Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura Barrett, artist, and owner of Laura Barrett Jewelry, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

My small business is Laura Barrett Jewelry, and I make sterling silver and gemstone jewelry. I design for free-spirited folks like myself. My designs are inspired by my love of the outdoors, indigenous cultures, and bold textures. I'm drawn towards rare or unusual gemstones, and I love providing unique options for my customers.

Tell us about yourself

I have a long history of creating, crafting, and making art in various mediums. My expertise in jewelry making developed slowly over many years, beginning with basic beading techniques and evolving to demi-fine jewelry fabrication. My work in silversmithing started in 2014 when I began torch soldering and forging precious metals. I'm proud to be a self-taught jeweler as it allows me to follow my own unique path and explore techniques that most pique my curiosity. Gem-hunting, design, and metalsmithing are things I truly have a passion for.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Every piece of jewelry is carefully built at my small home studio. I put so much love and intention into my work. I offer custom jewelry designs, and I love building relationships with my clients. The best accomplishment is when a client returns multiple times for new jewelry designs. That moment when a person puts on my jewelry and has an emotional reaction of joy, confidence, and expression. It means the world to me when people connect to a jewelry item. It could be a personal inscription on the back, a one-of-a-kind birthstone, or a commemorative design, and it becomes more than just jewelry. This feeling is so powerful and is really what keeps me creating.

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

As a one-woman enterprise, I have to work on every aspect of the business. My days are filled with admin, marketing, ordering supplies, customer service, shipping, and then I also have to make all the jewelry. As a creative, I can easily get distracted in the studio, and I have to make to-do lists so I can stay focused. It's hard to know what needs attention and what can wait till later.

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

  1. Make a business plan. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it's important to know your what, how, & why. This way, you can identify your goals and work towards them strategically. I wish I had done this sooner, but now that I have, it's empowering and exciting to look ahead.
  2. Ask for help & delegate when you can. You literally can't do it all alone. Reach out to your support group & community. Fortunately, we have tons of free resources online. Often, a google search will lead to like-minded people we can connect with.
  3. Learn to say no. When you're first starting out, it can be hard to turn down certain opportunities. You have to stay focused on your business & personal goals and say no to anything that doesn't align.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://laurabarrettjewelry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraBarrettJewelry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabarrettjewelry/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-barrett-0697b280/

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.