Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gillian Hurrie, designer, and owner of Gillian Inspired Designs, located in East Sandwich, MA, USA.

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

Gillian Inspired is timeless, beautiful jewelry with the intent of inspiring the wearer to be unique, beautiful and live with intention. Each unique piece is created with love, inspiration, and meaning: a reminder to the wearer for the capacity of change and growth. Focused on self-discovery and reflection, our jewelry is charged with healing energy that speaks to the soul and style that's meant to empower & inspire. Our jewelry is handcrafted with semi-precious gemstones and crystals, gold, silver, and love.

Tell us about yourself

I LOVE JEWELRY. I have pictures of myself at two years old, dripping in my mother's long beads and clip-on earrings. Now with my own company and as a jewelry designer, I adore working with the beautiful beads I use: stones and crystals found in the earth, their colors, weight, and characteristics. Since I am also a yoga teacher, my creations include symbols from nature, yoga, and other symbols celebrating a mindful choice for health and well-being.

I handpick and design with quality gemstones, which incorporate healing energies to reflect the wearer's style and inspire her/him to live and feel as our jewelry expresses: empowered, beautiful and unique.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As I have grown and changed since I started my business, I have tried to maintain that same truth and integrity in my creations. My jewelry collections have evolved and found a new purpose over time. Self-reflection, confidence, and being open to diversifying within the business aren't easy but are integral to my well-being and my business as a whole.

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

In the jewelry industry, small businesses start and burn out. It takes a good understanding of your customer and what differentiates you from all the rest to stay relevant. My company has continued to grow each year since 2008. I believe that is due to my relationship with and expectations from my client to deliver quality, timeless, beautiful, and unique jewelry that speaks to their soul.

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

Ask yourself these three questions before starting:

  1. Am I extremely motivated and passionate, wanting to wake up each day and tackle my work?
  2. Do I have a complete understanding of the key issues or problems I am solving for my customers?
  3. Is this really an idea for a business or a project/hobby I just enjoy? Why me and why now?

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://gillianinspired.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillianinspired
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianinspired/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillianhurrie/


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.