Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carole Pardiac, Owner of Bijoux Orion, located in Mont Saint Hilaire, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bijoux Orion is an online handmade pearl and gemstone jewelry shop for women and men. I make beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets as ordered, not in advance. If you can't find jewelry the right size for you, you will be well served at Bijoux Orion! Since they are made to order, if you want a specific size or certain details, it is easy for me to make it just the way you want.
Tell us about yourself
Since I was a young child, I have made all kinds of crafts - drawing, sewing, designing and making costumes, macrame, etc. Creating is a part of me, like breathing.
When I make jewelry, I take the time to choose the best stones and components. I apply myself meticulously to achieve an excellent product when finished. I want my customers to LOVE their purchases. As I expect high-quality products when I purchase something for myself, I want to deliver also the very best products I can make to my customers. I treat them the way I would like to be treated.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My business has kept me on my toes artistically, mentally, and socially.
After health issues a few years ago, it was hard for me to return to work as an employee and not perform as well as employers wanted me to be. So by starting my own business, I could do it at my own pace. And now, I can say that I am at a place where I have gained my dignity back. When I look at my customer's reviews, it gives me great joy to be able to bring a little happiness to their lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the hardest thing about being a business owner is being on social media regularly. I just do not feel like taking the time to think of what to post. I have so many other things to think about. I think it depends on each business owner. I am someone who can do many things - creating new products, making my own pouches for jewelry (lately, the ones I buy have extremely decreased in quality), doing all my accounting, etc.
What I found to help me with this challenge is putting my shop on the Etsy platform. It is more expensive to be on it, but I guess everything has a price. Someone who is very comfortable using social media could use another place to put their shop at a lower cost. Instead, you could use a service that helps you with your biggest challenge and put your money there.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find what you are and have always been passionate about, and choose the closest thing. This way, you will be able to produce excellence and be happy doing it. Excellence is always appreciated.
- Do your market research before starting your business - look on the internet for as much information as you can on all aspects, find similar products or services as yours and take notes for their prices, etc., try to find out if it is a big or small market, etc. Always be aware of what is out there so you can adjust your products or services accordingly.
- Find people to help you do the things that are hard for you to do. This way, you can concentrate more on your talent and offer the best you can offer.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/bijouxorion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bijouxorion/
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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