Want to start your own business, but don’t know where to begin? Look no further than By Samii Ryan Inc. based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Samii Ryan has built her feather jewelry empire all on her own, grabbing celebrity clients such as Victoria Justice, Demi Lovato, Lucy Hale, and Ke$ha! With her products being sold in Nordstrom and Von Maur stores across the country, and her position on the Seventeen Magazine Style Council, this 21 year-old is on a fast track to fame. Check out our interview with her to help you get your dream business started.
From: www.bysamiiryan.com
Chloe: What inspired you to create this business?
Samii: I have always been a creative person, whether it was reconstructing my clothing or drawing sketches of shoes. I knew I wanted to do something creative and inspiring. Most of my jewelry is inspired by Native American culture and spirituality. Currently I am pulling a lot of inspiration from street fashion, and art.
C: How did you get started?
S: I started By Samii Ryan right after I graduated High School. I decided to start up on Etsy, then created my own website. I started to sell everything through my online store, then soon enough Nordstrom emailed us and we got into a ton of retail stores.
C: How did you begin to market your products?
S: I began to market my products by sending out jewelry to celebrities, such as musicians, actresses.. etc. I really focused on the teen market.
C: What process did you go through to be able to sell your products in Nordstrom?
S: It actually wasn’t a process at all. They cold emailed me and then, “BAM!”, I was in Nordstrom. However, it is a lot of work being in a department store. I have to get a manufacturer, create samples, place barcode stickers on every tag, hand tag everything, and individually package everything for Nordstrom. Lots to do!
C: Any tips or advice for those who want to start their own business?
S: I would say always stay positive and think outside the box. Finding a niche is a good way to have a successful business such as Toms, giving shoes to those in need, and Jac Vanek who designs rubber bracelets. And I suppose I would put myself in the niche and say I design feather jewelry! Also, even when the going gets rough, keep going!
Inspiring! Did any of her tips really stand out to you? Do you have any advice of your own? Post a comment below!
Written by Guest Blogger, Chloe Leach
