When a Passion Project turns into a Small Business
What started out as a passion project in 2020 turned into a reality in 2021. MUSE is founded by one of our own Bold team members, Aishly Tromp, and in this article she will share her inspiration behind MUSE Jewelry in hopes to inspire you to turn that passion into a business venture.
A little intro
Aishly’s love for fashion goes back to 2011 when she moved to New York to pursue her bachelors degree in fashion marketing and management. Since then, she has gathered a lot of knowledge and experience in different aspects of the industry such as marketing, retail, and PR. Back in New York, she interned for a designer called Nili Lotan in 2015 and since then her curiosity in creating something of her own was sparked. “I always thought about what if, what could I create and how. It would definitely not be clothing because that’s not where my passion truly lies, but I never really dove deeper into that thought until 2020”.
So how did the idea for MUSE start?
In 2020, during the pandemic, we all had a lot of free time on our hands and it was then that Aishly started to brainstorm about possibly getting into jewelry design. She already had launched her online clothing e-shop called Moxie in 2019 so she was already heading somewhere in that direction. “When doing the buying for Moxie accessories, especially necklaces, which are my favorite accessory, I found it challenging at times to find pieces that I truly loved for my clientele and I then started playing around with the idea: why not try and make these myself?”
“After watching numerous how-to videos about jewelry making on YouTube, going back and forth whether I should do this or not, having my doubts, and then getting confident about the idea again, I finally decided to make a small purchase of all the materials needed: from hooks, clasps to chains, pendants and branded jewelry pouches and so Muse launched on September 4th 2021.”
On choosing the name MUSE and the area of jewelry design.
Every piece Aishly designs is uniquely made. Right now she is focusing on necklaces, so one of each necklace is made but she tells us that she wants to grow into other product categories as well. “I want the people that wear MUSE to feel as unique as they are are. I am also very big on exclusivity so this is why I only make one design. The person who wears MUSE is therefore their own muse.” says Aishly. On why she chose the jewelry design industry: “I love the idea of creating unique pieces made with your hand. A lot of love goes into creating these pieces. It starts as an idea and vision in my head and I make it a reality by crafting it by hand. There is a sense of pride when I create MUSE pieces, I really feel proud of myself that I am able to make it myself. Of course I am still perfecting my craft and I will continue to learn and grow.
Any valuable tips you want to share with readers?
Yes,
My first tip first I would say is to follow your gut
Follow that passion if it’s something you really believe in and want to turn it into something profitable. It is easier said than done but if I learned anything in life (and in business) is to try, because if you don’t try you will never know what the outcome will be. The worse thing to do is to live in regret and wonder “what if”. Yes failing or not succeeding can be scary, but I believe that getting out of your comfort zone really helps you grow personally and professionally.”
Research
Another tip I have is to study the market you are going into, define your target audience and see what you can do differently to make you or your product stand out. Jewelry design is a competitive industry but if you offer some type of niche or a unique brand aesthetic, you will surely get the right clientele to come to you.
Lastly, Show your face
What I mean with this is that people like storytelling, they are curious to meet the face(s) behind a product or service so get your yourself out there and share your story and inspirations of your product with the world. Building a brand identity is important for a business nowadays and it helps build brand trust as well. People will continue coming back to you if they feel connected to you/with your brand.
How to shop MUSE jewelry?
You can shop MUSE pieces online on www.moxiethestore.com
We offer free local delivery or pickup and international shipping (rates do apply for international shipping).
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