In this inspiring episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Natalie Jacob, the founder of Etymology Jewelry, for an insightful conversation about her entrepreneurial journey. From her background in fine arts to building a sustainable jewelry business, Natalie shares how her passion for creativity and commitment to sustainability have shaped her brand and the innovative designs that have made Etymology Jewelry a success.
Table of Contents
From fine arts to jewelry design
The essence of Etymology Jewelry
Navigating the sourcing landscape
Connecting with customers
Maintaining profitability and navigating challenges
Looking ahead
From fine arts to jewelry design
Natalie’s journey into entrepreneurship was anything but conventional. As a college student, she explored various creative avenues but ultimately gravitated toward jewelry making. This passion turned into a thriving business as Natalie discovered the joy of crafting wearable art that would allow her to share her artistic story with the world. She credits much of her success to embracing the creative process and allowing her intuition to guide her as she ventured into the business world.
In the podcast, Natalie reflects on how she was initially unsure about which direction her art would take. But as her pieces began to resonate with customers, she realized that her true calling was in creating beautiful, handcrafted jewelry. “Tell your own story, and you will be interesting,” she shares, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself both in business and in creative endeavors. This guiding principle has been a constant throughout her journey, helping her push through challenges and find success.
The essence of Etymology Jewelry
Etymology Jewelry is known for its blend of vintage charm and modern elegance. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously handcrafted. Natalie takes pride in her commitment to sustainability, ensuring that each piece incorporates recycled, upcycled, or fair-trade materials. This is not only a way for her to reduce waste but also a means of creating unique jewelry with a story behind every element.
Natalie describes her design process as one driven by the materials she finds. Often starting with basic supplies sourced from thrift stores or online platforms like Alibaba, she looks for inspiration in raw, natural elements—like amethyst slices or vintage beads. These materials are then transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect her creative vision. The process is a balance of practicality and artistry, with sustainability being at the forefront of every design.
Navigating the sourcing landscape
Sourcing materials plays a pivotal role in Natalie’s business, and she shares valuable insights into how she approaches it. Alibaba.com has become an essential tool for her when it comes to finding high-quality materials in bulk. It allows her to source what she needs consistently, ensuring that she can fulfill larger wholesale orders without compromising quality.
While she emphasizes the importance of sourcing from trusted suppliers, Natalie also finds inspiration through these platforms, discovering new materials that spark her creativity. For instance, she shares an exciting find of raw amethyst slices, offering a rare, natural aesthetic she hadn’t seen before. This unexpected gem led to the creation of a stunning piece of jewelry that highlights the organic beauty of the material.
However, sourcing from global suppliers comes with its challenges. Natalie discusses the importance of clear communication and the need to negotiate terms to ensure timely deliveries. Whether it’s negotiating prices or setting deadlines for wholesale orders, she ensures that she’s always prepared to meet her client’s needs while maintaining the integrity of her designs.
Connecting with customers
While Natalie’s online presence has helped her expand her brand, she finds that in-person sales experiences are crucial to staying connected with her customers. She shares her excitement at artisan fairs and markets when customers respond enthusiastically to her work. These direct interactions provide immediate feedback and inspire her to continue innovating her product line.
Natalie quickly points out that while her jewelry is unique, she strives to keep it approachable. Customers should feel excited to wear her pieces without feeling overwhelmed by extravagance. Whether it’s a minimalist design or a more elaborate statement piece, she wants her customers to feel confident and comfortable in her jewelry.
Maintaining profitability and navigating challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, Natalie sometimes faces the challenge of balancing her creativity with the realities of running a business. During periods when she was fulfilling larger orders, she admits to feeling creatively drained. However, client interactions often reignite her passion. For example, a recent request for bagged trucker charms, which double as both keychains and bag charms, prompted Natalie to design a new product that met her client’s needs while keeping her creative juices flowing.
Natalie shares how she’s been able to stay profitable by focusing on the fluctuating metal market and sourcing materials in bulk, helping her maintain a balance between cost and quality. Platforms like Alibaba allow her to purchase materials in larger quantities, ensuring she can offer competitive pricing while still delivering high-quality products to her customers.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Keep going. Keep doing it. Keep hitting the pavement.” By staying true to her artistic instincts and focusing on sustainability, Natalie continues to grow her business while staying grounded in her values.
Looking ahead
As the holiday season approaches, Natalie shares her excitement about expanding her brand’s presence in gallery settings and museum stores. She looks forward to the opportunities ahead but remains committed to maintaining the creative freedom that allows her to innovate.
In closing, Natalie reflects on how her journey as an artist and entrepreneur has shaped who she is today. Her passion for creativity, commitment to sustainability, and resilience in the face of challenges are a testament to the power of following one’s passion.
To discover more about Etymology Jewelry and explore Natalie’s stunning designs, visit her website at etymologyjewelry.shop.
