Back when quarantine first started, I saw a lot of people online talking about how this was the perfect time to do and/or learn what you have always wanted to. I decided to take this time to focus on one of my dreams; opening my very own small business.
I am an artist and I have always wanted to share my art with others. Back in March, I had tried to sell some paintings on Facebook but found it was difficult to reach a new audience because the only people who saw my posts were my friends and family. After letting those listings sit for a couple months, I decided that selling on Facebook was not the right platform for me. After debating on whether or not to start my own website or list my art on social media platforms, I decided that the best plan for me was to start selling on Etsy. On August 14, 2020, I started my own small business on Etsy called JordiesArtStudio.
Within my first couple of hours of opening the shop, I had made a couple sales, been favorited by other sellers and buyers, and had people liking my listings. I was overwhelmed with satisfaction that so many people seemed to like my work. Not only did they like my paintings- something I have been doing for almost ten years now- they also liked my new pieces made from resin. I started making resin necklaces that would hold wildflowers that grew around my house, but I never thought they would be something others would want to buy. Since opening my shop, I have sold multiple resin necklaces and have been contacted to see if I could do custom necklaces. I never thought I would like to make jewelry because it was not the type of art I was used to making, but I fell in love with it. I love creating something that someone will want to wear because they are literally wearing a piece of my art. So, even though this was not the plan I had for my small business, I am now focusing on making resin jewelry.
I am currently getting ready for the holiday season by making some Halloween necklaces. I started with making a few circular resin charms that held orange sparkles and hand sculpted clay bats. Right when I posted pictures of these charms, I received amazing feedback and immediately started working on more holiday charms. My next batch consisted of charms that held clay bats, ghosts, and spider webs. I have really enjoyed making these necklaces because Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and it is nice to be able to share it with others.
Another reason I love making resin jewelry is because it captures a moment. If I did not put the wildflowers from around my house into the charms, they would have all withered away. Now, those who have purchased the necklaces will always have those beautiful flowers with them. I was also able to use this new art form to capture the memory of someone. My mom had a flower from a family member’s funeral, but it was starting to wilt and fall apart. Instead of letting this memory go, I took one of the petals that had broken off, shaped it into a heart, and made it into a necklace that will hold that memory forever. It was a beautiful way to remember someone and to always keep them close.
I have always wanted to have my own small business, and I am happy to be able to say that I accomplished it at such a young age. Now, I want to start growing my business and branching out. I want to appeal to more customers and make more jewelry that people will love. So, if you are ever looking for a present for yourself, a family member, or a friend, shop small and consider checking out JordiesArtStudio on Etsy. It would mean the world to me to further my small business and to be able to create and share my art with other people.