Today in the Spotlight: Ms. Vicky Shepherd, the artisan behind Vicky’s Jewellery.
Vicky is an 18 year old girl who enjoys making jewellery in her spare time. She set up her Etsy shop in october of last year and has been selling bracelets on it since.
Here is her story:
What’s the story behind your company?
It all started in primary school when I decided to join the jewellery making club, from then on I found a love for making things. I found myself wanting to make things instead of buying them that way I could make the items to suit me and have them how I wanted. I found it hard to find jewellery to suit me and there was always a part on it that I didn’t like, so I decided to start making my own. I enjoyed making with my mum and with us both having different tastes we could share materials and give each other ideas. One day, I saw an online shop selling jewellery doing rather well even though it was small, I realized how much I enjoyed making jewellery. I rediscovered how much I used to enjoy it and decided to start selling because I wanted other people to enjoy my jewellery, too. I saw what the power of the internet could do and how easy was to do. So, in October 2012, I decided to open up an Etsy shop and ordered some materials to get started. Since then I’ve expanded my range and tested out different designs, I wear all my jewellery before it goes on sale to make sure its comfortable and convenient, and I am always looking for a way to improve it.
What inspires you?
I get inspired by everything around me, as a keen sailor I love nautical designed jewellery. I like to create individual pieces and not follow the crowds.
What is your favorite product to make?
I have an option to make custom bracelets as well as my pre-made ones. I love creating other peoples ideas and see what other people like. As I found it hard to find jewellery that suited me, I want to make jewellery that suit others giving them the choice. I want my customers to be able personalize their items to suit them so they can be individual.
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Simple, colourful, personal
In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Flexibility being able to create my own designs and when I want to make them, working hard but fitting it around my job. I can use my own imagination to create the products I want.
If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have the confidence to start earlier. To believe in my own style and imagination to know that my jewellery has a selling point and that people will buy it.
Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
Don’t copy others designs have faith in you own imagination. Surround yourself with inspiration and don’t let anyone hold you back.
What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Expanding my collection, producing more than bracelets and going beyond my nautical theme. Being able to give up my job to focus on my shop completely.
Contact information:
Name: Vicky Shepherd
Website/Shop: Vickys Jewellery www.etsy.com/shop/VickysJewellery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vickysjewellery1
*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***