Posted by Cynthia Boris
"I have always believed that women are beautiful creatures, irregardless of their fashion style. Doesn't the everyday woman that runs the home, does the dishes and laundry, and takes care of her family also deserve a little something special without breaking the bank? I fully believe so because I am that mom also, and in 2007 Moore Jewelry Style was born from just that thought."
Today, we're shining our spotlight on Michelle Eavey of Moore Jewelry Style. She's all about family and home and love and you'll see all of that in her work. From delicate bridal earrings to rugged paracord watches, you'll find something for everyone in your family in her IndieMade store.
Take it away, Michelle. . . .
Tell us everything we need to know about you in 2 sentences.
Michelle: I am a mother, wife, pet owner, and firm believer that the family unit is very important. My entire business is based off family in one way or another.
What kinds of items do you make and sell?
Michelle: At Moore Jewelry Style, I offer to you handmade jewelry with a vintage, rustic twist. My items are all meant to connect you to a feeling or memory from you past, especially where family is involved.
Why did you choose that field or did it choose you?
Michelle: When I was younger, my favorite gift to get at Christmas were large bead sets that I would sit at for hours and make items from. As an adult, I chose to start my jewelry business after attending a home party where a lady was showing us how to make our own jewelry on a more professional level. The nostalgic feeling of a childhood love pushes me to create items from my heart.
Tell us about your favorite piece either currently in your store or in the past.
Michelle: My favorite piece I ever made was the Lois Pearl Necklace I recently made (and sold out of) in my Cleo Vintage Jewelry line. The entire line is based off of my memories of my grandmother and all of her sisters and mother. This necklace was just one of my favorites in how it brought together the classic pearl with vintage metal pieces.
Talk about the decision to start selling your work? Was it a difficult decision to make? What, if anything, was holding you back?
Michelle: The decision to invest in my love to make jewelry and offer it to the public was at first concerning. There was always the fear that I wouldn't sell enough to make back what I invested to start with and also the fear that people wouldn't find what I made to their liking.
How do you market your business?
Michelle: Currently, Moore Jewelry Style is on Facebook (with a page and we have a group as well), Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. We share our day to day life along with all of our items on each platform to connect with our followers and customers. I am also very active in the local community and take part in many local craft shows and donate to causes when approached.
What inspires you?
Michelle: While I have to agree that my children inspire me to be the best person I can be daily, my grandmother is my business inspiration. I spent a lot of my childhood with her while my single mother worked, and all of the things she taught me along with her life as a farmer's daughter inspire me and my love of vintage, rustic family heirlooms. These items are what you will see reflected in my jewelry.
What frustrates you?
Michelle: There are so many answers to this questions, but to decide on what frustrates me in business it tends to be the saturated market of jewelry. All of us who make it are striving to be unique in what we offer and it is very hard for us to market ourselves while against larger companies who make lesser quality jewelry for purchase.
What’s something you’ve kept since you were a child?
Michelle: My mother was a firm believer in keeping many many many keepsake items, but one thing I keep in my jewelry box is a necklace my father gave me before he passed away. It is a large chunky necklace that has red hearts and white stars on it (made for toddlers of course), but it was from my dad so it means the world to me.
If you could get up tomorrow and do anything at all, what would you do?
Michelle: I would love to be a stay-at-home mom and business owner. Currently, my focus is split between a full time job, my children and husband, and my business. I love to be at home and being able to do all my work from there successfully would be bliss to me.
Your friend is going to sign up with IndieMade tomorrow (while you’re off doing whatever you wanted to do). What advice do you have that will help her be successful?
Michelle: I would first warn her to not expect overnight success. It takes perseverance and dedication to run a website and business. Secondly, I would encourage her to dedicate a set amount of hours to working on it each day and not doing it 24/7 and burning out because she will eventually start hating the item she loved so much to do.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or say to our audience of creative people? Feel free:
Michelle: Don't ever ever ever give up on your dream and don't ever let someone discourage you. Be yourself.
Great advice and an inspiring story! You can see more of Michelle's work on her website. This month, Michelle is running two promotions; one for Black Friday and one for Small Business Saturday. Take advantage of these special sales to buy gifts - or even better - treat yourself to a lovely piece of handmade jewelry.
