After talking to my sister, I realized I need to be proactive instead of relaxing too much. This conversation prompted me to think about what I really want and I've decided start a side hustle to complement my fashion business.
MY THOUGHT ON WHAT I WANT TO DO
I gave myself some space to think of side hustle ideas and a thought of selling jewelry suddenly struck me. I've always loved jewelry, but it wasn't until my sister mentioned it that I started thinking about it seriously again. She somehow brought back thoughts I hadn't considered in a while. After coming to a conclusion, I headed to the market to find a wholesale store. It wasn't easy, but luckily, I found two jewelry vendors. I felt relieved and happy to have found people I can build a relationship with for my jewelry business. We sat down to discuss business and we came to an agreement.
THINKING OF STARTING WITH ZERO-CAPITAL
In this business, I didn't even have any money to start. I thought, instead of staying at home waiting for money to arrive which i don't know when or from where, why don't I start with zero capital and build up? When someone orders from me, I get it from the vendor and deliver to the client until I make my own money to order in bulk and start making my own sales without stressing myself going to the vendor everyday but rather buying in bulk. I believe if you seek something out, even if you really don't have much or know how to start, take that first huge step and am sure you can make it out of there. That's is exactly what I am aiming for this year.
I CREATED A LOGO AND POSTER FOR MY BRAND ON CANVA
I created a logo and poster on canva to start and I asked my vendor to send me photos of the Jewelry he has for the me to post. I also created a WhatsApp link for customers to send a DM easily when they place an order. I thought of a brand name and the name of my brand name is 'OBIFAVVY'S GEMS'. using my name 'Obifavvy' and ending it with 'Gems' which offers high-quality and precious stones.
THE STORY BEHIND MY PASSION IN THE JEWELRY BUSINESS
This is not just about a side hustle but combining fashion and jewelry to create a unique look that makes women feel confident and expressive. Jewelry does not only make an outfit look beautiful, but it makes it stand out. I'm glad am turning my passion into business. I'm not just selling jewelry, I'm selling statement designs that speak for themselves in a bold and eye-catching way that represents the name of my brand.
Its nice turning my passion for fashion and jewelry into a brand that makes women feel confident and bold when they step out. I'm not just selling accessories, I'm helping woman feel the way to express themselves and showcase their personalities. That's why when I created the name of my brand, I thought of a tagline that includes my name "sparkling confidence, one Gem at a time"
HOW I MADE MY FIRST SALE FROM ZERO CAPITAL - SEVEN THOUSAND NARIA
After all the preparation, within the first week of starting with zero capital, I went from zero to 7,000 Naira. But it wasn’t easy. Though my first sale was very hectic that day. The first supplier I met when I started really let me down, he sent me photos of products he didn’t have in stock. I was left frustrated, running everywhere to find exactly what my client ordered. I was not just only frustrated, I was also infuriated because I’m truly serious about this business. Thankfully, I was directed to Central Market. I searched until I found this incredible wholesale where I met the two wholesale vendors I mentioned and I decided to stick with them and forget about the other vendor who thought I was just playing around.
THE LITTLE THINGS I'VE LEARNED IN THE MEANTIME ABOUT THIS BUSINESS
The little things I've learned in the meantime are, If you're starting a jewelry business or any business with zero capital (the dropshipping model), make sure to always double-check stock with your vendor before you confirm a payment from a client. I'm saying this because of my own experience and how I'm learning from it. Also, don't just post only online and relax, go out and meet people. Market your brand, even stranger you don't know tell them that I sell jewelry or any kind of business your into, the people that will patronize you is mostly stranger, which I actually picked there interest when I made my second sale, I went out there and show off what I was selling. I told them I was selling jewelry and a woman picked interest. Luckily for me, her son came out and ask what I'm selling I told him. Right then and there, he transferred the money. In the same week, another person patronize me which was amazing.
Let me tell you when you feel like no one is watching you or interested in what you do, they are. Just keep doing what you love. If you have any advice for me or you feel like giving me an ideal in this business, please drop it in a comment section. I would appreciate any of your thoughts.
