Should I be looking at trends?

**nina_5682** · 19-08-2018, 08:07 AM

Hi everyone, happy Sunday

I'm looking for a little advice and hope you can help because if you guys can't I don't know who can!

I have a *very* small jewellery business (possibly I'm kidding myself and it's more of a hobby that sometimes brings in money) and I've been trying hard to get it off the ground a little more.

My style more often than not involves turquoise or earthy stones, chunkier rings and a boho, western feel... basically the type of jewellery I love to wear.

The thing is this- I have had numerous commissions based on my designs, but aside from one ring I've never actually sold anything NOT custom made. I'm finding this a little disheartening since I've been told my work is great and it obviously inspires people to ask for customs... But it doesn't sell.

A friend told me I should be looking at trends and making small, low price items I can sell in bulk- such as stackers etc. The thing is, I'm happy to do this but I've never been a trend person. I couldn't, say, make a starfish stacking ring and honestly say I'm being true to myself.

Am I being silly? Should I be looking at trends? Or should I power on and stay true?

I'm due to drop a day at work in September to give myself more time to build my business, but I'm terrified nothing will sell and as much as I love custom work I would really like to be able to stabilise my sales.

Long message, apologies!
Any advice would be so appreciated.

Thank you and have a cracking Sunday

Nina

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**pearlescence** · 19-08-2018, 08:23 AM

Think about how you market instead

**nina_5682** · 19-08-2018, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by pearlescence

Think about how you market instead

Yes Pearlescence, you're right there. I need to really figure my marketing out. I've just found the business and marketing topic page on here and it's great, so I'm going to spend some good time on there. Thanks!

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**Dennis** · 19-08-2018, 09:22 AM

Being true to yourself is a happier situation. Some members in the past said they have sold their soul to run a popular business. A compromise is needed if you don't want to sleep on a park bench. Dennis.

**nina_5682** · 19-08-2018, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by Dennis

Being true to yourself is a happier situation. Some members in the past said they have sold their soul to run a popular business. A compromise is needed if you don't want to sleep on a park bench. Dennis.

Thanks Dennis. That's what I think. The last thing I'd want is for my love of making to dwindle. I also struggle with the meaning of 'low cost'. How low cost can handmade items be? I think this is something people don't often understand. A ring for 10-15£ is what I'm told to aim for. I don't think I'd ever buy a ring at that price. Maybe I shouldn't really listen to said friend haha

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**enigma** · 19-08-2018, 10:45 AM

What kind of ring could you make by hand for that price whilst paying yourself above minimum wage ?
I personally think its incredibly hard marketing ready made items but there are several on here that manage ok so it can be done and I think your turquoise rings would be popular if you can just find the market.

**Sheen** · 19-08-2018, 01:28 PM

Hi Nina, i wouldn't go the ultra cheap angle with your jewellery it's just not worth your time. I think you need to find customers who have your taste, what sort of people are they and where can you find them? Have you tried selling at craft markets? You get a good mix of people at these. If going on instagram think about keywords: is your jewellery shabby chic? Or would it appeal to the steampunk community or goths? Follow people who make things that would compliment your jewellery and comment when you can. You'll find an audience. Also in terms of designs don't copy others but be inspired by them and spot gaps in the market. Also say you want to try stacker rings (as they are popular) could you do them in your style in a design that excites you. I think the originality or quality of your work will always have a market, Sheena

**nina_5682** · 19-08-2018, 04:28 PM

Thank you all for your replies! Some great advice and you've all lifted my spirits
.
Enigma, making such a low price item would literally mean just covering cost and you're right- there is absolutely no point in that. Soul destroying and as Dennis mentioned- the park bench would be calling my name!

CJ57, hope your venture onto Instagram turns out well... I've had my page on there for a while now and goodness me if it isn't slow... But that's where my customs have come from!

Sheen, some great ideas there and I'm feeling much more hopeful! I definitely need to get myself to some fairs and the idea of following IG pages that complement my jewellery is a really good one. I need to unscramble my brain and really think about my target audience. Some spider diagrams may be going down this evening... nowt like a good spider diagram

Paul, thanks so much for the link and the general trends chat- I'll be taking a look and feeling it out and maybe start a new trend myself haha.

Again, thank you all! I'm off to Instagram to find you

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