The story of Janina's Jewellers starts with Andrzej and Janina Podolski. After immigrating from Poland to Canada in 1982 bringing only two suitcases between the two of them, they quickly got to work. Janina started at the local Queen Elizabeth II hospital as a nurse, while Andrzej did a variety of jobs for local businesses. Andrzej was always taught that one needed a skill in life, something that he could take anywhere with him. Thus, he took up the art of goldsmithing which he learned through the Toronto Art School.
After several years, Andrzej and Janina had saved enough to start Janina's Jewellers Ltd, with the first location in the basement of the coop Mall. The store opened in October of 1986. Even though it was in an out-of-the-way location, the business thrived as the friendly service and excellent goldsmithing work kept loyal customers coming back again and again.
By 1995, it was time to open another location. Through lots of very hard work and long hours put in for several months, Janina's Jewellers opened their second location in the K-Mart Plaza. Business went well as both stores operated over the next few years. The year 2000 brought a turn in the Janina's Jewellers story. The Coop mall revealed its plans to demolish the entire building in favour of a grocery-only format for their business. Andrzej and Janina had only 28 days to close the doors on the store that they had built and operated for over 13 years. But what looked to be an insurmountable challenge turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Andrzej and Janina were able to give back to their loyal customers by putting on the biggest four-week sale they had ever had.
After consolidating their business into one location, K-Mart Plaza eventually became known as the Sears Centre. All focus was now put into building up this location, and the results are clear. In 2006, Janina's Jewellers expanded to double in size. They have truly stepped up their efforts, bringing in very exclusive jewellery collections from companies such as Tacori, Simon G., Gabrielle Diamonds, as well as Maple Leaf Diamonds and Polar Bear Canadian Diamonds.
This family business truly lives up to its name as their children Peter, Greg, and Angelika participate in the business today. Peter is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, and acts as the store's certified gemologist and appraiser. Greg has studied extensively in the emerging field of Computer Assisted Jewellery Design, and now specializes in custom jewellery design and goldsmithing. Finally Angelika, with her bright smile and friendly demeanour loves to help clients with anything they may require.
From the hard work of Andrzej and Janina Podolski has come a store with a philosophy of putting customers first. After so many years of hard work, Andrzej and Janina still work hard, traveling the world to bring the most unique and exclusive collection while at the same time being at work every day they can to make sure their customers are taken care of. They know that if they put you first, you will think of them when it comes to your jewellery needs.