Few discover their entrepreneurial spark as early as Cooper Weiss. While still in high school, the New York native pioneered the first mass-produced fidget spinner, earning him coverage in Forbes and an appearance on CNBC’s Power Lunch — all before he turned 18.
“I think it’s just in my DNA,” he says, reflecting on his innate hunger “to build something of my own and make money.” Indeed, the fidget spinner boom taught him the importance of “timing, speed and adaptability,” as well as the need for constant testing and refinement to keep pace with fast-moving trends.
Weiss continued his journey at the University of Michigan, studying psychology and marketing. From his dorm room, he launched Magnet Mount, a phone and car accessory line that generated $5 million in revenue before being acquired. After selling that venture, he found himself at home during the pandemic, which led him to join his mother’s home-based jewelry business, Ali Weiss Jewelry.
“Honestly, I never saw myself in the jewelry industry, but timing and opportunity aligned perfectly,” he says. Initially he only planned to help establish an online presence, but on discovering an office space with retail potential, the company opened a storefront in Armonk, New York.
“The store took off beyond our expectations,” Weiss recalls, and two years later, a second location followed in the New York village of Roslyn.
Now 25, he attributes the company’s success to “building a solid infrastructure.” As chief operating officer, he has organized thousands of SKUs, structured inventory, and developed a custom e-commerce site.
“Our website and content are top-tier. Every product is photographed on a white background from two angles — on a model alone, and on a model styled — giving us some of the most in-depth content compared to any of our competitors,” he says. Weiss also rebranded the business’s social media and executed digital marketing campaigns.
He’s maintained a “bootstrapped” approach, running the company without relying on outside investments. “It keeps us in control and forces us to spend money wisely,” he explains.
One factor that sets Ali Weiss Jewelry apart is its blend of creativity and operational efficiency. “I’m not a jewelry designer or a creative by trade — that’s my mom’s expertise,” Weiss says. “My strength lies in brand-building, storytelling, and scaling a business.”
While the company has only three corporate employees, it uses big-business strategies. This has positioned it as a “new-age” luxury brand, embracing digital channels and prioritizing customer experiences. Looking ahead, Weiss envisions more retail locations and broader online growth.
“We’re still a young company with big ambitions,” he says. Each step reflects his core belief: “We’re here to disrupt the traditional jewelry industry and set new standards for modern luxury.”
Main image: Cooper Weiss. (Ali Weiss Jewelry)
