Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ele Keats, founder of Ele Keats Jewelry, located in Santa Monica, CA, USA.

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

We are here to bring CONNECTION, INSPIRATION, and BEAUTY to the world. This is our mission statement and truly what we stand for. Stepping inside the walls of Ele Keats Jewelry is a transformative experience. We pride ourselves on providing a space in which you are surrounded by the most exquisite hand-picked crystals and intentionally designed jewelry. We look to create a space that is a mood elevator and is like stepping into an alternate universe filled with joy, healing, and the love of being held by Mother Earth herself.

Tell us about yourself

I was first introduced to gemstones in India at the tender age of seventeen when I met my first wholesale gem dealer and was instantly fascinated. I now understand this powerful meeting was the foreshadowing of what would be my life's work and passion. These beauties would take me on an adventure of a lifetime.

I later began my jewelry career at thirty-three after a tremendously challenging year. I was guided to seek out an emerald to wear, and upon a deep search, I found something that was truly representative of me. The process of creating this life's work has developed very organically and beautifully over the past seventeen years. I have been able to further deepen my relationship with gemstones and crystals through an intuitive knowledge of their healing qualities, as well as experiencing the natural expansion of my jewelry business.

I am constantly motivated by my clients. I love the customer experience and the connection, and for me, I am able to experience the intimacy of connecting with my clients and seeing the difference I can make in somebody's life first-hand. I aim to bring abundance, love, and joy to everybody that walks through my store or scrolls through our website.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a business that is uplifting for all, including my employees.

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

Because I am so passionate about my work and have created such a deep understanding of the processes that need to be completed to ensure the best product and experience for our customers, I find myself wanting to jump in and execute. I oftentimes remind myself of the importance of delegation and allowing the strength of the team I've built to take charge and assist - it is a challenging balance to find when you want to be so hands-on, but an essential one.

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

  1. Take your time. Go very, very slowly, and knowledge building a business is like building a universe. Don't rush the details.
  2. Get to know what and why you're doing it. Having a deep understanding of your goals and why they are important is key. Your passion for your product or services can be seen by your potential clients.
  3. It's extremely important you hire the right people. Hire a team that understands and shares your vision and is on board with it. You want to surround your business with people who are excited about what you're creating and want to support that.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I just want to encourage everyone to do what brings them the most joy in life. Follow your dreams towards what makes you your happiest person, and that will trickle down to everyone else in your life.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://elekeats.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EleKeatsJewelry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elekeatsjewelry/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ele-keats-jewelry-design

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.