Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samira Sizdahkhani, founder, and head designer of Samira 13 Jewelry, Inc., located in West Hollywood, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I design and custom-make jewelry using precious materials - Tahitian pearls and gemstones - in fairly non-traditional ways. My business is primarily wholesale, and my collection is carried in stores - in the US and abroad - including my own. I have a retail shop and design studio in West Hollywood that serves as my workspace and showroom. I can display pieces from my current collection alongside other designer brands I love.
My customer is probably a lot like me - someone of any age who loves fashion and wearing & layering cool pieces of jewelry. I also hope every piece empowers and provides a sense of confidence to its wearer in all situations, from carpool to red carpet!
Tell us about yourself
I come from a fashion background - my mom has always had her own shop (Tabandeh - in Washington, DC) selling cutting-edge fashion (she was the first retailer to carry Rick Owens in DC) & jewelry brands. My love of beautiful things was honed early! I gravitated early to jewelry-making and began playing around with it as a pre-teen, using odds & ends found in the backroom at my mom's store. After college and a brief stint styling, I knew what I wanted to do and just dove in, full-on, teaching myself and developing my craft through trial and error.
My daily motivation is informed by my love of beauty, a certain natural curiosity (I love figuring out how to make a design idea come to fruition), and the thrill of always creating something new. My studio is a play space - what could be better?!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing my business - from a dream to a multi-million dollar brand - on my own, without taking on outside investors. I follow my own direction and design what I like, which is incredibly liberating. I can't imagine not being my own boss!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I guess the hardest thing is the flip side of the previous question. Being my own boss. The responsibility is ultimately mine, though I have a great team of amazing women who help me run the business day-to-day. Still, the big decisions fall to me, which can occasionally be daunting. Also, it can be difficult to turn off after "work" hours. I have two beautiful kids and a wonderful husband at home, though, who help me switch gears.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do what you love now. Easier said than done, I know, but if current realities have reinforced anything, it's that life is capricious and finite. Don't overthink it; get going!
- Persevere. Again, I know, easier said than done. I always try to move forward like giving up isn't an option - that really helps when times are challenging, and you come to crossroads with growing your business. A modicum of stubbornness, mixed with tenacity, can be a good thing!
- Have fun with it. Try and find the joyful moments in each day. Surround yourself with a team who you like and can enjoy a laugh with. There will be plenty of challenges, so be sure to focus on moments you can celebrate!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.samira13.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samira13jewelry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samira13jewelry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Samira13Jewelry
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
