Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Loren, Founder of Mark Loren Designs, Inc., located in Fort Myers, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We started as a high-end jewelry trade shop for other jewelers and evolved into a full-service, custom-design jewelry gallery. Our clients are regular folks, local and National celebrities, and community leaders. Clients that appreciate one-of-a-kind jewelry designed especially for them.
Tell us about yourself
I started making jewelry in high school and attended a technical school for jewelers. I knew I wanted my own business so that I could control and be responsible for my own designs. I’m so fortunate that clients hire me to tell someone else how much they love them! It is incredibly satisfying to know that my jewelry pieces will be around much longer than I will.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been to start my own business and shepherd it through two economic collapses while retaining all of my employees.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing I have had to learn was how to manage inventory and money while maintaining my artistic values and intuition.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips would be: Begin! Begin anywhere… just start!
Next, I would say that you don’t need to be an expert in every aspect of your business; you can hire those people.
Finally, I would share that relationships are the real gem of any business. Clients, staff, and vendors. Those matter the most, along with integrity in everything.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://marklorendesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marklorendesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marklorendesign/
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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