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

Dana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

I designed and styled vintage jewelry since I was in high school. It was an easy transition for me to go from personal hobby to business plan. I gained support from friends and family early on because they had already been exposed to my style and jewelry pieces. Often times requesting to buy off of me or for holiday gifts before I had even started my business.

Dana, 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 have always been passionate about style and fashion. As a young adult always shopping thrift stores and vintage clothing shops searching for unique pieces of jewelry, handbags, designer brands parts and anything that would catch my eye to repurpose. Encouraged by friends and family to start small with just a business name and then a reseller license, Then I began contacting local boutiques and several buyers started carrying my jewelry. After 2 years selling to wholesale customers I decided to design a website to sell direct retail.

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

To grow a small and local business for me has been most successful by word of mouth. Having a great quality product is essential but a strong work ethic is a must. Having a virtuous, honest reputation and respect for your customers as well as your vendors helps to develop a business portfolio organically that becomes loyal, repeat customers as well as their sharing with other like retailers.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Social media presence is a MUST. Instagram has been my most successful outlet for new and repeat customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: Adornebydana com
• Instagram: @abd_designing , @hartbyhand
• Facebook: Adornebydana

Image Credits

All images and photograps by Dana Hartert (owner Adorne Jewelry.