We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Daniels. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary below.
Mary, appreciate you joining us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?
The business industry is very critical at times even to the point of opinionated judgement. I find myself reading personal stories of those in the business world of ownership ; jumping ship! This is disturbing and I try to really understand the reasoning of those who feel we should all have the same view or outlook towards our success in business. Most of us started on a personal journey because of a passion or idea that we wanted to share to benefit not just oneself but others as well. We may have started our mission because someone else felt our talent or resources needed to be discovered. Whatever the reason it began with ones personal leap of faith. So I strongly disagree with certain factors of how business should look to others. Should my business enable me to let go of my 9-5? Some say Yes! If you can’t quit your job you’re not really an independent businessowner. How untrue many have no intention of departing from their source of dependable income. Starting a new business can be costly and sometimes risky during the first stages of becoming self-employed. Therefore, cost start up and needed supplies have to come in from a reliable source. Another factor is some feeling you must engage constantly on social media platforms to be counted as successful or most recognized in business. As we know social media can be seen through colored glasses, high numbers of followers can be bought from people who invest in providing this service. If you don’t have a high follower list your business isn’t growing or being noticed enough for approval or LIKES. We never know what the real story is for some entrepreneurs some make unwise decisions during their course of handling business that may cost them dearly personally and on a business level. Loss of profits and even families start to fare badly. I wish no one to fall into any of these situations but we must not come to the conclusion that success is based on high numbers on social media platforms. I personally have concluded that my business will only be on a scheduled time without custom Leather art designs. Some have asked isn’t this limiting my income intake or building future clients? No its keeping my vision to create without interfering with my personal circumstances or moving away from my peace of mind while enjoying being a small business owner.
Mary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Mary. I create one of a kind handcrafted leather jewelry and wearable fashion. My mission is to create the feeling of independent beauty for each of my clients. We all carry our own DNA and there is nothing about each of us that’s the same completely. When designing my inspired pieces or collections, I don’t limit the idea of creativity. I’m inspired by everything around me starting with our original Creator Jehovah God. The beautiful colors and hues that form unimaginable art, interesting shapes that appear on feathers, wings and leaves of a plant just to name a few keep me busy with ideas no matter how untraditional. My designs come from conversations that spark designs of past history, experiences and visions from others. I’ve been invited to handcraft designs for causes and awareness such as Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence. Hearing life stories that have wrapped themselves around individuals I’m asked to create a piece that memorializes their memory of someone especially a loved one. Some of these acts of kindness defines one of the reasons for my brand name ChokeHerSkins . My chokers are placed around the neck that holds up the crown with beauty and meaning for each of my clients to feel uniquely honored . Some ask about my choice of using leather material when creating designs so I’m able to share my view of choosing skins and hides for constructing my leather jewelry and accessories for men and women. Leather is easy to manipulate and the untamed imperfections create interesting designs and patterns on my creations. I believe leather to be eco-friendly vs faux leather because of its endurance through time if taken care of properly. You will rarely find a vintage piece disposed of because of the marks of good quality. Early retirement due to a chronic lung disease( ILD) and Lupus allows me to continuously build my brand and work with other amazing designers. My brand ambassador Shandera Dawson remains a supportive representation of ChokeHerSkins. Reminding myself to never limit my abilities of art and design. Sharing freely my confidence as a Leather Jewelry Designer but humbly accepting a gift that not only I mastered but that was given to me from long ago. I’m proud of myself for not allowing fear to take over at a rocky time of my life and leaping as far as I could to become who I am today.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Honesty and genuine connection is my hold on a good reputation within my business. Letting my audience know how I feel first about my vision and way of operating is important and effective. If I don’t fully believe it no one else will conceive it! Therefore being relatable and approachable when someone comes to me with an idea or story that brews deeply because of a life experience is important . Recalling a time when a grandmother contacted me with a heavy heart she loss her dear grandson at a very young age from a drunk driving accident. This touched me so much I had to comply when asked if I would design a special choker for her daughter stricken with grief understandably so. Even though I’m limited to custom designing this warranted a YES! She asked that the color blue and his initial be placed on her choker, the remaining details were left in my hands as a leather artist. It was an emotional time of creativity for me knowing the impact of designing such a special memory would be for the family. The grandmother reached out to me because of my reputation as a positive artist who create with genuine love and personal details to the degree of telling an inspiring story when completed. It was an honor making her heart leap with joy when receiving this gift in memory of her precious grandson. This is just one of many times I was able to prove my reputation as a Leather Jewelry Artist. I genuinely care about my art through handcrafted jewelry and the personal effect it has on each individual. My unique creativity and design, along with my journey as a business woman, has been not only rewarding but ultra satisfying!
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Staying in touch with my audience can be accomplished on social media platforms. One way is posting a heartfelt Thank you and Hello periodically. Letting my loyal followers and supporters know that it’s important for me to stay approachable and present for future contacts. Remembering a business is a service that sometimes intel having customers who depend on your professionalism but also personal interest. I also reach out to those who may have impacted me personally while designing maybe because of a custom request during a delicate time or just the connection with the client. My brand is definitely a reflection of me. ChokeHerSkins brand carries so much meaning on its skin (no pun Intended). The love I have for people who just want to feel uniquely beautiful their own way without judgement or comparison. This is my vision for all and I will continue to express my passion of creating handcrafted one of a kind leather jewelry collections globally.
-MaryD
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chokeherskins.com
- Instagram: @chokeherskins.com
- Facebook: chokeherskins
- Linkedin: MaryDaniels/chokeherskins
- Other: Linktr.ee/chokeherskins
Image Credits