We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bryn Sanders a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bryn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

In the beginning of 2020, I decided I wanted to start an online jewelry shop- with other brands, my own designs and vintage/antique finds. In February, I went to the trade shows in New York to do market research, check out brands, get inspiration and gather information. Well, we all know what happened next in 2020 so I put the idea on hold… and that May, my dad fell and broke his hip which sadly, started his decline. I flew to Ohio to be with him and my family while he was in rehab for his hip which eventually turned into him going into the hospice. It was an extremely sad and difficult time for my family and me and while we would sit with my dad, I started making bead bracelets. I made one for each of us with my dad’s initials and kept making more fun, colorful bracelets for us to wear. My dad passed away in August of that year and I was inspired to keep making jewelry and open an online shop, which I did that Fall. I designed, made and curated a collection of beaded bracelets to start my business with, took photos of all the product, designed and built my website and started an Instagram account… and that’s how BRYN SANDERS JEWELRY was started.

Bryn, 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?

I’ve always loved jewelry… I made and wore string bracelets and anklets as a kid and continued to collect and wear jewelry throughout the years. Now it’s kind of an obsession. Jewelry says a lot about a person without actually saying anything and it tells a story. I worked in various positions in the fashion industry in New York City for years which is how I learned about the process of taking an idea to an actual, physical product which I found so interesting and satisfying. I started my jewelry business in the fall of 2020 with beaded bracelets. While those are still part of my business, I’m adding new products like sterling silver and gold filled pieces. I also have a small collection of vintage pieces. I think what sets me apart is me… my personality, my personal style, how I wear my jewelry mixed in with my personal collection of vintage jewelry and pieces from my travels. People buy from people so I’m part of the brand. I’m proud to be a small business owner and as of now, a one woman show. It takes a lot of work and there’s always something to do or do better or learn but when I get a message from a client saying that they love my jewelry, it makes it all worth it. I make and source jewelry that I love and wear myself. Most of my jewelry, you can wear 24/7 because that’s how I wear my jewelry, I want it to be a part of your everyday life. It’s fun to use jewelry as a way to enhance your personal style and add color or just that little something to your look. My goal is for my jewelry to make people happy.

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 my own website and via Instagram. I did try Etsy (and still have a couple lingering pieces on there) but don’t like not having full control over the platform I’m selling on. However, it can work and I find that it’s better for vintage, one of a kind jewelry as my beaded bracelets didn’t do too well on there because you can find super cheap beaded jewelry on Etsy and I can’t compete (and don’t want to) with those prices. You don’t have control over the search engine on there so when people are looking at a piece in your shop, they show other brand’s product that are similar which can take the potential customer away from your shop. So, I am focusing on my own website.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brynsanders.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brynsandersshop/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/brynsanders/