Please tell us about your business.
I was initially designing jewellery for myself after completing a silversmithing course back in 2003, I was bored with mainstream jewellery and was craving something different. I now design and make my range of Sterling Silver bracelets, earrings, rings and pendants - including Australian penny coin pendants.
How did you begin your business, and why?
It began with the Silversmithing course and making jewellery initially for myself. This then led to making jewellery for friends/birthdays/gifts and I received lots of compliments along with a few sales and orders from friends and friends of friends.
Fast forward a few years, I had quite a little jewellery collection and I can only wear so much, so I booked my first little stall (back in 2007) at Red Hill Craft Market! I was so nervous the night before I barely slept.
My unique designs were well received and I got so many compliments- I was chuffed!! This encouraged me to keep going so much that I have been doing the markets ever since!
What started as a hobby is now my small home based business.
Where does the inspiration for each piece come from?
I take inspiration from abstract; simple and minimal designs. I love freeform abstract - the natural flow of the molten wax and the shapes that result.
My rings are carved and shaped from wax and the final design is cast using an old process called lost wax casting and the carved finished piece is cast in Sterling Silver.
The silver ring is then filed and polished to final finish. Once complete I have a master mold made which allows me to make the same ring in different sizes without having to start from scratch each time.
What sets your designs apart from other stalls?
I enjoy making many one-of-a-kind pieces and my other designs are not mass produced.
I change the designs regularly to keep it fresh and interesting.
My earrings are light in weight so they do not drag and pull your earlobes down.
I test all the styles on myself before production. If it pulls, I modify until it feels nice to wear.
What do you love most about being a stallholder at CMA?
I love the market atmosphere as it's such a buzz and the camaraderie of the other stallholders is just so nice. The stallholders I have gotten to know over the years is like an extension of family - they are my market family.
Describe your experience of being a small business owner in Australia.
Being a small business owner is tough especially when you are making the products, doing all the marketing, admin, social media and photographing for online.
It can get overwhelming trying to be seen in a crowded industry and competing with cheap mass produced imports.
I love what I do and I will continue doing it until I no longer enjoy it.
What are the challenges and rewards of being your own boss?
I love being my own boss - it affords me the flexibility to work from home and be present for my daughter.
In 2020 just before Covid slammed the world I showcased some jewellery in a Fitzroy Gallery -Incube8r and I have a small collection featured there. This was very rewarding!
Describe your perfect weekend!
My perfect weekend would be sleeping a full 8 hours, all my meals made and all the washing up done- by someone else!
What do you see for the future for you, and your business?
I hope to still be designing and making jewellery well into the future and having returning customers appreciate my designs.
What do you love about Melbourne and Victoria?
Everything but the inconsistent weather!
What other stalls are you looking forward to checking out at our next CMA market day?
I am going to get there earlier, check it all out and chow down on some Zeppoles - Delicious Italian donuts!!!
What advice would you give to someone interested in setting up their own small business or stall?
If you don't try you'll never know. If not now, then when?
How did you adapt and overcome the challenges of the past year?
It has been hard juggling home-schooling and working during Covid lockdown, although I must say grade 4 school work is easier second time around! 🤣 Find Lindy's creations here - https://www.sterlingsilver925.com.au/
Comments