Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candace Nicholson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Candace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I have always loved arts and crafts, and being creative. It just brings me joy to come up with an idea and see it come to life. There were times when i’d make something, and loved the way it came out so much, that i’d want to make it for friends and family that may also enjoy it. So that’s where the “love” in LoveCece comes from. It’s the love of making something, a product that i hope others will love and enjoy. “Cece” is my family nickname, and i wanted to use that to be more personable, as if my customers are more like family and friends. In Essence, LoveCece comes from me making jewelry with love, for those i love.

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.

It seems weird to say, but i just crafted my way into jewelry designing. What started out as a love for all things crafting and embracing the challenge of creating something different turned into a small business that I’m very proud of. Who knew that an afternoon of making earrings out of scrap wood pieces and some paint and sharing my work on Facebook would begin bringing in orders. Although I felt unprepared, I was extremely surprised and flattered. Now, years later, I love using my imagination to bring different materials together to create beautiful pieces for beautiful people. My first two pieces were made in 2017 and I am most proud of the fact that i am still here! I am still creating, and even though i have gone through my ups and downs creatively, I have pushed through and continue to show love to my clients, piece by piece. I believe that being a jewelry designer is a huge part of my purpose. I have big dreams for my business and the effect that it will have on the community around me. I’m ready to take the next big leap of faith.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has been participating in local markets and events. I understand that most, if not all, shopping is done online. And while I do have an online presence, there’s nothing like face to face interaction. It makes everything feel so much more real and personable. I get to have conversations with my clients about the pieces, watch their reactions to each piece, and build a positive rapport with them. I have found that because of that genuine, positive interaction, they come back! They come by my space at the market and continue to buy new pieces for themselves and others. Also, building positive relationships with other small business owners and vendors has played a great role in bringing in new clients. I have had other owners that know of my work, refer clients to me, and that has been a great blessing.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Two years ago, I fell into a deep creative slump. Ideas for new pieces were not coming as easily as they once did, and I found myself comparing my work to others that seemed to be having great success with their business. I was tired and couldn’t seem to find the energy to create; it was a difficult time. I knew I had the desire in my heart to get back to business; I just couldn’t pull myself out. Then, a very close friend of mine, who is also a creative business owner, invited me to go on a Creative Retreat. We chose a weekend and a location, packed our bags, and went out to rediscover our love for our businesses. With the hope that we could find inspiration outside of our everyday lives and surroundings, we set out to do just that. We went hiking, explored new restaurants and stores, and took time to create and journal our experiences. This experience was one hundred percent what I needed. It allowed me the space to breathe and calm my mind, and find the beauty in things around me. It gave me a new perspective that I could take home with me, and begin to create again.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lovececek
• Facebook: @lovececek