Company Name: Suzanne Myers Jewelry
Company Website: SuzanneMyers.com
Company Facebook: Suzanne Myers Jewelry
Designer Name: Suzanne Myers

Suzanne Myers Jewelry designer Suzanne Myers with son Arthur

1. Why did you decide to work with sterling silver?

I was hooked on sterling after I soldered together my first pendant necklace. I’m crazy about the luster of sterling and how it accepts a variety of finishes. I love to give my pieces a hand-rubbed look that’s reminiscent of the patina you often see on antique sterling.

2. What do you use as design inspiration?

I’m drawn to natural and organic designs, but always with an eye to what flatters the body and the wearer. Ultimately, for me, I find that one piece inspires the next.

3. Have a tip to share with owners of silver jewelry?

Wear it! The more your wear, touch, and handle your sterling jewelry, the less polishing you’ll need. Stay away from chemical dips. When your silver pieces do need cleaning, use a paste polish, such as Wright’s or Twinkle.

Sterling name charm necklace shown with jade and abalone

4. When you first saw someone wearing one of your pieces what did you do?

It’s so flattering every time! I’m always too embarrassed to say anything, so I generally call my best friend right away. I love seeing my pieces in the real world and how people make them their own. It’s also wonderful to see a child in her mother’s arms, playing with the charms.

5. Who do you hope to see wearing one of your pieces?

It’s always exciting to make pieces for celebrities (like new Nashville resident Nicole Kidman!), and it would be a thrill to create one for First Lady Michelle Obama. Still, though, I really get a kick out of knowing that my small, local, word-of-mouth business has reached moms all over the world.

Sterling and deerskin

6. Would you share some business advice from one entrepreneur to another.

Definitely start with a plan! It’s tempting to jump right in, but a plan will help keep you focused and on track. Also, educate yourself as much as possible. The website ladieswholaunch.com <http://ladieswholaunch.com>  has great tips, sample business plans, and a mentor program.

Read Michael Gerber’s eye-opening The E Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It. I’ve also found Seth Godin’s books on marketing extraordinarily helpful.

Although not possible for all businesses, try to avoid going into debt by starting small and growing as you can afford to. It takes a little longer, but it’s worth it.

Learn how to use new media (websites, facebook, twitter, blogs, email marketing) effectively. It’s so powerful and affordable for a small start-up. I’m taking my own advice as I’m about to launch my new e-commerce enabled website that will feature a blog and twitter…finally!

freshwater pearl and carnelian

Thanks Suzanne!

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