Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cloyette Harris-Stoute, designer, and CEO of Twin Elegance, located in Saint Albans, NY, USA.

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

Twin Elegance is a New York-based Brand that creates meaningful experiences for women who desire jewelry that celebrates them with pieces that they can treasure. My collections are designed to inspire confidence and to encourage bold self-expression. With versatility in mind, each piece is expertly handcrafted to tell the story of a confident woman with a flair for bold, unique keepsake jewelry.

My demi-fine jewelry collections include earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces made of gold vermeil (18k gold over sterling silver). Centered around elements of strength and self-love, my interchangeable aesthetic infuses heart and pear-shaped features, symbols, and natural semi-precious gemstones that are rich in healing energy and timeless history. I am also deeply influenced by the culture and traditions of my birth country.

Tell us about yourself

Born and raised in Guyana, a small country in South America, I grew up watching the women in my family stylishly dressed and bedecked in elegant handmade bright yellow gold jewelry that is passed down from generation to generation. It is also customary in Guyanese culture for newborn babies and young children to receive gifts of gold jewelry, a tradition that my parents embraced which exposed me to gold bangles, drop earrings, cross necklaces, and tiny finger rings at a very young age. The strength of confidence that the women in my family exuded, coupled with my appreciation of the fine jewelry that my mom has passed down to me, inspired my passion and motivated me to start a jewelry business creating jewelry that celebrates and empowers women.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a solopreneur, my biggest accomplishment is actually launching my business during a pandemic and one year later still being in business. I was able to set up and manage my website, social media, manufacturing, sales, and operation of my business with little to no help.

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

With so much competition, one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is building and maintaining a loyal customers base and keeping them coming back so that your business can remain profitable. Having a great marketing strategy is certainly helpful but can also be costly.

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

  1. Have confidence in yourself and your business, and don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. If you focus too much on the competition, it may influence the decisions that you make about your own business and will hinder your growth and the opportunity to connect with customers who may be seeking out your unique products or services.
  2. Strive to provide great service, but not to be perfect. There will always be room for improvement, but that can be done over time. Trying to be perfect will prevent growth and may stall you from moving to the next stage of your business.
  3. Everyone is not your customer. Learn who your ideal customers are so that you will know how to market your products and service to them properly.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My motto, "Confidence Wrapped in Jewels," is a reminder for women to embrace their inner elegance, celebrate their authentic selves, and always shine with confidence.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.twinelegance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twinelegance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinelegance/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/twin-elegance-inc/

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.