We recently connected with Madee Franks and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Madee, thanks for joining us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

When I first started my business I was scared to take vacations or even breaks from social media. I was afraid that if I took any sort of break my community, audience, or followers would all be gone. I felt that if I couldn’t afford someone to run my business while I was away, then I wasn’t able to take any sort of break or vacation. This led to a lot of burnout and exhaustion. It got to the point where I didn’t want to run my business anymore. I needed a break and the only way I knew how was to quit the business entirely.

It wasn’t until I heard someone say, “Your mental health matters more than your attendance on Instagram”. I took a week off of the app, I went on a 2-week vacation out of the country, and when I came back to my shop and my audience on social media, everything was still there. I shipped out orders and responded to messages that came through while I was away. Everything was in place, I didn’t lose any orders, I didn’t lose any followers, and my engagement on social media improved drastically.

After this vacation and social media break I came back feeling energized, inspired, and hopeful. I had several designs I was craving to bring to life and was reminded of how much I enjoy silversmithing. My new products were some of the best I had ever made, and I received more orders in one week than I had all year. Turns out that taking a vacation might actually do you and your small business some good!

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 was born and raised in Utah and naturally love all things outdoors. I’m a big fan of the color pink, weightlifting, fresh fruit, yoga, board games, rock climbing, camping, roller skating, and exploring new places. I’m a busy gal with many hobbies and a full-time job, but in my spare time, I am designing and creating new jewelry for my small shop.

At Razzle Dazzle Rings we offer handmade, one-of-a-kind, sterling silver jewelry made with .925 sterling silver, authentic gemstones, and a lot of love!

My passion for creating jewelry and running a small business runs deep into my childhood, where I was always creating new things and selling whatever I made to all my friends and family. My first “small business” venture was selling handmade planners and bookmarks when I was 8 years old. My sister and I called ourselves the “Button Sisters” and would load up all of our inventory in a wagon and try to sell our goods by knocking on our neighbor’s doors. From there I started several “small businesses” in my childhood that ranged anywhere from handmade Navajo friendship bracelets, to beaded chokers, to a party planning business.

It wasn’t until 2020 that I found my love for sterling silver jewelry. I had a handful of rings that I had purchased from local farmers’ markets, but I had so many ring ideas in my head and I was struggling to find them from other shops. For Christmas in 2020, my husband bought me a silversmithing kit and I never looked back. I spent the year 2021 learning all things silversmithing. I was watching YouTube videos on repeat, spending hours searching the web for decently priced yet high-quality silver, and trying to manually shape rocks into shapes I could turn into jewelry. After lots of trial and error, and several questions answered by local silversmiths, I finally made my first ring in June 2021. I opened up Razzle Dazzle Rings in December 2021 after I felt confident in my products.

Since then my small ring business has grown and now offers all sorts of jewelry. We specialize in rings, allowing customers to custom-design their own rings, but we also offer necklaces, earrings, cuffs, and bolo ties. I take pride in high-quality materials, so everything we sell is made with .925 sterling silver and real, authentic gemstones. These pieces are designed and created to last longer than a lifetime, to be passed down from generation to generation as heirlooms, and to be worn every day, regardless of what you’re doing.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I have had the opportunity to sell my jewelry at local makers’ markets and meet new and old clients in person. Since a good majority of people don’t know their ring size, or are nervous about buying jewelry online, this has proven very successful for me. Selling products in person has given customers the opportunity to try rings and other jewelry on and see if they like the fit. I am also able to connect with them in person and create lasting friendships. Selling products at craft fairs, makers’ markets and pop-up shops has been my most successful reach for new clients.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Showing up on Instagram has helped me stay connected with my clients and has helped them feel closer to me. I post videos of me talking on my stories and although I try to keep what I say relevant to the business, I know my audience appreciates seeing more beyond the business. I also try to respond to DM’s frequently and post interactive stories and posts so my clients can participate as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RazzleDazzleRing
• Instagram: @razzledazzle.rings
• Facebook: Razzle Dazzle Rings

Image Credits
Brands by Kenzie