We recently connected with Shauntaye Fontroy and have shared our conversation below.
Shauntaye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Like most girls growing up, we idolize our moms’. We watch our moms’ mannerisms, style of dress, etc. One thing I loved to do was play in her jewelry box. To me, she wore the most elegant jewelry.
In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, my mother took ill. My mind filled with all of our precious memories, especially those of playing in her jewelry box.
As homage to my moms’ memory, Something Cute Earrings, was born. My goal: Every “cutie” that wears Something Cute Earrings, should feel like the most stunning person in the room…because they are!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have always loved earrings. Earrings add appeal to your look.
In 2020, I took an online earring making class. The instructor shared with me where to purchase supplies.
I would make earrings and send pictures to my friends. After a few months, I began posting them on Facebook and eventually starting a website.
Though I have a no return policy, I work with my customers trying to repair a broken earring or finding alternatives for them to purchase from Something Cute.
Most proud moment… A local news reporter ordered and wore my earrings on air.
Customers or “cuties” should feel empowered, graceful and beautiful when wearing Something Cute.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I can’t do it all. Solicit help.
Initially, I took the pictures for my earrings using my iphone. I am just not gifted in this area. One day while conversing with my colleague, he shared he is a photographer. He began taking pictures of the earrings. I saw a major increase in sales, by 87%.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
I first began finding suppliers for the earring findings, or pieces. As business began picking up, I began researching wholesalers. I now work with wholesalers in India and China. I am hoping to expand to Africa and South America, too. I also work with an earring designer in the United States that I work with.
I believe that developing trusting relationships is key. I learned that prayer, time and alignment all work together.
Contact Info:
- Website: somethingcuteearrings.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingcuteearrings/
- Facebook: Shauntaye Fontroy
Image Credits
Nicholas Daney-Cuffie (@neighborhoodnic_) LaChell Photography (@lachell_a_photography)