Unique, Luxe and Stylish - Blue Fire Accessories

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kat Nimuan, Owner of Blue Fire Accessories, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Hi, I'm Kat, the creator/owner of Blue Fire Accessories. I design and create classic, unique, luxe, and stylish handmade accessories for women and men of all ages. I draw inspiration from various places such as art, movies, pop culture, seasons, the elements, and nature. I love to create beautiful accessories that embody my source of inspiration. It is the best outlet for my creative energy. It makes me so happy when people understand my vision and love their Blue Fire Accessories, especially for custom pieces.

Tell us about yourself

I have always loved jewellery and art: My grandparents were art collectors, and I started playing with my Granny's jewellery from a very young age, many of which were purchased from art galleries. When I became ill, bedridden, and legally disabled, I was not able to pursue the career that I had planned, but I also wasn't able to live my life unfocused, so I created a career for myself that I could essentially run from my bed. I had always been creative and decided to make and sell semi-precious jewellery inspired by art. My Granny was my very first sale. Since she and my mom approved of my first collection and encouraged me to continue, I decided to open my own online shop with Etsy, Blue Fire Accessories. Even though I had no artisan, photography, or online marketing experience, I made my first online sale within 24 hours of opening my shop, which was extremely encouraging since this was my first sale from an absolute stranger.

When I decided on the name for my business, I knew that I wanted to expand into things other than semi-precious handmade jewellery eventually, and soon I added other items to my in-person and online inventory, such as watches (one of which features my own mixed media art), keychains, scarves, purses, bookmarks, headbands, pendulums, etc. There are lots of things that motivate me, but I would say the number one thing is the process of feeling inspiration from somewhere and translating that into art and/or an accessory: It is an excellent outlet for my creative and business-focused energy and it gives me something to control in an ever more uncontrollable world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a tough question, but I'd have to say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my five-star rating and repeat customers: It makes me so happy to hear how much my customers love their Blue Fire Accessories and when you have repeat customers, it definitely confirms that you're doing something right.

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

I would say that the hardest thing about being a business owner has been the pandemic: Due to lockdown and restrictions and for my own personal safety, I had to temporarily close Blue Fire Accessories (especially since my suppliers were also closed) and did a very soft unadvertised reopening recently (still with 90% of my stock not relisted and unadvertised) and with my first sale this week, I was appalled to learn just how much shipping charges have increased. In general, I feel like people are used to free shipping, so I will need to figure that out, and I think I will be doing more in-person shows than I ever have before because of that.

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

Be sure that you are ready and willing to work more than you ever have before (definitely more than 40 hours a week, especially at the beginning).
Be patient. It takes time to find the market you should be targeting, and the first few years are a major learning process.
Be consistent, and if having your own business is your dream, don't give up.

I feel a lot of creative energy inside of me that needs a place to go, so I will be creating new collections and a lot of new pieces for my existing collections, so make sure to watch out for them around December!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/BlueFireAccessories
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3JftLZ1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluefireaccessories/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlueFireJewelry

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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