The Ethical + Earth-friendly Choice - Ethica Earth
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robin Frey, artist, and owner of Ethica Earth, located in Buffalo, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We celebrate and share Mother Earth's healing gifts with the world by unearthing raw, naturally faceted Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals, an ethical choice over the standard diamond. We also craft one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for those who are looking for unique, wearable keepsakes.
Tell us about yourself
Ethica Earth was born out of a family's love for mining Herkimer Diamond crystals. My sister introduced my mom and I to crystal hunting, and we were hooked. During the pandemic, I was looking for ways to keep busy and started making jewelry with my crystal collection. I would get compliments from strangers when I wore my Herkimer Diamond rings, and one person asked me where they could buy one. That was all it took. I still have a full-time job as a marketing manager for a manufacturer here in Buffalo, but because crystals are a passion of mine, I am able to find the time to build the business and actually enjoy the process.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, one of the biggest challenges is time management. Balancing work and family life can be difficult, but if you can master effective time management, you will be able to enjoy a fulfilling career and family time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that (especially in the beginning), you have to fill all the roles, including the ones you don't like or might not know much about. Things like accounting, marketing, and sales may not be your bag, but it does give you the opportunity to learn how to be successful at different aspects of the business. For me, accounting is not my strong suit; however, because I love being organized, it really isn't an issue. I just found a good accountant, asked him what he needed to get the job done, and I made a spreadsheet based on what he needed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do something you are passionate about, and identify strong reasons of why you want to be successful. It will be a lot easier to stick out the hard times if your "why" is strong and meaningful.
- I always say, you can build a beautiful house, but if no one knows where you live, you will never have visitors. This is the same when it comes to your website or online selling platform. Marketing is key; you have to let people know where to find you.
- Never stop getting inspired. When you are inspired, you can expand time. You will find you have ample time to create and build when you are alive with new ideas. Go out of your way to put yourself in place to be inspired.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
A few years back, Mom was diagnosed with chronic leukemia, and now I look at life a little differently. Spending time together and making memories is really important, along with learning about new holistic healing practices that enhance our well-being. I have been researching and learning about the healing powers of crystals. It has been an amazing journey so far, and I am so grateful to have the ability to share it with the world.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ethicaearth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicaearth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethicaearth/
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.