We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Thompson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

A percentage of our proceeds is donated to various organizations dedicated to improving access to medical care both in our community and beyond. My oldest son was born with a number of anatomical atypicalities, having undergone several major surgeries by the time he was seven years old. Living in Colorado, we have had access to an enormous number of resources as we’ve navigated my son’s medical journey. His specialists are some of the most renowned in the field of pediatric surgery, and the hospitals we frequent in Denver are state-of-the-art facilities filled with compassionate healthcare professionals. However, we recognize that not everyone has the same level of access to medical care, whether due to financial constraints, geographic location, or other barriers.

That’s why we’re committed to giving back by donating a percentage of our proceeds to organizations that share our vision of improving access to medical care for all. Our personal experience with my son’s medical journey has fueled our passion for this cause. We understand firsthand the difference that access to quality healthcare can make in someone’s life, and we’re dedicated to helping others access the care they need to thrive.

Through our ongoing contributions, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families facing medical challenges, both close to home and around the world. It’s our way of paying it forward and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive the care and support they deserve.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jennifer, the founder of East to Opal, a brand specializing in bespoke leather jewelry and accessories based in Colorado. With over six years of experience in leathercraft, I launched my business in 2020, driven by a passion for creating unique pieces with a moody aesthetic.

My journey into leatherwork began as a form of creative therapy following a challenging twin pregnancy and postpartum experience. Seeking an outlet for self-expression, I immersed myself in leather crafting and developed my own distinctive style.

Sometimes described as having a “wealthy forest witch vibe,” my designs feature dramatic elements like long fringe, suede braiding, and a fusion of natural and metallic accents. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted, often depicting animal familiars, and adorned with scavenged bone, fur, and feather accents to add a touch of mystique.

Beyond aesthetics, sustainability is a core value of East to Opal. We exclusively use leather sourced as a byproduct of the food industry and incorporate beeswax finishes (byproducts of the honey industry). Our choice of brass hardware allows for infinite recycling, and our packaging is designed to be sustainable and recyclable.

While the leather industry may face scrutiny regarding sustainability practices, East to Opal is committed to ethical and eco-conscious craftsmanship. Our mission is to provide customers with not only exceptional accessories but also the assurance that their purchases support responsible sourcing and production methods.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

When I started East to Opal, I made the deliberate choice to sell exclusively on my own website rather than using platforms like Amazon or Etsy. While I acknowledge the benefits of these large e-commerce marketplaces (i.e. increased visibility and access to a broader customer base), I prioritized having control over the aesthetics and branding of my business.

Selling on my own website allows me to create a cohesive and personalized shopping experience that aligns more cohesively with my aesthetic values. From the design of the website to the layout of product pages, I have the freedom to tailor every aspect to reflect the unique identity of my brand. This not only enhances the overall customer experience but also reinforces brand recognition and loyalty.

Furthermore, having my own website instills confidence in my customers. When they visit my site, they know they’re interacting directly with East to Opal and receiving products that are authentically crafted and curated. This direct connection fosters trust and credibility, which are essential factors in building long-term relationships with customers.

However, there are some downsides to selling exclusively on my own website. One major challenge is generating traffic and driving sales without the built-in audience and visibility that platforms like Etsy offer. It requires me to invest more time and effort into marketing and promoting my website to reach potential customers.

Additionally, managing the logistics of running an independent e-commerce website, such as inventory management, payment processing, and customer service, can be more complex, expensive, and time-consuming compared to using a pre-existing platform with built-in tools and support.

Overall, while there are trade-offs to consider, I believe that selling on my own website ultimately aligns best with my vision for East to Opal, allowing me to maintain control over the brand experience and build stronger connections with my customers.

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

Growing my clientele has been a constant journey. I’ve found what works best for us is an approach that enlists multiple points of contact to reach people in different ways and make connections wherever possible. Social media has been a huge part of that – Instagram remains one of my primary income sources, and socials are a great way to showcase what I do and get people excited about my work.

Word of mouth has, of course, been a powerful tool as well. Happy customers are like walking advertisements, so I offer referral codes that give both them and their friends some perks when they spread the word. I also love getting out there and meeting people face-to-face at pop-ups, special events and markets. Teaming up with other artists and designers for these events has been a fantastic way to introduce my work to new audiences and make personal connections with potential customers.

Finally, partnering with retailers and collectives has been another important strategy. By getting my products into stores, I’m able to reach customers who might not find me online and expand my reach even further.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.easttoopal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/east.to.opal/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easttoopal/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@east.to.opal

Image Credits
42 at Vesper – Nolan Campbell and Jennifer Thompson