5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Jewelry Business | Handmade Jewelry Business

[@StevenReyWolf]

I’ve learned that when you make videos on making things it attracts more people who want to do what you’re doing not the customer base you want to sell your stuff too. I used to make planters and when I showed the process I only got people who wanted to learn to make them not buy them if that makes sense.

[@MiteraMade]

For sure, you are 100% correct! lol I am not sure what my goal was when I started my channel, I was just creating what felt right and natural to me and going with it. Honestly, whatever comes of it will come, I am happy with any result because I am enjoying myself either way. At the end of the day I just want to make jewelry and surprisingly, I am also learning that I like helping others make jewelry, and whether I am making jewelry because someone bought it, or making jewelry because it allows me to share it with others and help them learn, I'm happy. 💕 I think with age I have come to the conclusion that trying to control every outcome of your choices is exhausting (while being responsible of course lol) and I really just try and go with what feels good. 🙈😂💕

[@WendeeG]

​@@MiteraMadewell I will say, I have just started an interest in jewelry making. I got so overwhelmed by all the intricate techniques, supplies, time, etc I saw online, but watching your videos makes it seem attainable. I just subscribed and I also want to buy jewelry from you as well. So I guess you got a 2 for 1 haha

[@averybinning5743]

That’s insane that friends/family ask you for a discount. I always pay my friends and family even MORE for the service/product I buy from them because I love them and want to support their business. Thanks for all the good info 💗

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Lovely video, thank you! Lot's of great points. Gosh, I wish social media wasn't that challenging and time consuming, I feel like it's honestly been killing my creativity a little for the past three or four years 😅 Right now, I'm trying to find a balance, which is hard, because not posting means algorithm immediately buries the new posts, when I do share new pieces or content. Oh, and I love what you said about new style, it's actually what's happening to me right now - I can feel a massive shift in my style and my jewellery will change as a result of this. It's actually quite fascinating to observe 😁

[@MiteraMade]

Basia!!!! Is this really you!? 🥹🙈 thank you for watching my video and it’s nice to hear that I am not the only one who feels that way about social media lol but at least we aren’t alone in it! 🙈💜 that’s also very exciting to hear that even once you grow as much as you have that you continue to evolve your style; it keeps things exciting and fresh. 💜 I have to say though, I have been watching your videos since before I ever started making jewelry! Your videos helped me start, taught my skills when I was first learning and gave me more confidence to jump in! You make beautiful beautiful things, and I always smile when watching your videos because you just seem so kind and genuine and happy with what you’re talking about. The fact that you found my video feels so surreal! Thank you for everything! 🥹🎉🎉💜💜

[@user-cz1gu8nl9o]

Try to start an email list. Very steady, you don't have to worry about an algorythm and usually has a 400% higher ROI than social media. :)

[@NebulousWhisp]

So true about the tools. I make jewellery after taking a short course in silversmithing 10 years ago. I now have a lampert tig welder, cnc machine, mini lathe, enameling kiln, Lindsey engraving tool, and a million little tools and bits all in my bedroom. Its been an expensive hobby and ive only just began to find my personal style. I would love to start a small business but unless i find that perfect design that i love and can manufacture at a scale and pace to actually make money worth making, i will just keep it as a hobby.

[@polosandoval]

Also being a self-taught metalsmith, you are doing an amazing job! Keep up the good work and never stop learning. Warm Regards.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so so much 🥹💜

[@KS-hz1ik]

thank you.. You're inspiring. Your jewellery is beautiful. I was so surprised 80% of time is spent on Social Media! Thanks for the bare truths about not paying yourself.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much! I will always try and be as honest as I can about what this all is; good and bad! 🙈💕💕

[@maryleemartz3722]

Yea I work full time and all the money I make goes right back into it. For tools supplies, everything I need for silver smithing.

[@MiteraMade]

It almost feels like the only way with how expensive it is 🙈🫠😂

[@Michelle-zn6oh]

Thank you so much for this information! Was thinking of doing it for a side income and I’m grateful for you shining a reality light on the topic 😅. You saved me a lot of time and money 🙏

[@MiteraMade]

Awe, well I hope I didn't discourage you at all with that fact. lol I think you can make anything work if you have a goal and a plan.💕 If you absolutely need side income, go for it! I could have probably paid myself a few hundred a month and invested back into it all more conservatively instead of reinvesting everything! Also, there are aspects of jewelry making that you can outsource and just pay for (like casting) in order to save money on tools! I know people who also outsource stone setting to save on tools, or maybe they aren't interested in that side of jewelry making and that's ok too! There are ways to make it work for sure and if it's something you want, you have to give it a shot! 💕☺️ You got this! 🥳

[@jaredjones6570]

This is honestly so relatable. I tried to rush into making a lasercutting and 3d printing business but I got overwhelmed by the amount of work managing social media, the website, physical inventory, and miscellaneous tools and the cost of materials. It's so easy to think you can make money right away but starting a small business from the ground up is a lot of work. I love watching your videos! It's inspiring to see how much passion and work you put into all of your projects. Also, you have a super relaxing voice 🙊😅❤ Good luck this year! I'm sure it will be a great year!

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

Happy new year, all the best for you and your family. I am here always waiting for your videos. I did my first pieces in silver a pendant, earrings and ring. I am buying all my tools and equipment. Reading a lot books, following you tube videos and enrolled in short courses, thank for inspiring me. I have a lot of fun and I am serious to learn more. Thanks 😊❤😊

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you, and to you too! ☺️💕 I'm so happy to have inspired you in any way and I am so glad to hear that you are making things and investing in yourself! 🥹💕🎉

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

@@MiteraMade ☺️

[@msnyder1642]

Thank you for your thoughts!! It is very helpful!! I really appreciate your honesty and your advise!!

[@MiteraMade]

I’m glad I could help! 🙏🏻🥹

[@depplover78]

Thanks for another great video! Can you do a video on the business side of setting up a jewelry brand? Things such as what licenses and permits you need, where to source gems/stones (how to make sure sellers are legit also), how to find a caster, etc. How did you get started in the marketing side/marketing and social media tips for jewelers? Thanks!

[@MiteraMade]

These are all SUCH great questions!! I definitely might take some of these questions that require longer answers and make a dedicated video, but I may also do a Q&A soon to help answer some of these! Keep a look out on the community tab for that because I would love love to answer some of these questions for you! 💕💕

[@Austin1990]

I looked into casting services, but the shipping cost was a deal breaker since I don't have a casting service within several hundred miles of me. And, unless I shipped a wax master and had them make a mold, the quality was awful. They resin printed it, which can be great. But, their 3D printing was awful with the layer lines eating all the details.

[@flyingcheff]

Great video!! ❤ Adriana, this is SUCH an on-point list. Especially the friends and family discount point. I have an (ex) 37 year friend from when we were little, that actually stole a piece that I let her take with her on her promise to send me a check. She took 4 pieces and sent me a check for the 3 lower price point pieces,.and just kept the most expensive and labor intensive piece. That was at the friend discount. Tjat was the end of the discount and most importantly, the relationship. Wow! I had to hunt down the $800 piece - it took months. "No" is my new "yes"!

[@MiteraMade]

Oh my goooodddnessss what a worst nightmare situation, I’m so sorry 😭💔 I can’t imagine someone you clearly loved doing that to you! 😭🫢 bright side, it’s always nice to see who people really are when the show themselves in that way… speechless. 😭

[@StudioRashka]

you are just so real with it all ! thank you for this

[@annieo554]

I am looking at starting my online jewellery business, but I just want to make beaded jewellery so I don't need all these tools later on the down the track sure. I'd love to learn a new skill but i dont think i will need to buy 100 different tools when i start.

[@MiteraMade]

People LOVE beaded jewelry AND it's affordable to get into, win win! ❤

[@franklinocanaii8148]

As a Kay jewelers salesman we unfortunately get asked for discounts by customers a lot 😭shit be killing me LMAOO

[@JeffEarnest]

Thanks for the info. I'm just getting started to get started. I know how you feel about the discount thing I had that when I had my landscape company and you are spot on.

[@andrewstewart5923]

Good Morning Adriana. Greeting from Scotland. I've just come across your channel today, Wow love your contain!. I'm just starting out making jewellery. The video on tools for beginners was very helpful as are the others. I just wanted to say keep up the excellent work your doing. Love your personality & the way your planning your future.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much! 🥹 and thank you for being here! Scotland was our favorite place to retreat to when living in the UK 🥹💜 you’re a lucky duck to be from such a beautiful country! 💜☺️

[@Michelle-zn6oh]

Would you be able to do a video on how to do the social media aspect for selling the jewelry?

[@Suxolo]

Hi thank you for making this video!

[@MiteraMade]

Im glad you enjoyed it ☺️

[@rachelkane367]

I needed this. thank you !!!

[@lacreative2025]

Thank you for sharing!

[@MiteraMade]

Of course, thank you for watching! 🙏🏻☺️

[@raulf.bustos1472]

Did you go to jewelry school and what country are you in. This is my second video of you I’m watching. Your very sincere

[@davidwong7283]

I have been in this business for 18 years . i dont know if i am right to say this . but i think if you dont have a financial safety net , you really need to be very careful in this business . This whole billion dollar industry is funded by people like you and me , we invest in stones , in tools , in packaging , in equipment , etc .....Its us , we that i think keeps more than 50% of this industry alive . In this day and age , having a stock base of a 100 stones just to sell 10% of it , having a nice location and shop just to " gain the confidence & provide comfort to the consumer " , you will end up being one of those who will bite the dust . If you were Tiffany & co and charging that kind of premium price , sure you can do it like this , but for alot of us its a cut throat very competitive industry . i barely survived 18 years but i have made alot of killer mistakes ....i dont know if i will be on to my 19th year . i am at a crossroads ....Good luck to myself . haha

[@MiteraMade]

This is super practical advice, I hope you can make it to 19!!!! You CAN! 🎉 I always try and be as conscious as I can to never over leverage myself, I don’t keep stock (not a lot at least maybe just a few on hand) and I make most things made to order, I also have no intentions of going brick and mortar not just because of the investment of it but I also never want to tie myself to one place 🙈 I’m trying to stay small but use social media to be my “storefront” if that makes sense? 🙏🏻 I’m glad you said what you said though, I do feel a lot of folks could co down that path and not realize the effects of it all. 🙏🏻

[@Austin1990]

I appreciate you sharing about this. Them: "Can I have a discount?' You: "Oh, you are a wholesaler? How large of batch orders are you thinking?"

[@AmberGambler.]

Thankyou! ❤ (also you are so cute!!)

[@MiteraMade]

You’re so sweet 💜🙈☺️

[@mikep.coplin6800]

Surfing KZbin, seen your posting, have comment: I tryed to check out your web site, it wouldn't let me in, to check your stuff out. You might want to test your web site out. Also you might want to try getting a mailing list from a marketing guy, don't under estimate snail mail and news paper adds. I was looking for a cross grain maldevite ring in white gold. You find something reply bellow, I will see it later on and get back with OK ?

[@MiteraMade]

I had my website closed for the holidays but just reopened it, but thank you for wanting to bring that to my attention! 💕🙏🏼☺️ I also never considered advertising in news papers but I'm sure it could be helpful at some point!

[@skmiraj26]

Hey mam i.m indian goldsmiths 11 yeers experience and i.m watching for your video for last 4 months God' works ❤

[@MiteraMade]

Wow 11 years!!! Thank you, I’m so glad you like my videos! 🙏🏻☺️

[@ChhotuVillageBoy]

I m Indian boy 🇮🇳

[@AngelZuniga831]

quite the opposite, customers at retailers ask for discounts everyday and almost every time.

[@fernandasullivan]

I absolutely HATE (I dont like to use this word, but there is no other way so say it) when people ask for a discount!! If I could mass-produce my work, I would absolutely give them a discount, but not handmade work. It makes me very upset. I made a sign stating that I don't give discounts. Let's see if it works...LOL

[@imbackupcodm2118]

💎🥀🤍🖤

[@sandywood8437]

I sell in 2 shops so i raise my normal prices. They do as for discount when buying more than one item

[@MiteraMade]

I would love to sell in a shop one day! 💜

[@dawnmorning]

Start up jewelry business here. Great video. Have you heard of whatnot. Live selling and social media a new exciting place. Beautiful pieces.