We were lucky to catch up with Judy Benitez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Judy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Starting my small business was a risk that has changed my life tremendously for the better. The idea of being my own boss and seeing where and how far my business can take me did startle me to begin with, but the progress I’ve made since then has made me grateful for where I am now. In the beginning of it all, I was laid off of my previous job due to budget cuts during the pandemic in 2020. I was lost and anxious of what my next move would be. I came across a video one day on metal fabrication that showed the process of making a sterling silver ring. The attention, time, and detail that is put into each piece fascinated and inspired me to pursue it. With the motivation I received from my fiance and the desire to make my own jewelry, I began to research and watch videos on how I can fabricate jewelry in my own home. Little did I know that this would ignite a flame inside me and become my biggest passion. Taking that leap of faith in myself was both the riskiest decision but also the best decision I’ve ever made.
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?
I am a self-taught metal smith and lapidarist. Self Made Silver was established in June of 2021 and is now my full-time small business. Thinking back to when I first started, I never could have imagined that my work would be worn by others across the country. My life changing decision to start this journey began when I received my first custom order. Having the confidence from someone else to recreate a vision that they had, gave me the push to want to keep pursuing this craft. Knowing that others are moved enough by something that you have created is a feeling like no other. This is why I love what I do. Being that this is a small business, this is a one woman show, so every decision is up to me from the designing to the fabrication. Because jewelry has been around for so long, it inspires me to be resilient and to stay true to who I am. Good quality is what I strive for when it comes to creating my pieces. I want to ensure that my products will last and most of all bring empowerment to all those who wear them. That feeling of joy that I get from wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry, is what I strive to give others when I create. Trust, loyalty, and a meaningful connection is what I want to offer in addition to every purchase. This is important to me because I have been in that position to want to be valued and appreciated as a customer. They are the reason my small business has grown into what it is now. I am endlessly grateful to be apart of my customers’ style and given the opportunity to share my passion, creativity, and love for what I do.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Starting my social media presence with no experience in marketing or advertising was overwhelming at first. I knew that a strong presence is what I needed to work on so I can build trust with the audience before developing a direct relationship. Doing so helped improve my confidence to speak comfortably, direct, and clearly. I then began to promote my products on the Instagram platform and stayed consistent with it. I definitely recommend this preparation to anyone starting out because it will help you know what makes you feel comfortable and how to approach a social media platform. Stay true to who you are and continue to reach others. There is no wrong or right way of doing this, just keep moving forward.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have been metal fabricating for two wonderful years on top of owning my small business. Getting the chance to work with gemstones and different materials has always intrigued me. The stone itself is what captures the eye’s attention and stands out the most. Then I asked myself this question – what really goes into shaping and creating a stone? I researched videos on the process and there it hit me! I realized there and then that I wanted to pivot my drive into a direction of being a lapidarist as well. I knew that it would benefit me by adding this to my skill set. Making this decision has truly opened my eyes to another craft that I never knew I could love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.selfmadesilver.com
- Instagram: _selfmadesilver_
- Other: TikTok: @selfmadesilver
Image Credits
Robert Frank Canales Jr