Interview with Jessica of Liebling
Thursday, July 31st, 2008How did you get your start?
I’ve been crafting in general all of my life, and in the last few years have targeted my focus on jewelry design after taking some classes at the local bead shop. Afterwards, a friend of mine started up a beading group, and it’s really helped me to grow and nurture my interest in designing pieces that everyone can enjoy.
Blomstra Necklace : $74.00
Do you have any formal training?
Nothing too formal. I’ve always had an appetite and eye for design in general. With the jewelry design, I’ve taken more classes at the local bead shop to learn techniques and also teach myself through trial and error with books and tutorials. It’s a constantly evolving process, in the next few months I’m going to be learning silver fusing and hope to expand on that and incorporate it into my designs. I plan to be learning my entire life, and intend on doing metalsmithing and lapidary work within the next five years.
When and why did you create your business?
I created Liebling Designs in April of 2008. Once I strung my first necklace (even though it was horribly ugly) I was hooked. I’ve been driven by the fact that when jewelry shopping, I can never find exactly what I want for a reasonable price. Through making jewelry for myself and simply wearing it around, I’ve received multitudes of compliments from friends and even strangers and realized that I could have a future in doing what I love. It’s the perfect marriage of my passion for fashion and design, with my desire to innovate and create new and interesting pieces that are affordable for people.
Has it changed at all since you began? How?
It’s hard to believe it could have changed much in three months, but yes it has. At first, I was simply playing around and testing the waters, seeing if my items would sell on Etsy. As soon as I made my first sale, I quickly realized I was all wrong where I was placing value. I was thinking it would be nice to have extra cash, but suddenly that changed to a feeling of “Wow! Someone likes my jewelry!” and the high that came from that far surpassed any monetary gain. This shift made me serious about Liebling as a business, as something I could mold into my life’s work. As a result, I’ve come up with a business plan and have also really tightened up my style. I’d like to offer eclectic jewelry, but with a distinct style to it and I think that is showing up more and more in my work.
What is the best part of running your own business?
The excitement of gaining momentum and the independence that comes along with it. It’s an amazing feeling to be working hard doing something I love instead of working hard doing something that will simply pay the bills. I’m thrilled about turning my passion into my livelihood.
Petra Necklace : $31.00
and the worst?
All the anxieties that come along with being a new designer. Am I spening my marketing dollars in the right place? Is it me, or is it the economy? Am I good enough? I haven’t made a sale in a little while, what can I do to change that? Also, starting up is hard work, much more goes into it than meets the eye.
You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere I look. Sometimes, modern architecture. Other times, museum pieces or artwork. Fashion, color schemes, and eras. Geometry, rose gardens. The inspiration is limitless. I say everywhere because as a creative person, I’m always thinking about design, I’m always seeing patterns and color schemes all around me and try my best to capture moods and moments in my designs. Music is also a heavy influence.
Who is your favorite indie designer?
Oh wow. There are so many. If I have to choose just one it will have to be Stefanie Japel, author of “Fitted Knits“. I learned to knit this past winter and adore her designs, plus I really admire her for designing knitting patterns with some modern flair, and just love how most of the patterns are knit in the round.
What was your most recent indie buy?
I purchased a cute little wristlet from CharmDesign. It’s a darling floral design in purple, orange and yellow. Perfect little bag for my ID, cell phone, sunglasses and lip gloss. I adore it!
Le Cirque Earrings : $21.00
What one thing couldn’t you live without?
Music. I’d be a very sad girl without my music. And chapstick.
What music/books/magazines are you into right now?
For music, some of my favorites are Tom Waits, Nellie McKay (love!), New Pornographers, Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket, TVOTR. I’m liking the new Beck album and the new Coldplay right now too. Books, I read everything, my favorite author is Tom Robbins. This summer I haven’t been reading as much as normal because Liebling is how I spend my free time in most cases. Magazines, I like Rolling Stone and Mojo but don’t have any subscriptions or anything. I also like fashion magazines like Vogue.
What advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?
My best advice would be to choose your business name very very wisely. It’s no fun to change it midswing. Also, lay the groundwork before you start selling your items and come up with a clear business plan so you can go into it with a clear path. I’ve wasted a lot of time and a little money on jumping into things without a focused plan. Also, relax and have confidence in your work and don’t undervalue it.
Where do you hope you/your business will be in 5 years?
In five years, I plan to be able to quit my day job and focus on Liebling full time. I hope to have a dedicated studio of my own outside of our flat, and hope to have my line picked up by some major retailers.
Victoriana Necklace : $36.00
Do you have any new projects on the horizon?
I’m going to be doing some work with shrink plastic, and will be adding a line of affordable modern pendants to my collection. Also, we’ll see if the silver fusing class results in new inspirations, I’m really excited about manipulating metal and forming my own beads and pendants this way.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received regarding your business?
The singlemost best piece of advice is to have a business plan. I know I keep saying it, but if you are going to be serious about making your dream a reality you should have a solid plan in place where your goals will come from. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but know where you want to go and how you will get there or you will waste a lot of time. There are some wonderful free resources for small businesses out there, use them! Aside from that, my hubby telling me to “Go for it!” was an awesome push in the right direction!
