I attended a jewelry branding bootcamp with a a purpose of finding a system to help grow my business. I was just thinking of getting help so I could be organized. Turns out a lot of us jewelry designer aren’t very organized at all, although our online shops may look very put together. It’s good to know I am not an alien in that area.
I loved the idea of collaboration over competition. It was so cool to be connected to the people I admire in the jewelry industry. I was so intimidated to share anything to the group but I windup finding a new friend, I could call a jewelry buddy when I feel like I want to talk about my struggles and celebrate my little succeses in business. Shoutout to Jacqui Jimenez, my Filipina jewelry buddy from afar.
I am so grateful to Tracy Matthews, Robin Kramer and the team at Flourish and Thrive Academy for organizing the bootcamp so well. To say that I have learned so much is an understatement. Now, I have a clearer picture of the direction where I want to take Lannie’s Design. Thanks to all of you Flourish and Thrive for giving me the opportunity to refine my brand, define my style and for helping me have a more possitve mindset.
I am still on the road to recovery for under valuing my work of art but I’m getting there. In the past four years I was wondering how can I possibly make a living by selling jewelries if I make very little. I am so ashamed to say that yes, despite working more than 12 hours a day for my jewelry I make so little to pay myself. It is such a sad story to think about.
If you have been following my etsy shop, don’t be surprised if you see a jump on my price. I just can’t continue to keep doing what I was doing. I want to make more because I want to give more.
It was hard for me to raise my price because in my head, I am my own customer. I was doubting the idea because it will discourage my customers. My heart was beating fast and I feel like having a stage fright while sitting on my chair while working on changing my prices. I was scared but I started doing it until I feel a little more comfortable. It was a huge leap of faith for me but I am very thankful to an encouraging coach, Melissa Camelleri Anicich, for explaining so well why I should not underpay myself. I can’t forget the analogy she used. If an artist can charge high price for a piece of art they made, why can’t I as a jewelry artist. My mindset was the problem after all.
I remember being so stressed from overworking and feeling so down because I actually didn’t make much in spite of my effort to sell more. Now I know that the very reason I wasn’t successful was my negative mindset. This is definitely an AHA moment for my business.
