We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Landman . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My attentiveness to jewelry started as an adolescent girl. Growing up with a goldsmith father, I had the opportunity to gain the understanding and fundamentals of the jewelry trade.

I began researching and exploring dissimilar forms and techniques of jewelry making, to be able to express my individuality and creativity to the best of my persona and in the way I live my subcultured life. I settled on chainmail, as it is so incredibly versatile and I also appreciated the historic elements of the Celtic era to it.
I really loved the idea of taking this ancient art and adding a modern touch to it.

Chainmail allows me to create intricate patterns and designs. It offers endless possibilities for expressing my creativity and pushing the boundaries of traditional jewelry making. I daily reap the benefits of the process in transforming simple metal rings into stunning pieces of wearable art.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a South African residing in Germany and ever since a teenager, I have found my most comfortable place in the alternative music subcultures. Through this I have always had a passion for unique clothing and jewelry. I take pride in the fact that every single piece is handmade by myself.

The process of making chainmail is carefully interweaving rings into different weaves . All of my pieces are made from “316 marine grade” stainless steel and I also use stainless steel for all of the finishes like o’rings, chains, pendants and clasps.

I design chainmail jewellery & accessories. I create unique and versatile pieces, gaining inspiration from a variety of styles and genres and mixing different elements of traditional chainmail and stylish & modern designs. Focusing mostly on chokers, necklaces, bracelets and accessories for the alternative market. I love making different body jewelry and chainmail lingerie, for example, harnesses and hip chains. I also love doing custom designs and orders.

I run a one woman business and I take my own product photos and also do my website and marketing. I love having this creative outlet in my life and take pride in my creations. To see my jewelry on my clients gives me a great sense of attainment.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I sell on Etsy and on my own website.

Some of the pros and cons that stands out for me are:

Pros:
Start up costs are more affordable. You don’t have the expenses of setting up shop, renting space and having to make a huge amount of stock.
Setting up shop and selling is really simple and easy. Buyers also have the convenience of not having to leave the house to buy a product.
You have the ability to reach a wider market by selling and shipping worldwide.
You have the flexibility to customize and set up your store front as you please.
Communication is easy and you can be in touch with your customers at any time and therefore provide better customer service.

Cons:
On platforms like Etsy you have the expenses of listing fees, transaction costs etc.
There are many similar businesses, where you can have some steep competition. You really have to up your game and spend a lot of time and money on advertising.
You are dependent on an internet connection and a site or platform running smoothly. There is always a chance of your business being affected by downtime or technical issues.
You have the risk of customers leaving negative or unfair reviews.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

I have had quite a painful experience once at an event.

My husband and I were unloading the car to set up a stall. I unloaded the last of the items from the boot of the car, and somehow managed to close it completely on my finger. My husband wanted to move the car and started pulling away, unaware that my finger was stuck in the boot. My fingers are the main source of my business and it put me out of action for quite some time. This had a big effect on my income and productivity. This created an appreciation for skilled people that work with their hands and how quickly an accident can affect your future.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arcane-accessories.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcane_accessories/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArcaneAccessoriesDE
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-landman-176093142
• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/ArcaneAccessoriesDE

Image Credits

1. Nea Dune
2. Threnody in Velvet
3. Patricia, Xime, Rose Photo: Ferdinand Zander Fotografien
4. Hekate
5. Agathadevil
alexnerphoto
6. Sofia Pedrazzoli
Photo Neil Shape pics
7. Agathadevil
alexnerphoto

Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.