Running A Jewelry Business Is Not As Easy As It May Look

by Tali Bomani
(Chicago, IL)

Hi, my name is Tali, I am a jewelry designer and the owner of Tali's Creations. I started making jewelry approximately seven years ago. I did dabble a little with jewelry making when I was a teenager, but I also dabbled in a lot of other crafts during my teens.

It wasn't until seven years ago when a co-worker, who made her own jewelry, revived my interest in the craft, and I've never looked back. I currently have an on-line studio on ArtFire, and I also sell my jewelry at shows, events and jewelry parties.

When I first started making jewelry, I was very surprised at how much I loved making my new creations, and my skills developed very quickly. Several of my friends admired my work and encouraged me to start selling my pieces. It took me a while to warm up to the idea, but eventually it took hold.

It's been about five years since I took the plunge. I had no idea about what I was getting myself into. Had I known then what I know now, I may have decided not to do it. But, it's too late now, I love creating my pieces, and I get a thrill when others admire, purchase and wear my creations.

But don't get me wrong, it's hasn't been all wine and roses. Making jewelry is so much easier than selling it.

I decided almost at the beginning that I was going to make higher end jewelry. I would use only sterling silver and 14-k gold filled findings, beads and components, high quality semi-precious stones, glass beads, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

Because I use quality materials in my pieces, I have to charge higher prices than I would if I used base metals and lower quality beads. The fact that we are in a recession has made my choice quite a challenge. Targeting the right market for my pieces hasn't been easy, and I'm still working on it.

Another challenge of having a jewelry business is everything that goes along with it. I'm constantly surprised at how much time I spend doing things that have nothing to do with actually making jewelry.

No one told me that I would have to learn to take decent pictures of jewelry, that I would have to write descriptions for each piece, that I would have to spend countless hours involved in social networking (Facebook, blogging, tweeting), or that I would have to learn a little about something called SEO.

But, despite those challenges, I love what I do. I still have my day job, but I look forward to the time when I can focus on my jewelry business exclusively. Thanks for taking the time to read my story.

Tali Bomani
Tali's Creations on Artfire
Tali's Creations blog