We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Luran Hou. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Luran below.

Alright, Luran thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

If I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, it traces back to when I was in fourth grade, launching a black-and-white magazine due to the constraints of expensive color printing. Despite my lack of understanding of material and time costs, the magazine garnered immediate interest, albeit short-lived, lasting only three days. This early experience instilled in me the seeds of entrepreneurship, leading me to explore various informal ventures throughout college.

Transitioning to formal entrepreneurship with my current fashion accessories company demanded significant time and dedication. Looking back, I realize the potential benefits of starting sooner, perhaps during my graduate studies. Beginning earlier would have provided me with more time to navigate the learning curve and mitigate the pressures of balancing living expenses with entrepreneurship, which intensified post-graduation.

Starting earlier would have leveraged the resources available during my academic years, reducing trial and error costs and facilitating quicker adjustments if needed. Access to school tools, especially those related to my major, could have streamlined my entrepreneurial pursuits and enhanced my chances of success.

In hindsight, I wish I had commenced my entrepreneurial journey sooner, harnessing the advantages of youth, academic resources, and a reduced financial burden. This early start could have paved a smoother path, enriching my experience and potentially accelerating the growth of my ventures.

Luran, 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?

Hello! I’m thrilled to introduce myself and our brand to those who may not be familiar with us yet. My journey into the world of fashion design began during my graduate studies, where I delved deeply into exploring various materials and techniques. It was during my graduation project that I discovered the captivating allure of clay, which sparked the inception of our entrepreneurial endeavor.

At SPRING STREET STORY, we are a New York-based independent designer jewelry brand, founded in 2022. Our brand ethos revolves around embracing the interplay of contradictions, finding beauty in the juxtaposition of pain and joy, boredom and intrigue, the vast and the minute.

Our mission is to encapsulate the vibrant moments of individual lives in bold and captivating ways. Each piece of jewelry we create serves as a conduit for these fleeting joys to come alive. The rich colors and textures of clay serve as tangible symbols of happiness and joy, inviting touch and connection.

What sets SPRING STREET STORY apart is our commitment to being more than just a jewelry brand. We see ourselves as chroniclers of this era, shedding light on often overlooked narratives and exploring the multifaceted nature of happiness.

As co-founders, Luran Hou and Tingting Shi, both graduates of The Savannah College Of Art and Design in 2023, we established SPRING STREET STORY while pursuing our master’s degrees. Our focus lies in designing and researching handmade techniques, infusing our design language into every aspect of our brand, from jewelry creation to event planning.

We take pride in our attention to detail and strive for artistic expression and visual perfection in everything we do. Despite the meticulous nature of our work, we find immense joy in the creative process.

Ultimately, what we want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about SPRING STREET STORY is our dedication to crafting meaningful, authentic jewelry that speaks to the essence of human experience. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and celebration.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

We currently operate sales through our own website as well as two primary channels on Etsy. For a company focused on handmade products like ours, I highly recommend utilizing Etsy, particularly in the initial stages of building a business, especially within the United States market. Etsy’s specialization in handmade goods offers a smaller user base compared to larger platforms like Amazon, facilitating easier discovery of authentic potential customers.

When starting out, it’s crucial for new sellers to refine every aspect of their Etsy shop and optimize their storefront to maximize sales velocity. Additionally, Etsy often provides more traffic and promotional opportunities for high-performing sellers, which can be invaluable for businesses seeking visibility in their early stages.

However, it’s worth noting that Etsy does have limitations, particularly regarding the sale of higher-priced items. Products priced under $20 tend to perform better on the platform, while pricier, premium offerings may garner significant attention without resulting in many actual purchases. Furthermore, the visual customization options on Etsy’s website are somewhat restrictive, which poses a challenge for designers like us who prioritize presenting products in the best possible light.

As a result, we’re in the process of transitioning our primary sales channels towards our own independent third-party platform. This shift allows for greater freedom in customization and eliminates the need to pay steep sales commissions to platforms. Nevertheless, independent sites do require more effort in off-site traffic generation to compensate for the loss of organic platform traffic, ensuring a steady influx of new customers and sustained growth.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One significant pivot in my life occurred when I transitioned into managing a company. Initially, I approached work with a spontaneous mindset, avoiding detailed plans, which was evident in my design style. However, as the responsibilities of managing a business grew, I recognized the need for structure. Without a clear plan, tasks became overly complex and inefficient. Consequently, I embraced a more structured approach, implementing daily work plans and schedules to streamline operations.

Another pivotal moment came when I realized the importance of prioritizing fitness alongside work commitments. Despite my initial aversion to exercise, I acknowledged its critical role in maintaining productivity and well-being. Particularly in the harsh New York winters, physical fitness became paramount for optimal performance as an entrepreneur. Incorporating regular exercise into my routine significantly boosted my energy levels and efficiency.

Lastly, a pivotal shift occurred in my understanding of finances. Coming from a comfortable background where financial struggles were rare, I initially lacked a strong awareness of money management. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, I neglected basic financial practices such as budgeting and accounting. However, as the business expanded and the team grew, I recognized the necessity of financial responsibility. This shift involved not only developing a deeper understanding of finances for personal growth but also strategizing to ensure the financial stability and prosperity of the team members.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/springstreetstory/
• Other: individual website: https://www.luluhou-springstreetstudio.com/