We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cindy Liebel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cindy below.

Cindy, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am very happy being an artist. Spending my days designing and creating jewelry is a wonderful process to endure for a living. I don’t wonder what it’s like to have a “regular job” because my career didn’t start off in a creative, artistic way. Even though my college years were spent learning fine art and photography, I immediately started out in the corporate world. Having that experience working in a job setting pertaining to all things not art, was an experience that I enjoyed. It allowed me to learn the administrative side of the business and has grounded me as an artist today.

Cindy, 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 have been making jewelry since my childhood but didn’t really learn about metalsmithing until 2008, and I’ve been pursuing my full-time career as a metalsmith and designer since 2014. I’m a very curious and visual person, I love learning all about business and new techniques and how I can be a better business person and mom. I have found that setting weekly goals and journaling often helps me stay consistent. Also, not feeling guilty about taking time off for myself even if it’s just a few hours to read a book, spend time working out, or take a few days off to spend with my family. I am most proud

What makes me most proud is connecting with clients/followers/fans at in-person events. As a creative, you’re working alone most often, so when the time comes to venture out into the world to share my jewelry with others, having the opportunity to engage with them is most exciting and I want them to leave happy with their purchase, or taking the time to try on pieces before they commit. Listening to their feedback is vital and allows me to think outside of the box in my design process.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I started making jewelry, it was more of a hobby. I spent time learning more and more about metalsmithing and shared my love on a daily basis with my followers, who were mostly friends and family. When I decided to expand from just sharing with my family and friends, I opened my first eCommerce website in 2012/2014 and started an email list. My first in-person event was a flop in 2014, but I gained five new collectors on my email list, and to me that was huge. I was persistent in growing my list, so I always made sure to do so at every in-person event.

As my list grew, my social media followers grew. I started sharing behind the scenes of me making the jewelry and I think when followers saw I was actually making the jewelry from scratch, they were intrigued. Building a community takes time and I’m so grateful for those who continue to support me and follow my journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

It takes a lot of courage to build a business all on your own without help from others. Many didn’t believe me, but I kept going. I grew up believing in myself, something my grandfather always taught me. I had a plan, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to get there, except I just knew I needed to keep learning, creating, and sharing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cindyliebel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyliebeljewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindyliebeljewelry

Image Credits
Photo of me: Photography by Nikki Lovett of Love-It Photography Studios https://www.loveitphotographystudios.com/ Product and lifestyle photography is by me.