Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Pitoscia, owner of Jenny Be Free, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We create and source unique, trendy, and one-of-a-kind accessories, anywhere from handmade polymer clay earrings to gold-filled jewelry. We also handmake all our scrunchies with high-quality fabric. We love anything to do with accessories that can be used by anyone. Our goal is to help you feel confident while being free to be yourself!
Tell us about yourself
I started out in January 2020 making scrunchies, and it honestly was for fun. When COVID hit in 2020, I was so bored at home and dug up my craft bin. I noticed that I had some clay left over from a girl's craft night where we made magnets. I started researching what else I could do with Clay and started making earrings. The key thing that motivates me is our community. We are surrounded by amazing small businesses here in Calgary. Seeing something grow that you have created is seriously the best feeling. There are lows, but the highs are high!!!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment today was landing my biggest wholesale order summer of 2021. It is one of my favorite stores in Canmore, Stonewaters. It was the best feeling knowing such a fabulous place wanted to sell my product. We have an amazing relationship, and our products do so well there!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is the number of hats we have to wear. I create most of the product, but it's all the back-end stuff of owning a business. Social Media, Marketing, Accounting, Sales, and more! Another is understanding you truly can't do everything. You do need to also be strong and delegating, and letting go. This can truly be the most challenging but can also be the most rewarding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Consistency - never give up, keep pushing, and don't miss a beat!
- Community - Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs. Don't be scared to reach out to people. Social media is a powerful tool, and you can really connect with others.
- Invest - Sometimes, it's really scary to hire professionals to help you out. Mainly because of cost, but I can 100% say that money will be more than paid for. We sincerely can't do it all. If you need help with accounting, hire. If you are not strong at social media, hire. If you need help with branding, hire!!! It will only help your business!!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jennybefree.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenny.befree/
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.
