Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Senia, Co-Founder of SENIA, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SENIA is the first truly transformable jewelry brand. Our mission is to engineer jewelry to be as functional and ethical as it is beautiful, echoing the sentiment of our bold, powerful, and refined community. Modularity is the most sustainable remedy to address society's need for newness without the environmental and financial repercussions of fast fashion.
Tell us about yourself
During my senior year of college, I utilized engineering software to create a chic and modern take on a graduation ring, employing modular design to create limitless, unique combinations using very few styles. SENIA launched during the 2020 pandemic with inclusive & extended sizing to ensure all friends and family could honor graduations at a time when celebrations were restricted. My sister, Gina, joined me as a co-founder shortly after, and we started thinking about ways we could engineer jewelry to be more versatile so that our community could create multiple styles from one set.
We launched our patented infinity earrings, which can be worn 50+ ways, and continue to innovate in the space. We are motivated by the creativity of our clients and our commitment to a cleaner earth. We love watching our community create new styles from existing pieces and educate their friends as to why shopping modular is the most sustainable and fun approach to fashion!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We launched a philanthropic initiative in 2020 to help mentor and fund inspiring and inclusive student founders. We were just starting our own business, and I am proud we were able to commit to giving back to other founders. Now this fund has been used as a vehicle by other brands, like Kendra Scott, to donate resources to student founders across the Southeast. Also, as a New Yorker, I was so grateful to be featured in the New York Times, highlighting our size inclusivity commitment in the jewelry industry.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
People tend to envision success as standing on top of a mountain that you've climbed when success is actually an infinite staircase. You can stop and look down at how many steps you've overcome, and maybe you can catch a glimpse of that same view you would have had on that mountaintop; however, there will always be more stairs ahead. Establishing a healthy balance of remembering there is always more work to be done while still being grateful for how far you've come is definitely the most challenging as a founder.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Ask for help. We know you're all self-starters, but you are not stronger for trying to carry all the weight alone. Always give help freely in return. You provide more value than you realize. Even when just starting out, your fresh perspective could be your hidden strength. Take criticism constructively, but be your own filter. We wouldn't have a company if I listened to "industry experts" who told me this would never work. 99% of people let fear dictate their decision-making, but that's not you. You wouldn't be a founder if you did. So always ask yourself, "is this advice coming from a place of fear or love?" A rising tide lifts all boats. There's room for everyone. Lean into your differentiating features and what makes your brand shine. There's no such thing as truly "direct" competition. And if there is, you need to go back to the drawing board.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://senianewyork.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/senianewyork/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-senia-2b3b67b1/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/senianewyork/
https://www.instagram.com/christinasenia/
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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