Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenna McNamara, Founder of 2 waves + the sun, located in Cheshire, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
2 waves + the sun is a permanent jewelry experience. Permanent Jewelry is a new, trendy way to have a piece of jewelry “permanently” welded on so it has no clasp. Many people choose to add on a piece to commemorate a relationship, think of best friend bracelets, mommy and me, etc., while also many people choose to add on a piece because they are everyday chains that won’t ever need to come off.
Tell us about yourself
I saw permanent jewelry advertised online and wanted it. I wanted to have a matching bracelet with my daughter- so I simply googled “permanent jewelry near me” and found no places in our area. So, I bought a welder and learned! When thinking of my company name, I wanted to incorporate my children, growing up on the beach and having two sons and a daughter- the name 2 waves + the sun instantly came to mind. Having a supportive family to help push me to take risks has been the biggest motivation I could have asked for. Since then, there are now many other places offering the experience, but what makes 2 waves + the sun special is that we are completely mobile! We travel around the state to pop-up events, markets, and festivals, but our favorite is private parties!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my luck in networking. Since beginning 2 waves + the sun, I have created such a core circle of other women-owned, like-minded people- who encourage the hustle and are so incredibly inspiring. Since then, we have made a promise to offer a “campaign of the month”- where our customers can add on a CZ stud for $25, and all the proceeds of that charm are donated to our monthly campaign. In September, we raised $500 for suicide prevention; in October, we raised $400 for Quest Baby, a foundation that helps raise grants for those that need financial assistance in IVF; and for November, we are on track to raise $400 to local food banks.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges as a business owner is taking the leap to start. Being a working mom with three kids, it just seemed irresponsible to take the risk. However, I knew I was onto something, I knew I WANTED it, and I had so much encouragement from my husband and family, and I’m enjoying every second of connecting with everyone I meet!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do it - go all in, and don’t look back; even if you don’t succeed, at least you tried.
- Find like-minded people that can help collaborate, mentor, and provide advice - you’ll never know how good it feels to have such a good circle of business people rooting for you.
- Once you find success, give back! Donate, advocate, mentor, etc. there is room for absolutely everyone, and we should all work together to help cheer on other successes!
Where can people find you and your business?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2wavesandthesun/
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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