Designer Profile
MEET:
JacQueline Sanchez
HER COMPANY: JacQueline Sanchez Jewelry Design
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 5
WHY SHE GOT STARTED: I started my career working for established jewelry companies. After about ten years, I had built a large client list through the stores as well as an increasing amount of custom work. My experience and expertise had grown over the years but I really wanted to develop my own personal style and craft. I started my own business so that I could dedicate myself to mastering my craft and develop my own art, which happens to take the form of jewelry.
WHAT IS MOST REWARDING? I love to see people smiling when the see my work. My pieces are fun to wear and I love having customers who enjoy my design sensibility.
AND MOST CHALLENGING?
I find Public relations to be challenging. Getting press and letting people know I exist is very difficult but is essential. It is so time consuming especially when I just want to be in the studio working. When I receive a good press response it is great but it takes constant effort to stay ahead of the curve and keep up on the business side of things. Well, actually the most challenging is being a mom to my 2 and a half year old and managing to find the time to work!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE ESSENTIALS IN MARKETING YOUR WORK? Great photography is critical for everything from PR, to selling your work on the web and sending out catalogs to retailers. It is worth every penny you spend.
WHAT HAS BEEN VALUABLE ABOUT THE BEEHIVE EXPERIENCE? I joined Beehive when it opened in 2004 and first and foremost it has been the direct connection with the customer. I love the feedback and learning to listen and understand more about them and their needs. It helps me develop new work. Second, I like the feeling of community and being a part of something that is going to grow. The chance to network with other artists and learn how they run their businesses has been such an asset and I have picked up so many selling tips and other ideas. I also have valued the exposure of being with the Beehive Co-op brand.
WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN? After being told a million times I now realize the importance of a business plan. My business has grown so organically that I thought I didn't need one. But now I know that to plan for the future and grow in a calculated way, I need the type of direction that a plan provides. If I had not been exposed to other successful businesses and worked with people who have expertise in other areas than my own, my business would not be where it is today.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES? It's really tough sometimes, I work so hard and the payoff is still in process. But the fact that I am able to do what I love, makes me feel lucky so it pushes me to work harder and make something happen. My husband and son inspire me and remind me why I am doing this in the first place - can't do it without tons of support and I love the flexibility to spend time with my son.
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