My business began as a passion. While living in Australia and travelling across Asia, I began designing jewelry with stones, gold and silver purchased during my travels through 30 countries. Upon my return, strangers kept stopping me on the subway to ask about my necklace. I realized there was a market for what people say is my distinctive one-of-a-kind jewelry (which I consider art for the body). Everything changed the day I went from artist to entrepreneur!
I soon realized that designing alone can’t sustain a burgeoning business. You must constantly generate new ways to stand out, expand your market and accentuate, rather than hide from, the “small” element of small business. I needed people to help me.
Developing collaborations and building my custom jewelry business has helped grow my company, my clientele and my creative muscles.
Since launching k ritt jewelry, I’ve had over 25 shows at Henri Bendel and my line has been called an “up and coming” brand in Women’s Wear Daily, featured in Playboy, DailyCandy, Sheckys, NY1, New York Magazine and Inside Edition among others. I’m thrilled to see my jewelry worn by Heidi Klum, Kristin Chenoweth, Kim Cattrall, Fantasia Barrino, Sarah Silverman and other fashionable celebrities.
Most recently, I teamed up with The Hurricane Club, a new tiki restaurant in New York City to design necklaces for the entire female wait staff. I put a modern spin on the “lei,” merging the sensibilities of the cosmopolitan island of Manhattan with the relaxed islands of Polynesia. I made each necklace from scratch, sourcing materials like cotton batik, grommets, glass and brass that I’d never utilized before. The necklaces were a hit and are now available for sale at the restaurant. This was intensely satisfying artistically and gave me an opportunity to expand my jewelry line into areas and venues I hadn’t considered before. Since this partnership, I have been approached by other companies about collaborating.
The custom jewelry portion of my business has grown considerably through focusing on my company’s strengths. I emphasize customer service, craftsmanship and cultivating relationships and believe combining the flexibility of a small business with my “people person” nature helps.
In face-to-face meetings and online, I have customers across the country contacting me to collaborate on necklaces, earrings and bracelets for brides, wedding parties, galas, red carpet events and gifts. If a customer needs a size adjustment or wants to swap in a different stone I gladly accommodate customer requests without exorbitant surcharges! My bridal business has grown immensely as evidenced by my basket full of thank you notes from brides who’ve hired me to create one-of-a-kind jewelry for them and their bridesmaids. If a bride wants a palette or different stones than my existing line, I work with her closely to achieve it. This synergy is a win-win for all parties involved! I also partner with other designers like cmarchuska (cmarchuska.com) for shows and events.
Playing to my small business’ strengths by focusing on collaborations with companies, customers and other designers not only works for my business, it works for me.
To support other small businesses, check out Small Business Saturday on Facebook.
Photos Courtesy of Kim Rittberg.