Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Siiri Nork, designer and creator of Siiri & Stone, located in Pemberton, BC, Canada.

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

Siiri & Stone is a handmade jewelry business crafting earthy and modern everyday wear. Our jewelry is made from recycled 925 sterling silver and natural semi-precious gemstones. Of course, a lot of LOVE goes into creating every item. Our current collection represents both classic and timeless designs as well as unique and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces featuring raw, uncut, and unpolished stones and textured silver. Our customer is an adventurous soul who desires to carry a piece of nature with them at all times.

You can find both classic and timeless designs as well as unique and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from my current collection.

Tell us about yourself

I am Siiri - the designer and maker of all our jewelry. I work out of my home studio in the beautiful mountain town of Pemberton, British Columbia. My jewelry-making journey started in 2017 when I got the crazy idea of teaching myself some basic silversmithing skills. I have a strange urge to create, and I was simply looking for new ways to express and challenge myself. I quickly got addicted to silversmithing, and my hobby grew into a small business in 2018. I have never taken a jewelry-making course. Instead, I am my own teacher and hands-on learner. Endless repeats of trial and error have made my jewelry style and quality the way it is today. Every piece of my new collection is reflected by my adventurous soul and respect for nature. I love spending time outdoors - it's where I get inspiration, find balance, and feel grounded.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Keeping the dreams and visions alive during these difficult times while also navigating through life as a new mom. I always thought that to sustainably work for myself full time (especially throughout the pandemic), I had to focus all my energy on my business, but over the last eight months, I have proven to myself that I have a lot more to give than I ever imagined.

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

Finding ways to balance work and downtime. Being a business owner may sound like a dream come true (if you have found your true purpose and simply love what you're doing), but it can also be very overwhelming. No matter how big or small, running your own business means you never run out of things to do. I have to constantly remind myself to step away and recharge every now to avoid creative burnout.

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

  1. Just do it! Trust your intuition and take a leap of faith. Waiting until you're "ready" or when it is the "right time" might mean you end up missing out on so many opportunities.
  2. Know your strengths as well as your weaknesses, and don't be afraid to outsource and get help with tasks that just aren't your cup of tea. It doesn't mean you're failing - it means you simply get to focus all your energy on what you're good at (and, most likely, what your business is all about).
  3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Easier said than done but constantly challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone is how your business grows. It also keeps things interesting for both yourself and your customers.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't forget to CELEBRATE every win, big or small. Constantly reminding yourself of where you started and how far you have become is gonna make you feel more present and give you a much-needed push to reach for the next goal :)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://siiriandstone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siiriandstone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siiri_and_stone/

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.