Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julie Dye. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey 14 years ago, I faced the challenge of finding the right name for my brand. At that time, I hadn’t fully defined the direction I wanted to take with my business. All I knew was that I wanted to create and sell handmade products. I was particularly drawn to working with Japanese papers and had already crafted items such as hand-bound journals, origami mobiles, and even paper jewelry. To encompass the diverse range of my creations, I initially named my brand Julie Dye Craft, with the intention of refining my focus as I progressed.
As the years went by and I participated in local shows, I carefully listened to customer feedback, which led me to gradually shift my emphasis towards jewelry making. While I still incorporated paper into my designs, I also honed my skills in metal smithing and began creating more metal-based jewelry. With my business growing and achieving success, I recognized the need for a rebranding and a name that truly captured the essence of my brand.
To find the perfect name, I embarked on an extensive brainstorming process. I compiled a long list of words that represented my company and experimented with various combinations. My aim was to create a name that encapsulated my love for Japanese papers, the shimmering allure of metals, and the positive and joyful experience that my jewelry brings to customers. Finally, when I united the words “Blossom” and “Shine,” it clicked. “Blossom” symbolized the enchanting flowers found in Japanese papers, while “Shine” evoked the radiant quality of the metals I worked with. I was also thrilled that the name didn’t restrict the future directions I could explore in my jewelry designs. Although I have since phased out paper jewelry and transitioned towards working with gemstones, the name “Blossom and Shine” still perfectly represents my brand. It serves as a constant reminder of my humble beginnings and the incredible journey I have undertaken.
Julie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi, I’m Julie Dye, the proud owner and designer behind Blossom and Shine jewelry.
What sets my brand apart is the emphasis on dainty handmade jewelry. In a world where mass production dominates the market, I pour my heart and soul into creating delicate and intricate pieces that stand out. Each item is crafted with utmost care and attention to detail.
One of the defining features of Blossom and Shine is the materials I use. I exclusively work with sterling silver and 14k gold filled metals, guaranteeing both quality and durability. These materials not only add a touch of luxury to my jewelry but also make them perfect for everyday wear. When you wear a Blossom and Shine piece, you can be confident that it will withstand the test of time.
Another aspect that sets my brand apart is the fact that everything is made by hand in my own studio, located in the heart of downtown St Petersburg. By personally crafting each piece, I infuse it with a sense of authenticity and individuality. I take pride in supporting local craftsmanship and being a part of my community’s creative fabric.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Participating as a vendor at the Saturday Morning Market in downtown St Petersburg for the past 13 years has proven to be the most fruitful avenue for attracting new clients. It is within the vibrant atmosphere of this local market that I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous residents who have become loyal and repeat customers over time. Their unwavering support has been invaluable in spreading the word about my brand, as they eagerly recommend my products to their friends and family whenever they visit my booth.
The market also acts as a magnet for tourists exploring St Petersburg. This influx of visitors has significantly expanded my customer base, not only within the county but even internationally. Many of these tourists, captivated by the unique offerings at the market, have become cherished patrons who continue to engage with my brand long after their initial encounter. The personal connections formed during face-to-face interactions have proven to be powerful catalysts for sustained engagement, with these customers often returning to my online shop for future purchases.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When the Covid pandemic struck, causing widespread closures and restrictions, my ability to meet clients in person at my downtown studio was abruptly halted. To make matters worse, the Saturday Morning Market, my primary source of revenue, remained closed for a grueling six months. In response to these challenging circumstances, I had to swiftly pivot my focus towards online sales.
During this time, I devised a creative solution by collaborating with fellow businesses that also faced struggles due to the closures. The concept I developed involved curating a special package that featured a unique product from each participating business. Customers were given the option to have the items conveniently shipped to their doorsteps or personally delivered by me on a designated date. This innovative initiative became known as the Sunshine City Care Package.
The debut of our Sunshine City Care Package exceeded all expectations, proving to be an enormous success. Not only did it generate much-needed revenue for multiple local businesses, but it also brought joy to our customers who were longing for the market experience and desired to support local enterprises during these difficult times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blossomandshine.com
- Instagram: @blossomandshine
- Facebook: facebook.com/blossomandshine
Image Credits
All images by Sunny Social