Why I closed my handmade jewelry shop and 5 reasons I am so happy I did!

As a retired psychiatric caseworker and artist/crafter and a teacher of craft you have to really ask yourself what do I want for my business? Do I want to do mass production for what's polular or trending? Or do I want to create the pieces that inspire me? As we know as creatives we are usually flowing with ideas. While working on one you often have several other ideas clamoring for your attention. My own medium was mosaics/ stained glass and then onto jewelry making. For me personally I did not want to do mass production. This very well may work for those who want to create a line, execute and repeat. I prefered doing one offs or limited addition. I was able to charge more and the minute the pieces were released they sold out. You can even make that first piece, market it and have presales for those limited pieces. For me personally I didn't enjoy the farmers/crafters markets long. Early set ups, uncertain weather and so many weekends. Once you shift to limited pieces you can run your business from anywhere. You could keep engagement up with your customers through social media but only offer those pieces on a monthly basis. You can also have select pieces or a limited amount of mass produced if you choose in local shops. Let your customers know which shops carry your items and that mabe they have limited pieces they will not find elsewhere. This is good for you and the shops. With all this being said many creatives want to explore other areas and that is absolutely fine. I myself have shifted again in retirement and am writing and illustrating childrens books and designing merchandise. Taking care of your mental health is so important. Your body needs to not be running on empty all the time. This will catch up to you. Do not look at moments in your life as failures but rather a learning experience. You have learned what does and does not work for you. What you do or do not want to carry with you into the next phase. As we age we evolve. Too many people think that if they start with one thing they must remain doing it the rest of their life. Not true. We can not grow if we remain stagnant. If physical issues require you to move onto something else embrace it. I had to move on from mosaics and jewlery as the constant cutting of tessere, glass and jewlery making caused eventual wrist arthritis/tendonitis and my neck issues. Each person needs to decide what is important and will work for them. What are their initial and long term goals. Blessings to all the creatives here. ❤️👏🏼

So glad I came across your video. I lost the passion jewelry making for a little while. I realized that I was trying to make things that would sell instead of making things that I really enjoyed making. Recently I decided to start fresh with a new brand on what I really want to do. With the old one I'm planning on switching to wholesale/supplier for aspiring jewelers. For my new brand I pushing to start soldering, no more excuses. Making things from an art perspective rather than retail. This time around I'm not eager to sell. Just want to take my time and actually enjoy what I love. The business structure for the old one wasn't as great either. I didn't think over my plan very well. It wasn't realistic. Now with this new one I my time and not rush to blow up on the internet.

It feels like we had a similar journey except instead of making jewelry, it was pottery for me. The burnout was same. The excitement of getting sales is quickly overshadowed by the banality of making the same thing over and over and feeling like a machine.

I clicked on your video, and was startled, because I was like hey I know her, we went to the same schools growing up! Thanks for sharing your journey! I am just getting started with a business, haven't even launched yet and I resonate with this already, about the burnout, not listening to your body, etc. I think you're soooo right too, how it can turn from art to just making sales, and you helped me keep things in perspective as I'm starting. To not just get so caught up in the sales, and what's trending, and instead make things that resonate with me and that I'm enjoying, and at a sustainable pace. I feel you, it should be fun, and when it's not, it's time to pivot! So did you just recently close your shop this year, or you closed a few years after you started your full time job?

Really loved this video!! I just started my crochet business this month and I feel like I can relate to some of your points already.. Juggling all the hats is a lot at times and I find myself having a hard time creating healthy routines especially without the structure. Would love to hear more tips & advice about your jewelry business ❤
Also love that your business brought you in the direction that was better for you! I've always believed what's meant for us will always find a way ✨️

Oh. And I can take all the small jewelry biz tips you can give! Keep ‘em coming!

I enjoyed the realistic perspective. Can you do a video on how the pop up shelves were made? They’re adorable

Great video!

Sooo you were not actually passionate about jewelry you were obsessed with a girl's vibe making jewelry. 😂 Girl no wonder you blew out.

Girrrl… I’m at a crossroads right now. This crossroad exactly. Don’t know what to do- how to scale- take my baby business to the next level..
I feel like I would be more comfortable with the steady, stable income life as well. What exactly does that look like for you? Content creating?
Thank you for sharing the deep stuff!