Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Launching My Jewelry Business During Quarantine
Race against your doubts, a lot of ya'll aren't running fast enough.
It's easy to think about how you wish things were, but what about actually doing something to point yourself in the right direction? Like many of you reading this, I've had a lot of time to think about what I really wanted to do with my life. I'm fresh out of college, now what?
For me, it never made sense to graduate with a business degree and have a plan to work for someone else for the rest of my life. It might be good for now and certainly is a stepping stone, but there has to be more to life than just that... right?
I've had years of internship experience, workplace experience and continuously had companies turn me down because I was still considered "inexperienced." Instead of moping around and wishing I had landed that job, I decided to take the negative impacts of what they said and turn them into a positive. Everything they said I wasn't qualified to do, I went ahead and did them - ultimately creating my jewelry line, fière minimalist.
How did I do it?
I still work my full-time job which allowed me to pay for everything I needed to get started. While I am extremely grateful to still have a job during this time, it isn't what motivates me to get up in the morning. Having a business to call my own sparks a light in me and once it's on, there's no going back! If you don't have a huge budget to work with, don't give up hope! There are plenty of tips and tricks online that'll teach you how to start your own business with little to no money. After countless hours of watching YouTube videos reading multiple blog posts from other entrepreneurs, I took matters into my own hands.
Business Check List:
- Come up with a business name. I'm proud to introduce my baby, fière minimalist.
- Work on branding! What colors are you going to use? What fonts or prints best suit your aesthetic? Who is your target audience?
- Create/design a logo. I personally used fiverr and highly recommend it to anyone looking for some custom work done by talented freelancers.
- Get business cards and thank you cards. These are great for adding a personalized touch and make your brand a lot more memorable. I got mine from Zazzle.
- Buy your domain and claim all your social media pages. I recommend posting on social media at least a month before launching your site to help build your online presence.
- Find your vendors/source your products. I did extensive research online to ensure that all the products were hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant. My goal is to give customers great quality jewelry at affordable prices. Keep this in mind when selecting vendors. Pay attention to reviews and order samples before placing a big order.
- Packaging! I'm a sucker for cute packaging. One thing I love about small businesses is the amount of time and effort people put into shipping out orders. Get creative and allow the recipient to have a full experience when opening your package. I purchased some rose gold bubble mailers and crinkle cut paper from Amazon to start.
- Choose a platform. You have a product, now it's time to get it to the consumer. I personally use Shopify since I find it easy to use and have experience with using it in the past. There are so many other platforms such as Wix, Big Cartel, Squarespace, Etsy etc. Do your research and choose one that best fits your needs and budget.
- Plan your launch. Don't be discouraged if you don't make any sales right away. Remember that consistency is key. I launched on July 27th and some days I'll get 6 orders and other days I'll get none. Give yourself time to grow, Rome wasn't built in a day.
If you're looking for a sign to start your business, this is it! Believe in yourself and the rest will come. If you have any questions about starting a business of your own or have tips for owning a successful business, drop them in the comments below.
P.S. use code SOCIAL at checkout for a special discount ;)
P.S. use code SOCIAL at checkout for a special discount ;)
--
xo, Lisette
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Black Owned Businesses To Support
When we come together as one, beautiful things happen.
artwork credit: @demonbabeTM
A lot of us have been greatly overwhelmed with everything going on in the world and we absolutely have a right to feel the way we do.
While it warms my heart to see everyone coming together to show their support for the Black community, we need to make sure that this same energy will continue beyond just the next couple of days. That being said, I've decided to put together a list of Black owned businesses that you can support. Spread the love.
Apparel & Accessories
- Beads Byaree | womenswear
- Jade Swim | swimwear for women
- Jet Noire | trendy womenswear
- Mahnal | contemporary brass jewelry
- Melanie Marie | jewelry and accessories
- Nubian Skin | skin-tone lingerie and hosiery for women of color
- O'Dolly Dearest | 90's/early 2000's femme
- Petty Print | apparel with an attitude (t-shirts, hoodies and more)
- O'Dolly Dearest | 90's/early 2000's femme
- Petty Print | apparel with an attitude (t-shirts, hoodies and more)
- Proclaim | inclusive nude lingerie made of earth-conscious materials
- Selva Negra | ethical fashion *100% of the proceeds made through 6/7 will be donated to BLM
- Sholarin Co. | women's and men's pajamas/loungewear
- Sincerely Tommy | lifestyle and womenswear
- Supreme Frames | affordable and trendy sunglasses
- Two Days Off | sustainable fashion
- Yam NYC | handmade jewelry
Art & Graphic Design
- Avitalzart | prints and stickers
- Busy Vee Branding | graphic design + brand stylist
- Derick Brooks | character designs and comics
- Jasmine Renee Art | original paintings, prints and stickers
- Tamarr's Creative Designs | web design, branding and premade templates
- Tamarr's Creative Designs | web design, branding and premade templates
- Notty Designs | watercolor artist
- Uzo the Artist | hand-drawn posters and stickers
Beauty & Skincare
- Akilah's Essentials | natural bath and body products
- Buttercup Essentials | handmade body and hair care products
- Buttercup Essentials | handmade body and hair care products
- Blaze Cosmetics | CBD infused cosmetics
- HoneyCurlz | natural hair care products
- Loving Culture | organic, vegan, cruelty-free hair oils
- Makeup Scientist Cosmetics | cruelty-free cosmetics
- Pandis' Soap & More | natural handmade soaps
- Rosen Skincare | clean skincare for acne-prone skin
- ShunnyBeeSoaps | handmade soaps, vegan and cruelty-free
- The Lip Bar | vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics
- The Tea Affect | organic hair and skincare
- Tionne Skin | organic skincare
- Urban Hydration | clean skincare
Food & Home
- Aroma Scentsations | candles and face mists
- BLK & BOLD | specialty coffee and tea
- Inner Eaze | homemade soy candles and wax melts
- Linoto | pure bed and bath linens
- Lovely Goods | office supplies
- McBride Sisters | for wine lovers
- Mylky | dairy free ice cream
- Project Pop | organic kettle corn
- Linoto | pure bed and bath linens
- Lovely Goods | office supplies
- McBride Sisters | for wine lovers
- Mylky | dairy free ice cream
- Project Pop | organic kettle corn
- Tea + Shade | inspirational mugs
Please drop some more Black owned businesses in the comments, I'd love to check them out!
Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
Your voice will be heard.
--
xo, Lisette
Friday, February 28, 2020
Affordable Date Night Outfits
Girls night or date night with your boo, there's so many affordable options for you. It can be easy to assume that you need to spend a fortune to look good, but in reality it's not about the brand you're wearing... it's how you wear it.
I've been obsessed with this whole ruched dress trend lately. I received this leopard print bodycon dress from Femme Luxe and was extremely impressed with the quality! Although it is made of organza, it is perfectly lined. I've tried a lot of dresses in the past that were cute, but itchy. I can assure you that is not the case with this dress! I found it to be extremely comfortable and was glad that it did not rise up as I was walking around. The best part? It's only $16.76! I love the silhouette of this bodycon dress because it looks good on so many different body types. I can definitely see myself wearing this on a date or to a club with friends. It hugs the body in all the right places without being too revealing.
This next dress looks and feels like a dream! There's something about velvet that makes me feel both sexy and confident. This gorgeous wine velvet mini dress is only $20.64 and comes in 3 different colors. Call me extra, but I'd probably wear this on a casual day (minus the heels). It's dressy enough to go out to eat, yet cozy enough to roam around the city on a nice day.
Not everyone is big on dresses and that's okay! Anyone that knows me personally knows that I don't get all dolled up unless I'm actually excited about something. Edgy street style looks have always been my go-to. When I laid my eyes on these grey cuffed joggers, I knew I had to have them! For $10.31, how can anybody say no?! I like cute, casual looks like this because they can be worn both day and night without having to put much effort into them. You can wear it to go gallery or bar hopping, bowling, to the movies, etc.
Long story short, you don't need to be rich to look and feel your best. Which one of these outfits would you wear on your next night out?
Disclaimer: I was gifted these items from Femme Luxe however, all opinions are my own. I am truly impressed with the quality of everything I received and I am grateful for having the platform to review these products for you all!
---
xo, Lisette
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