Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewellery but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Wolfe, founder of Bliss Jewellery, located in Barrie, ON, Canada.

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

Bliss Jewellery is a small studio that caters to helping their customers reconnect with memories through the repurposing of their heirloom jewellery into a new, personally inspired piece of jewellery. One of the things I enjoy the most is being able to take pieces of jewellery that might be broken, unwanted, inherited, unused, out of fashion, or have just sat in a jewellery box not being worn for many years and turning it into a cherished piece that people now want to wear.

Bliss Jewellery also specializes in offering a variety of jewellery-making workshops designed to teach and inspire students to create jewellery at any level of skill. Our metalsmithing classes begin with the basics and progress into more advanced techniques. A lot of our workshops are attended by Mothers/Daughters, Sisters, and Friends who are looking to share an experience and create a special memory with each other while learning a new skill at the same time.

Tell us about yourself

My father passed away very unexpectedly at 60 from a heart attack. I had a real epiphany right after that life is way too short not to be doing what you are passionate about in life. I went back to school to become a Goldsmith at 39, and I haven't looked back since. It's hard to call it "work" when you love it. I work hard, but now I enjoy every second of it. I love to teach, and I love working with customers creating something truly meaningful. It really doesn't feel like work!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I recently moved from a 500 sq ft studio where I was quite limited in what workshops I could offer and could only accommodate three people. I am now working in a 1600 sq ft studio that can accommodate eight students, and it is my dream workshop. This new space has given me a lot more opportunities to offer a variety of new workshops and accommodate more students. It is a very exciting time.

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

For me, it will always be finding a work/life balance. I get lost in what I do, and before I know it, it's 7 pm. I am constantly trying to maintain a good balance, and it's hard. My to-do list is always quite long, so I struggle with allowing myself the opportunity to take a break and practice better self-care.

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

  1. Google is your friend. Set up a Google business page so your customers can leave you reviews, and you can post current product pictures and company information. It is a very useful tool and really helps build your exposure. I have consistently been told that my customers found me through Google or they made their decision to use my services based on my reviews.
  2. Be responsive to your customer always. Ignoring a potential or current customer is the quickest way to lose them. No one likes to be ignored and made to feel unimportant.
  3. You don't have to do everything yourself. All small business owners wear a lot of different hats. For some things, you are far better to hire other experts who can do it faster, better than you can, and that will leave you to focus on the things you do the best. It can be difficult to afford sometimes, but if you can afford to do it is a far more efficient use of your time. It will allow you to improve your business in areas that you don't have expertise in.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://blissjewellery.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blissjewellery2013/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bliss_by_jennifer_wolfe/

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.