Dreams Made by Hand - Nancy Lee Designs

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nancy Lee, Owner of Nancy Lee Designs, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.

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

My business is creating precious metal jewelry and making kiln-fired vitreous enamel paintings on copper. My customers find me during one of my open house events by searching for Indianapolis jewelry makers online or by word-of-mouth referral. I am pleased to have a lot of repeat clients!

Tell us about yourself

I've always loved tiny things, and I still have one of my childhood toys, a plastic teddy bear I named Burford. I keep thinking I'll cast him in gold someday. The Great Recession of 2008 pushed me to turn my jewelry-making hobby into a career. Slowly, one step at a time, with a lot of help and some mistakes, I made it happen. When you're doing what you love, it's not hard to stay motivated. But generally, if I need to generate ideas, I look to nature for inspiration, and inspiration leads to motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I wrote a book called "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Metal Jewelry," which was a big accomplishment, but it's nothing compared to showing a custom client their new piece of jewelry, and they gasp and say, "I love it!"

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

Trying to find time to wear all the hats and wear them well. During the pandemic, I couldn't face being on social media to the extent I had been. Now, it's hard to get back on that horse. Also, since the pandemic has died back, my work is selling well, and I'm finding that I wish I had help in the studio!

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

  1. Focus on honing your craft, and if that remains enjoyable, then focus on the business end.
  2. In focusing on the business end, stay true to what you enjoy about your craft, or one will cancel out the other.
  3. Take care of your mental, physical, and spiritual health. It is the well from which all of your other efforts are drawn.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ndesignsmetal.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyLeeDesigns/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanleedesigns/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndesignsmetal/

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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