Jill Hofer of NiceGift.org

a jewelry business success story

© 2005 by Jill Hofer; all rights reserved

Jill Hofer's NiceGift.org is a home-based e-business created and founded on the concept of “Being Nice.” Each sale generates a donation of 10% to a non-profit organization or project which creatively corresponds to the product itself.

"For example, jewelry set with reclaimed bottle glass generates funds for the Cancer Society, because I gather most of the glass at Climb for Cancer," Jill says. Similarly, her Braille jewelry raises funds for the visually impaired, and her lines of pet tags and bone rings raise donations for the Humane Society.

Jill's friendly-looking logo for NiceGift.org has the word "Nice" with a star dotting the "i" and a boomerang under it. "My logo is a direct outcropping of this concept - kindness and generosity will always return directly to the giver - thus, the boomerang logo," she explains. "I know this to be true for myself, and I hope that it manifests for my clients as well."

1) How did you first start selling your jewelry, and how did you evolve into your jewelry fundraising niche?

When I started NiceGift.org, the only thing I knew for certain was that every product sold would be associated with and generate a donation for a great non-profit organization. That was the foundation and purpose of the site, besides being a creative outlet for stained glass and jewelry creations. So the web site was my first outlet for jewelry sales. Since then, I have begun to sell jewelry in local galleries and shops, and I have a steady stream of custom orders from friends and referrals.

2) How do you decide which causes to raise money for with your jewelry? And do you first establish a relationship with each of the organizations, or just donate independently?

Sometimes it starts with the organization, such as the Humane Society. I knew I would include them on the list of organizations I wanted to help. Then, the products pretty much created themselves. Other times, the item comes first, such as the Braille line. I love creating jewelry with secret or encoded messages, and Braille was a natural outcropping of this interest. I always contact the organization and ask permission to raise funds and list them on my site.

3) I'm especially impressed with your Braille jewelry! How do you come up with your unique jewelry designs for the specific causes?

Thanks! I really love the Braille, too. I have big dreams of creating more and more of the Braille designs, and actually am working toward partnering with a national jewelry chain to release diamond-set Braille jewelry on a larger scale.

This is very exciting, because the product is so heart felt and personal. How lovely to have a piece of jewelry that says “I love you” (or whatever you care to say) to the recipient alone. And of course, creating these pieces for the visually impaired is a very gratifying experience. I have recently created a line of silver Braille tags for seeing eye dogs, inspired by my neighbordog, Crescent.

To answer your question, with most jewelry designs I have the idea for the design first and then the organization will fall into place.

5) What challenges have you faced while balancing fundraising with operating your handcrafted jewelry business?

Well, I will admit that it isn’t always easy to take 10% off the top in addition to paying all the taxes, covering supply costs and time. Frankly though, giving the donation and “being nice” is the whole reason my website exists, so I’m happy to write the checks and always hope they will become bigger every year.

6) How do you deliver the funds to the various organizations - is it done automatically via your website, or manually (writing them a check), or by another method?

I suppose I just answered that question! :o) I just write a check quarterly.

7) How many hours do you put into your jewelry business in an average week?

Not enough. I have a “day job” which I love, which takes most of my time, along with general life and motherhood of two dogs (which you can see under “Lots More Nice” in the “Nice Dog” section of my site!). It doesn’t leave enough time to create and market. I’d say I average 10 hours per week including all aspects of the business. This can fluctuate widely, as home business owners know.

8) Do you do everything yourself, or do you have help - such as with your jewelry production, your website, packaging, filling orders, etc.?

I am a one-woman show, from design concepts, creation, marketing, website maintenance, packaging, the works. However, I have had a lot of help and support from great people. I get lots of encouragement from friends, and I have a wonderful jewelry teacher, Doris King. I also annointed my significant other, Brad, with the position of “Director of Hardware and Technology,” which helps a lot.

9) What's one thing you've experimented with in your jewelry business that you would NOT do again?

That’s a tough one. When it comes to experiments, I don’t think I have any regrets, and would advise all creators and business owners to experiment and have as much fun as possible. That’s the whole point, right? It is my own business, so I have all the creative and decision making latitude in the world, which is fun.

I am a relatively risk-averse person in general, so my “experiments” don’t usually scare me too much, or cost much if they aren’t a home run. I have a degree in marketing and an MBA, so I usually have confidence in my ability to think things through and take calculated risks.

10) What are some of the best experiences you've had as a result of using your jewelry business to make a positive difference in the world?

Well, to be honest, every sale has been a wonderful experience. I love the Braille designs, all custom orders, and creation of the “Nice Person of the Year Award” - and the resulting event was a real ball.

I think that maybe the Peace Watch might be the most gratifying product to help the world, because I have heard from so many clients that they love to “pause for peace” every day for a minute at 6:00. (This watch is designed so that the hands complete a peace sign twice daily at 6:00.)

11) If you were just starting your jewelry business today, what's the first thing you would do?

I’d probably do it just the same as I have all along. Plan, create, have fun, don’t regret the time that can’t be spent on the business. I’d just remind myself that it is a journey and that the goals will fall into place so long as I am enjoying myself and giving back to the world and my community.

12) Do you have any other advice for jewelry artists?

As far as advice, I’d say to start with a business plan, even if it is a rough outline of goals, timeline, and how you will have fun with your new project/business.

Learn about design patents, trade marks, and copyright law. For every jewelry artist, and for myself with products like Braille jewelry and other design concepts, it is very important to protect your ideas as best as you can. Goodness, that sounds very boring, doesn’t it!? That is the business student in me coming out.

As far as creative advice, I’d say to read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. And of course, to enjoy the ride and give back along the way.

Note from Rena:
Jill, I really appreciate your sharing the creative ways you use your jewelry business to help make the world a better place. And I love your unique designs that are so appropriate for the causes they help. Thank you for giving us this glimpse into NiceGift.org, where Being Nice is a way of life! :o)

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