SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
SurveysOct 05, 2014
Biz owners feeling more satisfied but less successful
U.S. small business owners are more satisfied today with their role as entrepreneur than they were at the end of the recession but also are less likely to see themselves as successful, a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup survey shows.
New York--U.S. small business owners are more satisfied today with their role as entrepreneur than they were at the end of the recession but also are less likely to see themselves as successful, a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup survey shows.
Conducted earlier this year, the survey questioned 601 small business owners across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. over the telephone.
The study found that 56 percent of small business owners say they are either extremely or very satisfied with being a small business owner. This is up from 45 percent in 2010.
However, fewer owners said that they feel extremely or very successful--37 percent in 2014, which is the lowest figure in a decade, Gallup said.
While small business owners’ satisfaction with their career choice has been up and down since the recession began, their perceptions of being successful have trended downward since 2007 and have yet to recover, according to Gallup’s data.
Gallup said that this is the case even as it reports improvements in recent years in many of its economic measures on employment, hiring, economic confidence and consumer spending. The recent survey indicates that one reason for this might be that small business owners tend to favor the lifestyle and self-sufficiency that comes with being one’s own boss, leading them to feel satisfied even when they don’t see themselves as being particularly successful.
Forty-two percent of small business owners said that the most rewarding thing about starting and running their own business is being their own boss and being the decision maker.
This was followed by 17 percent who said that the most rewarding thing was job satisfaction and sense of accomplishment, 12 percent who indicated that it was being able to work their own schedule and having flexibility, and 11 percent who said it was the interaction with customers, among other factors.
Gallup also asked small business owners about their motivations for opening their own business, and the top choice among respondents was securing their financial future (69 percent). Being their own boss (66 percent) and setting their own hours (51 percent) also were popular answers.
The less popular answers included having a source of income until the job market improves (30 percent), taking advantage of new business opportunities in the marketplace (29 percent) and continuing the family business (26 percent).
Even with the increasing level of satisfaction, small business owners still
recognize the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur.
When asked if they would recommend to a young person that they should start their own business or go work for someone else, only 42 percent would suggest starting their own business while 47 percent said to go work for someone else. The remaining 11 percent weren’t sure what they would recommend.
More on Surveys
The Latest
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
