We recently connected with Julie Nicholson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
When I started my business, I was making customized beaded bracelets and wanted to incorporate the word “beads” in the name. I was trying to come up with something meaningful to me, but was having a difficult time. When I asked my husband for help, he asked me to use one word to describe myself. I said “LOUD!” He said “Loud Beads!” We both fell over laughing and my business was named!
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 am currently a stay-at-home mom to two sweet boys. Loud Beads started shortly after my sister-in-law added a stack of bracelets to her Christmas wish list. On a whim, I decided to make them for her. One Instagram post later, and I had friends asking for similar personalized pieces. That is when I realized there was a demand, and Loud Beads was born!
Since then, my product line has expanded from just beaded bracelets to include beaded keychains, lanyards, pens, and charm necklaces. This year, I also introduced Charm Necklace Classes as part of my business model. As an extrovert, I really wanted to add a social element to what I do, and the classes have been so much fun!
Crafting and designing meaningful pieces that help my customers express their individuality brings me so much joy. I’ve had many customers tell me they struggle to find jewelry that fits properly, which is why I offer custom sizing. It’s always a priority for me to ensure my customers are happy with their pieces.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Word of mouth has been one of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele. Most of my customers are local moms, and many of them have shared my work with their friends and family. These personal recommendations have been incredible at bringing in new customers. On top of that, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy have allowed me to connect with people beyond my local area. Through these platforms, I’ve been able to showcase my products and interact with a wider community.
I also think that the personal connections I have built through these channels—whether through direct messages, feedback, or just getting to know my customers—have been key to fostering loyalty and encouraging referrals. I truly love engaging with people, and I believe that genuine, heartfelt connections are what have really helped my business grow.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I have a smaller following compared to some other small businesses, but I am proud of the growth I’ve seen, especially given the limited time I have to devote to social media each day. One key strategy that’s helped me build my audience has been Instagram giveaways. They have boosted engagement and brought in new followers who are excited about my products. I have also partnered with local businesses, which has been a great way to reach new audiences and create a sense of community.
I try to create products that resonate with my followers, often based on their feedback or trends I see in the market. When people feel like they are part of the creative process or see something they are really excited about, they are more likely to share it with others.
For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is to be consistent and authentic. Engagement is key—respond to comments, ask questions, and interact with your audience. And don’t be afraid to collaborate with others. The right partnerships can help you tap into new audiences and grow organically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loudbeads.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudbeads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoudBeads
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoudBeads
