Jewelry That Cleans the Ocean

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chad Ross, founder, and CEO of Dorsal Bracelets, located in Charleston, SC, USA.

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

Dorsal Bracelets is an ocean-inspired jewelry brand. Our bracelets (and jewelry) serve as a reminder to end single-use plastics and make an impact by removing one pound of ocean plastic with every purchase. To date, we've been able to remove 132,869 pounds of ocean plastic and donate $52,070 to our charitable partners!

Tell us about yourself

I started my first business in college as a way to escape from studying. It was a t-shirt brand that donated a percentage of profits to ocean conservation. Once I graduated, I took everything I learned from the clothing brand (what worked and what didn't) and created Dorsal. For example, dealing with apparel sizing was always a nightmare, so we designed fully adjustable bracelets. But I loved the ocean conservation aspect of the clothing brand, so it evolved into removing ocean plastic with Dorsal. Working on a business that truly makes an impact is what keeps me motivated every day. Reading reviews about how people love wearing their bracelets to the beach on vacation is easily the coolest feeling I've ever experienced!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a brand that has removed over 130,000+ pounds of plastic from the ocean is my biggest accomplishment so far. I'm super excited to see how far we can go!

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

The work-life balance is by far the most difficult. Being a business owner is a 24/7 job - not a moment goes by where you aren't thinking about your business. This is something I'm still working on four years later.

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

Just start. I speak to a ton of people who have an idea, and very few even make it to creating the product. One of my favorite quotes is, "if you aren't embarrassed by your first product, you waited too long."
YouTube is your best friend. I was a Biology major in college and learned everything about eCommerce through YouTube. I did it myself to see what worked and what didn't.
It's never been easier to chat with other founders you look up to. Founders and entrepreneurs typically like chatting with other founders/entrepreneurs. If there is someone you would like to chat with, send them a direct message through Instagram or Twitter and offer to buy them coffee for 30 minutes of their time. I've met some incredible people through Instagram and Twitter.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://dorsalbracelets.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorsalbracelets
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorsalbracelets/

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.