It's my pleasure to introduce you to Yoali, owner of Libra Rising by Yoali where she creates beautiful handmade earrings and other jewelry.
What made you start your business?
I started my business in February of 2021 due to covid. I was experiencing high levels of anxiety and decided to start making something with my hands in order to keep my mind busy. It started off as a small hobby and is now my full-time job!
What is the biggest struggle in your business?
There have been SO many struggles and tough learning lessons along the way. I would say the biggest hurdles have been time management. As a "one man show," it is so difficult to create, photograph, edit, post, market and ship. As my business continues to grow, I am constantly working on becoming more efficient and writing down my projects and goals for the week. Another struggle has been marketing. As someone without a business or marketing degree, I have had to work really hard to get my products and my name out there. I have found that the best way to do so is to do as many craft fairs as possible and personally walk into boutiques to sell my pieces.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
I would say my biggest accomplishments so far have been my ability to sell in various boutiques. I am now in 3 boutiques in Illinois and 1 in Colorado. Truly a dream come true!
What’s something you would like people to know about being a business owner?
I want other women to know that you can do anything you set your mind to. The more you put in, the more you will get out of it. It will take a lot of time and a lot of compromising other activities or events, but it is so worth it in the end. Working for oneself is the greatest feeling in the world and also the scariest. It's like taking a leap into the unknown and just trusting that you'll land on both feet.
How do you handle competition in your field/market?
Wow, this is a great question! This happens incredibly often at craft fairs. There are often so many other handcrafted jewelry makers, but my thought always remains as follows: "Whatever is meant for me will be mine. My art is not for everyone and that's okay." I always go in knowing that each event can either go really well or it can be a chance to grow and learn from my fellow artists. Customers need options when they're shopping and I am accepting of the fact that other people are also allowed to be there and make their own income as well. We need to support and love each other and set that competitive mentally aside.
What is your favorite product you make/sell?
I absolutely love working with wood and leather! All of my pieces are made with the highest quality leathers and woods and they are so fun to work with. I love nature so working with mediums that smell like nature is very calming to me and makes me so happy.
Thank you so much, Yoali! You can find her products in my shop at
https://autumnjuneboutique.com/search?q=libra&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
and on her website at