Meet the Maker- Kylie of GingerDarlings
I am excited to introduce you to Kylie of GingerDarlings! She makes the cutest handmade earrings. Not only are they extremely affordable, they are beautiful and made with so much care and love. She has such a great variety of colors, patterns, and styles, and they are available in my shop and in her Etsy shop!
Keep reading to learn more about Kylie and her business!
1. What made you start your business?
I have always had an obsession with earrings. I would wear all different styles, colors, textures. My collection was quite extreme. At this point in life I had a 2 & 4 year old who constantly needed me and there was very little time for me to do anything for me. I have always liked the idea of being able to make something and thought it would be cool if I could sell it as well. My mom was the one who pushed me. She wanted earrings so she bought me my first faux leather and told me what styles she wanted. I found the courage to post them and sold a couple to family & friends. From then on, I would take leaps of faith with each step trying to sell more and become a business.
2. What is the biggest struggle in your business?
Comparing myself and thinking I am good enough. I don't have a degree in business and really don't know much about it so there are times that I feel like I am not good enough. I find myself looking at other shops' success and comparing myself to them. I would definitely not recommend it. It's a lonely and hard road that creates not great feelings and thoughts inside of you.
3. Biggest accomplishment so far?
Being able to sell wholesale. That was a big leap and I am so grateful I have taken it.
4. What’s something you would like people to know about being a business owner?
There is room for everyone. Everyone has something special to offer that others cannot. It's also an amazing community of women who lift and support each other. You also create friends, who you most likely have never met, and you become the best of friends.
5. How do you handle competition in your field/market?
I cheer them on! Everyone deserves to be celebrated when they are successful or make beautiful items.
6. How many hours do you work a week and what does your schedule look like?
My hours are very scattered and how often I work depends on launches and orders. With having small kids at home and being a wife, those come first. I also work out of the home so I don't have set hours/days that I work.
I fit it in the best that I can.
7. What are 3 business goals you have for the next year?
- Make a sale in all 50 states. I am really close and have a few more states to cover.
-Bring in new products for my business.
- Do another event/ market to meet new customers and new shops.
8. What are 3 personal goals you have for the next year?
-Become a healthier and best version of myself
-Play really hard with my kids in the summer
-Make family memories, no matter how big or small.
9. Tell us about a typical day in your life as a business owner.
My first goal is to make sure orders are filled. If that is complete I will either make new earrings, photograph those that need to be done or clean up my office. Throughout the day I will get on social media to interact with other small shops and comments on my posts/DMs. I try to make content everyday so I have something to post.
10. What is your favorite product you make/sell?
This is really hard- I really love all the earrings I sell. I try to make what I would wear and rotate them. If I had to pick, I love the White & Black Stripe Circle cutout with Brass Circle or any of the Circles and Brass Bars. I also really love the new 18k Gold Huggies that I have launched.
11. What is your best selling item?
My best selling item is my Black Cork Circles with the gold brass bar. I have sold a lot of those and one of my biggest hits in my wholesale orders.
Thank you so much Kylie!!
You can find her on Etsy and Instagram and right here on Autumn and June!