The For Me For You limited edition jewelry line is updated with new products just once per month. The next update will be this Sunday, February 26. Mark your calendars to check out this amazing collection before it is all gone.
Check out the full shop at: shop.forme-foryou.com
BC: You specialize in graphic design, right? How did necklace making become a part of your life and now a business for you?
FM: Yes, I primarily make a living off of my graphic design business, but I have always had my hands in various other creative things at the same time. I’ve had an interest in fashion for as long as I can remember, and somehow jewelry was such a natural progression. It started out as just making jewelry for myself, because I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. Once I shared my creations on my blog, I had such a huge response that I decided to make a few and open a shop.
I started out on Etsy, and while I loved the community, I wanted more control of the look of my shop and needed some inventory features that Big Cartel had for how quickly some of my items can sell out. I still hesitate, for a moment, calling myself a jewelry designer when I introduce myself to people, it still feels a bit sudden, three years later.
BC: New necklaces are added to your shop about once a month. What made you decide to drop new collections at once like that? Is every piece one of a kind, or do you offer multiples of some designs?
FM: I hand make every piece, so I spend the month slowly making the jewelry (because I spend most of my time on my design business) and then release everything I’ve made that month. Most of them are one of a kind, save for the brass drops. So really it’s just a matter of my schedule. I’d love to constantly re-stock items, it’s just really not in the cards for me right now. I think it makes it more special that way though, you know?
BC: Your last update of necklaces, in January, almost sold out entirely in about 24 hours. How do you promote your product and release date to get that kind of incredible response?
FM: All entirely through my blog and fellow bloggers who graciously have shared my work the past few years. I’ve never advertised anywhere; I’ve just been incredibly lucky thus far. I’ve been blogging for a while now and have a tight-knit group of Internet friends, and we all support each other in our endeavors - something that is so important for small business owners.
Besides my blog I have a newsletter and use Twitter to help remind people, which I think is very helpful since not everyone can keep up on their blog reading, and not every customer reads my blog. I think it’s really important for my business to also keep lookbook photos fresh and new to help promote my products. It’s a lot of work but worth it and fun for me. I’m my own model for sake of convenience, so that’s helpful. Pinterest is a growing source of traffic for my shop; another reason photos are important.
BC: What are some of your design inspirations?
FM: A friend of mine joked that my necklaces are very quirky kindergarten art teacher, and I love that. I pull my biggest inspiration from vintage jewelry, and a running theme for me is nostalgia. My original necklace for the line was inspired by friendship bracelets, and my new clay necklaces borrow from childhood memories as well. Anytime I’m at a natural history or folk art museum I head straight for the jewelry - there’s so much inspiration to be had at both.
BC: What is one word of advice you would offer to someone looking to start their own online store for handmade goods?
FM: Two things: 1. Get your legal/tax stuff in order BEFORE selling a single thing. As much of a drag as it is, getting all of your licenses, permits and taxes will save you a headache later and prevent possible fines. It’s amazing to me how many online sellers charge tax incorrectly - that is not something to mess with, people! And 2. Besides a great product, great photography is your biggest asset. If a professional photographer is not something you can afford to invest in, you can buy a good camera for such little money these days, or collaborate with a photographer who is just starting out, or do a trade with a friend who is good with photography - either way, it’s so important!
BC: What are some of your favorite Big Cartel features that help make your online shop what it is?
FM: The ability for total customization - that way my shop feels like my brand rather than sitting inside of another brand - it really takes the professional element up a notch. It’s also so intuitive and easy to use. The UI design is beautiful, and as a designer, I so appreciate that.
