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

Chairite, appreciate you joining 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?

Like a lot of girls I was making jewelry as child. The difference with me was that I was selling mine. I made my dad buy me a receipt book at 12 and I was selling them for $2 at the pool. I made stuff through middle school and dabbled in HS. Fast forward to 2011, I started making pieces like body chains, anklets, earrings, etc. not only for myself but for friends when they asked. I didn’t charge anyone but a couple years later, I realized I could. So I did. I had been a barista for years but I felt like I could make a living from making jewelry. In 2014 I registered my business with Alameda County, thus Clihpd Custom Designs and Accessories was born. I got my wholesale license. I got a website through GoDaddy. I later took a road trip with my mom to LA. We went to the jewelry district and I just fell in love with jewelry findings. More than I had ever before. I bought soooooo much stuff. So much stuff and I didn’t even know how to use the stuff I bought. I took a step back and realized I jumped the gun a little. My execution was ALL over the place and I got scared. I’m always scared but I didn’t even have a plan. I was moving blindly. Then the thoughts started. Thoughts like “what if nobody supports me?” “I’m not even trained in jewelry making” and simply “THIS IS JUST CRAZY”. The Execution of launching this business always seemed right so I had to do it and there was no going back. But I couldn’t continue to think the crazy thoughts. So I made a plan. I took a few classes at Revere academy. (It’s shut down now). I started buying books and practicing my craft. I did research in my field and starting a business. I was getting off the ground, I had a website, I was vending. I couldn’t believe I had a legitimate business. Fast forward to 2017 when I became a mother and stopped. I just STOPPED. I didn’t love it anymore. It was too much because nobody tells you that monetizing off of your passion can sometimes, take away the passion. Plus I had a new baby. I had to figure out if this is what I really wanted. Do I shut down or am I just in a rut?
I eventually found my way back to it by walking into a jewelry findings store named “Blue Door Beads” (they recently their doors). I started back up. Slowly but I did it. I started offering a wider selections of accessories. “Everything in Life is an Accessory” I started making new things. Then COVID hit and like most businesses mine took a hit. I’m STILL recovering from it. Lol. Clihpd will be 10 years old in December. I have taken breaks when needed. “Given up” when needed yet I’m still here. I am STILL learning things as a business woman and designer. The learning never stops. I just truly enjoy making jewelry for people.

Chairite, 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?

My name is Chairite Smith. I am 36 years old. I am a mother and wife. I am an entrepreneur.

I’m a jewelry designer and in my opinion, I’ve always been apart of the industry. Since I was a child. I created a company that has both handmade and manufactured jewelry. I work mostly with chains and wire but I also work with different gemstones. Rings, anklets, and bralettes are my favorite but I thoroughly enjoy making custom pieces for people. If you’re like me you can sometimes hate seeing a bunch of people in something you have. It takes away from the originality. That’s really how Clihpd was born. I wanted to make things to uniquely adorn you. That could mean for everyday wear, for groups, or for a special special occasions. I’ve done weddings, proms, maternity photo shoots etc. A few times a year I like to release a limited collection of items that can range from rings to necklaces and earrings. Though I produce both handmade and manufactured jewelry, one does not cancel out the other. Just because items are handmade doesn’t mean they aren’t considered luxury or quality. And if I have a design manufactured that doesn’t take away from originality or quality.

I offer consultations via phone, email, video chat and in person if local. If ordering custom pieces I always want as many details as possible. I offer repairs on custom orders.

I just love seeing people in my pieces. I love being tagged on social media, receiving text messages and emails. I just love it. It proves to me that I am where I am supposed to be. I don’t know how else to explain.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly just talking about myself to others. I’m not always social and I don’t like talking about myself to strangers. I don’t have a business partner to help with that part so if I’m not talking to potential customers then how will they know? I don’t talk about my accomplishments, what I’ve achieved or overcome. I just like to create.

When COVID restrictions let us go outside again I told myself I needed to put myself out there more. It’s time to show potential clients what I’ve done and what I am capable of.

This is something I am still working on but I’ve gotten into more rooms just being more social.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I believe I had two pivotal moments. Once when I had my son and had to figure out if Clihpd would stay alive.

The second being, December 2022 I was fired from a job that I hated on a day I was having surgery for a reoccurring health issue. Clihpd was something I was never able to give 100% to because well, LIFE! I had to decide if this was a blessing. Was this my time to give it 100% or am I supposed to go fight for the job I hated. I made the choice to give it 100% and that’s where Clihpd is right now.

Business and life are full of ups and downs but are you dedicated to the goal? I ask myself often, “Am I still dedicated to the goal?”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Clihpd.com
• Instagram: Clihpd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clihpd1
• Other: Email: [email protected]