Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Donelle Clarke, owner of Silverfinch Jewelry Design, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

I hand make one-of-a-kind wearable art jewelry. We are all different, and I believe that our jewelry should reflect our individual personalities. With that in mind, my customers are independent, strong women who command a presence. These women care about our environment also, knowing that metals are recycled, and my gemstones are traceable and have not caused harm.

Tell us about yourself

I was a nurse who specialized in sick newborn babies. But I learned early on that having a creative outlet offered a balance to my life. So 35 years ago, I began learning to make jewelry. I took indigenous studies and was introduced to women who taught me beadwork on leather. I stopped out of respect when I moved to BC. I kept taking classes until I found silversmithing and was hooked. That led me to Metal Clay, where I fell in love with the possibilities!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is making my own website! And my other huge accomplishment is being in Art Shows.

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

Finding time to do everything myself! There’s the making, keeping the website up to date, writing blogs because each piece of jewelry has a story, etc. Is it worth it? Oh yes!

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

Find your passion, and then take classes to fine-tune your expertise and voice. The world needs you! Don’t listen to doubt; go for it and watch the doors open!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Follow your heart. Your art isn’t for everyone; it’s for your ideal customer who is waiting for you!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://silverfinchjewelrydesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donelle.clarke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donelle.clarke/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donelleclarke/

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.