We were lucky to catch up with Lynne Mandiola recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynne, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Thirteen years ago after thinking about what kind of business I could start a friend suggested I make jewelry. I’d never been a maker of anything or tried my hand at anything creative. That was the first risk I took. The next risk was sharing some of the early creations with my family and friends. I remember well that feeling of what will they say or think. Will they like it? Will they tell me if it’s ulgy?! Those first creations were well received and even purchased. Fast forward to 2024. Over these years I have had to take many many risks. Should I stop making and do something else or continue to create and post? Should I continue to sell at vending events or start an online shop? Should I trust and employ the service of an online marketer? If I host a home party should I invite the public and people I don’t know? All of these are risks I’ve taken. Some have been productive and others have cost me but in all of them I have grown as a designer and I have continued to build and grow my presence in the social media space.

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.

In 2011 after hosting several multi-level jewelry company parties I got the idea to create my own similar business. I thought I’d buy some ready-made jewelry and have at it. A friend suggested I make my own jewelry and sell it instead. That was where my love for beads and creating began. My business is called ZayZak Designs. My husband came up with the name based on the nick-names of our sons Xavier and Zachary. Like my jewelry creations, Xavier and Zachary are my first two creations.

I am most proud of the compliments and feedback I’ve gotten from clients and followers. They have encouraged and inspired me to continue when I have debated quitting. My use of color and combining colors to create unique designs are what I believe set me apart. I am also proud of the connections I have made with my clients. Building trust is personally important to me and giving exceptional customer service is everything. I make myself available to clients to answer questions and get measurements so custom pieces are perfect. The result of this has been some amazing and consistent clients who regularly support me as well as gaining new clients who have become repeat buyers.

If I could share anything with potential clients and followers it would be that as a maker of handmade jewelry a lot of thought and time goes into designing each piece. There is deep love for what I do and I aim to make pieces that are well made and exude everyday elegance!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what has helped me build my reputation within my market has been consistently posting my product. The pictures that I post are exactly what my clients receive. I do my best to respond to every comment and like on my posts. Even more, I highlight and tag my fellow makers to support them and regularly like and comment on their posts. Sharing the talent of others and building others up within the community is very important to me. I have been well supported over the years and I believe in sharing that love!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started an Instagram account in 2013 and have been posting pictures of my pieces since then. Over the years I have taken courses and webinars offered on Instagram to learn how to build my presence. While some of these courses were not the best I did learn some good tips on what to do to grow my following. My efforts have been all organic so it’s taken a while but it is still steadily growing. Some easy tips are take clean clear shots of your product. On your page don’t mix messages. If you’re selling a product then just show the product and not pictures of family, nature, vacations, etc. Don’t forget to clean your camera lens! Seems simple but you’d be surprised how many people post blurry or smudged shots. You want to make sure your product is appealing and desirable.

Lastly, the algorithm changes all of the time. Posting consistently and engaging with all who comment on your posts are two easy ways to gain followers. Following and liking other’s pages/products also helps. Consistency is key. Check out tips on YouTube as well on how to grow your audience. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Instagram is a great way to connect and learn how to start building a strong social media presence.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zayzakdesigns/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/zayzakdesigns/

Image Credits

Lynne Mandiola