UPDATE: Her Etsy website is https://www.etsy.com/shop/BJeweledd. You will notice that it is spelled differently than the name in the story; Sarah had closed her initial site because she did not have the time or materials that she had available in the summer to continue making jewelry. Once the story was posted she started receiving requests and inboxes on Facebook. Since she could not reactivate the old site, she opened a smaller new one which is spelled BJeweledd. She has limited inventory since her supplies are at home, but she is excited by the interest the story generated.
University of Mississippi senior Sarah Bryan combined her creativity and love for jewelry to create a business.
Bryan said jewelry has been her passion for years. She loves way that a ring, bracelet or necklace ties an outfit together and makes a statement.
“There are so many different types of jewelry,” she said. “From simple to statement pieces, each can make you stand out and show off a part of your personality.”
Over the summer, Bryan noticed a simple trend in jewelry developing around Oxford. She was inspired to make one instead of purchase it.
“I saw these simple double-wrap and tassel necklaces popping up in stores all across town,” she said. “They were cute, but I just couldn’t bring myself to purchase one. After looking closer at these necklaces, I found how doable they really were to make. I went to a local craft store, purchased some string and beads, and slowly started making my own.”
After making a few pieces for herself, friends and family began asking where they could get their own. She told them she made the necklace, and she started receiving orders. Bryan began to see the potential for a small, side business.
After returning to Oxford in August, Bryan opened an Etsy account to reach more customers.
Etsy is a website that allows people to turn what they do as a hobby or craft into a small business.
The site helps you develop an online store, and for a low cost, you can list your products. They are accessible to anyone around the world.
Bryan’s store is called B Jeweled. The B is her initial. She wanted her site to have constant attention, so she adds one new piece a day.
She makes different styles of bracelets and necklaces with three different necklace lengths – a choker, long-styled and her classic double-wrap. She also decided to add charms and pendants to the necklaces, and she began making tassels.
Bryan also added images of each item to her Instagram account, attracting the attention of her peers and their friends or family. When they inquire about purchasing, she directs them to her Etsy store to drive more traffic.
Cindy Bryan, Sarah’s mom, said she wasn’t shocked when her daughter approached her about creating a jewelry business.
“Since she was a little girl, Sarah loved accessories,” Cindy Bryan said. “From dressing up in tiaras and heels as a little girl, to hats and necklaces as she got older, I knew this was something she will always love.”
Bryan has been selling necklaces and bracelets for three months, and she has been impressed with the steady growth.
“I remember when I sold my first necklace and how excited I was,” she said. “The girl was from Texas, and I couldn’t believe that someone from a completely different state – who didn’t know me, my friends, or family – would be interested in buying one of my necklaces.”
Since her first sale, Bryan has sent pieces from coast to coast. Some have requested bulk orders, but Bryan said she doesn’t have any plans to expand.
“I don’t plan on making this into a full-time business,” said Bryan, who plans to continue her hobby.
Article by Ellie Darcey as seen on OxfordStories.net.
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