Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Houston, owner of Good Vibe Wraps, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Good Vibe Wraps is a homemade jewelry line with pieces primarily created with copper and crystals. Copper and crystals are a great pair and together assist in healing physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Crystals are used to help align chakras which are energy centers in our bodies. They are responsible for every single aspect of our lives. When one chakra is out of alignment, it can have negative side effects, and our pieces are the perfect remedy! Our core customers are those that are looking to grow and keep high vibrations for themselves and those around them. Check out our Etsy shop reviews to see just what our lovely supporter's experience is with Good Vibe Wraps!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Jet, and I am originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Before becoming a creative, I studied Exercise and Sport Science at Coastal Carolina University. After receiving my degree, I worked as a physical therapy aide but knew it wasn't going to be long-term. It never sat right with me to work so hard for someone else for minimum benefits. This led me to Columbia, SC, where I worked as a merchandiser for Nestle for several years before I decided to leave to pursue jewelry design full time.
Good Vibe Wraps was born in Columbia in 2017. As a child, I had an interest in crystals, and as an adult, I started to learn about the metaphysical properties sparking my interest all over again. The more I researched, I came across the art of wire wrapping and knew immediately that I wanted to give it a try. I literally told myself, "I can do that." To be honest, it took a whole year for me to actually start practicing seriously. It was just a hobby in the beginning, but I quickly began to receive a request for my work and customized pieces. It's amazing how fruitful planting one seed can be! This motivated me to attend the Soda City Market in Columbia. After several successful weekends, I knew I wouldn't be working for Nestle much longer. Eight months after creating, I was able to leave my full-time job and pursue GVW 100%.
I knew I wanted to grow my audience beyond SC, and Atlanta was calling my name. I attended several markets in a matter of a few months and made a decision to break my current lease, pack up all of my belongings and move to Atlanta! Once I arrived at 18', I had no permanent place to live, but the Universe made way for me to have temporary homes until I was stable. Vending at countless amounts of markets and events has paid off in a big way resulting in GVW being very well known on and offline. Our Etsy shop currently has over 800 reviews averaging five stars! I am grateful for every speed bump on this journey. The fact that I get to live life on my time as a full-time creator motivates me to keep creating and growing every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is, hands down, being able to work for myself as my own boss! I took my life back after the first eight months of creating back in 2017, and I've been a full-time artist ever since.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is that you have to wear a lot of hats. It's like having several jobs all at once, especially as a solopreneur. As hard as it can be, it is so exciting and satisfying to learn just how much of a boss you really are. I wouldn't trade it for anything!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never quit.
- Be consistent.
- Embrace the journey with everything high and low.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Good Vibe Wraps also specializes in customized pieces with the option of using your own personal crystals. We guarantee you will not be disappointed, and we love you!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/goodvibewraps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gvibewraps/
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.
