Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikki Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nikki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

When I was younger, I wanted to be in a band. It was my dream up until probably after graduating high school. I never did anything to pursue it but I said it would happen, for sure. That would be my legacy. Now, similarly, I want my business to grow just as much. I would love to grow into a staple jewelry & home decor store. A business that not only is inclusive with jewelry sizes and styles for everyone, but helps design an important part in peoples lives, their homes. Although I haven’t gotten this far yet with my products, I will get there. With inspirations like Urban Outfitters, Studio McGee, and Earthbound, that is where I would like my legacy to lie. A piece from each to help curate a jewelry brand that supplies for all individuals, home decor that aligns with your spirit, and a business that can keep growing through generations.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Nikki Garcia, I am the owner and creator of Trippy Velvet, which at this point is solely a jewelry & crystal based business but growing into so much more. I started this business in June of 2020, right during the pandemic which also helped my determination in succeeding when times were rough. It was a part time business up until October 2020. I recently had lost my job and decided from there that I wouldn’t be looking for another, I was going to pursue my business. I’ve been a full time business owner for almost two years now and it has been the greatest experience of my life. My jewelry business is fifty percent online and fifty percent farmers market and its incredibly fun.

There are many different jewelry and crystal booths at markets everywhere but I truly believe what sets me apart from others is my style. First and foremost, most of my jewelry is gold with a few silver pieces here and there. Also, I would personally say I bring a bohemian feel to crystal jewelry or at least try to with all of my collections.

Throughout this whole experience, I believe the thing that I am most proud of is my growth. Everyone faces hardships when it comes to the reality of having to make money to survive and pay bills. I’ve had many months where I’m like, “okay am I’m going to make it this month?”, but I always do. I grow tremendously from moments like those because I don’t ever WANT to be there, I’m sure no one does. It makes me really think about the way I’m styling my photos, the way I’m posting about my products, the presence I’m creating for myself online and in person. It helps me grow and create photos that are good, so people will see them and say “I need that” or “I love that I’m going to see what else they have”. Growth is essential and I’m very happy I’ve had and continue to have struggles because it turns into growth.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

To think back on this business at first only being a side hustle is so funny to me, but that’s what it was. I never intended it to be my full time thing, just something to make me more money so I wouldn’t have to work at a restaurant everyday. Something that would tide me over until I found my career. Little did I know, this was going to be my career. Since I started during the pandemic I had about a month of off time from my job when everything was closed down, so I grabbed some crystals and started trying to wire wrap. That didn’t last long but I definitely tried. It took about two months for me to get my first sale online, and I think it was my mom. So I kept going, kept creating. Then it led to friends purchasing from me, which turned into people across the country purchasing from me. It was crazy to think about. Still to this day, it’s like “wow, I made this and someone loves it enough to buy it.” Anyways, after I had went back to my job I started making regular sales. Nothing too crazy about one sale a week. So I would work all day, go home and make jewelry, paint, and post it all on my shop. For about two months I did this. Then, I lost my job. At this point I was getting about ten orders a week. I also had money saved so I jumped. I took the risk of “is this going to work out?”, and went for it.

The greatest leap I’ve ever taken. Yes there were struggles, yes there were times I was applying for other jobs because I didn’t know if it was going to work, but I never pursued those jobs because I didn’t want to. I kept creating and now I’m where I’m at. Doing something that I love.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I truly believe the most effective strategy for growing your clientele is showing up. Going to markets, talking to people, introducing yourself to people who may not see you online. For online growth, I believe the most effective strategy is consistency. Posting daily, on all platforms. It helps to understand the algorithms so your content can be pushed out to people who don’t know you yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.trippyvelvet.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/trippyvelvet
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/trippyvelvet
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/trippy_velvet
• Other: Tiktok: @trippy_velvet Pinterest: @trippyvelvet