Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Randi Chervitz, designer, and owner of Uncommon Threads Jewelry, located in Saint Louis, MO, USA.

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

I'm an independent studio jeweler. My customers are people of independent spirit who like to wear their art on their sleeves.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business in 1991. I wanted a way to make a living as a creative person. I'm a storyteller, in a sense. Every day I wake up ready to tell a story through jewelry. I work in silver, gold, bronze, pearls, and gemstones, along with alternative materials such as twigs and wood slices. These are the tools I use to express what I see in the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner came when I had five people on my payroll. Working for me put meals on the table of five families. I took that seriously. I'll never forget what it felt like to contribute in that way.

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

Hmm... working for myself, initiating new projects, those are the easy things for me. I think adapting to the changes in marketing has been difficult for me. There was no internet when I started my company 31 years ago. Today, there are so many exciting ways to touch your customers, your tribe. But there is a lot of noise out there, too. It can be challenging to cut through the distractions to connect with your people. And technology changes every day, altering the playing field just as you get your balance. I prefer to focus on the advantages of the new marketing to keep myself upbeat and focused!

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

One- just do it. Yes, it's critical to research your market, know your competition, and understand what problem your product uniquely solves, but you have to jump at some point. There's no way to start learning about what works and what doesn't besides taking that first step.

Two and three are already answered: researching your market includes learning about your competition. And knowing how your product helps your customer in a way no other product can is your golden ticket. You can build your marketing strategy on those pillars.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We are all creative and don't always give ourselves credit for it. Society values creativity. In fact, we revere creativity as a cultural ideal. Embrace your creativity, and your customers will be attracted to what you offer!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.uncommonthreadsjewelry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UncommonThreadsJewelry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncommon_threads_studio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RandiChervitz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-chervitz/

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.