Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gloria Sampson . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gloria , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
Turning ideas into reality is an exhilarating journey. In my business, the challenge lies not in generating ideas but in securing the necessary funds to bring them to life. While the lack of money can be a hurdle, it doesn’t dampen my enthusiasm.
My passion for jewelry drives me to embark on multiple idea projects, fueled by excitement. I gather my jewelry pieces, meticulously curate combinations that harmonize beautifully, and create something truly special.
Pinterest and art serve as boundless sources of inspiration for me. The unique bohemian styles that range from bold and eclectic to minimalist and modern captivate my imagination. Nature, with its awe-inspiring essence, takes center stage, reflected in the gemstones I work with.
Executing the ideas is where the real fun begins. However, I sometimes struggle to stay focused on one idea at a time. To overcome this, I channel my creative energy into creating collections or limited edition small batch releases. This approach helps me stay organized and maintain momentum.
Through it all, I continue to chase my dreams, pushing past any financial obstacles. Each piece I bring to life is a testament to my dedication, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with you.
Gloria , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Gloria’s Little Things is a heartfelt story of exploration, growth, and rediscovery in the realm of arts and crafts. It all began with my venture into resin art, creating beautiful pieces that, although enjoyable, didn’t ignite a true passion within me. It was when I delved into the world of jewelry-making that I found my true creative calling.
However, in my eagerness to start a business, I realized I hadn’t fully honed in on my niche. I dabbled in selling jewelry, then expanded into jewelry and clothing, and even ventured into dog clothes and candles. It was a journey filled with excitement and curiosity, but also a lack of focus.
It was at this point in my career, amidst the vast array of offerings, that I had to pause and reflect. I asked myself a crucial question: What exactly did I want to do, and what did I aspire to be known for? It was a moment where I reevaluated my path and sought clarity.
With renewed determination, I sat down and outlined new goals, focusing on what truly resonated with me. I realized that my heart belonged to the art of crafting unique jewelry. It was a pivotal moment that brought me back to my original plan, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be on this journey.
Today, I proudly create jewelry pieces that embody my vision of uniqueness and craftsmanship. It’s a privilege to share my creations with the world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to refine my artistry and pursue my passion.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In the vast landscape of social media, I’ve experienced the “not going viral” trend, and it’s been a test of resilience. It can be disheartening when posts I’ve poured time and effort into creating don’t receive the views or engagement I hope for. Despite the frustration, I’ve come to realize that social media is just one part of my marketing strategy, not the main avenue to drive people to my shop. Yet, it remains a source of frustration.
The ever-changing dynamics of social media and the dwindling attention spans of its users can be daunting. The fear of not being good enough and doubting oneself can creep in, especially when hard work seems to yield slow progress or no progress at all.
So, what do I do in the face of these challenges? I keep going. I continue to create content, make videos, and craft engaging posts. I consciously choose to disregard the success of others who may have started alongside me but have seemingly soared ahead. I remind myself that I didn’t embark on this business journey to be like everyone else. I set out to create something unique, catering to individuals who value their own distinctiveness and independence.
I understand that some things take time, and progress may not always be linear. Instead of fixating on external measures of success, I focus on enjoying the process and embracing the connections I make along the way. It’s about finding fulfillment in the work I do and the people I have the privilege of connecting with.
Resilience is not just about pushing through the setbacks; it’s about maintaining perspective, staying true to my vision, and finding joy in the journey. With each step forward, I am building something meaningful, something that resonates with those who appreciate authenticity and individuality. So, I keep going, knowing that my path is unique and that my dedication will lead me to where I need to be.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One important lesson I had to unlearn on my journey was relying solely on the advice of “social media coaches” and blindly following their prescribed tactics. Initially, I believed that success on social media hinged on adhering strictly to specific rules like posting at specific times, showing or not showing my face, or engaging with random posts in hopes of reciprocal engagement. However, I soon discovered that this approach brought more frustration than results.
The truth is, social media is a dynamic landscape that constantly evolves. What worked yesterday may not work today, and what works for one business may not work for another. It became evident that social media coaches, like me, are also navigating through this ever-changing realm, constantly learning and adapting.
The key lesson I’ve learned is to truly understand my audience and tailor my approach to them. I focus on what resonates with them, what captures their attention, and what adds value to their lives. By studying my audience, I’ve been able to develop my own guidelines and strategies based on research and real-world testing.
I’ve come to realize that every business is unique, just like fingerprints. What works for someone else may not necessarily work for me, and vice versa. I embrace my individuality, leveraging my custom designs and finding what works best for my brand and my audience.
While I still appreciate the insights and suggestions from social media coaches, I now view them as guides rather than rigid rules. I take what aligns with my vision and adapt it to fit my specific circumstances and goals. It’s about striking a balance between staying informed and trusting my instincts.
In the end, my social media strategy is grounded in learning from my audience, understanding my business’s unique needs, and staying agile in an ever-evolving digital landscape. It’s an ongoing journey of discovery, growth, and finding what works best for both my audience and me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Etsy.com/shop/gloriaslittlethings
- Instagram: instagram.com/gloriaslittlethings
- Other: Gloriaslittlethings.com