We were lucky to catch up with Jill Hubbard recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jill , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?
Absolutely I take vacations — I try to get in a few a year! As a one-woman show, when I take a vacation, my business goes into vacation mode too—no shows, no shipping, no making, just a full pause. And, for me, these full pauses have proven to be really great for my creativity. In the past, I used to bring a little kit of jewelry supplies along, thinking I’d create while sitting in the passenger seat or during downtime. But unless I had a big deadline looming, that kit often ended up just being extra baggage. I realized what I really needed was a true break—a chance to be present with my family and friends and soak in some inspiration from new places.
Stepping away gives me space to recharge, and by the end of most trips, I’ve usually started sketching new jewelry ideas and I return home newly inspired!
If you’re a small business owner wondering how to step away, I totally get it—it can feel impossible. What’s worked for me is reframing it as an investment in myself and my business. I’ve found that even a short break can work wonders for creativity and energy. Maybe just try easing into it: start with a long weekend where you step back and see how it feels. You might be surprised at how much clarity and fresh perspective you gain when you give yourself permission to pause.
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 Jill, the heart and hands behind Jill Hubbard leather +jewelry. My love of jewelry making started when I was a kid—there’s just something magical about creating something beautiful and wearable with your hands. Looking back, I realize it was my way of expressing myself. Now, I thrive on making jewelry that helps others express themselves. Whether it’s a meaningful symbol hand-sewn on soft leather, a one-of-a-kind gemstone that sparks happiness, or a simple pair of lightweight, sustainable earrings, every piece is designed to feel meaningful, empowering, and comfortable.
I handcraft each piece in my Metro Detroit studio using sustainable materials like vegetable-tanned leather and natural gemstones. My designs strike a balance between earthy and elevated, are perfect for self-expression and everyday wear.
One of my favorite things is hearing how often my customers are stopped by compliments on their jewelry—it’s so fulfilling to play a small role in empowering others and helping them feel confident.
At its core, my business is about more than creating accessories. I want my work to inspire confidence, connection, and individuality. Jewelry is a way to tell a story, and I’m honored to help my customers tell theirs!
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
I sell my jewelry through my own website, which I built using Shopify. It’s been a great platform for me because it offers so many e-commerce tools that make running an online business manageable—especially as a DIYer. I can update my site, track inventory, and see sales trends, which helps me figure out what my customers are loving (and what might need a rethink). One of my favorite features is the POS app, which makes selling at markets and pop-ups super easy. It syncs with my website inventory, handles credit card payments, and takes care of sales tax collection, so I don’t have to stress too much about that side of accounting!
The downside to having my own site is that I have to work harder to bring people to it. There’s no built-in audience like on Etsy, so it’s up to me to drive traffic, which is no easy feat! But I love that I own my customer relationships and can create a shopping experience that feels true to my brand.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
While in-person sales at art shows and pop-ups have been amazing for building connections and allowing people to try on my jewelry, I’m really excited to offer the customers an online shopping experience. I’ve put a lot of effort into creating a site where visitors can explore my designs, learn the stories behind each piece, and find something that truly resonates with them. While nothing beats meeting face-to-face, I want to ensure that everyone can enjoy a fun and easy shopping experience, no matter where they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.byJillHubbard.com
- Instagram: @byJillHubbard
- Facebook: @byJillHubbard
