Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lynne McEachern, co-founder of Rey Fine Jewelry, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We believe that jewelry is the voice of a woman's legacy. Rey FJ is an intentional fine jewelry brand selling personalized signet rings that inspire you to define your legacy and cast it in gold. All of our jewelry is made to order in Canada with sustainably and ethically sourced gold and gemstones.

Tell us about yourself

My business partner, Trisha, and I came together a few months before the pandemic, looking to work on a meaningful new venture with a lasting impact. We are both entrepreneurs but come from very different industries. My background is in e-commerce, marketing, and software development. Her background is as an executive producer in the tv and film industry. We saw an opportunity in the fine jewelry space to combine our experience and create a brand that inspires women to focus on living their legacy every day. We are motivated by the stories our customers tell us of what their jewelry means to them and the creative process of bringing a new design to life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have literally just launched a matter of weeks ago, so I think it's really just the fact that we kept going through COVID when our suppliers were shut down and disappearing. Collectively honing our vision and bringing it to reality with so many hurdles made us even stronger as co-founders and clearer on what we wanted to bring to the world.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

If you are running a business on your own, I would say loneliness. However, I had that experience with previous businesses and knew I didn't want to do this one alone. Luckily Trisha was also in the same headspace! Also, wearing ALL the hats. When you are doing everything from design, accounting, meeting with customers to fixing the printer, it isn't easy to consistently stay focused on the things that matter most.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Everything is figureoutable. Some things may not be in your skillset, but there is always a way to get to where you want to go if you don't know how to get there, talk to people until you connect the dots or recruit someone to help you.
  2. Don't think your way out of things; move past the fear. You will face this multiple times per day. Cold showers in the morning help!
  3. Make sure the business you are looking to start has a critical element in it that you are passionate about. I know it sounds trite, but that passion will push you through the low times. We are passionate about jewelry, signet rings in particular, and the stories that come with them; however, I know someone who owns a successful jewelry business that is more passionate about digital advertising and improving ad metrics rather than the actual jewelry, and that's what keeps them going! The motivation can be different for everyone.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Our favourite method currently for growing our customer base is spending time building our email list with our quizzes and giveaways. Especially with fine jewelry, the sales cycle is longer, and trust is essential. Regular email communication helps us build upon that trust throughout their decision-making process and segment based on what they tell us is important to them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://reyfj.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reyfinejewelry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reyfinejewelry/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnemceachern/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.