What I Learned My First Year as an Independent Jewelry Designer

It's the beginning of a new year which has me reflecting on all that I learned in my first year of business as an independent jewelry designer. Starting a new business is not for the faint of heart, especially when that business is sharing your art with the world. It requires nerves of steel and a strong sense of purpose.

I launched my sculptural jewelry brand just over a year ago when I turned 57 (!!!). It has been a long and winding path to really owning my identity as an artist (a tale for another day). In full transparency, the only reason I was able to launch my business full-time is because of the financial security I spent decades establishing. There is privilege to starting this journey later in life, but it is also crazy scary. 

Here are the top 10 things I learned the first year of my jewelry business:

Have a strong sense of purpose that will guide you in making decisions that are aligned with your vision and values, and will keep you going when the going gets rough (mine is to amplify others through beauty).

Say "yes" to opportunities that cross your path, and more importantly to yourself. Every time you say yes to yourself you honor how you show up in the world, and the world needs you to show up in all your magic.

Trust your creative voice. If what you make makes you feel lit up inside, it will make others feel lit up too.

Share your work with the world as much as possible, even with it's not "perfect". Yes, wear the crazy piece hot off the bench when you run to the grocery store. It's an opportunity to connect with others (yes, people are paying attention) and it shows the universe you are walking the walk (and the universe rewards when we are in authenticity).

The life of an artist can be lonely. The long solo hours in the studio are often made even harder when you try to connect with your community on social media only to feel like you are talking into the void. As an extrovert who gets energy being around people and new experiences, this has been really tough for me.

Prioritize your community of fellow makers and mentors. I learned so much this last year from communities I invested time in, both in person and online. People are generous and want to see you succeed. Be brave and reach out, and be kind and pass on the good vibes and knowledge.

Creativity is life force so guard this time with your life. I spent so much time this last year building the foundational aspects of my business that I stepped away from my creativity for long periods of time. I vow to dedicate a day each week of this new year to creative play, experimentation and growth. 

Money is scary, especially when you aren't making any as a new business. It's wild how much the price of metals has increased this year (silver is up 144%). It is important to learn how to effectively price your work in a way that honors the time, effort, and expertise invested in creating it.

It takes a long time to be profitable. Yep, I am finding out now at the end of year one that most independent jewelry designers don't see a profit for 3-5 years. This is daunting, but knowledge is power and I am honing my strategic plan accordingly. The first year requires a large investment of capital (casting, metals, findings, photography, branding, website development, accounting systems, strategic coaching, shows, skill development classes, and the list goes on). I am learning that it will be a long time still until I can pay myself.

Be radically optimistic and don't give up. This is going to be my mantra for 2026. I believe in myself, my purpose, my creative vision, my intelligence, and my capacity to handle whatever surprises are in store this year (hopefully outrageously fabulous ones!). It takes grit and courage to show up for myself and my art over and over each day. But I am worth it and you are too! The world needs radical optimism to create beauty. The world needs our art.

Bring it, 2026!