Independent Designer Friday - Kymjewelery

The Independent Designer of the Week is Kymjewelery - a fun and fresh jewelery shop at Etsy specializing in Swarovski pearl, crystal, sterling, shell, freshwater pearl, wood, semi-precious stone, glass and ultrasuede.

Here is my favorite product from Kymjewelery - Country ultrasuede brown and turquoise necklace - This is fun take on the turquoise necklace!

I asked Kim of Kymjewelery a few questions about the craft business!

Describe your craft.

I design bridge jewelry catering to moms, brides, and fun, funky gals of all ages!

How did you get started?

A mom/friend of mine asked me to attend a jewelry design class at a local craft store. I liked an excuse to get out and be with other adults (I had a 2 year old at home) so I went to the class. I learned how to crimp in about 10 seconds. That's all I needed to get rolling.

How long have you been crafting?

I have been on a jewelry making binge going into my 6th year now. It's addictive, and being self-taught, I am still learning and growing my craft.

What is your inspiration?

Other moms. I listen and learn. That's what I tell my boys to do all the time! I get wonderful ideas from other women, and it may take me a month or a year to let the idea evolve in my head. I can have so many ideas brewing, they trip over each other at times.

What is your favorite piece in your shop? My Premiere necklaces are my favorite in that I hunt in antique shops and thrift stores to find unique pendants and pins. I turn them into unique necklaces that are, essentially, wearable art. Each necklace is different, and I never know how it will turn out. I just let myself go and the piece evolves wonderfully. I do have to admit that my proudest wares are the Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry that I sell through the Breathing Room Foundation. I give 50% of the BCA jewelry sales straight to this foundation and they help families in the local area afflicted with cancer. What a great win-win for all. It is truly special for me.

How do you marketing your wares? I have a website that features what I do, why I do it and all of the retailers I sell to and foundations I fundraise for. Most of my success has been through personal marketing, meaning that I participate in artisan shows, craft shows and fundraisers and get the word out personally. Believe it or not, I have found that the one-on-one attention that I give to my customer, as well as the attention to detail that I give my work really seems to mean something to women who are tire of the "same old, same old". If a piece does not work for someone, I listen and learn why, then I fix it and make it BETTER. That's how I have become successful and have gained a reputation for quality and value.

What entrepreneurial advice can yo offer? Gosh, there is such a steep learning curve that I took on when getting into my own little jewelry business. I would suggest being open to new ideas, and writing them down. Having a mentor would be wonderful, and I wished that I had one to provide the shortcuts to learning....but then I might not have been as successful in how much attention I put to being myself and taking it back to the basics of running an honest, well intentioned business. Truly defining yourself and what you want to achieve is key. Do not be afraid to bounce ideas off your friends or partner. Do expect to make many mistakes, but do not hesitate to admit your shortcomings, fix it and make it better. Listen and learn.

Thanks Kim - for your information and fresh spin on classic jewelery pieces :>