We recently connected with Katherine Hayes and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katherine , thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
This is something I am continuously practicing and learning every day. I believe success requires self-discipline, the ability to do the work, everyday, to strive, to improve, and to continue learning everything you can about your craft. If you’re like me, (a creative, running a business), then dive into the left brain side of things. It doesn’t come as naturally for a lot of us creatives, but is necessary to run your own business.
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 have always been a creative type at heart. Over the years, I experimented with several different creative outlets; wardrobe styling, sourcing vintage, curating, and refurbishing antique furniture. One of the earliest sparks of creative joy first began when I was out thrifting with my dad and sifting through estate sales. I was always drawn to the jewelry. We would pick out pieces to bring home to my mom at the end of a solid thrift day. At an early age, I saw my first ever, in-home, jewelry studio. This was before sites like, etsy, IG, facebook, and before the whole ‘makers movement’ had really taken off. You always just kind of wondered how certain things were made back then, and it remained a mystery. The moment I laid eyes on that studio was when the lightbulb went off for me. I could do this.
I started making jewelry, self taught from my apartment in my early 20s. It was just for fun, for friends and family in that stage of life. I did several craft shows throughout the years, and eventually in my mid-twenties, I began working for a local jeweler. There, I was able to fine-tune a lot of my self taught skills, learn more about material, sourcing, and eventually became the lead designer of the brand. This time in my life really helped me grow and prepare myself for the journey of starting my own jewelry business. I had spent an entire decade doing what I loved most, I felt it was time to give it more focus. In 2019 Dreambox Jewelry was born. Dreambox is a collection of handmade, pieces; some refined enough for meeting the parents, and some designed with the intent to stand out; you’ll be asked, “I just have to know, where did you get that?” All of the materials used are responsibly sourced, using recycled 14k gold-fill, sterling silver, gemstones, and curated vintage beads, to delicate gold layering pieces- there is truly something for everyone here.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that when navigating social media for your business- which is an absolute must in our day and age, it can be difficult to run this part of a business successfully, and not be influenced by the constant waves of fast fashion we are being fed everyday, It can be difficult to separate organic ideas, and creativity, in a social media world where we have a constant stream of information and new ideas. I think it is always important to take note of your ‘why’ when creating something new. Are you subconsciously appealing to a fast trend? Or are you being true to your vision, and what you see beauty in?
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of mouth, and publications like this one. Dreambox is currently being carried in 3 wonderful boutiques. This is a great way to increase brand exposure thrpigh brick and mortar, for anyone with an online only presence. Publications are a wonderful way to share your story, and connect with potential customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dreamboxjewelry.com
- Instagram: dreamboxjewelry
Image Credits
Jess Williams Photos