We recently connected with Iva Osei-Kuffour and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Iva thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Yes; I refer to myself as an artist/entrepreneur. I create beautiful wearable art and have built a business from it. Now I am apart of a business collective and play a major role as the Vendor Liaison. With this position I manage 20+ business owners.

E2C Bazaar is a multi business collective of unique small business all in one home. Each business owner is passionate about their brand and products. I’m constantly inspired by them! Our products range from gourmet snacks provided by our Shop Chef Keith Franklin of Late Night Features, to our in house herbalist Taylor Daugherty of Khanyele Wellness. We also have the most amazing curated vintage clothes provided by Exchange to Change and our Owner Nnenna Ochuru. Just to name a few…. It’s a magical place and we strive to provide quality products, events, fashion and art!

We also focus on service. In the front of our store we have a community fridge & pantry. The 3rd ward community is able to take what they need and also drop things off that they do not need. We accept donations of food, clothes and toiletries.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My wearable/jewelry art brand focuses on positive energy stones. Such as Amethyst (protective stone), Carnelian (creativity stone), Citrine (wealth stone), and Fluorite (aura stabilizing) stones. I then wrap these stones with copper base non tarnishing wire. I create shapes and highlight cool aspects of the stone.

Osei Gems focuses on positive energy and fashion. Each piece is one of one. Collections are cohesive but nothing looks exactly the same. My clients enjoy this detail.

As a Vendor Liaison I help my vendors navigate having a store front opportunity. I help with onboarding, event planning and product placement.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

As a brand I built my brand by staying true to my art. I create from the heart. I often sketch designs, sometimes I freestyle it. I let the stone/crystal guide me. My wrapping style is very unique and unlike most artist I wrap like I paint. Strong bold lines, shapes and textures and I love an ombré.

I also believe the way I do custom orders is unique. I really try to get to know my clients. I want my design to match the persons personal style and also give them a pop of something different.

Osei Gems is almost 2 years old! And I can’t believe it! I have now moved to bigger custom orders. Such as weddings and red carpet looks. With these higher profile collections I have to balance life more effectively. I have to maintain my Etsy orders, my shelf at Exchange to Change and smaller custom orders. It’s been a challenge but I’ve been managing.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Managing over 20 passionate business owners comes with its challenges. These are all creatives who are sensitive about their brands. And because I too am sensitive about my art I empathize and try to be as understanding as possible.

The best advice I can give is to lead by example. I try to do all the things I ask of the vendors. For example: continue to produce new products, invite friends and old clients to shop events and refreshing shelf space. I offer advice based on my own experience in hopes of saving them some time and frustration.

Building this together has been such a blessing. It’s nice to win but it’s even better to win collectively!
Please cole and support my tribe and I at Exchange to Change, located on the heart of 3rd ward Houston Texas.

3801 N MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77004 (Shop Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://etsy.me/3e3uSew
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/oseigems?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: @oseigems
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/oseigems
• Twitter: @oseigems
• Other: @exchangetochange @e2c.bazaar

Image Credits
Product Pictures taken by me; Iva Osei-Kuffour