Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in smithery but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Schmidt, Co-Founder, and Co-Owner of Salt City Smithery, located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I co-own Salt City Smithery with Jan Harris Smith in Salt Lake City, UT. We are a fully operational metalsmithing studio where we offer classes and workshops in jewelry fabrication, lost wax casting, lapidary, and a variety of other mediums. Our students are mostly local adults eager to learn a new skill or expand on their skills. We also partner with the University of Utah's Continuing Education program, Lifelong Learning, to exclusively teach their metalsmithing class offerings.
Tell us about yourself
I took my first jewelry fabrication class in 1994 and was immediately hooked. I was living and going to school in New Jersey while working in New York City in the fashion industry. I was fortunate to live in an area where classes were easy to find, and I took advantage of having them so close. Upon moving to Utah in 2007, I was disappointed to find that offerings in jewelry fabrication classes were very limited. I opened my own studio in Salt Lake City in 2013 and started offering classes in jewelry making and fabrication. I quickly found out that I loved teaching and helping students develop their confidence and skills.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a studio owner and instructor, my biggest accomplishment is being able to see the success of my students. It thrills me to see the smiles and looks of satisfaction on students' faces when they finish a piece that they are proud of.
As a business owner in my own jewelry business, my biggest accomplishment was in 2020 when my "Ring for a New Now" won first place in the Utah Design Crafts Artist competition, "Design of the Times" My ring with a built-in hand sanitizer was later purchased by the Brigham City Museum of Art and History for their permanent collection.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Wearing all the hats!! There are so many things that go into owning a business. In addition to the obvious parts of the job, there are all the behind-the-scenes tasks that need just as much, and sometimes more, attention. I'd love to concentrate only on creating new classes and teaching, but the reality is that is only a fraction of the responsibilities. Keeping track of inventory, fluctuating metal prices, maintaining the website and social media, bookkeeping, and taking out the trash take up a lot of time, too!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be organized with your expenses, and hire a bookkeeper!
- Don't wait to start. There will never be a perfect time. The perfect time is now.
- Accept help when it's offered.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://saltcitysmithery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltCitySmithery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltcitysmithery/
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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