So as you all know I love to support local and started a #girlboss segment where we could share, learn and inspire!
During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all. When I discovered Turkey Dimple at the Linden Market in Joburg, I was besotted. Have you ever, in your life, seen anything cuter? Check out their website to buy yours!
The wonderful Shalain, is the incredible woman behind the brand. She is uber creative and talented and I know all of you reading this will find her jewellery fun and unique! All her pieces are made from quality polymer clay which is hand-sculpted and baked.
Let’s chat to the brains and the hands behind this crafty business!
How does it feel to be a #girlboss who is successful, loves what she does and inspires others?
It feels good. Well, the part about loving what I do. It has been a dream for so long to have a creative business and to be able to say that that is what I do is a pretty amazing feeling. The part about inspiring others is a bonus! Inspiring others inspires me. It means that I’m doing something right and keeps me motivated.
What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?
It’s okay to say no.
I have always found it very hard to say no because I like to make people happy. So there have been times where I have taken on too much or taken on projects that I absolutely hated which took a lot out of me and made me miserable. At some point I had to learn how to be a little more “selfish”and say no to requests that I knew would not be worth the time and stress.
You can’t make everyone happy, some people are just hard to please and you cannot let them get you down. It’s a waste of emotional energy.
Get paid before handing over the product. Sometimes people just don’t pay, it’s a sad reality.
Where do you see your businesses in 5 years? Once we have gotten over the effects of the lock down.
This one is a tough one. I don’t really have a “five year plan”. I would like to start taking on international orders at some point. Honestly, I just hope to be doing what I am currently doing.
What is your advice to women out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?
Do it! But start small. Take it slow, while you work on all the kinks and develop your brand and grow your following. And then save whatever you make from your side hustle. Only take what you need to help your business grow. I know this is easier said than done but if this is really your dream you’ll need to be disciplined and willing to sacrifice a lot.
When you feel you’ll ready to turn your side hustle into a full-time business, it’ll be so much easier to do knowing you have a little saved for the first few months or for the bad months, because there will be those! Life is really far too short to be doing something you hate. If you’re patient, work hard (LIKE REALLY REALLY HARD) and put every bit of your heart into it, you could really make it work and it will all be worth it! Turkey Dimple was my side hustle for years before I left my corporate job to pursue it full-time.
How do you keep your brand relevant to customers and the market during these scary economic times?
I try pay attention to trends on social media but don’t focus on this too much. Commissioned pieces also help with this. I often add custom designs to my range based on the reactions of my followers on social media. Every now and then I ask my followers what they’d like to see and this helps quite a lot. In general I actually just make things that I would love and have fun taking pictures of them, and I like to think this shines through and attracts people.
Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worth while?
Well number 1, would definitely be being able to spend more time with my son. I get to go to all his sports matches; if he’s sick I don’t have to ask for “permission”to take him to the doctor and be home with me him without that “not being at work guilt”.
And number 2, that I am building my own empire and not someone else’s. I feel so much more happier, lighter and more creative knowing that I don’t need to walk on any eggshells, abide by someones else’s rules and take on their stresses. It’s just me, doing my thing, making my money.
What is the coolest commissioned piece of jewellery you have worked on recently?
It’s not really that recent but has definitely been one of my favourites. At the end of last year I was commissioned by an amazing teacher to make brooches that looked like each one of her students in her drama class, which was given to them as a gift from her. It was so special, so much fun to do and they ended up looking so cute!
Which are you most popular designs? My money is on the unicorns!
Unicorns are definitely a favourite but currently my bestsellers are the Llamas and Rainbows!
———————-<3
Was I right? are these not the cutest? Handmade with tons of love. Please follow Turkey Dimple on Facebook and Instagram. Share, share and share please! Place orders online or contact Shalain directly for any custom orders.
Comments are closed.