Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewellery but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brittany Hopkins, owner of Anice Jewellery, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Anice is a life-size jewellery box boutique in Toronto, Canada. It is our mission to inspire fearless expression through love for jewellery and to celebrate creativity while encouraging individuals to be unapologetically themselves. We are a multi-faceted jewellery experience that focuses on custom, one-of-a-kind pieces made from the heart, offering a variety of different services, including Old Treasures New Love (reworking vintage and pre-loved materials to turn them into something new), Custom-on-the-Spot (where you can design and create a custom piece all in one day!), custom Wedding and Engagement rings, not to mention Jewellery-Making Workshops where you get to learn to make your own piece.

Our customers are people who believe in honouring sentimental memories, who express themselves through unique pieces, and believe in all that "Anice magic" where we create a powerful and personal connection through jewellery.

Tell us about yourself

My business was inspired by my grandmother, Anice Kulak. She is a petite lady who always loves to express herself with big, bold jewellery. She inspired me to start making my own pieces, particularly with one-of-a-kind with vintage elements. Eventually, I started my own custom jewellery business and named it after her. Grandma Anice's energy continues to be a core part of how we run our business and define ourselves as a brand.

My biggest motivation is the connection we make with our clients. Being trusted with their occasions, special memories, and pieces, celebrating and honouring them - I feel so much gratitude every single day to be chosen by them to do this kind of work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This July, we are celebrating our 10th year in business! When I first opened the original location, a tiny little 300 square foot space in Kensington Market, I never conceived that I would make it this far or this long. We had grown and evolved so much over the years, swapping out locations for our new elevated shop on Ossington, especially during the pandemic when we had to pivot to virtual and online very quickly (and then pivot back to in-person again.) It's been a wild ride, certainly not without its challenges, but it's simply so amazing to see how far we've come.

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

Definitely staffing. Finding good people, managing good people, and keeping good people. Fortunately, I've never been happier with my team and feel so lucky to have such passionate and hardworking superstars who truly want the best for this business and to see it thrive.

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

  1. Write a business plan. Put your vision to paper, dot the i's, and cross the t's; see your vision as an actual PLAN that you must map out before you make it a reality.
  2. Measure your risk. Your personal risk, your financial risk, and especially your competition. Be realistic about how you're going to have a sustainable business. CAN it last, and HOW will it last?
  3. Revisit your plan regularly. Re-write it if you need to. What's working and what isn't? What should change, and what should always stay constant? Remind yourself why you started, what your vision was, and whether you are staying true to your path.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

YES. We are beyond excited to announce that this summer, we are opening a new second location in Prince Edward County! This has been a long-time dream, and the fact that it's actually becoming a reality is so cosmically wonderful. We are set to open on our 10th birthday, July 1st, 2022, in Wellington. We can't wait to become a part of the incredible community of businesses and creative culture there. Make sure to follow us on IG for updates on our opening!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.anicejewellery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AniceJewellery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anicejewellery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anicejewellery/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.