Soulace: Jewelry 101
Starting and running your own business is no easy feat! Each month, we'll be highlighting small business owners and their tips on how to maintain and grow your small business.
Meet Shamika West, owner of Soulace Creations- a Richmond-based jewelry creative.
Why did you quit your day job?
I spent a few years after college working a traditional administrative job. I finally decided to accept that it wasn't the path for me. I'm a creative and it was time to embrace that. My life was meant to go in a different direction. The "safety" that comes along with having a traditional job was no longer worth it for me. I gained the confidence to take a leap of faith.
What triggered your interest in jewelry?
I decided it was time to direct my creative energy into this one area and give a shot at making a business of it. I'd make pieces for myself and realized others may enjoy my work, too. I'm already having fun, why not make money while I'm at it? I love bringing pieces to life that I can envision but can never find on any accessory aisle in the stores, and then sharing them with others.
What is the best part of owning your own business?
My favorite part of owning my own business is by far the freedom that comes along with being your own boss. I can create jewelry from wherever i may be. That flexibility is something i've always wanted in a job. one thing i love about my business is that it's large enough to have consistent orders, but it's small enough that i can still run it on my own. It gives me time to add touches to my packages, such as hand written thank you letters, which is a big hit with my customers. I appreciate them choosing me out of the hundreds of other shops out there, and i want them to feel that love and appreciation when they receive a package from me.
To Browse Ms. West's Jewelry Click Here : Etsy.Com/Shop/SoulaceCreations
What is the most difficult part of owning your own business?
The most difficult part of owning my own business is keeping up with the books. I'm a "big picture" kind of person. I hate details. I wish I could just create without handling that side of the business. Maybe one day, but for now I handle the tedious tasks myself.
Is it important to have a social media presence?
People wake up and the first thing they want to do is check their social media. It's like the daily newspaper. I'm a bit shy when it comes to social media in my personal life, so I haven't used it as too much of a platform for my business. That is an area I'd like to expand upon in the future. Social media is a good way to show off your products, give out coupon codes, and gain exposure a lot faster.
On your darkest day, how do you stay motivated?
on my darkest day, i stay motivated by taking care of me, first, so that when i do come back to the work, it will continue to feel like a hobby rather than work. if i'm having a down day and need to step back from it all, that's okay. if i need a day to have some me time, that's okay. i allow myself the opportunity to do that without making myself feel guilty about all of the work that may be piling up.
To Browse Ms. West's Jewelry Click Here : Etsy.Com/Shop/SoulaceCreations
What advice do you have for women who want to start their own businesses?
be 100% confident in yourself, and don't be afraid to take that leap of faith. Don't allow fear to talk you out of taking a risk. as long as you remain confident in your business and commit to it, you will align with success.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
