We recently connected with Dymun Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dymun thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.
As the trying person that I am, I fall short at times. I tend to get in my own way or discourage myself. The last couple of years had been rough. Life has really been beating me up. I’ve taken time away from my business to get my mind, my heart and my finances together. Within this time I’ve watched other businesses grow and become more. It made me think and look within. It had me feeling like I failed. Not just myself but everyone who is supporting me. I took time off when I should have just leaned in a lot more. I should have turned to jewelry making in my time of struggle, need and discomfort instead of pulling away. But I now know what it I need to do and what I need to let go of to push forward and do better. I now see that stepping back was not a failure for me. It was a chance for me to better myself which in turn can better the business. Sparkle Co. Body Jewelry will always be my baby and I will always do what I need to do for myself so that Sparkle Co. can always flourish.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Getting into the jewelry making industry was easy but being consistent and staying true to yourself is hard. I started this as a hobby but realized I can turn into a business. I love seeing the different beads and jewelry styles. This industry is an industry that is easy to forget about or out to the side. It feels so much like a hobby instead of a business. You have to stay focused and make sure your money makes money. You have to make sure you keep supplies and inventory of your products. The jewelry making industry gives you room to get to know your customers. You have to hold conversation and ask certain questions to get a feel of what your customer needs.
Sparkle Co. Body Jewelry does birthday parties and custom orders. We also provide all handmade jewelry. Sparkle Co. makes necklaces, bracelets, rings, anklets, hand chains, phone charms and we sell body piercing jewelry. We have also been in art shows and events around Kansas City.
I am most proud of my determination. I fell and cried but got back up and started running again. I give myself the confidence and love that I need to succeed.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I came out of pocket for my business in the beginning and still do til this day. I work a full time job that I use to pay bills and to fund my business. My supplies do not cost much so it’s not a hassle to get and pay for what is needed. I just have to stay focused.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
For me, growing clientele took word of mouth. I was not scared to get out into the city and tell people about what I do. I gave away flyers and made post online.
I attended an art show June of 2022 and the marketing from that brought in a lot of customers. As long as I stay consistent my customers will do the work for me.
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Dymun Johnson