This week, I would like to introduce you to Jean from http://www.handmakemyaccessories.blogspot.com/. A young entrepreneur from Singapore.
Tell us about yourself such as where you are base, other than jewelry making, what is your full time job?
Hello everybody! (: My name is Jean, and I am currently studying and majoring in Molecular Biotechnology in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I am a third year student, and will be graduating this coming April/May! (:
Whenever I am free, I usually spend most of my time in making jewelry and improvising on my designs from time to time.
Do you intend to make jewelry making your full time profession?
That thought did actually come across my mind before! However, I am planning to learn Fashion and Design as soon as I have graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (That's if I have a chance!) . I chose Science as I did not have a chance to learn Fashion and Design when I was younger. Hence I chose my second passion – Science.
How did you start doing jewelry (or beadmaking) as a business? Do you specialise in specific Why?
I came across a beading shop and started to develop an interest in jewelry making, and curiosity led me into making my own jewelry. I have a huge fetish for charms! I love charms of all sorts, forms, looks and colors! And I specialize in making necklaces, bracelets and rings.
My specialized accessories are mainly my wired necklace, bracelets and rings. Most of the colors used are bold and loud colors, attention seeking accessories and I definitely do some of the pastel and tame colors to complete the collection.
My current and latest popular ranges are anklets, and bookmarks! I am also developing another new range, with a new material (something I have not seen people selling online yet) for the New Year as soon as my attachment ends and when I have time to start beading again.
When people start doing jewelry, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them, tell us how has your jewelry work changed since you began?
I could say that my jewelry work changed from simple to complex since I begun making jewelry. I have many customized products and my customers are the ones who led me to develop and think harder on how to improvise and develop the designs further. I have learnt to do abstract jewelry designs using wire, and also an advant garde style that I have recently created with my rings. Something that is loud and specific in detail is what I am focusing on at the moment.
The designs of my accessories last year are simple, that is because I just started out, and there is a limited range of accessories that I can make, and as I learnt how to make jewelry myself without any trainer or courses taken, it took me quite a while to learn the different techniques such as wirings, and wire wrapping. Hence as time passes, I have managed to master these techniques and have successfully made the accessories that I am selling right now.. (:
From time to time, I have made improvements in my accessories, and have even started making my own clay beads! I am also venturing into making something else in the future, but the details has not been confirmed as of yet. :D
What would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
Currently I want to learn how to weave beads using seed beads and weaving these beads into a shape like a teddy bear or a handbag.
How many hours a week do you spend in the creative side of your business vs… the business side?
Whenever I am free, its beading time! (:
What inspires you creatively?
I should say my Daily Life and my surroundings inspire my creativity!
The things and people in Life
Where do you sell at primarily-website, brick & mortar stores, shows, etc. Based on your experience, where is the best place to sell jewelries?
I sell my jewelry online. And as soon as I have a slot for a flea market or a bazaar place, I will go for it! (:
Do you sell mostly to customers of your local market? What are the main issues you face in selling to international market?
Yes most of my customers come from the Local Market. From time to time, I do have international customers who request for customized items and such.
Some of the main issues faced are usually the payment method. Some of the customers do not have Paypal services as they are under-aged. Other than that, it’s fine! (:
Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your jewelry work?
I can conclude that I have learnt to be more responsible, patient and understanding on customer’s plight when they have not enough cash to pay. My conclusion is that each and every person has the right to wear accessories as long as they feel good about themselves and like what I make. I do not let money issues become a problem faced.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested doing jewelry as a business?
I could say that as long as you are able to stand out from this competitive jewelry business, you will go far. Of course marketing and presentation of products is the key as well. It is how well you stand out in this industry which makes you unique on your own.
Do you have any big/exciting news or different directions for your business this year or year 2009?
Yeap! I will be making my own charms and accessories in time to come!
And I will be participating in more fleas and bazaars!
Who are some of your favorite artists and crafters?
Jean, all the best to your business in 2009!
