So as you all know I love to support local and started a segment where we could share, learn and inspire! It is so important to support local and share your findings with others.
During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses β many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time β and shed some awareness and love to all.
I first saw the lovely Starbright Jewellery at Comicon and have been in love with her jewellery ever since! Her pieces are so unique and you can see how very talented she is! Anything your heart desires, she can make into a reality!Β Her pieces are so intricate, and her workmanship is top notch! And she is the most divine person π
We chatted to the lovely Megan and she had this to say about her business!
How does it feel to be a successful business owner that inspires others and loves what they do?
I feel incredibly lucky to be able to create beautiful & fun jewellery on a daily basis – jewellery wasn’t what I first studied, but I’m so glad
I followed my dreams, and was incredibly lucky to have a supportive boyfriend (now husband), who really encouraged me to do what would make me happy π
As for inspiring others – well, I’ll say, it’s bloody hard work, but so worth it!
What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?
No. 1 – Taxes are hard work!! Get into the habit of good book-keeping early, and on a regular basis. otherwise you’ll have a week of hell when your taxes are due!
No. 2 – Diversify.. A lot of people have found this out the hard way with the Covid 19 crisis – you need to have different avenues of earning money.. Don’t just rely on 1 thing, like selling at a market, or a few shops. Make sure you sell online, and market yourself well.
No. 3 – Marketing is super important! I wish I could afford help in this regard, but as a one person business, it’s just not possible. Which means I have to remember to spend time promoting myself on social media every week. I hate being pushy, but you do need to remind people you exist! π
Where do you see your business in 5 years? Once we have gotten over the effects of the lock down.
I hope to keep growing my business (just hoping the economy & covid issues both improve!) Ideally, I’d love to be able to hire an apprentice jeweller, to help me on a day to day basis. I have had many people work for me part time in the past, but would love to be able to have a full time assistant.
Other than that – to keep working on new designs, with a focus on cool custom commissions π
What is your advice to individuals out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?
Advice to others. Start small, and build from there. I was working full time for someone else, when I started working on my own designs after hours, and set up my Etsy shops. Things like Etsy or online shops take a while to gain momentum – so just get started, and be patient, the sales will come!
Promote yourself on social media, share how you work, processes involved etc. It might seem boring to us – but I show a video at shows of my process, and people are amazed!
Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worth while?
The Best things about owning my own business? First of all – the flexibility! If I want to get up super early, work til 12, then go for a walk, I can!
Or take a Friday off, and work Sunday instead.. As long as I keep track of orders, I am absolutely able to work my own hours, which is great.
Also – I do a lot of my work from home – this doesn’t work for everyone, but I do have a little bench where I can work, and watch (or rather listen to) sitcoms while I work, and I find I’m very productive this way. Plus. my kitties are happy when I’m home π
How has lock down affected you?
Full lockdown was very difficult for my business, as I wasn’t able to ship any orders, or go through to the studio to prepare my metal etc.
So it was a very tough time. Thankfully, as soon as shipping was allowed, and I got my certification to work, I was able to get back into selling online quite quickly, and I have just started sending through stock to shops again.
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