Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Phyllis Azar, designer and founder of STRUNG, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

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

STRUNG is jewelry designed and handmade by Phyllis Azar, established on Etsy in 2020. I began making jewelry to suit my own tastes, that of a middle-aged woman who likes a more understated look. But then my inner teenager/young adult began to raise her hand, and I started designing for the younger jewelry wearer, mainly ear cuffs – currently my bestsellers! I consider my prices to be very affordable considering they are not mass-produced, and the wearer will get something truly unique, created with care.

Tell us about yourself

While cleaning out a closet, I rediscovered a trove of buttons I had been collecting over the years, so I decided to string a necklace. With help from a button craft book, I started the project. The pattern called for using glass beads around the sides and back. I was so drawn to the beautiful beads that I completely abandoned the buttons and switched to making a beaded creation instead. I've been hooked on beaded jewelry ever since! There is so much room for creativity and expression, especially with all of the amazing beads, charms, findings, etc., one can find from amazing vendors on Etsy, from large craft stores such as Michael's, and indie bead suppliers such as LimaBeads. Initially, I gifted my creations to friends and family, and they said, 'you should sell your stuff. So here I am, selling my stuff! The idea that I can spend time every day creating something unique motivates me every day. Making jewelry is a joyful, almost meditative experience that leads to a beautiful object.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was applying what I had learned from my experience in sales and marketing over the course of my working life. I learned how to build/launch something in a very methodical way versus in an emotional rush, which, in my experience, can lead to disappointment. I took the time I needed to build a jewelry collection I could be proud of, then slowly reached out, first on a grassroots level - to friends, family, former colleagues, etc., not asking them to buy my wares, but only to favorite my Etsy shop so that I could start out with a bit of "cred" when Etsy shoppers visited my shop.

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

One of the hardest things about being a sole business owner is managing your time. Because you are responsible for everything – design, production, product photography, keyword/copywriting, stocking the shop, ordering supplies, marketing, and packing/shipping – you are constantly torn between creative and administrative tasks.

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

  1. Do something you are super passionate about. It just won't work if you are not fired up.
  2. Understand the financial implications. You need food and shelter to be an effective entrepreneur. "Starving artists" will fall down from malnutrition and create nothing.
  3. Ask for help. Look at your people network; you'd be surprised how your friends, family, and others in your circle really want to provide help if only they knew you needed it! Just ask.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Patience, patience, patience. I can't underscore enough how success in business, of any kind, takes time, and you will make a ton of mistakes along the way. But that's okay because that's how you learn. Also, take time to celebrate when something great happens, no matter how small, raise a glass to yourself!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/STRUNGbyPhyllisAzar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strungbyphyllis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strungbyphyllisazar/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azarjewels
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllisazar/

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.