Introduce/Background info on yourself (background on your Jewelry Business as well)
–My name is Gaetana Parris, a fashion designer turned small business owner. I started my business back in June of 2007 but my strive to start my own business goes years back. I attended and graduated from the Katherine Gibbs School with an Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising in New York. While in school, I became close friends with a classmate and we came up with the idea about starting our
own company, since we didn’t want to work for someone else. I soon realized that I was the only one motivated enough to actually start and own my own business. So it was best for me and my classmate to part ways. After getting back on my feet, I went back to the drawing board and came up with a company name and the products that I would like to sell. Although main focus is designing women’s apparel, I decided to initiate company business with creating handbags and accessories, which I love to do. For about a year I dabbled with making samples of handbags and eventually started to try my hand at making jewelry.
Since my father is a vendor in Brooklyn, New York I decided to see what the public thought about my products. Within weeks my jewelry was taking off with a life of its own, and some customers even began to ask for custom designed pieces. As time drew closer for my younger sister to graduate from high school, I made the decision that when her sister left New York to attend college in Florida that I would leave with her. I needed a new change of scenery and to try my hand at beginning my company. So at the beginning of 2007,I left for Florida, where her dream of owning her own company began to take form.
In June of 2007, Satin Doll & Co was born and I started work on my website and open a shop on the popular crafter’s website Etsy.com. Within no time my pieces were flying out.In the fall of 2008, I launched my very first collection for Fall/Winter ’08-’09 ”Tragic Love”. Three years later, I has just finished launching my signature and limited edition lines of jewelry which is currently available on our website. I have no intentions of slowing down. Stay tuned because for 2011 I have a lot planned for Satin Doll & Co.
What does it feel like owning your own business with many other people owning larger business companies? Is it intimidating?
–Owning my business isn’t very intimidating when you think every business starts out small and over time they get bigger and hopefully better.
What was your support system like once you started your business?
–When I first started my business my support system was pretty good. You know over time people like to talk and give you unwanted advice. When people do that you just have to listen to what they have to say and use your judgment but overall my support system has been well. Especially from my sisters who help out just about anything when I need them.
Where do you get your inspiration from for you beautiful unique designs??
–My inspiration comes from everywhere. Music, fabric, fashion, different cultures, movies, nature, a single bead, and even a women walking down the street. That’s why I love what I do because inspiration can hit you at any time and it can be anything.
You seem to be such a success business wise, what advice would you give someone trying to travel in your footsteps?
– Thank you for the compliment. The advice I give anyone traveling in my footsteps is to do a ton of research. Research is key. Before I even started my business in 2007, I researched for 3 years. Yes, 3 years right from college in 2004 -2007 when I started my business. I researched everything from business, pricing, suppliers, packaging ,bookkeeping and etc. The list goes on and on. I researched and absorbed all the information I found and kept detailed notes so that if I forgot anything I had something to look back too. I also listened and learned from several small business I freelance designed for. Each one was a small business just starting out and the owners always talked to me about running a small business. So I listened to their advice and always kept it in the back of my mind with everything I do. So I don’t make the same mistakes they did.
What has been one of your biggest obstacles so far in your career and how did you face it?
–One of the biggest obstacles I faced so far in my career is always staying before the trends. Being in jewelry category that is saturated with thousand of other jewelry companies is a huge obstacle. But staying before the trends and staying fresh is key.
Do you ever get overwhelmed with your business?
–I try not to get overwhelmed. Whenever I do, I slow down with whatever I’m doing and take a little time out for myself.
Do you have any future aspirations or goals you would like to achieve with your business?
– I have several future goals that I would like to achieve for my business such as introduced more new lines to my company’s assortment. Hopefully in the coming years I will have a space and staff to help grow my company. Along with several wholesale accounts. I would also love to open a retail store so that my online customers have a safe to visit and see our pieces in person.
What keeps you motivated(pertaining to life/work)?
– When you love what you do day in and day out it helps keep you motivated to keep moving forwarded. That’s why I always tell people, “Do what you love” because every day I get up and do what I love and it doesn’t feel like a job at all.
Any Closing Remarks?
–I would like to thank Cia E./ Felicia for coming to me and my company to design some amazing and original jewelry for her. I would also like to thank Cia E./Felicia for the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed on her blog. I really appreciate it.
My Shoutout: