008: From Sparkles to Signs: Crafting Custom Solutions For Permanent Jewelry With Amelia From Timber & Tide

Artwork for podcast Goldie Links Permanent Jewelry Podcast

Episode 8 • 23rd February 2024 • Goldie Links Permanent Jewelry Podcast • Jennifer Thyrion

Jen Thyrion: Hey there, I'm Jen Therrien and I'm so glad you're here. I'm a former nine to fiver that dove into entrepreneurship eight years ago with zero business experience. I'm a wife, mama of two young girls, boutique owner, jewelry designer, and now the proud owner and coach leading GoldieLinks Permanent Jewelry.

I have a passion to empower fellow business babes. This podcast is made to equip you with everything you need to succeed from actionable marketing steps to digging deep on your mindset. I know firsthand the heart, hard work, and let's be real at times of struggle that makes up this amazing journey. You want to know what has enabled me to shine the brightest coaching plus community here at GoldieLinks.

We share openly educate and lift each other up, expect to get linked with fellow PJ owners that will do just that sprinkled with plenty of fun along the way. Competition is an old school thought and connection is the way get ready to feel inspired. Welcome to the GoldieLinks podcast.

Jen: Hey, it's me. I'm going to jump in here real quick. Did you know you can have your own GoldieLinks business? If you've been dreaming about having a successful permanent jewelry business, but you don't know where to start. Or you have a permanent jewelry side hustle and wanna take it to the next level and be a part of something bigger, then I would love to connect.

Just go to be goldie girl.com, submit your info and we can see if this is a good fit for you. So it's ba goldie girl.com. BEA goldie girl.com. Now back to the show.

Jen: Okay. I'm here with Amelia from, so tell me about your business name. Actually, I want to start there first. How did you come up with the name of your business?

Amelia: Okay, so it's like a long story, but to make it short and sweet obviously I live in Maine. Maine is known as the pine tree state. And obviously we have thousands of miles of coastline. I wanted to represent the state a little bit and what I was doing and I wanted something that.

Wasn't really technically tied to the state. So I didn't want like Maine in the name because obviously I knew I wanted to have like a national, customer base.

If something, whether I moved or whatever else, I just didn't, I wanted it to be unique, but also tied to my kind of yeah, my roots.

Exactly. So I went with timber for the trees and Todd for the ocean.

Jen: I love it. It's it's really catchy too, because when I first found you on Etsy, I remembered the name for some reason. Like it wasn't, it was easy to remember,

Amelia: Oh, that's nice to hear because I'm always like, I'm always questioning myself. And I have a history in branding, graphic design and stuff like that. And anytime I like start my own little small business or side hustle or whatever, I always spend hours on end coming up with a name. And it's just Oh, he's like sitting in my brain.

I have this list of Oh, or this, or how do I combine these words? I don't know. It just is a forever long process, way longer than it should be. And so even now, recently I've been like, Oh, should I change the name? Does it really fit what I'm doing? And it ended up being a weird kind of.

Also, mix of what I'm doing. With making the signs, I actually started out doing a lot of stuff with wood. So that kind of tied into the timber play on words thing.

Jen: Yes. And that's why it's so interesting to talk to you because of course we see whether you're signs on Etsy or whatever, and it's it's so cool to find out the story behind the name. You know what I mean? Because of course, when you see that, you're like, there's a story behind that. So yeah, like going into just first, I should ask this before asking that question, but just tell us about you, who are you, what's your history?

How'd you get into what you're doing? Just tell us a little bit about yourself,

Amelia: it was born and raised in Maine. I moved actually to Arizona to go to college. It was a graphic like technology school. So it wasn't like your standard four year bachelor degree or anything. I went to the art Institute of Phoenix. So it was a all year long three year college instead. And I actually.

hic design, so I graduated in: 2009

Jen: know, right? wild.

Amelia: Yeah. When I say Oh my God, I graduated college so long ago, but anyway I actually ended up moving back to Maine because I was like homesick and I don't know, like the big city life compared to little Maine, it was. Big differences, and I miss the ocean. I miss the lakes.

I miss the changing seasons, even though I hate winter.

Jen: I hear you. I'm in the same as you. Yes.

Amelia: Yeah, so we're in that now, like we were just talking about it's very cold right now. But anyways I went and worked for an agency in Portland and did some digital marketing there. So I did that for two and a half years again, still doing web and social media. Stuff on the side. And that was always my passion.

And I didn't know how to really break back into it on my own. I was always scared to take that next step. So I was, trying to figure out what did I want to do? I was getting sick of doing the websites and just, the social media management. It just wasn't for me. It just wasn't, I didn't really have that passion anymore.

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: And again, with the world in turmoil, I just, what am I going to do with my time? So things were slow. I, I kept looking at these 3d lasers. I don't know if you've really seen them or heard of them. There's the machine called a Glowforge, which is it's. A lot of people think 3d printing is not 3d printing, but it's a similar like machine where, it's like a tabletop machine.

til I think it was the end of: 2020

So I'm like, trying to figure out all everything I've been doing.

Jen: I know. Especially once you get it nailed. It's just it's just like mom brain, everything's just yeah.

Amelia: Yeah, so I guess that's really what I was doing. I was being a mom.

Jen: Yeah, I know, that's like a big part of it, right? Yes.

What was I doing?

lia: had my son at the end of: 2020

then finally mid, mid to late: 2022

I want to be creative again. That is. That has been my whole premise for so long is just being creative is what I make and, I'm on Pinterest all the time again with the, the newborns napping. So I've been seeing all these ideas and I'm like, okay, it's time. I just need to do it.

Again, having that design background. I obviously know programs like Adobe. So I already have my foot in the door that way of, not having to teach myself the whole program. So again, I had that I could just jump in and really use it to figure out the materials and stuff, the settings and stuff like that.

But so I started off making some, home decor engraved. Cutting boards, Christmas ornaments, just some kind of random stuff here and there. Again, having that niche of knowing real estate agents, I thought, Oh, I can make, closing gifts. So when you close in your home, a realtor usually has this little gift basket or personalized gift that they give to their customers, whether buyer, seller, whatever, and I was like, Oh yeah, I'm going to hone in on that.

And I went so far down the rabbit hole. Okay. Like I, I really was all over the place. I didn't, I really didn't know what I wanted to do, what I was going to do, what I was going to sell, how I was going to make money. I really had jumped in this like both feet in the water. Like I'm just going for it.

So I wasn't doing anything else. I had no other real income coming in because I. I pretty much took a break from everything. And I was like, okay, what am I going to do? This is great. I was making a little, I started my Etsy shop. I was getting a couple of sales here and there, selling some stuff to local friends, family.

I had a couple of real estate agents who bought some stuff, but it wasn't really taking off like I thought it would. And so this is like spring of 23 last year. This is not even a year. Yeah, this is not

Jen: Not even a year ago. That's crazy. Okay.

Amelia: Yeah. I was like, what am I going to do? And so this is where it gets interesting.

Jen: Ooh.

Amelia: So I've always loved jewelry. Throughout the years I picked up little things here and there, like beading, Expandable, stretchable bracelet type of

Jen: Yeah,

Amelia: Just as hobbies, not as anything like I thought I would make money doing. And all of a sudden permanent jewelry started showing up.

Like I saw a couple of friends doing it. It was showing up in my Instagram feed, just like randomly, obviously I'm a girl and I love jewelry and pretty things I'm like, what is this? And I feel like from that moment, it just, everything was like, it just blew up like unexpectedly.

I was like, Oh, I really want to do this. I like, I love it. I love the idea of it. No one's really doing it in my state. Even now there's pro I probably can count on one, maybe two hands. The amount of people doing it in Maine.

Jen: That's crazy.

Amelia: They actually say pretty much every trend takes 10 years to get here.

So I think we still got a couple of years before it really blows up. But so I was like, Oh, I could really do this. I could start something. And Yeah, like I said, it was just a roller coaster. I, was still doing making things with my Glowforge, but, I decided to buy the machine, the welder.

I ended up buying the non branded one. Don't. Don't kill me. Don't come after me.

Jen: Hey, you have to start somewhere, right?

Amelia: Again, I wasn't making much income. I didn't have

Jen: I hear you.

way, I just bought a house in: 2022

Jen: Yes.

Amelia: I I got the machine, I bought some supplies. And so again, I'm back to my normal doing two cups, like a couple of different things in the basket, okay, I'm going to make multiple streams of income here.

I can still do some stuff over here through my Etsy and permanent jewelry. I'll go to, have a few pop ups, go to craft shows. I was not prepared. Needless to say. I went to a craft show doing the permanent jewelry. And again, since it's like a new thing I ran an ad. I was like, Oh yeah, come and see me.

Blah, blah. I didn't expect what I got. So I actually had a huge I probably out of, this was what, this is one of the biggest craft shows. In the city it's at a local college. So a lot of people go there and again, I've never really done a craft show like this.

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: I've gone to a couple of things here and there, local shows doing other stuff I did in the past.

And it never was a big thing. I might even get one or two sales, out of the probably a hundred, I don't know, 7, 500 vendors there. I think I probably had the most sales. Like My table was just flooded. Like I had people waiting in line. I like, and again, this was my first time

Jen: So first time ever like you didn't do like a party or your friends or anything. Oh my gosh. I love it You just drove in It's

Amelia: I literally dove in. I was like, Oh my, I'm sweating. This whole this was like a whole day fair, like from 8 until 4 I think, and I was busy from start to end, like

Jen: that's

Amelia: One person, yeah, one person after another. This is like the success stories that people that are getting in a perpendicular want to hear.

This is what they want and I was like, oh, my God, this is insane. This is awesome. I love it. I made a mistake of not having char the birthstone charms completely you. Ready, like again, rabbit hole, right? I thought, oh, I'm going to do things different and I'm going to make the charms myself.

Jen: Okay, like you already had a maid though, or no, oh Like on the spot, okay

Amelia: On the spot, pick your metal, whether you want to do a charm or connector, sterling silver, gold filled. And then I had all the real gemstones like ready to pop them in. Yeah, I'm gonna build the whole thing around the spot. Again, horrible idea. Don't recommend it. Never do it. So that went great, and I probably did a couple more pop ups after that.

Then I got the brilliant idea of I'm going to open a storefront. So again, like I said, I just really was diving in and every idea, like I'm going for it. I have nothing to lose. So I rented a space that was like 30 minutes from my house. Got it all set up with super pumped Oh, this is going to do awesome.

No.

Jen: Really?

Amelia: Yeah, no. So again, not since the word wasn't really around of what it was and I honestly probably could have done some better marketing.

Jen: Sure.

Amelia: But I wasn't in the best location. I was on a very busy road, which is great traffic wise. You'd think but it's not a lot of foot traffic

Jen: I was going to say, graphic, but not like, where people are actually walking to shop.

Amelia: Yeah,

Jen: were you around any other shops or where were you like a standalone or were you around

Amelia: so where I was located was actually like right off the highway again. I was thinking this place was going to be awesome. I loved it. I was obsessed with it. It had these great three or four huge front windows. You could just yeah, you could like, see me from This from the road, like I wasn't far from set off the road there was a bakery and a restaurant next to me and a bar out back.

Jen: Yes. Yeah.

Amelia: I'm bringing on, I'm going to get these people, coming in before or whatever, they go to the bar, what, when. on Sundays when they go to the bakery, whatever. Again, no. So huge advice for people if they're looking at starting a brick and mortar is make sure that you are really doing research into the location.

Like I said, I thought this was going to be an awesome location. I, it just, it wasn't foot traffic wise. It wasn't, it was busy. Like I said, traffic, not foot traffic, even with the people that like knew the bakery and stuff. I had put out a sign or, saying we're welcome, open, whatever.

I thought people would just like. Being nosy, being just like, Oh, what's this new store that opened?

Jen: Right.

Amelia: Nope. I just, I ended up actually only being there three months, I

Jen: Okay.

Amelia: I, from where the location was about, like I said, 30 minutes from my house, but also like another 30, 35 minutes from downtown Portland. Now. Obviously, if I could have afforded A place in Portland or wanted to drive an hour every day to go to my, my store thing.

Yeah, I would have totally gone to Portland that I probably would have been great there. But needless to say, when I 1st started the store, I thought, I'm going to do the jewelry plus. Like the customized gifts and stuff like that. I had my machine there and everything. Yeah, like I was ready to do it all.

Like whatever you wanted, personalized, customized type stuff, like I had it all set up. And again, I don't think that I really marketed it as well or as much as I could. So again, tip wise, I would say if you're, doing anything, marketing is huge. Whether you are, consistent on social media or boosting some of your posts or advertising on a low budget.

Signage, whatever, like it's huge. It would make a huge difference. And

Jen: So were you doing any of that at the time? What was your marketing look like at the time? Did you have an Instagram? Did you have some for that specific business, like your permanent jewelry? And did you have?

Amelia: Yep. Yeah. So I do have a Instagram for that permanent jewelry business, which has gone stagnant because I haven't been doing permanent jewelry really since like summer. I did a couple of like private parties here and there. But anytime I tried to make a commitment it would be overshadowed by the signs.

Back to when I first got into that shop is when I probably had like maybe one or two, like a couple of sign orders here and there and. Again, this is really where it comes into knowing your niche. I knew, having my digital marketing background and all this other stuff, knowledge now knowing, like having done the permanent jewelry, I was like, I noticed there was something missing and it was signage and stuff for people doing permanent jewelry.

I, I went, I was on Etsy, I'm seeing all these QR code signs and all these cute little things. And I'm like, there's no one actually targeting. People that are doing jewelry, designing jewelry, permanent jewelry specifically. And yeah, that's my brainchild. I guess you could say is that I mix my two passions at the time and.

Again, this is where it exploded for me is that I did a couple of signs. I started really, being more active on my Instagram for the Etsy shop. And I think, just knowing how to use hashtags and, following people that were doing permanent jewelry. I think just, it started to just spread and.

It was just, it was insane. It was crazy. It was just like a couple of months into it and I was busier than I could like I couldn't even believe it. Like I could not keep up. I was getting so many orders and actually at the same time I left the shop Because I realized I was traveling 30 minutes to and from the shop to go make signs.

Jen: You could just do it at home.

Amelia: Yeah, I'm like what am I doing?

Jen: Right.

Amelia: So my fiance, he's you could save a lot of time and gas money. If you are,

Jen: for sure.

Amelia: Overhead in general and not paying rent. Why don't you just bring all your stuff back home?

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: And I'm like, you know what? I didn't want to. I was a little sad because I really was hoping that, the permanent jewelry thing would work out.

Honestly, I liked doing the permanent jewelry more than making signs at the time. Yeah. Like at the time I did, I was just like, I really liked this. I had more, person to person, like interaction, I wasn't just like hiding out in my basement. Like I am now

Working all day.

Jen: Yes.

Amelia: So obviously it has its, its ups and downs, pros and cons, whatever.

But who can turn down like, that business, like I said, I, I. Wanted to make money and I was making money. No, I enjoyed it at the same time. So I was like, wow, I hadn't really used my hands to create anything in a long time. I had all, I'd been really on the computer mostly, again, doing graphic design, web design, digital marketing, whatever, I was pretty much sitting in front of a computer all day, every day.

And even with the permanent jewelry, but especially with the signs, I was able to be more creative and be hands on and I don't know, it just. The same passion or I don't know the, just like happiness of seeing when I did digital marketing and website building, like seeing a design come to life, it was just like.

So much more intense, like having this hand tangible thing that I can see and hold it's just out there, now someone's buying it, it's going to be displayed in front of all these other people. Again, it's similar to the whole website experience, but. I don't in a whole different way.

It's hard to explain. And it just, it really has, like I said, been a rollercoaster. I guess I was lucky to pick the niche that I did. And I think that applies to really like any business, even permanent jewelry. Like you have a niche, you have an, an ideal client or customer that is going to want to come and get permanent jewelry.

That wants to have, custom jewelry that's that they pretty much created like they're picking up charms and the chain and all that. And I think there's just a lot to it that people. Just love about it. And I think, obviously a lot of people are getting into class now, adding the class and I don't know, again, I still think it's just so cool to see how permanent jewelry is evolving and changing.

Jen: yeah. I totally think it's like you said, a niche because honestly people look at the broader, like even when they said the people in your area, say other people get caught up with the competition or someone else popping up in their area doing it. But I think that honestly I have a permanent jewelry friend that does it in the town, like next to me and we collab on some events and stuff together and she has a totally different clientele.

Like he has such a different style. She goes more for she's in the rodeo kind of thing. They have they're in that world. And so she's very like Western and with even the things she offers. And I'm like, that's so not me. Like we have totally different, like different people that would come to one or the other.

Really? Don't get me wrong. We have some, maybe same chains, but even just like her style and how she presents herself and her brand is totally different than mine. So I think that even just. Nishing down within that industry of permanent jewelry is there's so many ways you can go about it, and I don't think that's what people, some people realize, and just, I think sometimes it takes a minute though, to figure that out, once you start, and then you're like, you maybe start general and you're like, wow, I really love this.

And that's what. For some reason, these people coming to me are loving this too, and that's my customer and kind of realizing what people are wanting and needing and fulfilling that,

Amelia: oh yeah, for sure. Again, even with what I'm doing, again, I started with just doing the signs. Because for me at the beginning, they were basic. They seem simple. Like it was whatever. But again, when I realized that I wanted or decided to niche down to like permanent jewelry artists.

I like just started getting all these ideas of other things I could make and that's, where the displays came from, like for the chains, for the charms the leather and acrylic tags to name, the charm the chains and stuff. That was one of my first products or, was.

The little tags like really niche specific. That was like one of the first. So from there, leather patches, whatever. I was just like all these different things. Cause I'm like, my machine can do all, all these different materials. So how can I utilize it? And I'm still today trying to come up with different ideas that.

Permanent jewelry artists or just, jewelry designers in general can use. Because, I think a lot of people like, just like being able to design and customize their jewelry

With my signage and displays, you're getting to customize it, like you get to make it your brand, match your colors, have your logo, and I think especially, when you really want to stand out.

From other people or at a big craft fair or whatever. It's having that vibe, that personality, that draws people in. And I think you're in the Facebook groups, right? Like

Jen: Yes. Yeah.

Amelia: A friend of mine, a local other permanent jewelry artist here. She actually posted about her setup in one of the groups like just yesterday.

Jen: Oh, that's awesome.

Amelia: Yeah, so she was like giving me a little shout out, which I didn't expect at all. Her name's Mia from good stock And you may have seen her stuff. It's very pink retro groovy like Lots of rat and patterns and disco ball stuff like that. And yeah, so she's been awesome To work with like I've done a lot of stuff for her, but it's been very branded You know very much like it all just has this cohesive feeling.

Yeah. And she actually was recommended to me or referred to me by a girl named Jena from two waves in the sun. So I don't know, you've seen her, she's out of Connecticut.

Jen: Okay.

Amelia: Again, very branded, like I've done. Sir, like everything of hers is ocean, beachy. So like she specifically wanted chain displays that were in the shape or looked like surfboards.

And her idea was really what sparked. Me to start making more chain displays. Like she's I want something that's unique that fits my, my brand and everything. And from there I was like, wait a minute, what else can I make for display?

Jen: I know I was going to ask you obviously you probably get new ideas from, again, people's needs and them asking you, and then that pie spurs and just this like domino effect of inspiration for you, I would assume,

Amelia: It is, it really is. When, people will come to me and be like, Oh, I have this idea. Can you make it, can you help me with this? I'm actually working on a new product. Right now with Lindy from Permanent Jewelry Besties.

Jen: Okay.

Amelia: I believe that's what it's called, right? And we're working on something for ear piercings.

So she's,

Jen: Love.

Amelia: it seems a lot of permanent jewelry people are getting into piercing. Years and stuff like as just like another additional service on top of what they're doing. Yeah. So we're working on a display for that. Yeah. Which I really excited about and yeah, that should be, I'm trying to think I have to actually work on design for that, for her. So she is going to be probably displaying that at the beginning of February.

Jen: okay.

Amelia: But yeah, I'll probably have it already like on the website and ready to sell it probably next week. I don't know. It's just

Jen: plays into the legitimacy or the, I guess the overall feel of your, again, with branding when it comes to the signage, cause I ordered a sign from you and it's funny, like I had a QR code sign that I did have made. That was a curl. Like it wasn't actually by you, but it was someone else I'd found in the beginning and it was actually probably before you were doing it on Etsy then.

Cause it was over a year ago and it's so funny. And then I had a normal, just like a printed and a frame. Like priceless for the longest time until I recently purchased from you. And people would always comment on this QR code sign. They're like, where'd you get that sign? I'm like, okay. They're not even asking about my jewelry.

They want to know about the sign. I'm like, that's fine. But then I ordered the sign from you and I. It's funny because I got it and as I'm like, Oh, I love this, but I actually want it bigger. And so you were so great about like getting back to me right away and being like, Hey, can we just make this center arch this much bigger?

And you're like, heck yeah. And then we just switch some things around that I wanted to do to it. But I did use it for an event or two. And again, people are like, where's the sign from? Like they just love the sign. It's definitely, it's eye catching, and I think it plays into just the feel, overall feel, which is so important of your business, and what you're saying with what your display, your signage, like it's.

I don't want to say it's everything, but it's a big portion, right? Cause just like you said, if you saw the one company that like the surfboard, the ocean theme versus the other boho, like there's going to be one person that's attracted to that versus the other, just because of like how that resonates with them, so I think it's really important to just, of course, say who you are through everything that you have for your business, especially when you're doing pop ups and markets in that way, because they're not walking into a brick and mortar. Like you have to take that with you and have this feel in someone's home or at a pop up and be able to bring this presence like mobily, so your signage is so amazing to let businesses be able to do that.

Honestly, it's so cool. So

Amelia: I appreciate it. Honestly, I don't even know everyone that I've met in the permanent jewelry kind of realm and just like the different personalities. It's really it's fascinating. It really. I have, I have some that are like, they see something and they're inspired by it and they might, copy it or have similar colors and stuff.

And, again, it might be something that's trending or whatever, but, especially for the ones that kind of go all out and have this whole setup and they want the whole, like I said, the couple that I mentioned already Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. When you really start expanding on it and building on it, it just, it makes you more reputable, it shows people that you are, passionate and about your business and, you're putting money into your business.

You're not just this. Pop up overnight.

Jen: Right.

Amelia: I'm not going to lie. Like I just Whoa, I'm going to do this today. I loved it. I know I. In my own signage or whatever, not like huge stuff, but I had a sign I messed up on and I was like, I'll use this for myself and it's my stuff is a little on brand, but no, and I'm just like, again, I.

You would think I would be more, more like I'm going to be more on brand. I would take my own advice, but again, since I'm not doing it full time, I haven't I haven't put my, the effort into it. And I think people can tell that, like someone might be, obviously people are going to be excited about, Oh, let me get a welded piece.

Bracelet or whatever. And, I think a lot of people love that idea that it's, the curiosity of it. But again, you go to a craft show that has other, how many other vendors that are selling jewelry, like what is going to set you apart from them? What is going to get you the sale over that person two tables over?

Jen: What is, yeah. What does your setup say about you? What do you want to convey to people, basically? What do you want them to know about you? If you take it to extremes and just say yeah, someone set up a table and literally, like you said, just put like a cheap display and like a chintzy sign.

And not even did anything versus someone who had this beautiful, all the beautiful things branded signed by you and a great display and like a beautiful, tablecloth or whatever obviously, who are you going to be, who is going to see more and also to it plays into the perceived value of everything too, right?

Because if you're putting on a chain display that literally just has chain thrown on there and it's messy, but you're asking 80 for a bracelet, it's versus someone who has this beautiful display and like all these, again, just it all set up and branded. You're obviously like perceived value of them is high versus someone who's just like throwing it out there, so yeah, I think that you're such a huge part of that. So that's amazing because honestly, even just having the boutique business I did prior to and being a jewelry designer myself and making jewelry for years prior to doing permanent jewelry. One of my things always was merchandising. And honestly, again, through that learning that too, like you can make a product look really cheap or you can make it look really nice, and it's your display is everything. So for me, I'm always on the hunt for good displays, especially when it comes to jewelry, because jewelry has such a small, like footprint, it's very tiny for the most part, there can be bigger jewelry, but I guess the jewelry that I've made and stuff.

And it's just trying to find great displays that just show off that jewelry nicely. And again, permanent jewelry is along those lines. It's like those dainty chains. Like it's very, it's not like this big beaded jewelry. So it's like finding that and just again, the vibe that goes along with what you want.

Like I'm always on the hunt for displays. And I think for a permanent jewelry niche, like everyone is too. Everyone wants something unique. They want something that says something about themselves. And again, you might go into it like you did, which I highly advise, go into it. Not, thinking you're not ready, like dive in.

But then as you as you are developing your business, it's just, it's smart to know that these things are really important, to develop who you are, who you're trying to reach, what you're trying to say, and yeah. What you want this business to be,

Amelia: yeah. And I, like anyone again, we're always evolving, growing things. If you are getting started out, I don't say, Hey, come to my, website and buy the whole setup, jump on. Fully commit yourself here, I've had plenty of people do That might buy a sign here or there, they buy the how it works and the care some line because those are like.

The most informational signs, I guess that, makes sense for, customers that are coming by. They look at those signs like, oh, yeah. Okay. Even those will draw people in because I have those 2, and that people are like, oh, what is this? We, Whatever. But I'm always changing stuff up and, I'm always learning, I, I've, I started out with 1 display, and I've, changed it over the course of the last few months of, where I get feedback from people all the time.

Oh, if you did this might be better. Or, if you change that, again, it's, about the functionality of it too, is no, or the space it takes up, even, some, most people are traveling with what 4 to 6 foot tables and, we've come, I've come up with all kinds of different ideas and stuff to save space or something that's going to be a little bit more functional or easier to break down or put together, again, with having the acrylic, it can be very fragile and, I think a lot of people sometimes don't understand that they think, oh, it's acrylic.

So it's going to be hard. It's like plastic, but I've had a couple of customers have unfortunate events where, the wind takes it and it breaks into three paces and it's I wish I

Jen: How do you advise a travel with it? That's a good point. Because honestly, what I found too, like with the one acrylic sign they had prior to buying yours it can of course it could scratch and stuff too. Like the, especially like the mirrored gold and stuff. So how do you suggest traveling with it?

Like just maybe wrapping it in something or I don't know

Amelia: yeah, so I definitely suggest wrapping it whether it be like some padded, the mail bubble packing or whatever Or putting like a nice soft, like microfiber or something like over the top especially if it has a lot of mirror stuff because I can scratch very easily. Like I've had some people ask to have their display in mirror and I usually will suggest, Against it, recommend not doing that because especially with chains being moved around picked up or whatever.

It's gonna like scratch eventually

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: But yeah for I mean traveling wise. I definitely recommend Having a safe way to move it around don't just throw it on top of your box and Think it's you know, not only are sometimes there are little pieces You know I use adhesive that should keep little things, details in place and stuff, but obviously things happen.

Sometimes things can pop off. Sometimes I usually use like a super glue a gorilla clear glue that keep things stuck on. Just because there's so many different things to know, but as far as,

Jen: Actually, like maybe a carrying case

Amelia: yeah, it might be

Jen: One thing you can get manufactured, that is because that's, I, of course my wheels are turning, I'm like, yeah, that would be actually a great add on for you. It's just because I would wear that, like I would buy that because I, right now I'm totally mobile.

Again, the three arch sign and most of your stuff does break down, right? Cause it has the stand and the, okay, so it all goes flat, which is awesome because that way too I feel like if it was already put together, it'd be more apt to break and harder to travel with, but but yeah, I would totally buy a carrying case actually to

Amelia: now I'm gonna have to come up with a new one for that.

Jen: Your list,

Amelia: yeah, obviously the most important thing is not to put stuff on top of it.

Jen: Not letting scratch against it, like even if you were to like wrap it up cause again, I had the three arches or whatever, so letting those not yeah, rubbed together. Yeah.

Amelia: Just as much as you're taking care of your jewelry you're not just throwing your chains in there. You're not just taking your charms and, BOO! Here you go! I'll organize them later! You've purchased this thing that is not cheap. Like you've taken the time, you've waited for it, like it's been, like assembled and yeah, again, it is somewhat fragile. And you would think having put that investment into your company, you want to take care of that investment. It's anything else. So yeah, definitely I recommend like wrapping it up in something that is going to be soft and

Jen: car is a good idea.

Amelia: Yeah, I mean layering it, but not, again putting anything on top of that, because again, if you put anything too heavy, it might crack it.

Jen: Exactly. Yes.

Amelia: Also even for, yeah even for displaying it, another huge thing, especially if you're going to be outside, like it's only an eighth of an inch, like eighth inch thickness.

Jen: Yep.

Amelia: Like it's very thin it's not paper, it's not bending or anything, but obviously. If it's too windy outside, like you got to think like things are gonna tip over.

Not just acrylic, anything you have for display wise, it has a chance of tipping over. And, I wouldn't place it anywhere near the edge of your table. Like places on the in in the middle, it sure something like, we I've even suggested putting double sided tape or something on the base.

Jen: idea. Oh yeah. That's

Amelia: So that you can stick it to your cover. One of my customers said they thought about doing like the Velcro, where you have, have the, sorry, the, it like sticks again to, it's like double sided or it has an adhesive on one side, so then you can take it off. Some people didn't like the idea because they're like then you're going to ruin the cover of your for your table.

If you're going to have things in the same place, you're never going to see it anyway. But yeah, I think there's a lot of different ways to go about it. Obviously,

Jen: Yeah, it's just a live and learn situation too. Especially outdoor events. I know, wind, especially here in Colorado, I have some trauma from doing outdoor events. It is what it is. You gotta figure it out. I've literally had a tent in the air. I've had clothing racks fall over.

I've ruined racks of very dainty jewelry that fell over. It's just, it's, it is what it is, but you do have to like, just figure out what works for you,

Amelia: I can't control mother nature, unfortunately.

Jen: You can't, oh man.

Amelia: No, I wish.

Jen: let's talk though about PJX because I'm super excited you're going to be there.

That's so exciting. So are you going to be like, just displaying a bunch of different things and people can place orders there or tell us about that. Sure.

Amelia: So I'm still trying to figure all the details out myself, like how I want to handle everything. I will, I am going to take orders. Obviously my stuff is not. A pick, grab and

Jen: Exactly. You

Amelia: Yeah. So that's one of the biggest things I think I'm trying to figure out is, I do want to have some kind of like freebie like takeaways that people can have.

I don't know if you saw on my Instagram last night, I posted like these cute little engraved straw, like charms for

Jen: yeah.

Amelia: those that's just like a new design that I've been playing with. And I think I might have something like that. Cause obviously I'm going to offer it for people to order.

But I have some cute little like branded ones.

Jen: I love it.

Amelia: yes, but I will probably have some signs on display, maybe a couple of them. I think I'm probably going to have mostly just images, photos of stuff that I made because it's, as obviously it's hard not, to travel locally, but travel back and forth.

I don't want to have stuff get broken, but,

Jen: Yeah. Yeah.

Amelia: So I probably will have a few displays, probably like the most popular ones that like the care sign, the how it works sign, a couple of the chain displays, charm displays, stuff like that. I'll probably definitely have on display. But I am really excited to be there cause I am an official sponsor for this year's expo.

Yeah, so I wanted to go last year, but again, I had just. Started not only doing permanent jewelry here and there, but doing the signage and stuff. And again, not in the budget, but,

Jen: Yeah. I

Amelia: I definitely was not ready to be there like showing off my products and stuff like that.

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: again, I've just been doing this a year now.

And the products that I'm, my offering has just expanded in the last six months so much that

Jen: know. And I can't imagine. Being that we're about five months away ish or more from the PJX, like how much more you could have even by then is insane. Cause like just what you've done in six months is awesome. What right now do you feel is your best seller? Do you have like one that stands out over on the, amongst the rest or no

Amelia: like the 2 signs that I said that are obviously prematurely specific. Yeah. But honestly, the 2 panel sign has been the biggest seller. I don't know if it's. Cost or just like the simplicity of it. It started off as just the one panel with, the logo and some QR codes, and then on the second panel you have the pricing.

And I think that was like the biggest, combine just combining those two ideas. Again, instead of having several different signs all over the place, that's fine. It takes up less space. So yeah, just continuing like throughout, like even different markets cherry from, permanent jewelry.

Training I think I'm saying her name right, Sherry. She just ordered two signs, one for her permanent jewelry and one for her hat bar. Yeah, so they were both two panel signs. And again, I think it's just also, you I mean, I allow so much different customization. I think that's the biggest part is that everyone wants to mix and match different aspects from different signs and to, how can I fit the most information on 1 sign,

Jen: Yes.

Amelia: In one space,

Like I'm literally talking with someone right now of combining two displays and a couple like side panels again, they're like, I have a small table. I want to keep it small. I don't want to have a lot of space. So again that's a huge thing for people. I,

Jen: That's why it's so great, because yours combines that, where it's even for me, so I have the, I can probably grab it right now and show people. Should

Amelia: go ahead.

Jen: show? Should I show?

Amelia: Yeah. Yeah.

Jen: And I'm getting the larger version of this, but okay, so I had my price list separate and I had a separate sign for this and then of course right here you have space for the like business cards, which I have like a higher, more like a postcard 4 by 6 sign, or size.

But so that was also separate on my table. So now with this I can be like, here's my price list, here's a QR, and then I'll have these sitting here too. Where those are all like these three separate things. So I love that this is like all in one and it does, and even at all in all, even though it's it's longer, it's a three panel, but it's like, compared to what I had, it actually takes up way less space, especially with these standing up and not like sitting down on my table.

So yeah, it's just like efficient and it's beautiful.

Amelia: I love it. And a lot of people, even like with that space that you have blank right now because you put like your bigger business cards or whatever there, some people will fill that space with the, how it works. Instructions. So again, that's another one less time.

Jen: That's so great. And that's such a great idea. I don't have that sign. I have to say, but you made me think as I'm talking like, gosh, because when I'm at pop ups and I don't have someone helping me and people are still, of course, there's so many people that still are like, what is this?

So you're having you're working with your customer and you want to give them your full attention, but you're also having to like, field, all the conversation, the talk happening around you while people come into your table. So if they're just standing there and knowing I'm busy and waiting for me to be like, Hey, what is this?

And not wait for me. They can have this beautiful sign that says, okay, this is what it is and how it works. And not having me to do this. Everyone knows that the spiel that you say again and again. And you like, it's so it's nice to have something take the place of that,

Amelia: Yeah. Yeah, no, exactly. That was the original intent, was so you don't have to always say the spiel. You probably end up doing the spiel anyway, but again, if there's like people waiting in line or whatever, they can read it for themselves. And even with that sign, what started off as a simple three step.

This is how it works. It's really simple. Like even that has evolved over time with, now there's a four step and there's an extended four step, like that has a little bit more details. Like I said, things come and change and

Jen: Oh, yeah. I should put this out there. I don't know if you, I want to ask you a few more questions before I wrap this up because I feel like I could talk to you forever, but what is do you accept custom work? Say someone came to you and was like literally picturing something totally different than even what you offer.

Like they want, do you accept that or do you

Amelia: Oh,

Jen: them stuff right now

Amelia: yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Honestly, that's some of my favorite stuff is

Jen: Oh, good. Good. Okay. Cool.

Amelia: I think, again, because I I get to tap into that creativity of not doing the same stuff over and over okay, how can we change this? How can we make this a little different? I just did one for raw I think I'm doing that right.

She wanted to have the display with a little side half panel that has the, how it works steps and then. On the base is space for your little square reader a QR code to scan her Venmo. And then there was like a tiny little arch that was sitting in front of the display that had a couple QR codes on it, to follow her on social media.

Yeah. So that was like her idea. She's I have all these things that I want, but I won't, again, want them to be together, to save space. And I was like, okay, let's do this. Same with off the chains. I don't know if you've seen that huge black display that I made with the lightning bolt cutouts.

It was like,

Jen: That sounds amazing. I'm gonna go look. Is everything under Instagram?

Amelia: Oh yeah. Everything's on my Instagram timber and tie designs. But yeah, it's like a two panel display. So it has one huge. Back display and then a smaller arch display in front of it. So she sectioned her stuff off between metals So one display was for like the gold filled in the rose gold filled and then she had another one for sterling and What was enamel or something

Jen: Okay.

Amelia: Black and stainless steel maybe I can't remember anyways, it was it was one of the biggest displays that I had, I have

Jen: Wow.

Amelia: Yeah, but it was pretty much her idea. She says, I have these displays, they're getting pretty beat up, worn out. I want to have the same size, but this is what I'm, envisioning. And, people laugh, but they send me these like scribbled drawings and they're like, don't mind my crappy drawing.

And I'm like, it's really like the best thing that they can give me because I'm like, Yeah yeah, send me your crappy stick person,

Jen: I know I'm actually like already thinking because I'm always again, like I said before, like before even permanent jewelry, I've always been wanting to find pretty and the best displays, right? That can show a product, especially again, dainty jewelry. I think it is, unless it's on like a jewelry card.

It is more, it is challenging. But I have this idea in my head for A connector display, like to display your connectors and charms. So I'll have to send you like a drawing. Cause I'm picturing something that can stand up and again, not be more visible like going into it versus something being on your table, which I think a lot of people have is like the little containers for charms and connectors versus something that stands up.

Amelia: Have you not seen my stand up displays for those?

Jen: Okay. Then I need to see it first

I comment.

Amelia: so I had the one, and you might see it like a couple of rows down.

Jen: So is it with hooks?

Amelia: so there was the one that had hooks in them. So that was, it was like a small hanging display. And then I came out with the bigger hanging display that fits up to a hundred charms or

Jen: Okay. Is that okay? The white one.

Amelia: Yeah, it has like like little loop rings on them or whatever. So

Jen: Yes. Oh, that's cute too. See? Okay. That's cute. That's so cute. I might have to get that, but in my mind, I'm thinking of something else, but I feel like that definitely could obviously be amazing too.

Amelia: yeah, so while I have actually redesigned that one,

Jen: You have.

Amelia: it's no longer hanging which some people, people seem to love it, the ones that order it, for time wise, building wise and everything, I redesigned it to be more of a standup. So

Jen: you have redesigned that one. Is it on your Instagram right now?

Amelia: I have no, I have not made the first new redesigned version of it, but I had to have, I do have an order a couple of orders for it.

So it will be coming. I'll be taking photos and showing it off probably within the next week. But when you go on, yeah. So when you go on my website, you can choose now from either a flat acrylic base. Or like a wooden base, so like on the wooden base, the panel like slides in and sits at an angle a little bit.

So then you can pick it up and hold it and all that other stuff. Or, it's just in a little flat base, like the signs.

Jen: Okay. I'm glad I mentioned this to you. So honestly, when we do have this episode come out, which it should be, hopefully you will have that new one on your website by then. I don't think this will come out for another week or week and a half, and we can do all these links to link to what we're talking about.

When it comes to like your displays and your how to and all the things. So actually speaking of that too, I know you were, are you still on Etsy or are you only on your website now?

Amelia: So funny story. I have to backtrack a little bit to explain why I'm not on Etsy anymore. Sorry, I am some somewhat still on Etsy. So for, cause I do still sell signage and some stuff to other types of businesses. So because I'm not always marketing to them as heavily I wanted them to still be able to find some of my stuff.

So I took pretty much all my permanent jewelry. Signs and displays, except for a couple of the how to and care sign. Those are still on Etsy. But I pretty much took everything and put it on my website. Because I just feel like my customers or, most people know me now and they know where to find me.

And if they want to order something, then, there's a link in my Instagram bio to get right to my website. Etsy is great. When you're first starting out and don't really have a customer base. They are like a huge search engine. That's where Etsy, like why they make or take so many fees.

And that's one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to get off Etsy is because of the fees. I was paying for marketing. But wasn't marketing. Like I wasn't, I'm not advertising. Like I don't have them pushing any of my listings, but somehow I'm still paying for marketing.

Jen: I know. It's

Amelia: I'm like, why am I paying for marketing if I'm not marketing?

So like I'm marketing myself. I don't need to pay for it.

Jen: Yes.

Amelia: Yeah. So that was one of the biggest reasons was for, stop paying so many fees and Again, I think Etsy is a great platform, especially for people just, getting started, even if I know a lot of permanent jewelry, people are getting into the ready, the, ready to wear, pre made jewelry stuff.

And, if they're going to sell it off outside of like their events and stuff, then I think Etsy is a great way to go.

Jen: I agree. Yeah. It's a great way. It's a great way to start to, but like with where we're, you're at, I think to like, to be aware of Etsy versus going out on your own. Like you said, it's a great way to get exposure. It's a great way to put your stuff out there, but also to There's no brand recognition, like with that, like when most people say they got something, when does anyone ever say I got it from GoldieLynx or I got it from Timber Tide?

They're like, I got it from Etsy. Never. And even, I have to say, I had purchased a sign from you prior to doing this priceless sign and I didn't realize it was you. Like it was like searching and I'm like, Oh yeah, like we're, priceless. And then of course I found your Etsy and I'm like, Oh my God, it's amazing.

And I had already purchased a chain display or some kind of jewelry display from you

Amelia: Yeah.

Jen: this year,

Amelia: Yeah, I want to say it's a change display because I remember seeing the logo. I'm like, oh, she's and that's another thing. Of ordering or using small businesses is like, oh, I remember that person. I remember this customer. But

Jen: Yeah. So it was like, but then once I put two and two together, I'm like, Oh gosh, I already purchased from her. And so we get, cause again, I wasn't. Thinking to go right back on and search, even though I had already bought the sign I liked from you, but I didn't think to, I was just searching and Etsy, versus obviously if you have a customer base on your website and say you, gather customer, whether you're doing that, whether like you're gathering emails or whatever to keep people up to date too, because Honestly I just didn't know that you, obviously I just wasn't aware that you had a term display, like that way too.

It's like way to keep in touch other than your social, but also too, I think people are rarely taking that Etsy like company and looking them up on social media. I typically really don't do it very often at all. So I think that having your own website and having, cause also too, it's a whole concept of even social media, like what if Etsy were to shut down one day and it's like.

Now what, like in all your customers are on there. So taking them away from that and then, and being able to service them and send out, send updates and whether they, again, you're gathering emails and being like, Hey, I have this new display. And then, keeping them up to date.

Cause Etsy, you can't really do that

Amelia: no. Like they have something, you can like integrate a few things with them, apparently I never used them. I actually just started really Utilizing like the emails and I'm starting to build my email list, which again, as a digital marketer, you think I'd be, have been doing this all along because I know better do as I say.

Not as I do.

Jen: it's okay. One, one person show is hard, man. When you have all the things, you got to wear all the hats,

Amelia: yeah, it's hard to keep up and I'm, I'm the first to admit it I'm trying to keep up with running my social media with my Instagram account and sometimes I forget to post and sometimes I go a couple of days without posting. I'm like, Oh, my God sometimes I'm just too busy, like

Jen: hear you. Do

Amelia: Making

Jen: you have anyone helping you right now or are you still just doing all this on your own?

Amelia: No some people know this. I've posted it like in my stories and stuff here and there. I did bring on Allie she does her own like graphic design branding stuff and I Weird story. So I found her through a permanent jewelry client because I had posted one day that I needed help like I was just so far behind.

This was this past summer. Like I said, I just started getting an influx of orders and I just was like, I can't do all this anymore. I can't like, I just, it's the time that it takes. And I don't think people realize that, especially like sometimes when they look at my prices, like what that all entails,

Jen: I hear you.

Amelia: Yeah, I get the order. I have to, I have systems set up now that kind of automate that. So it costs money, to have these systems like zap, I don't know, a lot of people won't know the names I'll say is happy or jot forms, whatever, I have a system that now. Makes you fill out a form so I can get all the details for that sign.

And once you fill out that form, it sends it to my project management system called Trello. So it creates like this card thing that says, okay, there's this new order and here's all the details and. To make all this work. There's another system that I paid for that makes it all work. But then I brought on Allie to help me design the mock ups.

And like I said, I actually was referred to her through a permanent jewelry customer who I was like, I needed. A designer. I need someone looking for work. Whatever. And someone reached out. She said, Oh, you should check out Allie. She did my branding. I want to say, and I believe I'm right. It's Lux links is the bill is the girl who referred Allie to me.

And Allie it's Allie Clark design. So again, she does branding and all this other stuff, but she was nice enough to come on and help me with doing. Okay. She does most of the designing of the mockups now because I'm more focused on getting the orders done. I have, and I'm, and this is no lie when people ask me.

I have a rush service that obviously costs extra if you want to have I'm at a three week turnaround time right now and I was at four weeks. Thankfully, yes, great and not great was the holidays came around and slowed me down a little bit and I was able to get caught up and so I was able to cut my time down a little bit, but I consistently have at least like 75 orders.

At all times like that are like pending like that. I need to work on get out the door. Yeah. So and again, I'm sorry about that. That's my timer. I have to get to the post office. Yeah. So I have like consistent work. Pretty much even though it's not as much as. But, being also a mom, I'm lucky enough that I have my fiance here, so he does more of like the childcare while I'm working most all day.

But I also last fall brought on a girl named Chelsea. So she's a photographer usually in her full time business, but she's local to me. Allie is not, Allie lives in Wisconsin, I believe. So even though she lives across, she's been great. We talk mostly, digitally through text through whatever, and then Chelsea came on, I brought her on for some time to help me with the admin tasks of getting back to people in Etsy messages, or just trying to keep me organized because again, I had so much going on. I'm like, I just need to know where this is. When is this due? Can you email these people back? Or if Allie needs something, can track down this logo design? I had the two of them working for me. And they've been a godsend because literally I could not, I would not have made it through the last six months without them,

Jen: Right.

Amelia: I just wouldn't have.

Like my business would have gone up in flames because I just. Or I would have had to shut it down because I just could not keep up with all the orders coming in and again, obviously, that's great. I love it. I love you all I'm very happy and I'm like, super I love what it's become. But yeah, with anything, I just think that a lot of people don't understand that everything that goes into running a small business. And I think, even with permanent jewelry, there's a lot you need to keep track of your stock of your products of what you've sold. And still doing. Social media and all the things and all the hats and I've actually been working on some kind of like a side business project, which has been in the works secretly quietly is like trying to help.

Out the permanent jewelry businesses with their marketing. So I did create a new Etsy, which again, I haven't been marketing as much because I've been trying to like everything in place. Some like how to guides.

Jen: have enough to do.

Amelia: No, I don't have enough to do.

Jen: is this new tell me is there another name for the business or is it like, okay.

Amelia: So that is called all things permanent jewelry.

Jen: Oh, okay.

Amelia: You may or may not have seen, I've promoted it or thrown it out there a couple of times in my normal Instagram, like stories here and there to push it a little bit. But again, with having this knowledge of digital marketing, social media, like all the things that I've you know, I was like, how else can I help these ladies or guys or Whoever doing permanent jewelry.

And I was like, I know a lot of people are struggling with like social media and like how to get more business especially right now. I know a lot of people are saying it's slow. I slow for everyone. It's slow for me. I think it's just that slow season. And yeah, so I've been working on.

Behind the scenes some just like helpful guides. I do have an Etsy for it. So see like it's since it's a new thing that I'm starting out. I did start an Etsy.

Jen: I'm going to link that too. That's so cool.

Amelia: so I do have a couple of guides on there already of like like social media how to Again, finding your niche

And a couple like social media like Pre made things.

I actually used to have couple of files on my original Etsy that I moved over to this account. Again, the all things permanent jewelry should be able to search it on Etsy and find it, but, so there's only a few things on there, but yeah, so I've been trying to figure out if I'm going to do any kind of like coaching or really one on ones with people and that I'm still trying to figure that out.

But right now it's more just like a digital downloads type of thing, like you're. A self self what's the word that I'm looking for? Just walk yourself through it. It's all the information is there. Yeah. Self guided. Sorry. I'm like,

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: so like the self guided, like here's all the information you need, here's how to get started.

Cause I know I've seen a lot of people say they're struggling with that type of stuff. So again, I'm here for it for you guys, whatever you need.

ike in the next, this year of: 2024

What are you thinking?

Amelia: Yeah. So I am, I'm most excited for the expo because I'm really excited to meet. All these people that have, made my business that have helped me and have supported my business. That have ordered from me, hopefully, new customers that, new people getting into it.

Yeah, I could talk all day about this stuff and just to really meet the people that I'm always talking with on social media who are, commenting on my posts or whatever. Cause obviously that's huge and that, helps me immensely. People that, share pictures of their setups, at their booth, whatever, it's just again, just meeting people in person. I think it's going to be awesome. I would like to, I obviously have some ideas that I'm trying to work out and new products that I want to come out with. Again, permanent jewelry is.

Still my niche, but I have, been looking into kind of expanding a little bit into some other niches and some different signage that I would like to do that might not be exactly jewelry focused. And then, yeah, I think hopefully with this other, like the digital, like social media marketing type stuff, I would definitely like to expand on that because like I said, I.

have all this stuff, all this knowledge that I would like to share with people and, however I can do that, is really the next step. I think just getting,

Jen: be fun to watch you because I feel like even if you do go to a different, not just a permanent jewelry or jewelry niche, but whatever you end up creating, we could tell your wheels are always turning. So it's like kind of fun to watch, just see what happens and see what you create.

And it's going to always be, if anything interesting, just see like what Where you go with all this. And I hope you bring as much as you can to the expo because I I want to see it all in person personally, I think I'll speak for everybody. I want to see all the things, so

Amelia: yeah I definitely am going to try to bring as much as I can for sure. Like I said, it would probably be more of like the displays and stuff that isn't maybe fully branded. That's more

Jen: The general kind of, yeah,

Amelia: Yeah, I think that will probably be the best things. Obviously people want to see stuff branded, I make something that's brand and then what am I going to do with it?

Jen: you know what? It's funny. You could probably ask people to bring their displays that they don't mind displaying. I, cause I was just thought of that. I'm like, I'll bring my displays.

Amelia: I did actually think about that, I, that, it's like you're, like, in my brain, I actually was thinking that literally last night, I was like I wonder if I should

Jen: You

Amelia: to bring their stuff, I here I am, like, standing in this piece of wood what can I do for the expo

Jen: Oh my gosh. No, that's actually a great idea. That way you don't have to worry about. And honestly, it is pretty easy to travel with. I wouldn't mind traveling with mine. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They're like, they're easy. They're

Amelia: Okay, so maybe I have to make the carrying case and then tell

Jen: there you go.

Amelia: instruct them to bring it as a carry on.

Jen: There you go.

Amelia: Okay, we're

Jen: easier than carrying on a welder. Okay. If we've done that before, which most have, like we can carry a sign, yeah, I think that's actually a great idea. We should put that out there.

Amelia: Yeah, I might do that. I just, I always am scared to be like, oh, I asked you to bring this thing and somehow it broke and now I have to remake it for you.

Jen: But

Amelia: That is what I'm a little

Jen: sign a waiver.

Amelia: Yes. Perfect. Yeah. No I may be, I may put it out there cause I, there are so many different displays and I guess I have to figure out who's going.

That's one of my past customers. Cause I don't really know exactly everyone who's going yet. I have gotten, DMS from people like, oh, I can't wait to meet you and see you there and so excited you're going and stuff like that. So I have a general idea, but yeah, there's just so many different displays.

And I think I would need a 50 foot table

Jen: I know.

Amelia: To display all of them. I think I get 10 feet, so I might be able to get creative. But I might try to see if I can get a few of the different ones. Because I know a big thing that I have gotten from people, and I don't know how to really put it out there.

I guess is size wise sometimes, like I know some people or feedback I've gotten, not even just permanent jewelry people, just people in general is, like you, you were like, I want something bigger. And I think it's hard for people to really visualize how big these signs are.

Jen: Okay. Yes. And that's what's so funny because I am a consumer, but I'm also a seller. Okay. I've sold jewelry. I've sold, I make many things. And one of my biggest pet peeves is when someone's Oh, or when you see a review and they're like, this is smaller than I thought. You're like, you literally put the measurements in there.

So I fall into that category as well because I feel like we're so like, It's all visual, right? We like, I don't want to, I'm not going to lie. Like I know everyone's different and some people might read line for line and really soak it in. I don't do that. Like

Amelia: Yeah. I

Jen: I look at the images and I'm like, okay, yup.

And it's I'm very just fast with what I, like that looks good. Okay. And I have it already. I think it's your expectation. Like whatever you think it is in your head, even if you see the measurement. You think how it is in your head.

Amelia: yeah.

Jen: And then I got it and I was like, Oh my God, it's so beautiful.

But yeah, it's a little smaller than I thought, which of course you had the measurements in there. It's not my, it's not your fault. It's my fault. Yeah. So anyway, that's why I decided to come back and be like, okay, like I'm just going to purchase another, I'm not going to be someone who's this is, I'm mad about it because I'm mad at myself, right? But I think that you really have to, what I've found is like dumb things down for people as much as possible. Make it so clear in the images of how big it is, how people compare it to a penny like with jewelry stuff, and like something like that, but

Amelia: I know. I'm like thinking what can I, maybe I'll put like a Stanley cup or something. Everyone has a Stanley. Everyone has

Or a fake Stanley, whatever. It's if they know how big that is, and I put that it's so hard though to show, like you said, unless there's something. Comparable in the photo with it to show off like the height wise. And again, it just comes back in my thought process when I design these things is how to make them stand out but not take up too much space. I think that's one of the things I'm going to be working on moving forward is when I take Photos is somehow making it more obvious, like how big something is going to turn out, for people.

Cause I think, like I said, you, it's hard to tell and yeah,

Jen: I know it'd be funny to even do it. Like you said, Stanley is a good idea or like something that is just, I don't know. It's almost, because what could you do with a sign like that? It's

Amelia: yeah, I could put an ugly some cute little ruler or something in the

Jen: Oh, that's true. That's true. Yeah. Anyway, but yeah, I think that's, that is a great idea. That's why I think it's nice to see them in person so people can really picture, Yeah. Cause online it is hard for, I think we all do it. We like think it's a certain size or a certain whatever that we have in our head and we get it and we're like, Oh I do it with simple things, even from Amazon.

Like I ordered this pill container and I thought it was like a normal one. It was like this literally super sized one that came in the mail. And I'm like, Oh my God, like I had no idea. I thought it was just like this, the typical size, right? The standard size. It's I do it all the time,

Amelia: even if it's even if you did take the time to read line by line, it's I don't think so. Sometimes we don't even really know what that means. Obviously, yeah, you can say, okay, this. Sign is nine inches high or whatever, but it's again, so I have these the clip things that everyone's like into.

So I bought these off Timu or whatever. So I'm like, I'm just going on a buying spree. And then I get this little

Jen: no, I was dying. I actually saw like a meme or something. It was like literally like Timu speaking of that. Someone was like, I thought I got an excellent deal on a rice cooker and it was literally a miniature, like you can hold it in your hand. It was like a figurine. I was dying. I like sent it to a friend because I'm like, that's literally me.

Like I would be like, wow, this rice cooker is only 3. Cool.

Amelia: I

Jen: so funny. So yeah. We all

Amelia: yeah, I had bought something. It was, it never showed up, but it was like this unbelievable price. And my fiance said the same thing. He's it's probably like just a miniature, like little figurine or something. I'm like that'd be really suck. I'm like, I really hope it's not. Cause it said it was a full size, it was coming from China and who knows, it never

Jen: I know, but yeah, that's so funny.

Amelia: yeah, I think sizing is sometimes either we don't pay attention or we see it, but we still don't like, we can't imagine visually okay how tall is that, yeah, I think that's 1 of the biggest things is like, moving forward. I don't know if I'm going to really offer options of hey, if you wanted a bigger size, then here, you can pick the size because, again, obviously.

Changing the size of things like takes time and like to make sure everything else is sized properly and that it's not like too big or too small. Yeah, so I think a lot of it again, back to the custom order type of thing is if someone wants something different that, just reach out to me and I'm happy to do whatever.

Jen: I have to say, yeah, your customer service is awesome. I feel like it's always when I message you, you message back so fast. So whether it's you or someone helping you, it's that's amazing because I think we all just so used to this instant gratification right now, even though we are business owners ourselves and we can't always get back to someone maybe right away.

But I try my hardest because I know how much I appreciate that when someone does it with me, because I'm like, I get so excited about this stuff. Like I'm so excited about anything, like even the sign, I'm like, I'm so excited to get it right. So it's like when you want something, you always want it now.

That's like literally how I feel like our culture is now. But it's so that's, yeah. So that I have to say your customer service, like probably, is one of the reasons you're doing so great to not only your skill, but you have great communication. So I appreciate that.

Amelia: thank you. I appreciate I'd say there are probably a couple that wouldn't agree with you, but in every business we have, a few people or sometimes I have bad days like everyone else.

Jen: of course, I know, and it's hard because again, even though we're in the same boat. We, for some reason, we have different expectations on those of other business owners and forget that they're also small business owners that have a family that are like have, they have their ups and downs and they have bad days and they have toddlers that are crazy and sick toddlers.

And who knows, right? So things like, of course just happen, which, we're human,

Amelia: Yeah, I think that's been the biggest downfall honestly has been like when I first started, obviously I wouldn't have any many orders. Yeah, I was like 1, 2 week turnaround boom, yeah, out the door. Now, like I said, I was able to cut it down to 3 right now, but, when I was up at 4, almost 5 weeks, I'm like, oh I feel bad.

I don't think people understand is how bad I feel that it's going to take that long, but it's yeah. I have this backed up overflowing like order queue, that I'm like trying to fulfill as fast as I can. But like you said, as I don't think a lot of people think about it, like you said, even though they may be in the same boat yeah, I have a toddler, like I have a family, like I have to I honestly didn't get.

back burner and I think, for: 2024

Jen: see you.

Amelia: Yeah, like I definitely didn't take as much personal time as I could have or should have.

And I definitely was feeling the, burnt out and got to the point where, there were days where I was questioning is this even worth it? I love where this has come and this has been my dream, that American dream to have your own small business. That's making money and it's successful and something you're passionate about doing.

Like I had those things, but I was sacrificing the, downtime and quality time with my now three year old, like these are the years, like that I'm supposed to be, and that was the toughest thing. I think as much as I want to satisfy all my customers and, have that quick turnaround, cause I know I'm the same way.

I want things right now. Like I want them when I want them,

Jen: having said that yours is custom. It's funny when I ordered it, like I knew, and I had seen your turnaround time, like for sure, and I, even, I think you did message me and say, sorry about the delay. And I honestly didn't even it wasn't something I was like, Oh, mad about, or, disappointed because I knew that it is a custom thing.

It wasn't like something that's already made and it just needs to ship to me. So I actually didn't have that expectation. And I think that. Again, even just you going as far as apologizing or maybe keeping someone up to date Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, but this is just a week out. Like da, that's all people care about, just like knowing that it's in production, it's happening, you care about it.

And that's, that's what people want to hear.

Amelia: I think that has been the biggest thing. I think most people like you, same as you, have been really good about it, have been nice about it, have been like, oh yeah, thanks for the update. That's all, as, and again, when I brought Chelsea on, that was one of her first things I was like, please go through all these people and just send them a quick message saying, I'm sorry, we're behind, blah, blah literally, I probably had 20, People, she had like contact a couple of weeks in a row, like different sets of people, like just being like, I'm so sorry.

But again, like you said, like just having that customer service. And just being commun like communicating with people to just let them know has, it's huge because I know there have been a couple of times like I've fallen behind and not communicated with people and they're like, Oh, I wish you had just said something.

I'm like, I know. I'm so sorry. It's just one of those things where it fell through the hole, like I forgot. I'm so sorry. I've gone as far as like throwing a couple of freebie, like leather patches or whatever in there for some people when I've been like really behind, and I do try to go above and beyond and do everything I can.

And I think that's the biggest thing of, I know that sometimes I lose business because like my turnaround time is longer than some other people. And I've seen some of my work out there, there's sign makers and I'm like it is what it is. Like it happens.

Yeah.

Jen: Yeah. How do you, I didn't even think about that actually when it comes to someone, copying or seeing, doing something very similar to your signs, I should say, I know we all take inspiration from things and it can grow into, doing a spin on it, but how do you deal with that?

Like, how do you view that?

Amelia: It's funny is I might I have my little vent session I think Between like with ally and chelsea and stuff like they're like my go to oh my god. Can you believe this? But you know for the most part I think In any industry, permanent jewelry, sign making, whatever, there's so many other people doing it that whether the customer goes straight to them and says, hey, I like this, I saw this, can you make this or, maybe they have a family member or a friend that's, does it and they're like, oh, hey, can you do this or yeah, flat out, just someone does, completely copying you.

It's going to happen. Like it's. There's no stopping it. Unless you have a copyright patent, whatever, and even then you still sometimes can copy things or whatever. Like you said, you're going to find inspiration for other people. That's just the way of life. And although, yeah, sometimes it, it's a little hurtful or, it sucks sometimes to see stuff that you're like.

For a fact that like you came up with that that was your idea you've never seen it anywhere else before, so it's again, there's been maybe one or two people on Etsy that I've had to reach out to, to be like, hey you've literally copied me you need to change something I don't say, oh, you need to just stop selling that, because

Jen: how was that received

Amelia: yeah, exactly. I can't force someone to like, even if I say, hey, you need to stop that or I could complain to Etsy. And then there's a whole thing through Etsy that if you do that, they might take your original down because

Jen: geez. How has that been received once you sent those emails? Did people were usually pretty cool about it or.

Amelia: I think, I don't know if 1 even responded or 1 was like a little bit different enough where it was like, whatever. But one of them they're like, Oh, I didn't know a customer, sent me this design and then they just turned around and start reselling it. You know what I mean? So they were like, Oh, I'm so

Jen: that's what's funny because that's why I ask, cause honestly, of course, when we see things, sometimes we like our mind goes right to Oh my gosh, they saw our design and they're copying it, but sometimes it's so unintentional, just like you said, like I actually did a, I used to. Or I still do stamped jewelry, custom, engraved jewelry.

And there was somebody who came to me and wanted a certain quote and they wanted to stamped on a bar like pendant. And I did it and I post on my Instagram. And then before you know it, I got a message saying that it was a copyrighted, like saying it was actually somebody who some influencer or like someone in the fitness, like industry, it was like her saying, and she had it over everything.

And I'm like, I'm so sorry. I had no idea I had a customer come to me and asking me to do this. Like I didn't research it. I didn't think anything of it and so I had to take it all down. I was a very apologetic, I'm like, because definitely unintentional, but it was something that literally, and she sent me an exactly what I made was basically what she offers, but like five times the price that I

So like they basically came to me to have me make it at a cheaper price and I'm like, I had no idea. So

Amelia: Exactly. Yeah. But that's the whole thing is sometimes it's not intentional and that's why like I try not to if it happens, like I try not to be too like mean about it or just Hey, like this, I don't know, like what the case is here, whatever. And like I said, the person was, pretty nice and just changed the wording or whatever and re updated like their imagery or whatever on their listing.

I was like. Whatever, and it's like some people have asked, oh can't you copyright that? And I'm like, what's the point? I'm like, technically anything I create impose is like date stamped and I can like, say, It's technically, if you look at copywriting laws and stuff, it's already copyrighted.

I'm not gonna, I just don't have the time, effort, or money to like, go take that extra step to really patent it or turn it into this big thing and it's just again, even if I did that, there'd probably still be copycats out there somewhere.

Jen: Yeah. And in the end, I know it's a lot of energy. And I think I'm just a fan of and not to say, I'm not saying it's okay to copy. I think that's our certain specific, like an artist, if it's like a painting or something like, obviously you can't copy that or something very specific.

Whereas what you're making, like people like, that's what I'm assuming people can just alter a little bit and then it's no longer, even though it's basically yours, but not. And so really in the end, it's I think. People that copy in my opinion, they're always one step behind you anyway. So it's like the fact that you're you obviously are so creative when it comes to this and you're so talented that it's you're always going to keep coming up with new things and so like there, it's not, whereas somebody who doesn't have that creative mind and they're just looking around them to get inspiration and not by their own inspiration, then there'll always be, again, one step behind and looking to make, something that someone else made. So I

Amelia: I think that's. I think that's the biggest thing is especially if it's only one off, like me, like I said, if maybe the customer went to them and was like, Oh, I saw this I've seen my chain display from a couple of different, in a couple of different places that, again, I didn't create it, but it's an identical, like copy cat, like they made exactly the same, like art shape with a logo with text in a certain space, everything is like identical.

And, again, for me, it's what am I going to do about it? And unless they're like out there, like reselling it exactly the same and stuff like that. There's only so much I can do. And not only am so much, I can say Hey, not make that again. Thanks.

Jen: You want to stand up for your company and your business. And you don't want to be like, oh yeah, just go ahead and do it. It's fine. But at the same time, it's You also just want to put your energy where it serves you, right?

And so putting your energy into someone who's like trying to fight this copying or like focusing on that so much It's just taking away from what you could create and taking away from your business. That's how I see it No, where do you want to put your energy,

Amelia: Yeah, I think that's again, in any industry, especially permanent jewelry, I know a lot of people, I think one of my last pop up craft shows that I went to not only was it like out of the way, but I spent 50 bucks to be in it and ended up finding out there was 2 other people there and in total, there was maybe like.

30 vendors there. Like that's a lot of permanent jewelry people get this small turnout and, I think we were all pretty upset that, there were 3 of us in the same industry doing it. And, again, we want to get upset. We want to get mad or we say, oh, I see this person's copying my style or they're.

Now they're making their own, beaded connectors or whatever. And it's like people get inspired and they're like, Oh, that's pretty. And I want to offer it too. And it's just it's so hard, but it really is just like a waste of time to on it. Like then it is in everything you do.

If you want to get that customer over the, your competition, then do something different. Like

Jen: Yeah, it's true.

Amelia: be a step ahead. Yeah or be more intentional in your branding or your marketing efforts or whatever. Like you just have to make yourself that much different or do something so that you can show your ideal customer that you're the one they want to go to, not the other person.

Jen: right, I know. I hear you. I'm all for it. I actually really, again, that's another conversation we could have for another hour because the whole competition and copying like and just really putting that in perspective, and like Again, it's you're only, you are the only so you can only create what you have in your head and it's that's what I guess to focus on. And like you said, keep getting better because I think that with my boutique, I was in a merchant market. So I'm in business, I'm with a bunch of businesses. And so it's that was always such a thing.

Like people are like, Oh, she's doing this and she's copying me there. And and I did get wrapped up in it the first couple of years. I've been doing it for nine years now, but it's then I got to a point where I'm like, okay, I'm not even gonna look at them anymore. I'm just going to focus on myself and focus on what, like what I want to do.

What can I do to be creative? It actually enforced me to be more creative. You know what I mean? Being around those businesses, because, we were all just. It's evolving all the time. So it's okay, it makes me want to be better, and that's a good way to look at it rather than cause you can look at the other way.

You can keep dwelling on what they're doing. And even if you feel like they're copying dwelling on that, but what's that going to do for me and my business? And in the end, we're doing this to serve other people. So it's like you forget that you get caught up in all this drama and it's really what am I doing this for? You know what I mean? You have to come back to your why and your intention behind your business and be like, okay, like I'm doing this to offer solutions for permanent jewelers to have this, so me focusing on this person isn't doing that, so I think that, yeah, it's just.

Amelia: Yeah. Like you just said, and exactly right, that we all get inspired and I think my mindset is definitely if I see something, I'm in the opposite of, what that copycat is. Instead of doing exactly what they did, I'm like, how can I make it better?

Jen: Exactly. Yeah.

Amelia: Sure.

I can alter something and change the font, whatever, but again, most of the time I'm like, how can I make this better? Or, especially even when I'm coming up with my displays, I'm like, okay, people are using this for their charms or this for their whatever. That's how I'm coming up with my ideas as I'm saying, okay, what are they already using and how can I either make it better, more functional?

Or, easier to transport or whatever, whatever, it's just, I just am always looking to, I don't know, just make something that is either unique or again, just get that step up over the competition. That's how you have to think. You can't dwell on it. You just have to think, okay, what can I do different?

What can I do better?

Jen: Yes. Yes. And I think people like, get a, they follow you enough, they get a sense of that. Like they know that you're, I don't want to say the real deal, but like you are, you like, you are an artist, you're evolving. Like I just think, people, and even from an Instagram, or even if you show up in your stories and they get a feel for who you are, and a lot of businesses, especially like this type of business, I think, especially in person permanent jewelry, I'll say this all day long, but it's not only is it your colors and like what you offer and whether it's, but it's it's your vibe, like people, it's the no one trust factor, and if people. Like you, they want to purchase from you because it feels like, it's cool to know the person behind making what you've made. And and the fact that you're like, we like you. So it's okay, like versus someone who's Oh, like that gives you the icky.

So you're like, why do I, you don't want to purchase from them. Yeah,

Amelia: Lucky where I've been pretty like faceless on my account I don't show my face a lot or do like videos or selfies or anything. That's been intentional. But I don't really Like doing a lot of like personal stuff.

But for my business, I don't really need to, there's plenty of sign makers out there that they're doing a lot of like more behind the scenes, like actually videoing them, like making the signs and this and that. And again, yeah, maybe I could sell more signs or I could do things differently, be more like what they're doing on their social media.

And whatever yeah, in different industries, especially with like purse. Permanent jewelry or whatever. Sometimes, yeah. Showing off your face and showing off your personality really is a big selling point like that, like you said, it makes people know who you are and trust you more because they see you.

And like I said, I just try to sprinkle some personal stuff in there here and there when they can actually most of the time it's just I'm so busy that I'm like I forget to do video or take photos and stuff like that. But most of the time I'm wearing PJs, no makeup and I'm down in my basement and I'm like, I really don't want to show a picture.

Jen: No, I hear you. And honestly, again, like there's no, I think that's, what's the beauty of it. Like being a business owner, you can do business how you want, right? There's no, I know there's all these shoulds like you hear from social and with what to post or whatever, but in the end, like what you offer with your signs does like your signs in general show a personality.

There's definitely a personality to your brand, even if it doesn't show your face. But I have to say. If you did do a personal post where you talked about yourself, it probably would get the most engagement that you've had because I'm telling you, I would like you to like, try it because I think that people, especially with the following you have and like where you are in your business, people do want to know who's behind that business, like I totally, and that's why I think people will enjoy meeting you at the expo because, and hopefully listening to this too, to get to know you more, because it's I don't know about you, but when I go to a website, if it's like a small business and it's, I go right up to the about section. Like I always want to know about the person and I don't know if that's me, but I feel like I'm not the only one,

Amelia: no, I like that. I do. I do have a cute little about page or

Jen: okay. Okay. There

Amelia: and yeah, probably when you actually post this podcast, I'll probably post my picture or something with it. So

Jen: you go. Yeah.

Amelia: Like I said, I don't think I've shown my face really in video or anything in a while, but I've just been so focused on my business.

Jen: No, I hear you. It's not something I know. I get it. And even just feeling photo ready and, in your PJs, like you said, but. Honestly, so many people can relate to that. I'm not fancy every day, by any means. So it's I can relate to that,

Amelia: this is the most that I've put on makeup and done my hair in a while, let's just say. And

Jen: I feel

Amelia: I'm not wearing anything cute. I'm not in my PJs. But not. This is what you get, for the most

Jen: Yeah. No, I love it. Come as you are. I think that's what people appreciate though. It was like just because, and that's also again, plugging permanent jewelry, but I think most of the women that I've they get it. That's why it's nice. It's it's always on. It's no nonsense. You can get up when you can't even wash your face.

Cause you're like a busy mom. Then you're like in working and having your own business. You're like, Oh, but I have jewelry on. This is perfect.

Amelia: That was one of the biggest reasons for me was to get into it or wanting to have it is because I literally throughout my entire existence since I've worn jewelry have pretty much worn the same stuff.

Jen: Yes.

Amelia: I never take it off unless I'm going to a fancy thing or special occasion, I have the same earrings, the same

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: whatever.

I just always keep it on. And, I think that's one of the biggest reasons why I'm so glad I found permanent jewelry was I didn't really know about gold filled jewelry before this, like I hated gold in general. I hated gold. Like I, I always wore white gold. And then I got really big into rose gold, like rose gold has really been my thing, but then getting into permanent jewelry, I've started wearing gold and actually have this sterling silver necklace I just bought from a local artisan who does jewelry, not permanent jewelry, just jewelry in general But I've been wearing the same two necklaces for months now.

Jen: Yeah.

Amelia: Okay, neither of them are technically permanent. They both have a clasp, but this Venetian rectangle, whatever, actually was sent to me from Sherry of Permanent Jewelry. Training or flash infused. Oh, she was really kind enough. Cause I had done some signage for her for the last expo. And I had posted this and I was like, Oh my God, I love it.

So she sent me one and it was, it's custom size. So it's not like I can't change the size of it. Technically it's still custom. So yeah.

Jen: That's awesome. It's so good to chat with you. I am so excited to see you at the expo, see what you have to offer. I feel like there's so many amazing things in store for you this year. So I can't wait to eat. Honestly, it would be cool. And I say this with most people I talk to because I feel like everyone's always evolving.

year and see like where, what: 2024

Amelia: yeah.

Jen: like I can just see you growing this huge empire of

Amelia: am so scared.

Jen: it's a good scared though. It's a good scared.

Amelia: It is. No, it is. I'm really like, I'm trying to take the most enjoy this downtime right now that I have, because like I said, it, it gave me an opportunity to really push myself to get my website live, which I'm excited about to have all my stuff there. Obviously, that was just a huge step.

It took a lot of time and effort and, stuff that I didn't have this past summer to do. I just feel like this was, like the right time to take that next step. And yeah, I think the business as a whole is going to take a big next step for this year. Like I said, it's only year two and it seems crazy to say that because it, I really didn't expect how big, like how huge it took off when it did. And like I

Jen: So when you say it's your slow time, didn't you say you have 75 like orders? So what's your busy time? What's busy look like?

Amelia: had over 200 orders at a time this past summer, like open orders, like constantly looking at 200 orders that I had opened that needed to go out and again, each of those takes. Two to three weeks to make and whatever. And I was like, literally crying some days. Yeah, I think this

Jen: can see you, I can see you like outsourcing a little bit more in the future. I feel like you almost have to, so like creating more of a, and that comes with again, and anyone's going to learn this when they listen to this and they're in business and depending on how they, how big they go or, how they expand their business or how small they want to keep it.

Cause some people want to keep it small and that's understandable, but it's like creating systems and outsourcing I have found is like. It's like a game changer, when you get to that point, because like you said, you just can't do it all and it will lead to. Yeah.

Amelia: yeah, I have considered outsourcing some of the smaller things like the patches or chain tags and stuff like that. And, like anything it's like that letting go and,

Jen: yeah. No, I hear you. And I know that it's the hard part. Trust me. Cause I feel like I am a control freak but I'm like, when it comes to someone could someone be like in studio with you though, like in that way and just like making the signs old but you're not saying outsourced where it's like made outside of

Amelia: Yeah.

Jen: working with you is that ever thought, have you ever thought about that?

Amelia: Yeah. I think depending on how this spring summer goes, like after the expo and stuff, cause I have a feeling that going to the expo, I'm obviously going to meet probably a lot of new people that don't even know who I am or know that I exist or whatever, I feel like I'm. Knock on wood, I'm hopeful too, but I feel like I'm probably gonna have an influx of orders after that.

Yeah, we'll see. I don't know if that'll mean Expanding out into you know a shop again, or if that just means finding someone who's comfortable to come work in my basement

Jen: Yeah. No, it's funny. Cause like when you have an in home thing, I've always been in home too. And I've had many like random employees come to my home and like work outside my home. So I think I'm just so used to it. Cause I've never had something outside my home. So yeah,

Amelia: or maybe I'll finish some space in my garage and then it won't be so weird but

Jen: that's true. Yeah. There's so many possibilities, like that's, what's cool. Just to see where, what happens this year and yeah, where you go. So I'm

Amelia: excited

Jen: Remind us where to find you then, like social in your website, all the things,

Amelia: Yeah, so everything is tied under the same name is Timber and Tide Designs, so that's on Instagram, that's com Facebook, TikTok I'm in in all the places, but I'm the most consistent on Instagram, so that's gonna be the best place to find my work or see constantly be updated I'll The website is going to be the best place to go to order stuff and where I'm going to be updating or adding new products.

Again, the Etsy will be there, but it's going to be like non, probably like permanent jewelry related. I don't intend on adding more stuff there. Anything new for, especially permanent jewelry related is going to be on the website. And then. People can always either DM me or email me, which is just hello at Timber and Tide designs.

com

Jen: Perfect. So real quick, because you mentioned Tik TOK how's Instagram for you?

Amelia: Again, I think for anyone it's if you're intentional on it, it can be successful

Jen: yeah.

Amelia: You know if you're consistent All the things I really haven't been consistent. I haven't been on there even close to like enough of a percentage like to really make an impact. I really think it depends on who you are.

I haven't tried selling stuff really on there. They just started allowing people to sell on tick tock. And I was initially when they first launched it a few months ago, I was going to, but again, I was. Yeah. So sland. I

Jen: exactly. Yeah.

Amelia: extra work.

Yeah, I think TikTok can be good.

I think, just like Instagram was to Facebook, like just even if you have to copy the same stuff and post it in a different place, like you, you can easily download your reel from Instagram and post it right to TikTok or vice versa. But again, and I go over this a little bit in that social media guide that I created.

Every platform is like a different audience. So depending on who you're really targeting is really where you should spend your time. If you're going for an older crowd, now that's kind of Facebook. And if you're going for like the millennial and stuff like that, we're on Instagram and then like more, the younger crowd is on tick tock.

I think so.

Jen: Yeah. Yeah. And I think what you just said, it's like, it's best to, again, like I feel focus on one rather than spread yourself thin against all the others because there's so many places you can be now. So yeah. And I think it, every focus on grows, so it makes sense, but

Amelia: Thankfully Facebook bought Instagram, so you can just like instantly whatever you post on Instagram can go right to Facebook, so that's nice. Yeah. Yeah, obviously it takes a little extra time to download from Instagram, go to Tik TOK and stuff like that. But yeah, like you said, I wouldn't spread yourself too thin and that's, a good tip for anyone.

You don't need to be in all the places like focus on what is actually going to, help you grow or whatever,

Jen: yeah. I hear you. Okay. It was awesome chatting with you.

Amelia: Yeah, you too.

Jen: can't wait to see you in person, like I said, and okay, we'll be watching what you do this year. That's for sure.

Amelia: Thank you. I can't wait to have this podcast come out and listen to it and be mortified, but

Jen: I can't wait for people to get to know you better. That's for sure.

Amelia: same, no, I'm excited. Hopefully I can't wait to see where this podcast takes you.

Jen: Thank you. All right. I will see you soon.

Amelia: All right. Thanks. Bye.

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