Twenty Thou : My Own Bailout

by Nicold Pittman
(Chicago, IL USA)

Hello my name is Nicold Pittman. I'm a web / graphic designer based in Chicago, who also enjoys working with my hands. I also teach web and design courses at a college here.

I love making jewelry, I especially love looking for unique, funky, cool beads and findings that can make my work stand out. I've been making jewelry for myself and friends for years now off and on.

Finally decided to put my crafting skills to use.

"TwentyThou.com" is what I'm calling my own personal bailout. Between student loans / medical bills / and "I'm an idiot" credit card debt, my shoulders are very sore from the burden.

I've seen many sites over the years where people have successfully gotten out of debt by asking strangers on the internet for money. Sort of a virtual panhandler.

But I believe in hard work, and would prefer a hand up instead of a hand out, and in today's economy I'd feel better making my craftiness work for me instead of begging for money.

There are people out there that definitely need charity more than I - and I will even link you to a few.

My goal over the next few years is to sell approximately 20,000 items handmade by me at prices ranging from $5 - $30 each, with the majority of items costing $10. This will allow me to pay off all my debt, and will allow my customers to have new and unique items.

Thanks for letting me share my story!

Nicold Pittman
TwentyThou - Handmade Jewelry and Accessories