeting new people. I feel very blessed to have such an amazing staff.”
She and her designers are bench jewelers and use the classic method of lost wax casting to create their designs.
“This is the old-school method,” Hojnacki said. “Today, many jewelry companies use computers to design and create the jewelry. Creating the pieces by hand is what works for us. There are some things that we can do that computers can’t and vice versa. When we need the skills of a computer, we just send the piece out to have the work done.
"Our customers trust us with their precious items,” she continued. “They may bring in pieces [of jewelry] that have been in their family for generations. We understand the importance of these items and treat them with the care they deserve.”
While the jewelry is showcased in elegance, the atmosphere at Camille’s is welcoming and comfortable. Hojnacki’s vivacious, friendly nature fills the air — no pretentiousness to be found. A lounge area allows customers to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while they wait. Or they can just stop by and have a chat.
“My dad told me, ‘Camille, these people could have gone anywhere, but they came to you, so treat them well,’ and so I try to make everyone feel at home,” Hojnacki said.
Hojnacki credits her success to following the business practices and work ethic instilled in her by her parents.
“My parents taught us to work hard, give back and treat your customers like gold,” she said.
Hojnacki has a seven-day work week that she balances with two grown daughters and two young grandchildren. One daughter works with her in her store as a certified GIA gemologist. Her other daughter runs her own assisted-living business. She has two sisters in town who have also followed in the family footsteps with Habeeb’s Jewelers and Victoria’s Jewels. Her father passed away, but her mother just celebrated her 90th birthday.
“She is the matriarch of our family,” Hojnacki said. “She still runs the show.” She added, “I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the support of my family— my mother and father, my sisters. Their help is what made this all possible.”
