Gem of Jewels, Where Cheer Dreams Take Flight
At Gem of Jewels, the energy is electric. Athletes of all ages are nailing stunts, letting out cheers, and finding their confidence along the way. This is more than just a cheerleading program, it’s a family. Samone Rankins, the founder of Gem of Jewels, created it to be a space where everyone feels welcome, supported, and celebrated. “I started this for the underdogs,” Samone explains. “The ones with so much potential but just needed someone in their corner to believe in them.” Samone’s love for cheerleading goes way back to her days at Cal State Northridge, where she cheered from 2010-2014. She was the Captain and President. But it wasn’t an easy ride. Samone started with zero stunting or tumbling skills, but by the time she graduated, she was the team’s strongest base. That transformation shaped her approach as a coach. She knew firsthand how a little belief and a lot of hard work could completely change someone’s game. After college, Samone spent years coaching and building cheer programs, over 10 of them! By 2018, she was ready to take everything she’d learned and create something of her own. That’s when Gem of Jewels came to life. What makes Gem of Jewels so special? It’s more than the amazing cheer routines or the competitive teams, it’s the vibe. From beginners to advanced athletes, everyone is welcomed with open arms and treated like family. “It’s a home away from home,” Samone says. “It’s a place where athletes can grow, both on and off the mat.” Of course, running a business comes with challenges. While Gem of Jewels is thriving, Samone is still dreaming big. Right now, she operates out of borrowed spaces, but her goal is to lease a permanent location where she can expand her offerings, serve more athletes, and create job opportunities in her community. That’s where the NEW Women’s Business Center comes in. They’ve been a huge help, offering resources and guidance to turn Samone’s dreams into a reality. From organizing her finances to creating a timeline for her goals, the center has been there every step of the way. She has accumulated over 15 hours of training events and counseling sessions since she became a client. “As an entrepreneur, you’re in charge of staying disciplined, which isn’t always easy,” Samone admits. “The weekly meetings and support from the center keep me focused and on track.” Samone’s vision for Gem of Jewels is crystal clear. She’s building more than a cheerleading program, she’s creating a space where athletes can thrive, families can connect, and her community can grow stronger.In Samone’s Words “New Women’s Business Center is an amazing program that’s been keeping me consistent with my goals and providing amazing resources.”Samone’s journey with Gem of Jewels proves that passion and perseverance can take you far. She’s already created something amazing, and with her drive and the support of the New Women’s Business Center, the sky’s the limit for Gem of Jewels. |
Mary ClarkProgram Assistant mclark@neworg.us 213-374-0498 |