Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Souza, founder of Ramble and Roam, located in Winthrop, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ramble and Roam specializes in handmade copper gemstone jewelry. My customers are typically women and lovers of pretty stones, mountains, and nature's magic.
Tell us about yourself
I started Ramble and Roam in 2018 while traveling and living full-time in an old Chevy van that my partner and I converted. We were working in Northern California at a campground in an old-growth Redwood forest. I began by making earrings for myself, then decided to sell them online to bring some money in. It kind of snowballed from there, and I fell in love with it all. For as long as I can remember, I've always collected mementos of the earth. Sticks, shells, cool rocks, bark, beach sand, moss—you name it, and I've brought it home in my pocket. As I got older, I gravitated toward crystals and gemstones, so it was only fitting that I made them into keepsakes that could be worn. I haven't taken any formal courses in jewelry making; I've just been teaching myself. I love picking up new skills and really being able to see the progression in my work. In-person events really keep me going! Watching someone else fall in love with a piece I've made is a really special feeling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Last year I was finally able to use income from my business to contribute financially to my household in a meaningful way! Also, selling to small retail stores and boutiques via wholesale has been pretty awesome. My jewelry has sold in over 20 different retail stores across the country!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think the hardest part for me is doing it all myself and managing my time efficiently. I design, make, photograph, market, pack, and ship, order supplies, keep inventory, keep track of expenses, field customer inquiries, and vend in person. It feels like the list is never-ending. I cannot delegate tasks that I don't enjoy to someone else. I'd love to constantly be making and creating, but I have to schedule time for the less exciting responsibilities that keep my business running.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- 1 Just jump in! It's scary, and you won't know what you're doing, but you have to start somewhere. You'll learn plenty along the way.
- 2 Be patient and stay consistent in your efforts but also be flexible and attuned to changing needs of your business and customers.
- 3 Get involved in your community. Try to network with like-minded people and businesses to lift each other up and collaborate on events.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rambleandroamdesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rambleandroamdesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rambleandroamdesigns/
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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