Name of Business: Jewels by Jan
Type of Business: Handcrafted Barefoot Sandals and Bracelets
Web Site: http://www.jewels-by-jan.com/
Email: jan@jewels-by-jan.com
Tell us more about your business.
Jewels by Jan is a women-owned, small business that designs and handcrafts beaded foot jewelry, also known as barefoot sandals. The jewelry is worn covering the tops of the feet and around the ankle. They are made in an array of various shapes, sizes and colors of beads and crystals. We currently offer approximately 20-different designs appealing to women of all ages. The sandals are great for wearing at the pool, on a cruise, honeymoon, with lingerie – basically, for any “barefoot occasion.”
What makes your business unique?
One thing that makes our business unique is that each pair of sandals is handcrafted by one of us at the time we receive the order. We don’t mass-produce or outsource any of our assembly. Our materials are purchased wholesale and each pair is hand-strung. Every design is unique to Jewels by Jan, it’s given a name and a description, photographed and uploaded to our web site.While we realize there IS competition out there, we like knowing that we were the first to come up with the “medallion-in-the-middle” concept. Every design features a different “centerpiece” selected to match the bead pattern. We also feel that with our use of Swarovski crystals and an array of beautiful glass beads from the Czech Republic we can create designs that will appeal to all ages and all tastes.
Can you share with us the challenges that you have encountered
related to starting a business?
The major challenge we faced in starting our business was the lack of
capital. We were concerned that we might have a difficult time securing an SBA loan when neither of us had any prior
experience running a business. Then there was the “fear of the unknown” – what
if we were to obtain a loan and then were unable to turn a profit?
After many long-distance discussions we decided it would be much safer for each
of us to contribute as much as we could toward a business checking account. As
we sold the sandals, all the income would be deposited into this account to
purchase materials. Once we started receiving regular orders, we applied for a
line of credit. Essentially, we started our business on a shoestring.
How did you overcome these challenges?
We operate on a very simple financial concept – we buy materials with our
business credit card, we deposit every thing we take in into the checking
account and we pay the credit card bills with the checking account. When profits
are good, we pay ourselves; when things are slow (during winter months) we
don’t. This is when we put our creativity to work in new projects and new
designs.
What has been your biggest success thus far?
Well, we LOVE seeing our site Number 1 on search engines! One of our
accomplishments was selling our top-of-the-line bridal sandals to The Knot, a
very well-known wedding planning web site. We were also successful in marketing
and selling our most popular bridal sandals to The Enchantress Boutique in the
Shops at Wailea in Maui. But even more rewarding, we’re just proud of how our
business has become more and more popular. We currently drop-ship our products
worldwide for over 20 different web sites and are working on a number of
projects for the future. We’re working with Germaine’s Luau in Hawaii on custom
luau sandals for women and children (children’s sandals
glow-in-the-dark) where each pair features a tiny hula dancer charm at the heel
of the sandal.
What is your favorite free business resource?
What is your favorite free business resource?
SCORE is invaluable! Who better to coach and provide tips and information than individuals who
already have the necessary experience in running a business of their own? I
can’t say enough about this group – and it’s totally free.
What words of advice would you provide to others who are
considering starting a business?
Contact SCORE in your city and sign up for their classes before you do
anything. You’ll learn so much about the type of business entity you want to
start (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, etc.), writing a business plan, legal issues and concerns,
financial considerations and how to go about getting a loan, marketing and
branding, managing employees and of course tax laws and regulations.
Do you have any special offers for those reading this
interview?
You bet! We will offer a $5 discount on any pair of barefoot sandals when
you tell us you heard about us on Pink Heels!
Would you like to be considered for an upcoming "Spotlight On" post? If you have a web site and a business Up & Running story, please email Jennifer Moore at Jennifer@Pink-Heels.com. You can be located anywhere in the world as we are creating a global network of fabulous women!
