The End of Not Making it Happen

by Michelle
(Chicago,IL USA)

Jewelry making is such a fulfilling outlet in so many ways. I had been a beading hobbyist for about 7 years until 2010.

My boyfriend wanted me to make him something. I had never made something for a man and told him that. So, he challenged me and I came through.

That was when the business bug bit me and I have been going with it ever since. I combined my passionate hobbies of antiquing,vintage findings, photography and creating jewelry together into something I could call my own.

In November 2010 I became a sole proprietor and owner of Ardentier jewelry. Much of how to proceed I learned from this site. It is so informative and helpful.

Since I combined my passions I used the word "ardent", and added my own suffix to come up with the name. To me it means, someone who creates passionately, for people who are passionate about life.

Many of my best selling pieces have been ones that I have used pieces of vintage maps or other things that people have emotionally connected to. It is very rewarding to have a customer explain why they love a piece.

My last name is French and having a business name that kind of matches my last name is kind of fun too.

Three months ago I was put on a medical leave from work and although I would have rather utilized the time to pursue my business dream, I have only had the energy to do so much. It has been my jewelry that has kept me positive through this difficult time and I will be back to work in the very near future.

I have had to learn to not be hard on myself and put unnecessary pressure on my business goals, due to still being employed full time and due to the health issues I endured.

Sometimes it is challenging to remember I am only one person and that it is ok to take time to develop the business and allow it to take its own course.

It is a fine balance to get a business started in this economy, when I can not afford to give up my full time job. Having the time to promote my business takes effort and resources, but it is ok to go at a pace that means it will all come together when it is meant to.

Most important, to not allow the stress of the business end to undo any of the positive things received from the process of making the jewelry. How good it feels to take an idea through to a finished product is something that time, goals and pressure should not devalue, it is the positive force behind the business.

Since November I have gotten my jewelry into a store on consignment, and it is being received well there.

I have also just opened my online store via Etsy. I struggled with how I would approach the online store and finally decided the most efficient route while still working full time was to utilize the benefits of ease Etsy can give.

So my true independent site is on hold, but is already purchased for when I am ready to utilize it.

There are so many options and ways to move forward with selling that you can get caught up in just making a decision of which to choose.

Learning what options are out there and what the pros and cons of each is important. This decision should not stall you for too long, as it can overwhelm a person, that is why a site like this is such a great resource.

Any advice from other business owners is always welcome and appreciated. I admire the people who have taken their creative process and turned it into a full time reality.

Part of it is patience and determination, but there is more than that and I love to read and hear about it.

Good luck and gratitude to everyone!

Michelle
Artentier on Etsy