In times of financial uncertainty and online-only shopping, jewelry can still thrive.

Merging creative marketing solutions with the adaptation of online retail, independent jewelry designers who once relied on in-store sales are able to both stay afloat financially and nurture customer relationships.

Mallory Shelter, Joyia Jones, and Nichole Gariepy are all great examples of jewelry designers who’ve done just that. 

Each designer has had to close down their retail shops during this time of social distancing, but they’ve all come up with creative strategies for staying in business and keeping customers engaged. 

Nothing makes me happier than seeing a jewelry designer move from a place of uncertainty to a place of power.

Meet Dr. Sarah McAleer, a jeweler and long-time member of the F&TA community who designs jewelry for strong-minded women and their families. 

Sarah faced some pretty intense conflict during the transition into life under COVID-19 restrictions.

I think you’ll be inspired by what she has to say, especially if you’re struggling with some very real fears right now.

I want to tell you something: it’s OKAY if you’re feeling overwhelmed right now.

 

We’re creatives - we excel at thinking outside the box and finding ways to keep designing and inspiring, no matter what.

 

You’re in good company.

 

Today, I want to highlight just a few examples of effective strategies designers are using to move their sales online and spread positivity at the same time.

It’s time for you to show up for your business without worrying about what the external world thinks.

 

That’s what Susie Moore is all about! She’s a life coach, author, and good friend of mine. And she came on the podcast to talk about CONFIDENCE.

 

Susie’s been obsessed with mastering the confidence game since she was a kid. Now, she’s a confidence coach who helps people pursue success and live a life they love.

 

She’s got tons of valuable insight on how to shake off your need for approval and manifest success in a way that’s true to your vision...

 

Breaking news: double-sided tape is about to rock your world.

 

At least, that’s what happened to me when I sat down with Corkie Bolton for a second round of podcasting!

 

Last time, she shared her story about founding Metalsmith Society, a community for jewelers to come together and share tips and tricks for working on the bench and improving your jewelry-making process!

 

This time, she’s sharing 7 of her favorite jeweler life hacks that she’s picked up over the years.

“Shows are cancelled, stores are closed, and sales are down. How do I sell at a time like this?”

 

This sentiment has been popping up all over the jewelry community. It’s a scary and uncertain time, but you still have a family to feed and a business to run.

 

So what do you do?

 

Here’s what I think, m’dear...

The Coronavirus situation has majorly disrupted people’s livelihoods all over the world, and small businesses have been hit the hardest.

 

It’s a scary and stressful time, but the good news is we’re all in this together - and Flourish & Thrive Academy is here to help!

 

There are plenty of resources available for entrepreneurs, jewelry designers, artists, and creative business owners that may be able to help you protect your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re in the middle of some rocky, uncharted waters, m’dear. But that doesn’t mean we’re doomed!

 

It’s time to pull together as a community to support one another as we navigate this brand new territory.

 

I’m tuning in with my friend and co-founder Robin Kramer to answer your most pressing questions about what you can do now to protect your jewelry biz and preserve your creative energy.

 

Are you freaking out a little bit? Don’t worry, the voice of reason is here!

 

I’m talking about Jason R. Ayers, of course.

 

In Part 1 we talked about what you can do to protect your mindset and creative energy. 

 

I highly recommend listening to that first. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of your business.

 

Now, we’re diving into tactical strategies to protect your business and income during these uncertain times. 

It’s a scary time to be a business owner right now. I’m sure COVID-19 wasn’t a part of your 2020 business plan, but here we are.

 

Things will go back to business as usual, but in the meantime you have a choice... 

 

You can freak out, make a bunch of fear-based decisions, and possibly tank your business, or you can be mindful, devise a strategy, and look at this as an opportunity for growth.

 

Yes, there’s always a silver lining, m’dear!

 

Take if from Jason Ayers. He’s a strategic business growth consultant and certified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner.

 

He recorded this two-part episode with me to offer some advice on what you can do NOW that will protect your business and put you a step ahead of this situation.