We recently connected with Cydney Isom and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cydney, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I believe you first have to define what success really is to you. It looks different for everybody. For some it may be overcoming an addiction or other unhealthy habit, making a certain amount of money, buying a home, finishing school, starting a family, etc… Once that is figured out, you then have to be disciplined and commit yourself to reaching success as you see it. I feel that every decision you make should be in consideration of that goal. There is very little in this world that is impossible. With focus and consistent effort your success can definitely be obtained.
Cydney, 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 am a lapel pin maker. My business is Nice Pin Co. This is actually my second business that started as a fun break from the first one and a way to bring in extra income to support it. I am a jeweler/metalsmith first. My jewelry business was becoming a bit stressful, to be honest. I took jewelry making very seriously, probably a bit too seriously, and it’s very costly working with precious materials. I began to think of other ways to bring in more income and also relieve myself of some of the pressure that I had placed on myself. All I know how to do is create. And I couldn’t shake my love of accessories and design. I had been collecting lapel pins already but wasn’t always finding ones that I really loved. So I started doodling and designing my own. I found a manufacturer and went from there. I really enjoy making pins because they can be literally whatever pops into your head. The design can be as meaningful, or not, as you want it to be. Being a jeweler is my first love but pin making has a fun, lighter energy that I really appreciate. I enjoy seeing customers get excited over the pins and relating to them personally. Being a little part in their everyday expression is so cool to me.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Something I had to unlearn in working for myself is making products strictly with the customer in mind and focusing solely on making sales. Might sound weird, but stick with me… I was told years ago by someone in my first business that designing for yourself first is a surefire way to make no money. That never sounded right to me. I remember thinking, ‘Surely I can’t be the only person who likes what I like.’ Although I do care about making designs that will resonate with customers, I have to like the design first. I feel that if I don’t like it, how can I be excited about what I’m trying to get someone else like and be excited about? Why would I expect someone to spend their hard earned dollar with me for a product that even I don’t care about? Being genuine has only served me well in my life and I will operate that way in everything I do.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Every pin design of Nice Pin Co. is done by me. The pins themselves are physically made by a manufacturer. Coming from a business where I am the only one making everything by hand, I know that it can be quite overwhelming as you grow. I knew nothing about working with a manufacturer. So, first I googled lapel pin manufacturers. Pricing and lead time were the two main factors I would compare. Then I had to try a few before I found the manufacturer that worked for me. I learned to be as detailed as possible when communicating your style, colors you want, etc. I simply learned from doing. I request a sample to be sent before I commit to an order. And if there are any quality issues I do not hesitate to speak up and communicate to see how whatever the issue is can be resolved. The process is not very difficult at all really.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nicepinco.com
- Instagram: @nicepinco
- Facebook: @nicepinco