Do you think one needs to undergo a formal training to take up the venture commercially?
Yes, if someone wants to take it up commercially, then it is better to get some professional training. There are a few details in jewellery making, which needs to be mastered, to move ahead smoothly. For instance, for making wire wrapping earrings you need to be a professional in wire wrapping techniques. Even for making multiple strand necklaces, proper training is required.
What do you think are the various aspects of a handmade jewellery business and what is its capital requirement?
For a jewellery business, one should know how to find good quality beads. Finding a reliable wholesale dealer for the materials is the most important step. Since I am not currently into running a full- fledged business, I prefer to buy my raw materials from a local retailer in Chennai. The basic raw materials are the beading string, the beads or stones of your choice, hooks, crimp beads/gear locks, and tools like the round nose pliers (for making the earrings and for making hoops), flat nose pliers for tightening/connecting the hooks, and crimp pliers for tightening the crimp bead, which basically locks the beads from falling. An initial investment of a minimum of $100 is needed to make a start.
How does an average working day of yours look like?
My day starts with my children, who are really small, and need me around most of the time. After finishing my daily household chores, I usually sit down to work by around 11 am. I spend at least an hour a day working on my designs and making jewellery.
Is your family an active part of your business?
My husband has helped out by creating worksheets for pricing of my finished jewelry pieces. Patterns and designs are purely my own creations and rarely discussed with family. But my family has always offered constructive feedback, which I value very much.
How a design turns into a jewellery piece?
Usually, it takes at least couple of days for me to come up with a new design. While sorting the beads, I try to make different piles, so that I could use it in making necklace pieces. I try to match the pendants which I have, with each pile and keep it. At the time of designing, I use these piles, along with different spacer beads, that suit the particular bead color and shape.
Do you think technology and the internet in particular have come to play an important role in reaching out and maintaining contact with the customers?
Internet does play an important role in my business. It is because of internet and social media like Facebook in particular, that I have been able to find a lot of my buyers.
What is your message to someone who would like to take up jewellery making as a home based business idea?
My advice is simply to get started with it as a hobby, with a small investment. When you are trying out a new venture, it is always better to start with a small capital. Make a few pieces and share it with family and friends. The feedback will help you judge your work better. Gifting a few pieces initially too, will help you to move in the right direction. With positive feedback and knowledge of demand for your product, you can make an additional investment and move ahead confidently to create your new business.
We, here at Indusladies, wish you all the best in all your future endeavours.
