We recently connected with Niesha Davis and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Niesha, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up with my business idea because of a need for myself. I can only wear clip-on earrings only, and it’s really hard to find any cute, colorful, and bold styles. I’ve always had to convert regular earrings to adjust for my clip-on. So I took it a little more seriously when I found a material that I had never thought about using before, polymer clay. I did so much research on it and fell in love with how versatile the material was and lightweight also. So I dove deep into learning how to work with material and started creating for myself. People kept requesting for me to also make earrings for them. So that’s how my journey begins.

Niesha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a wife, mother, and surprisingly a grandmother of two and a full-time business owner of xoxo, bijou. My last job was working for HD Supply and it was a hard labor job. So if you live in apartments I probably have made some of your cabinet doors and drawer fronts lol. I knew I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life so, I worked on a plan to work for myself. In May 2019 I started working with polymer clay making earrings for myself and got really good at it. Others suggested I open a business doing it, so I took a leap of faith and created my website which opened officially on November 28, 2019. So I specialize in making handmade statement earrings that are available for pierced and clip-on styles. I like to be bold, colorful, and funky with the designs that I come up with, so if you are not afraid to stand out, you are definitely in the right place.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivot in my life was actually taking the risk to start a business and find a real passion at the age of 44 years old. No help, no guidance, or mentors, but I wanted something more in life. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done before but also the biggest accomplishment. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. It hasn’t been easy but I wouldn’t turn back for anything in the world.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I funded everything by working at my full-time job at the time. Bought all my inventory and supplies. Started making some money and just keep putting back into the business. There is no shame in being a part-time business or a side hustle until getting to the point you feel comfortable quitting. There are definitely days and weeks where the income is not guaranteed or the same as it was the week before. Business is constantly a roller coaster.

Contact Info:

• Website: xoxobijou.com
• Instagram: xoxo_bijou
• Facebook: xoxo, bijou
• Twitter: xoxo, bijou