A look into Penny Jules

Building Bridges Marketing: Tell us a little bit about you, your family, and what you like to do for fun!

Heather:  I am Heather; owner, designer, creator of Penny Jules beaded accessories. 

 I am an artist, and long time enthusiast of all things arts and crafty. As a stay at home/work at home mother of two young girls I have found that my time for creating can be limited. I am fortunate that I am able to do what I love from my home and draw inspiration from my life, family and friends.  

Penny Jules was dream I never imagined I would actually get. I always knew I wanted to do something creative for a living, I just was not quite sure what that would be. When the opportunity for Penny Jules arose I jumped on it, as if I knew all along it was what I wanted from my life. Owning my own business means more than just being my own boss, it means I get to be with my family day in and day out. I can still devote massive amounts of time to them, and be a part of the all day, everyday craziness. I have the flexibility to work when I choose. Which, lets be honest when you're a small business owner you work way more than you would if you had any other job; But you also receive so much more satisfaction. In turn owning my own business means that I have the flexibility to take off from work just about whenever I'd like. This proves to be a beautiful thing when planning a family vacation. Then we only need to work around my husband's work schedule. We love to take our girls to Disney Land and in fact are planning a celebratory trip this summer. 

Building Bridges Marketing: Why did you choose the name of your business? Is there a special meaning behind it?

Heather:  Many people when first contacting me think my name is Penny, which is fine by me because one of my favorite people are named Penny. I am sure when I sign Heather they're left wondering "Why is her shop name Penny Jules if her name is Heather?" Well the answer is simple, I named my shop after my inspirations, two people that without  them I would not be the person I am today.  To me Penny Jules has a double meaning though, not only is it after two people I love with my entire being, but it also refers to inexpensive jewelry. I like to pride myself on creating affordable pieces. What's the good in making something beautiful if no one can afford to buy it. Yes we all hope our business will be financially successful, but I gauge my success in other ways as well. Such as is this customer happy? Did I give them what they were looking for? When they share their stories behind the custom piece they want. Those are my major successes. I will be honest, yes I like that I get paid to do what I love, but I started this business to have fun, and to get a chance to talk to other people aside from my children. I love making things for other people and the fact that people allow me to do that for them I am eternally grateful. 

Building Bridges Marketing:  Why did you decide to open your shop and why sell on Etsy.com ?

Heather:  I decided to open an Etsy shop for the simple reason of Etsy.com is well known. I know people that have Etsy shops, and they had nothing but good things to say. I had shopped Etsy in the past and always loved looking at other shop’s treasures. Having an Etsy shop has opened a whole new world of possibilities up to me. I've made some really great friends, whom I'm sure I would have never met had it not been for the common denominator of us each having an Etsy shop.  

Building Bridges Marketing: When did your shop officially open & do you remember your first sale?

Heather:  January of 2013 is when I decided to gather my nerve and open my own Etsy shop. With the encouragement of my friends, and family, especially that of my husband I hit the open button. I remember my first sales, I sell not only on Etsy, but do a fair amount of business through my Facebook page as well. My first official sale was via my Facebook page. My wonderful friend Amilie (who also has an Etsy shop, Fancy Pants Boutique) commissioned a nautical themed headband. Which to this day is one of my favorite custom pieces. (I may or may not say this about all of my custom pieces)  My first Etsy sale was from my ever supportive step-mom. Within an hour of opening Penny Jules on Etsy my phone chachinged with that beautiful sound every shop owner craves. Coincidentally a sound I had no idea even happened until it did. That sound that sends excitement coursing through your veins, someone wants something you made. Surprisingly I had made my first sale, a purple beaded hair comb.

People often ask me where something I am wearing came from, to which I get giddy, and love to respond "I made it, I have an Etsy shop!" I love any chance I am given to talk about my Etsy shop. Aside from my children it is the accomplishment I am most proud of. 

 

Building Bridges Marketing: Best advice you received when you went into business for yourself?

Heather:  The best thing anyone said to me when I was toying with the idea of opening a shop, wasn't so much a piece of advice, but more motivational. My husband told me "You should do this, you need to do this. I think it's a great idea" Without him, his encouragement, support, and tolerance of me making messes, I wouldn't have so many things I have today. Those simple words gave me such empowerment, a sense that yes this may be scary, but it's a good scary, and I have to try. So to you out there that may be toying with the idea of doing something scary I give you this; You should do it, you can do, you need to do it! After all how can we teach our children to brave their fears if we can't do the same? How can we tell someone go conquer that mountain if we don't lead by example? Let's be what we want to be, and not let the fear of the unknown, the unsafe hold us back, because as Sylvia Plath once said "The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt". 

Building Bridges Marketing: We love to attend craft and vendor markets - do you?

Heather:  I will also tell you, yes I have been doing this for sometime, but I am still quite new to it all too. I read as much as I can about how to be successful in marketing myself, but also try to find what I am comfortable with. I have only done two public selling events since starting Penny Jules and I didn't make a single sale at the first, but I did force myself to move past my nervousness. The second was much better and I made enough to cover the cost of both tables, plus a little extra. I am currently in the process of finding a fair that is at a time that will work for me, and put myself out there again. I was able to participate in an Etsy Craft Party, June 6^th, which was very exciting. I cannot wait to meet more Etsy crafters in my area.  I encourage you all to do the same! 

 

Building Bridges Marketing:  Thank you Heather for sharing your fantastic story! I believe deep down we all feel the need to create something special, whether it be jewelry, clothes, cooking, or even building houses! You are an inspiration to us all! If you would like to see more of Penny Jules creations or just drop in to chat please feel free to visit her Etsy shop - PennyJules.Etsy.com, or follow  her on her social media sites Facebook.com/PennyJules, Twitter @PennyJulesSF, Instagram @pennyjules You can also email with any questions at PennyJules@gmail.com.