Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shelby Koester. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shelby , appreciate you joining us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

We are one of several that I know, and I am always amazed and inspired by the passion for creating that is involved in family businesses.

Owning a small business is hard work and when you see more than one generation involved, you know that they are loving what they do.

Shelby , 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?

I got into the jewelry making business almost 20 years ago after taking some classes as a creative outlet when my children were very small.

As I started wearing the pieces, I created, people began to comment and ask if I sold my pieces anywhere. This was the genesis to create my first jewelry business . For several years, we sold at craft shows & holiday markets.

Then my husband & I expanded our family to 3 children under the age of 4. My children started to participate in sports. I didn’t want to miss a minute, so I took a hiatus from my business.. I still created gifts for family & friends, but that was the extent of it.

When Covid hit, my daughter helped me rediscover my passion for making jewelry and Whimsy Beadworks was born.

I create small batch, one of a kind, and custom made boho jewelry using gemstones, precious metals, Czech glass, crystals, seed beads, and many other materials. My daughter helps me with design ideas and technology.

It’s been fun bouncing ideas off her and seeing how her more minimalist style differs from my statement piece mentality.

She also provides this slightly technologically challenged lady with help on social media.

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

In the beginning, I knew nothing about online selling platforms or how to use social media. I am still learning as things change everyday.

I started selling on Etsy and had to learn SEO which is an ongoing process as trends are ever changing and learning how buyers look for your products is key.

Eventually I added my own website on Shopify which allows customers to shop for my pieces directly from Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.

I now have 2 retail locations in the Chicago area that sells my designs as well.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

We decided to sell on Etsy and our own Shopify website, These two options cover all the bases for us. They allow us to sell online as well as in person at markets.

I chose Etsy as it caters to customers who want quality handmade products. I had shopped on Etsy for several years and decided it was a good fit for us. Etsy’s platform is relatively easy to use, and customers trust them, You can also sign up for. Square account through Etsy to sell at markets.

The only drawback to Etsy is that it has previously been difficult to speak with them if you have an issue. It used to take several days to get a response. I recently saw that they are now going to offer a chat feature for star sellers (which I am) and I am really looking forward to that.

My shopify website was so easy to set up and design my shop how I wanted it to look. They have a live chat feature which has been invaluable for problem solving.
I have been able to link my website to Pinterest, Instagram & Facebook and sell directly from each of those platforms. I can also use the Shopify Point of Sale app to sell in person. I highly recommend them.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.WHIMSYBEADWORKS.COM
• Instagram: @WhimsyBeadworks
• Facebook: @WhimsyBeadworks
• Twitter: @WBEADWORKS
• Other: Etsy WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/WHIMSYBEADWORKS