If you’re thinking about starting your own creative business ,or have started, but want to grow, chances are that you would love to hear the success stories of those that came before you. Who doesn’t want to learn from the mistakes and successes of others.

That’s why I started the creative business interview series. Andrea Bonelli Jewelry started her jewelry business from nothing, by herself, and has turned it into a wonderful success. Want to know how she did, and see why I love her work so much? Keep reading.

 

What made you decide to start making/ selling jewelry?

It started out as a hobby to help me be creative in my off hours. I started with wire wrapping and was hooked and kept pushing myself to try different mediums.

I read that your self taught, where did you go about learning the tools and techniques that you use?

I would read books and watch online tutorials to get an idea of how to get a process started then it was followed with plenty of trial and error. I’m a Jane of all trades and like to do things on my own so that I can go at my own pace.

What are some of your go to must have tools in your studio?

My torch (love it), my foredom flex shaft and my engraver block, these are pretty much my everyday tools. I have a huge anvil that I love as well because I can bang away and it’s solid.

Since you are a one women show, how do you keep yourself organized?

I keep (somewhat) organized with plenty of shelving and storage. I try to create little visual spaces so that everything is contained in its own spot which helps to keep the clutter and disorganization down. I do have a bookkeeper because I had to draw the line somewhere. It was just way too much to handle everything PLUS my books. I’m sure I would have turned prematurely gray if I hadn’t.

What does a typical day look like for you? ( if there is such a thing as a perfect day)

A typical day for me is jumping on my computer to answer emails (I get lots) then finishing up on whatever orders I couldn’t finish at midnight. After this mad rush I’ll start working on my marketing, checking my SEO and then I hop onto photo editing. If I have a finished piece nearby I’ll quickly try to get a few shots and do more editing if I have the time. I then go back to answer more emails and inquiries, then go into the studio to start working on new orders while trying to start on new pieces for my line. It’s never ending and even when I’m out running errands I’m still answering emails and checking on orders.

Other than selling online, do you also do craft shows, or sell retail ?

I used to do craft shows but it’s just too much for me to handle at this time. It’s great when you get to meet other artists so I do miss that part but the making tons of extra jewelry (I have limited free time) lugging a table, chairs and displays, and trying to run a booth alone makes my brain hurt just thinking about it. 

IT’s always hard when starting a business. Tell us a little bit about what made you decide to start your own business and the steps that you took.

For me it was an easy decision. At the time I decided to go full time the company that I worked for closed their doors and a month later my husband and I ended up moving to the other side of the Bay Area so the opportunity was there for me to venture out and make this a full time thing. My husband felt that it was a logical choice and he was always my biggest cheerleader and had faith in me. I jumped in with both feet but I knew that I had a lifeguard at the ready so it wasn’t so scary.

What 3 things would you do  differently if you were to start all over again?

1. I would have hired a bookkeeper from day one to allow me to focus on being creative. 2. I would have hired a salesperson to rep the line. 3. I would have hired an artist to assist me so that when my business grew I would be able to keep up. I’m still pondering #3 to this day so if there are any students out there that would like to apprentice… hint hint. 

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own jewelry business?

Do your homework. Research on what can make you different from the thousands of other artists out there selling the same items. Make sure you get your ducks in a row and know your city and state tax and business laws that pertain to running a small business.

To see her work, and an example of a nice clean website with great product photos, check her out.

Homework time:

Write down the name of 5 artists/ designers/ business that you love. Then write down 3 reason why you love each one. How can you apply those ideas to your own business?

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