Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Madison Holler, co-owner of Rubinski Works, located in Sauk Rapids, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make handmade jewelry and artworks using combined metalsmith and beadwork techniques. All metal components of my work are hand-cut, filed, soldered, and polished by myself. I then spend hours assembling and affixing the beadwork to the metal components using a beadwork technique that had yet to be named, as I am sort of making it up and learning as I go! I also practice traditional peyote, ladder, and brick stitch in my work.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Madison Holler; I am 31 years old and have been beading ever since I could string a needle and thread. I come from a rich family of artisans and craftsperson's. My family's Dutch, Scandinavian, and Anishinaabe heritage plays a huge role in shaping me and my interest in certain crafts and arts. I knew my whole life I wanted to be an artist, but the pressure to find a well-paying job with good medical benefits overwhelmed me upon graduating high school. I spent a few years of college acquiring an associate arts degree when I decided I couldn't fight the urge any longer and enrolled in art school. While still in school, I started making and selling my work, and once I graduated, I continued to do so, along with operating a photography business with my partner. I have made the shift to doing the full beadwork time and couldn't be happier! This art form, and reconnecting to my culture through it, is my greatest joy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think being able to do the work I love and be supported by friends and fans of it is such a privilege. Helping others commemorate their cultures, special moments, grief, and joys through heirloom jewelry and adornments is such a massive honor.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing the many hats of a solo show! I am fortunate to have a background in and enjoy photography, graphic, and web design. But I have yet to find the luster in accounting or shipping days! Ha! Finding a way to manage and shift between all the background work of owning a business has been the greatest challenge. I am happy to say that almost ten years in, I have found a system I'm comfortable and confident in!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- This is easier said than done, but ask yourself the hard questions about what it is you're hoping to achieve or supply. Is what you're providing or creating adding any new commentary to the existing offerings or industry?
- Second, educate yourself on the background work of owning a business, i.e., accounting, marketing, etc. If you don't consider yourself able or willing to learn the skills to do these, can you afford to hire help or outsource these responsibilities?
- Third, and this one is so simple, yet often overlooked, but I really believe that it takes more than thinking you have a great idea with an untapped market that will make you a lot of money. I think having a passion for what you're doing is the ultimate decider of a successful outcome! I don't think there is any way to fail when you do something with gusto!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rubinskiworks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubinskiworks/
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.
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