Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Nickerson and Lindsay Holt, owners of Washershore, located in Harwichport, MA, USA.

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

We create jewelry and accessories from washers from the hardware store. We are the only two in the business from creating our designs, punching pieces and making them, packaging, creating and managing our website, social media, promoting, filling orders, wholesaling, and selling at shows. We do it all! Our customer's range. From all different locations across the United States to even those in Australia to ages. We have our youngest customer at five years old to our oldest at 92 years young. We love making designs that connect to people's lives and tell a story.

Tell us about yourself

We both work as educators at a middle school. Jenn is a special education teacher, while Lindsay is a nurse assistant. The idea all began while was Lindsay was sitting on the couch recovering from back surgery. She was looking for something to do to keep busy and came across this idea. In the beginning, she didn't have a studio space she needed to create what she envisioned and was working at a very small scale.

Fast forward to 2016 when we decided to bring Washershore to life. We both love using our creative outlet as a way to release the day's energy and stress and put it into something beautiful. Our motivation comes from listening to people's stories and making connections with them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We think that the biggest accomplishment is our connections we have made in the small business community. Learning from each other in small businesses really helps push your vision forward. We have met so many amazing people through shows, programs, and wholesale accounts that have allowed us to collaborate together in order to enhance our business.

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

One of the hardest things that come from being a business owner is juggling all the jobs and time management. We do a pretty good job of staying on top of our work, but it's learning where to slow down and where to pick up the pieces.

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

  1. Have a plan - it doesn't need to be a perfect plan, but have an idea of where you want to go.
  2. Even if you don't feel like you are succeeding, you are...you'll have a moment when someone recognizes you or your product, and that's when you know you did it.
  3. Remember to slow down, don't overschedule yourself, and enjoy the ride!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Our slogans are "putting a twist on hardware" and "don't just wear it, hardware it!" #hardwareit

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://washershore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/washershore/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washershore/

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.