Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewellery but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alicia Agarrabeitia, Founder of AA Goldsmith, located in New Westminster, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a goldsmith and jewellery designer, but some people call me the "jewellery magician." I specialize in melting down old, unworn jewellery and turning it into something new! Every jewellery box is a treasure chest for me! I also create one-of-a-kind jewellery collections that I sell on my website. The hardest part about making jewellery, is having to sell it!

Tell us about yourself

When I'm not making jewellery, you can find me drinking coffee, reading books, being my neighbourhood's self-appointed cat and flower photographer, hoarding gems and stationary, and building lego sports cars for my five-year-old.

I grew up in the jewellery business (my dad is a goldsmith), and I truly love what I do! My biggest motivation (other than paying the bills) is seeing the joy on people's faces when I turn jewellery they really didn't like into something they love!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm most proud of my resilience! I am always learning, and if something doesn't work out, I take the learning lesson and move on. Thanks to my curiosity and resilience, I have a growing and thriving business, which means I ALWAYS have work, and that is a huge accomplishment coming from days when I used to have to hold a part-time job to pay the bills.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Unplugging! It's really easy to get carried away sending one more email because you have nothing else going on. Before you know it, you'll feel like you work all day, every day!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Connect with people who know more than you. It's the quickest way to learn. Take people for coffee (don't ask to "pick their brain"), volunteer, join networking groups, etc. Learn from other's people's mistakes: you'll be able to navigate your own mistakes with the knowledge and wisdom of the people who came before you!
  2. Trust your gut. I know, what a cliche! If you're flustered with work, that's the universe sending you a sign that you need to think about the kind of work you are taking on. We all take on jobs that aren't super exciting because they are easy or pay the bills, but if those jobs dominate your work landscape, you will find yourself unmotivated and resentful pretty quickly!
  3. The comparison trap is a real thing. Figure out what you excel at and what makes you feel good so that on days when the comparison trap shows up, you can quickly center yourself by focusing on what you know will work!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The internet is your friend! There really is no excuse for not knowing things anymore. I learned to use accounting programs on Youtube. I frequently tell Google that I blew up my website and need help. There is always an answer; you just have to be motivated to find it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.aagoldsmith.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aagoldsmith/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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