What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
As a child I had always had an interest in fashion and everything associated with it! My journey began in March 2014 when I started making jewelry as gifts for my family and friends. They fell in love with my jewelry and wanted me to create more! Then they started buying my unique creations and the vision of Divablingznthingz was brought to reality!
Tell us about your business.
My business focus is designing jewelry, for kids, women and men – one bead at a time! I also bedazzle things from pens, hats, phone cases and more! The sky is the limit and I strive to shine bright through every piece of art that I design for my clients!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
May is the month that we celebrate all the mothers in the world on Mother’s Day – May 14th, 2017!
I would like to giveback to my customers and my community and am offering FREE SHIPPING! Enter the discount code “Celebrate Mom” to enjoy free shipping on each item for the whole month of May! Just my way of saying thanks to all moms our there and Happy Mother’s Day!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
Yes I have had numerous accomplishments on my journey! I strive to be better every day and in every way!
Where is your business based?
I am currently located in Savannah, Georgia. My business is home based and all business is conducted online. I love learning new things on the internet every day and the rising trend is that more customers desire for the ease of shopping online.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I started first by going to the City of Savannah to get my business license. I also got a friend to make flyers that I put in salons and public places. Then I advertised through social media platforms and word of mouth to get customers. Each day I search for more avenues to help get my brand out there!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
To help raise awareness for my brand, I try to schedule my Instagram and Facebook posts around the clock! This way my brand will be noticed and eventually followers will turn into buyers, if they see me post more frequently! I also post in Facebook groups, various social media platforms and email customers our upcoming promos and events.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenges so far have been when sales are down and learning how to keep going, continue creating and striving for perfection! I realize that business won’t be amazing every day, but I have come too far to turn around!
How did you overcome these challenges?
I like to keep busy to overcome these challenges. A few ways I have found that have helped me are:
- Go to the library and check out books on business.
- Read more to get insight on how to increase sales.
- Look at motivational speakers online for motivation.
- Continue to pray over my business daily.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I pray each morning before starting my day. I talk to other business-minded individuals that are in business as well! I believe that God will get us through our storms to bring the sunshine!
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I like to create one-of-a-kind pieces! This helps my brand stand out and helps my customers identify my brand. I love creating unique pieces of art!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Customers always tell me they love my work and return again! I’m always open for custom orders as well! I give customers the option to describe their vision and I bring their vision to reality! I love what I do and do what I love! My designs are handmade with 100% love!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
- Find your passion and give it your all!
- Know that there are no limits to being creative – there will be some that will like it, some that will love it, and some that will buy it!
- Keep creating and don’t stop!
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I love Google, that is my favorite go-to tool! I have found some many helpful resources that have helped my business grow!
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I love to read and find more ways to help build my brand! The most recent book that I have had the pleasure to read was, “Boss Women Pray” By Kachelle Kelly! It was an awesome book, a must-read for any woman or man in business! Prayer is definitely the #1 key for any business to prosper! God will open doors that you didn’t even know were there!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am currently seeking a mentor to help me further the goals I have for my business. Once I am connected with the right mentor, I expect nothing but the best for my brand! I look forward to building my empire! I am looking forward to nothing but great things to come.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
- I am currently working on a variety of marketing strategies to help get more traffic to my website.
- I am also working towards ways to get recognition for my brand.
- I also want to turn my followers into customers.
The marketing strategy that I have in place to realize my goals are to utilize Facebook ads. Starting with the $5 a day campaign to see what type of results I can get from that!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook www.facebook.com/divablingznthingz
Email divablingznthingz@gmail.com
Hashtags #Divablingznthingz #iblingthings #prettywrist #handmadedaily #blingmeup #nobarewristsclub #dbntwristwear
OvenStruck says
This is such a great story! I love seeing people succeed and turning their passion into a living. The questions are direct and offer a lot of insight to someone just starting out! Lovely interview…may God continue to bless .
Jenn says
I think this is really inspiring! Turning a passion into your livelihood is a dream come true. I hope she has a lot of success!
theboardventures says
wow congratulations! I love hearing success stories, especially when the person has worked so hard for something they love! Thanks for sharing your story and giving us insights into how you got to this point
JenellBStewart (@JenellBStewart) says
I loved reading your story. All businesses have highs and lows. God is the Captain of our ship.
mommyingmaars says
What an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing. I hope your story continues to inspire others. xo Maria | https://imommy.co
rolanda smith says
Interview was awesome i loved how you turned your passion into a business, so positive be blessed on your future.