Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Juli Hales, designer, and owner of Julio Designs, located in Frisco, TX, USA.

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

Julio Designs sells handmade fashion jewelry to boutiques across the US as well as directly to consumers through our e-commerce website.

Tell us about yourself

My creative brilliance arose in elementary school when she began designing and creating my own jewelry. I fostered my love of design, gaining a wealth of knowledge by working in upscale boutiques throughout high school and college. I enhanced the expertise gained with my on-the-job experience and took it a step further. I vastly expanded my formal education by studying design and architecture at the University of Texas.

As my journey continued, I owned and operated a chain of eclectic boutiques in Dallas for more than ten years. During that time, the creative inspiration, experience, education, and passion culminated in the production and launch of my own handmade jewelry and accessories – Julio Designs, which I sold exclusively in my boutiques to perfectly complement the clothing collections offered there.

With the birth of my son and understanding, that time was becoming a high-value commodity, I knew I was eager to turn my full attention to the development and evolution of Julio Designs. My expertise attracted numerous other designers, including Sally Davison, Coley and T.A.G., Eve Reid, Elizabeth Showers, Delight Van Dame, and Darian Thomas Designs for design and production assistance, solidifying my prominence in the industry.

In 2015 the rapid growth of Julio Designs inspired my decision to go beyond hand-crafted jewelry to include the offerings of customized, printed graphics on apparel and home goods.

What began as passionate work and years of dedication creating a thriving business brought a new sense of purpose-uplifting women and reinvesting in my community. Not only are my products made in the USA, I proudly employ women, many of who are mothers, in my community that desire a meaningful career opportunity while maintaining an amazing work/life balance for my team. I understand that a happy team is a key to preserving a thriving work environment.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is creating a successful, thriving business that empowers women. Julio Designs products are handmade in Frisco, Texas. Julio Designs proudly employs women, many of who are mothers, in their community that desire a meaningful career opportunity while maintaining a work/life balance. Kiddos running around our office is the norm!

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

I struggle with finding time to slow down and relax. I'm constantly working on improving the company, and it's really hard for me to remember how important it is to stop and recharge.

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

Start small, don't take on unnecessary debt, don't make long-term financial commitments in the beginning. I bootstrapped my company, and I believe that's the best way when possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://juliodesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulioDesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliodesigns/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliodesigns
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/julio-designs/

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.