With the ever-evolving dynamics of fashion, beads, a seemingly old tradition has made a full comeback into the jewelry boxes, runways and closets. Beads have moved from just neck, ear and head pieces to bold fashion statements in clothes, bags and body ornaments.
Beads are now used to make an array of from gleaming bracelets, belts, cuff links, eye glass cases, ties, purses, key chains and vests to miniature animals, lamp shades, and a cornucopia of beaded vegetables and home decorations.
Whatever your motivation or skill level, understanding how to start a successful jewelry business at home or anywhere comes with its own set of considerations and complications. You need to determine if you will go for the fine jewelry or fashion and costume jewelry as each category has its own materials, production process, price point, and customer profile.
Depending on how you like to get inspired, you may set up Pinterest boards, design your own digital mood boards, use a jewelry design mobile app, or even assemble inspiration physically on a bulletin board or in a sketchbook. Collect images, colors, and textures from nature, architecture, fashion, or travel, and then identify themes that emerge.
The next part of how to start a handmade jewelry business is branding. Branding refers to the more tactical elements that represent your brand visually. Once you’ve established your products’ aesthetic, chosen a business name that resonates with your audience, and nailed your customer profile, it should be easier to identify an overall look that will define your brand. This is an essential step, even for a small business, so don’t rush it.
Once you know which area you want to study, you can invest in paid classes or apprentice under an experienced craftsperson to expand your skill set. There are several online resources for how to make jewelry online, including wholesale jewelry making equipment, tools, and supplies, including precious gemstones and raw metals.
If design and production are the elements of your business that bring you joy—and not the actual task of how to make jewelry—outsource or hire for other roles to help you scale the creative work. Rather than making the jewelry with your own hands, you can have your designs manufactured by someone else.
Product photography can make or break your online store, so, you will need to brush up on your product photography. In many cases, with a very simple lighting setup, you can achieve great DIY photos of your products, even with your smartphone.
Profitability
My findings reveal that, a starter can make a minimum of N150,000 monthly which can increase to even a million Naira or more as the business expands and patronage increases.
