April Lyons was born with a gift to create. She has been drawing, crafting, designing and creating since she was a young child. Jewelry designing has always been her passion and love; now she’s able to share her passion and gift with the world by giving you, Michele Monét: An April Lyons Collection. Read our interview with the lovely April below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I was shopping for jewelry one day and a bracelet caught my eye, I loved everything about it, except for the fit. A light bulb went off and I said to myself, you can create this! I went home, told my husband my idea, he pushed me and supported me 100% to do it. I created about 5 bracelets that week, one for myself and the others for my husband, my sons, and my daughter. On Friday night, my family wore their bracelets to a church service, at the end of the service I was getting phone calls left and right asking if I could create bracelets for them. That night was the birth of Michele Monét.
Tell us about your business.
I design custom and handcrafted bracelets for women, men, and children. I also design necklaces, customized sneakers with Swarovski crystals, style jackets, list goes on. This is all a part of the April Lyons Collection.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Currently I am not running any promos, but I do however have pop up sales every so often.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
Honestly, starting this business is a huge accomplishment for me. It will be a year in April 2017 since I started my business. I would like to add, being interviewed by LadyBossBlogger is definitely and accomplishment as well.
Where is your business based?
As of now, my business is home based. I am looking to place some of my designs in boutiques, salons, etc.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Lots of research. I read, asked business owners and entrepreneurs plenty of questions. I didn’t want to start something and not be prepared for it or not see it through to the end.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
The most effective way of raising awareness was promoting and advertising. I promoted and advertised on social media, business cards, and I even had my walking models/advertisement, which were my family, friends, and new customers.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge would be making sure to constantly post on social media. I create and then I post, however when I have that down time, when I need to take care of home and family, it’s a challenge to make sure I am promoting on social media consistently as well.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I’ve decided to put myself on a schedule. I now have time slots when I post. This helps me keep everything in order from family to business.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
God, prayer and my husband. If it were not for the 3, I would fall.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I distinguish myself from others but being different, by being unique, by being myself, unapologetically. I make sure to stand out, each piece of jewelry I create is not a duplicate of what someone else has done; it is an original piece, designed by me.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
To keep pushing, work hard, never give up, and my favorite from my husband; “Ambition Has No Obstacles”!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Do not let anyone tell you to stop dreaming. Believe that you can, and go for it! Make sure the people who are around you, have the same drive and determination as you do. Make sure they are pushing you towards success. Lastly, always be your best you… unapologetically.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I am the google queen, I find most of my tools there. Also as I stated earlier on, I go to the business owners and entrepreneurs that I know. I would definitely say those resources are my favorite.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @Michele_Monet
Email MicheleMonet.ALC@gmail.com
Hashtags #AprilLyons #MicheleMonét #AnAprilLyonsCollection #BraceletsAndThings
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I have two books actually, the first “Beautifully Broken” by my Pastor, Sister, and Friend; Kimberly Pothier Jones. The other, “The Prayer Of Jabez” by Bruce Wilkinson.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Expansion. How to help my business grow and how to get my designs in boutiques and/or department stores.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals for the next few months are to have my designs in stores and salons and to begin my expansion. To network with more business owners and entrepreneurs; people who have the same goals and desires as I do. I will achieve this by research, reaching out on social media, connecting with those that I already know. Making a check list and crossing off as I go.
