Tell us about yourself
I knew i was going to be in the design field from the age of 5 (yes!). I was always able to colour within the lines...hahaha. Everything i did from then, has always been design-related on some shape for form. My travels also feeds my overactive right brain.
Understand that your are having a regional marketing role, time is a luxury. Tell us how you juggle time between your career and jewelry making business?
Believe it or not, i'm constantly thinking of new designs in my head; In meetings, on the road, on a plane, flipping magazines, etc... I sometimes feel i'm the queen of multi-tasking.
Do you intend to make jewelry making your full time profession?
I really hope one day i could. But i enjoy doing this, so it almost makes no difference to me (at the moment!).
How did you start doing jewelry (or beadmaking) as a business? Do you specialise in specific Why?
There is no big story. I am trained as a graphic designer and after moving into marketing, i missed the creative outlet. This idea popped into my head, with no training in jewellery making, i invested $150 to purchase my first set of tools, beads and a head filled with ideas - the birth of Whimxical. What's been encouraging was that i sold my entire first collection and I still get positive feedback on my designs.
How many hours a week do you spend in the creative side of your business vs…
the business side?
On an average, dedicated time is about 1 -2 hrs on the weekday and 4-5 hrs on the weekend. Each piece can take between 45mins to 2hrs, depending on the material and the design.
Where do you sell at primarily-website, brick & mortar stores, shows, etc.
Currently, my blog is the only place i sell my items. I'm hoping to get into the retail space and design a proper website for Whimxical. (time permitting)
Based on your experience, where is the best place to sell jewelries?
What i've learnt is, to keep your investment low when you start, focus on a target segment and evaluate what designs would they appreciate. I'm a big believer of the web; low cost, no limitations on how you showcase your designs and lastly, a great way to spread the word.
Do you sell mostly to customers of your local market?
Currently, yes.
Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your jewelry work?
For a start, with no training, i'm pleased that people like my designs and are willing to pay for it.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested doing jewelry as a
business?
Have the passion for it!
Do you have any big/exciting news or different directions for your business this year or year 2009?
I would really like to get into the retail space and have started speaking with some stores to carry Whimxical.
Leveena, wish you all the best in the year of Ox!
