Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patricia Fontaneda, Co-Founder & Marketing Director of Ibiza Passion, located in Miami. FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm Pati Fontaneda, the daughter behind the mother-daughter duo at Ibiza Passion. We're a contemporary jewelry brand inspired by traditions and ancient amulets. We bring to life timeless jewelry symbols for the trendy and modern woman.
Tell us about yourself
We were born looking to fill the need for a piece of high-end quality jewelry combined with great designs and affordable prices for any woman. Ever since I can remember, I've loved to tell stories. Searching for old tales and ancient stories as a source of inspiration is my passion! I love to redesign traditional symbols and amulets, giving them a modern meaning. I strongly believe that every woman is capable of creating the future they desire... but sometimes, along the way, we get lost and forget what we're capable of. And this is where my motivation lies, to create jewelry that serves as a daily, subtle reminder to all those women! Jewelry with a powerful and empowering message for the modern and contemporary woman. This a reminder that it's up to us to live the life we dream of!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel very proud to have created and registered very successful jewelry designs! Our scapulars have been best sellers for the past five years, and we've now created over ten new designs of this particular necklace that people love so much!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, everything surrounding employees has been a challenge. Hiring the right employee, to delegating and managing, has certainly been one of the hardest things. Competing with big corporations for top talent and having limited funds and benefits to offer can be frustrating! Also, delegating and managing sometimes can seem like a full-time job within itself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't take things personally. This applies to everything. If your friends and family aren't buying from you, it's because they are not your ideal client (plus, your business can't and should not depend on them.) Just because someone doesn't like your product, it doesn't mean your product is not liked, FIND your ideal client. If you get a complaint from a client, just listen and learn. They are not trying to ruin your day. And again, remember not to take any of this personally.
- Don't compare yourself to anybody. You don't know what goes on inside that company to be comparing yourself. They might have huge debts, and they might have a lawsuit. Their sales might not be what you perceive them to be, and they might be having a ton of customer complaints… in short, focus on making YOUR business grow. Like Tom Clancy used to say, "Every overnight success is 10+ years in the making."
- Keep going. The highs are very high, and the lows are VERY low. Don't get discouraged and enjoy the ride, and they are both temporary anyways.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.shopibizapassion.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ibiza.passion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibizapassion/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ibiza_passion
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-fontaneda-62180150/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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