Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cheryl Howell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cheryl, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?
I think everyone is so worried about turning a profit. There should be more concentration on lifting each other up. If you succeed it doesn’t mean only you can succeed. We are not in competition with each other. This is not a business way of life and it should be. Most times you are taught to undercut, produce faster, find a way to beat the competition. But in reality when we focus on all leveling up together there are more opportunities for more people. There is no lack of opportunities, only a lack of insight.
Cheryl, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Cheryl and I am the creator/maker for iamsonotcool. I mainly create laser cut jewelry using vintage imagery or collage, I consider myself to be living the art life in the sense that my sole income is derived from things that I create or reimagine. My fascination with all things vintage has been a part of me since I was a child. At the age of three I was so obsessed with vintage buttons that I shoved one deep up into my nose so we would never be parted. Eventually I sneezed and it came out. But vintage buttons still make me giddy. The jewelry I make is an extension of my brand of odd and quirk. From an accordion playing fish, to a creepy paper doll, to a delightful egg-man in a police uniform, the possibilities are endless. Everyone is used to normal basic jewelry. I fill in the gaps and make it weird.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the beginning most of my sales were in person, at indie markets and craft bazaars. I spent almost every weekend under a tent or behind a table slinging my wares. I have always sold on Etsy, since the inception in 2006, however I didn’t really become an online brand with wholesale and retail potential until Covid. Knowing my income was in jeopardy when everything shut down, I was forced to pivot and place all my energy into online sales. I am fortunate that in a time of great uncertainty I managed to thrive and grow my brand exponentially. I am now in hundreds of stores worldwide! It is surreal and I feel abundantly grateful for every person who chooses to embrace iamsonotcool.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I 1000% attribute my success to these books:
You are a badass by Jen Sincero
The Miracle Club by Mitch Horowitz
The secret teachings of all ages by Manly P Hall
The power of unlimited imagination by Neville Goddard
The Divine Within by Aldous Huxley
The power of intention by Dr Wayne Dyer
The science of getting rich by Wallace D Wattles
Think and grow rich by Napoleon Hill
If you read these books with a whole open heart and mind, you will reach some wonderful heights.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamsonotcool.net
- Instagram: @iamsonotcoolvintage
- Other: https://faire.com/direct/iamsonotcool