We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mercedes Burchett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mercedes 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?

I started creating prior to starting a business. This was in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. I had no thoughts of running a business at all. I was dealing with personal issues, anxiety and just sadness because of how much was changing so quickly. I had also began a spiritual mentorship so my spirituality and my creations gave me something to focus on that was solely mine. And I dove deep. I remember thinking that my pendants at the time were trash lol but I continued creating anyway. I gave pieces away to family and friends often. One day, someone asked if they could make a purchase and even though I was not as confident in my work then, someone else was. I made my first sale mid September 2020. I believe the timing of starting Sincerely, Antoinette was the best time for me. I wasn’t disciplined enough to have started this any sooner. I was into everything but unfocused and I know this would not have held my attention for long during those times. The pandemic forced us all to sit with ourselves, limited interactions and because of that, I had nothing but time.
And for the first time, I feel as if I know what my purpose is… and that’s why I continue to do it. I continue to grow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! My name is Mercedes Burchett and I am a Creative. I feel that sums me up pretty well lol. I create handmade copper and brass Adornments. And because I create these accessories, I’ve kinda thrown myself into the roles of content creator, photographer and marketer. I am definitely more than just one thing.

I got into creating, honestly by force. I am a naturally creative person, but I was not focused on one thing. When the pandemic hit, this was the time I used to focus on…me. My mental, spiritual and physical health.

I started making pendants in my bedroom floor. Pendants grew into collarettes, then weaved bracelets and Specs. And now, I just find that I create whatever resonates the most with me. I find inspiration from all things. Fashion, nature, energy. Anything.

I am extremely proud of the growth. The connections I’ve made, and the stories and photos I get from my customers. Those make me so happy because I know that what I’ve created, made someone else happy.

And without my customers, Sincerely, Antoinette wouldn’t be at the level that it is. It is my hope to continue to grow with my current customers, gain new customers and continue to create beautiful handmade products that excite people!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Consistency and faith was key for me. I had 233 followers when my social media went viral. I was consistent with posting even with my 233 followers. I knew that one day, it would blow up. And it did. All it took was for one person to see a piece and post about it and BOOM… lol It blew my mind how fast my following grew. There’s so much going on now with social media algorithms and whatever else. Don’t get so wrapped up in that. Show up. Post your work and just be you. People will see it!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I decided to actually do the business thing, I had no idea what I was getting into. I had no background or knowledge. I purchased all of my material out of pocket. I have spent so much money and some months didn’t even break even. Those moments can be so discouraging. There were times that I second guessed if this was something I wanted to continue to pursue. Well… anytime I have those thoughts, there is always another thought that tells me to push through. So I keep moving. I keep learning what works and what doesn’t. And I have faith and hope. I also LOVE what I do and that in itself is a blessing.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sincerelyantoinette.com
• Instagram: Sincerely_Antoinette
• Facebook: Sincerely, Antoinette
• Other: Tiktok: Sincerely_Antoinette

Image Credits
All images were taken by me or with my camera.