What does it really take to launch your own jewellery business?
In this episode, Jessica Rose shares the story behind the launch of her new jewellery brand, Jessica Rose Jewellery, and ten of the biggest lessons she has learnt along the way.
Jess first ran a jewellery business around 20 years ago, before moving into teaching and eventually building Jewellers Academy. Now she is back at the bench, creating an organic fine jewellery collection using wax, gold, gemstones and stone-setting techniques and experiencing first-hand what it means to build a jewellery business in today's market.
Jess talks openly about choosing what to make, investing in materials before you know when the money will come back, creating a cohesive collection, dealing with broken stones and things going wrong at the bench, and the self-doubt that can appear when you finally put your work out into the world.
She also shares her approach to photography, branding, building her own website, keeping the first version of the business simple and why launching your website is only the beginning.
In this episode:
Why Jess decided to start another jewellery business now
How she chose the style and techniques for her first collection
Why she started with creativity rather than a commercial idea
How she built a 28-piece jewellery collection over time
The reality of investing in gold, gemstones and professional photography
What she learnt when stones broke and settings went wrong
Dealing with fears about originality and being judged
Why your jewellery does not need to appeal to everyone
Keeping your branding, website and launch simple
Why a slow start after launching your jewellery business is completely normal
If you are starting a jewellery business, preparing to launch your first collection or wondering how to turn your jewellery-making skills into a brand of your own, this episode is full of practical lessons and reassurance from someone going through the process right now.
Find Jessica Rose Jewellery:
Website: jessicarose.com
Instagram: @JessicaRoseJewellery
Want support growing your own jewellery business?
The Jewellery Business Academy is our year-long programme for jewellers who want to build and grow a successful jewellery business. From branding and pricing to marketing, selling, websites, email marketing and launching, you'll work through the key areas of your business with training, mentoring, planning sessions and support from the Jewellers Academy community.
Find out more about the Jewellery Business Academy at https://www.jewellersacademy.com/the-jewellery-business-academy