Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kyla Ferguson, owner of Soul Unique Boutique, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Soul Unique Boutique is a jewelry and accessory brand that promotes self-expression and self-confidence through jewelry. All of my pieces are unique in the sense that they are 100% handcrafted. No two pairs are the same!
Tell us about yourself
In 2017, I was feeling unfulfilled in my corporate role at the time. I wanted to find something outside of that role that could better serve me and my purpose. I've always prioritized self-care, and I am innately creative, so I decided to hone in on my greatest used coping skill-creating. I quickly began designing and creating t-shirts and baby boutique items. Although fun, my passion was not being fed, so I continued to brainstorm ways to incorporate my creativity into a brand. In 2018, I came across a vendor event while on vacation and saw some of the most beautiful and unique handmade earrings. I never leave the house without wearing a pair of earrings, and I truly believe jewelry is a form of self-expression. After that event, I decided to give jewelry making a try. I created a pair of hand-painted wooden earrings, and I loved them!
I received so many compliments, and they gave me a boost of confidence. Eventually, friends and family started to ask me to create earrings for them. They loved their earrings, and they paid me for my wearable art! Impressed with the outcome and the sense of indulgence that creating earrings brought me, I knew I had found my niche. On April 2, 2021, although very nervous, I decided to take a risk and opened an Etsy shop. Since then, I've shipped earrings to 9 different states, and I've participated in local maker markets and pop-up shops. I have so many earring concepts, events, and goals set for the future.
Outside of Soul Unique, I am a wife, mother, student, and full-time corporate employee. With that being said, I can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. As an individual who is passionate about and prioritizes mental health advocacy, I understand the importance of peace, and re-charging creating is where I find solace. Genuinely loving what I do, knowing that others love my work and find confidence in wearing my pieces' my passion is fueled, and I am motivated to keep creating. Soul Unique is more than simply creating jewelry for me, it feeds my soul.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is knowing I have a positive impact on someone else's life. I've had the opportunity to network with individuals from all walks of life, and I learn something new from every customer. I've also cultivated some amazing friendships and business partnerships from simply sharing my gift. Soul Unique is more than creating jewelry for me; it feeds my soul.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is finding balance. I have a lot on my plate! Establishing boundaries and routines to ensure I have adequate time to accomplish my tasks and still provide my family with the best version of me is by far one of the most difficult things for me as a business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Your customer's and guest's experience is critical! Always ensure your customers and guest have a phenomenal experience.
- Write your ideas/goals/plans down on paper and do the work.
- Do it scared!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always believe in your abilities and go for your dreams. You never know how far you can go until you take that first step!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/souluniqueboutiquekc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/souluniqueboutique
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souluniqueboutique/
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.
