During a recent interview with style influencer Amanda Nava for her blog, the Creative Brief, I had a chance to circle back around to my beginnings as a small business owner and really think about all the barriers I've encountered and successes I've had. 

For anyone out there who is thinking of starting a business or has a creative urge to make a product or work of art, first step is to get into action. That was my biggest advantage as a young artist and entrepreneur. Instead of thinking about doubts or how hard it would be I just started to make jewelry and took everything one step at a time. 

It's vital that you set goals but it's also vital that you break down those goals to make each step manageable and do-able. Also, don't burn any bridges! What goes around comes around. If you're working while starting your side hustle continue to do your best for the person or company you are working for so you can ask them for help later on down the line. Here's an excerpt from my interview with Amanda that sums up the above and serves as a reminder that nothing happens overnight. Even when it seems like that, it's never true. Hard work and persistence are always a factor.

"I think it’s important that people know I had a long journey before I started my jewelry line BUT with that said everything I did prior to starting my line helped me as a jewelry designer! It’s crazy how that works out. Everything I did and everyone I worked for ended up helping me grow my jewelry business." 

I invite you to read the full interview on Amanda's blog here. I hope it inspires you to start that business you've been pondering about or at least gives you insight into an artists' small business life. 

Thank you for your support of Katie Dean Jewelry and I hope you have a golden week! 

XO, Katie