Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephen Kris, founder of Stephen Kris Designs, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

Custom design is the core of my business. It ranges from creating brand new pieces to redesigning and updating family heirlooms. The majority of my customers currently come through referrals. My fine jewelry designs are influenced by modern architectural forms and metal sculpture. What sets me apart is that each custom piece coming out of the studio is entirely handmade using traditional forging and fabrication techniques to meet the needs of the customer.

Tell us about yourself

While working in the financial industry, I also had a strong desire to work with my hands. My father was a metal fabricator in the aerospace industry, and I guess it rubbed off. I started taking jewelry classes to scratch the itch and fell in love with the process. After more than 20 years in finance, I left to pursue jewelry making full-time, a decision I never regretted. Each day I'm motivated by the colors, shapes, and forms in my environment and, most importantly, the challenge to innovate.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's been a journey, to say the least, but I would say learning to step back when the creative cup seems empty. Be confident that it will refill itself.

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

Managing your time ad being disciplined is critical to success as a solo business owner. Aside from designing and producing the work, there are all the back office chores to address. I tend to focus on the benchwork in the morning to early afternoon. The latter part of the day is devoted to email, returning calls, ordering materials, packaging, and trips to the post office.

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

Learn to listen closely to what your customer wants to find your own path to financial success as an artist; even if it's the non-traditional path, go outside the box to innovate. Even if you fail, continue to push your own creative boundaries and trust your heart.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Build relationships with vendors you can trust. Share business information and techniques willingly. Your goal should be to raise the level of the art. Talk to a fellow business owner at least once a week, so you don't feel isolated. All of us have varying overheads. Set your own prices for profitability.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://stephenkris.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.kris.564/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenkrisdesigns/

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.