We recently connected with Audria Turnbull and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Audria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
When I first started my business making clay jewelry, I looked up tons of videos on how to and got the list of supplies I needed. And because I was just starting out, not knowing if anyone was even going to buy my jewelry, I only started with the BASICS. Clay, a clay roller and basic metal cutters. It did not take long to realize that I needed much more. If I could go back I wish I would have spent more time researching the right clay to use, the importance of a pasta or clay roller machine, quality cutters and earring pieces. This would have saved me so much time and money. But even with my earrings looking like, clearly I’m a beginner, friends, family and people all over the US were buying my earrings, which felt great, but I wanted to sell only the best. So I did a little research on the best materials to use, ways to condition my clay to make flawless earrings, and good resin to use for the prefect shine. Once I had the list of everything, I took the plunge and got all new quality materials, and let me tell you IT WAS SO WORTH IT. My designs significantly improved, and I was so excited to send each pair of because I knew those earrings were made with love and meant to last. So if you are a maker and considering spending a little extra money on xyz to better improve your business, now may be the time. Take the risk and watch how much your business may grow.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Little Things by Rayne was created by Audria Rayne Turnbull. She is a wife, mom to now two beautiful little girls, an Army veteran and the lady who wants to be your go to for jewelry and accessories. Audria has always loved art, she used to paint and draw, tried a class in ceramics, welding and woodworking. And now does the occasional DIY around the house. But what she loves is making jewelry an accessories for amazing ladies all over the US. She currently lives in Colorado Springs but ships anywhere that USPS delivers to. She started just making earrings, but now offers all types of accessories like necklaces, bracelets, hair clips, key chains graphic tees and beautifully painted fedora hats. She leans towards neutrals and everyday pieces but specialized in custom jewelry or accessories and bridal jewelry. If you have a special event, anniversary or just got the perfect outfit and looking for something unique to match perfectly, Audria will work to create your perfect accessory!! It’s call Little Things because she truly believes that it’s the little things in life that matter the most. Whether you’re looking for a specific bracelet to match the unique earrings someone gifted you or a special mother’s day gift with her favorite colors or even flowers, it’s the little details that will warm someone’s heart. So keep her in mind the next time you’re looking for the perfect gift for you or the special people in your life.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Here at Little Things by Rayne, Audria started by creating clay earrings, basic studs and statement earrings using very basic materials. At first, she made a list of the basic supplies needed to start this business. So initially, she used the funds she had to buy materials little by little. It took about a month for her to get all her basic materials to get. But when she started, she truly only got the bare necessities, she thought she needed. Spending only a little of her personal money getting these materials. After the first couple of months she realized that in order to get quality materials needed to make the best jewelry, she needed to invest a little more money into quality goods. So with each sale, she would save up, and then splurged on the best clay, quality metals and other materials to make flawless jewelry. Something Audria wishes she did earlier, was belive in herself and the jewelry she was making to make the financial invest earlier.
At the end of the day, do you want to cheap out and end up having to spend more money later to replace the cheap materials, or invest initially on good quality materials to successfully run your business.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
Let’s start by saying, Audria deep down is an introvert, but when it comes to Little Things by Rayne, she is a great imposter extrovert. Audria started in April 2020 by only selling from Etsy and posting daily videos on Instagram. After having an amazing first year, the following summer, Audria signed up for her first pop up market. First time selling in person, and she was so nervous. She thought, I don’t want to be a pushy sales person, I don’t know what to say, it was the introverted pert of her that had. A slight anxiety attack while she was setting up her one table small display. Well after overthinking the whole situation, she soon came to realize that it was not as hard as she expected. She actually enjoyed talking to people and getting to know all the wonderful people in her community. After her first market, she signed up for 5 more that summer, and started to develop a comfort around selling in person and it also helped develop a confidence on social media. So for those who may be scared to do something that you think you may not be prepared for, or good at because it is something new, just give it a shot. Audria is so grateful that she took that first scary step, it opened the door to so many opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.littlethingsbyrayne.com
- Instagram: @littlethingsbyrayne
- Facebook: Little Things by Rayne
- Other: If local in Colorado Springs you can shop in person at Findings, an Eclectic boutique.
Image Credits
For 5th photo Photography – hannastumpphotography Hat – unicornofthewest Makeup – Allysbeautybar Earrings – Littlethingsbyrayne