Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chasity Turbeville. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chasity, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Growing up as a shy introvert, I always knew I was different. It wasn’t until my adult years, that I finally found my voice. And it wasn’t until I became a mama, that I found my true purpose. My calling. I’ve always had a creative side & a love for art. I always knew that I wanted a job that was meaningful & one that I truly enjoyed. Mother’s Day will mark 3 years since I started my entrepreneur journey!
It’s been the biggest risk but one I wouldn’t ever change! There’s been many set backs, tears cried, but my work ethic & remembering my “why” kept me going. My “why” is my purpose. My purpose was to make a difference in someone’s life. God placed this on my heart for a reason. I always knew I wanted to start my own business, I just never knew what until I became a Mom. I breastfed both babies but struggled. I wanted to have something that served as a reminder that I can do hard things! With a vision but no real plan & many uncertainties, I set out on this new adventure.
I started my small business in 2020 during a global pandemic. I started when no one believed in me. I started with hardly any money. I started because I had a dream that I wanted to pursue & no one could tell me any different. No one believed in me, so I believed in myself & went for it!
I can honestly say I love my job. I create custom Breastmilk Jewelry, Cremation & DNA Keepsakes using your very own inclusions.
I work with breastmilk, encapsulated placenta, babies umbilical, hair, formula, graveyard soil, funeral flowers, clothing, ashes from pets & humans, sand, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Little Foots Jewelry turns life’s most precious memories into beautiful keepsake jewelry. We make Resin Art into jewelry you can cherish for years to come!
My advice to all new entrepreneurs is please don’t get discouraged! A few things I have learned is your first year in business is a loss. Your second year is a learning experience. Your third year is when you finally start making your dreams become a reality. Please don’t give up. Follow your dreams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My brand is all about empathy & empowering. My jewelry line serves many different purposes. For some, it brings comfort & a sense of peace as they are grieving a lost loved one. For others, like mothers, it helps them to celebrate their hard work & determination on their breastfeeding journey. It’s about taking life’s most precious memories & crafting them into a beautiful keepsake to cherish forever.
Little Foots Jewelry makes Cremation Jewelry to serve as a token of remembrance of a lost loved one, Breastmilk Jewelry to represent the special bond between mother & baby, and Resin Keepsakes for anyone who just wants something beautiful to wear that can hold any personal inclusions.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Empathy. Understanding. Communication. I have always been mature for my age and feel things quite different & stronger than most. I have an old soul who truly cares for others. When I sit down to craft, I try to put myself in the customers position. What feelings are they going through? What’s their story? Why do they want this special keepsake made? Are they grieving?
Many customer will write me letters in their packages. I keep every single one.. I have cried with them. Some have been so hard to read, that I have sat alone in my office hours after working. I feel for them. I try to understand what they are going through. I tell my husband all the time, your job may be harder on the body, but mines harder on the heart,
Lastly, communication. Communication is absolute key in running a successful business. If life happens & your running behind schedule for example, it’s most important to communicate these things with your customers. Most of the time, they will understand & appreciate your honesty.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Absolutely take a day off when you can. Mental Health is just as important as physical. If you don’t rest your mind, it can lead to burn out very quickly. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, it’s best to take the day off to clear your mind & start out the next day with a fresh mindset. “If you change your mindset, you can change your life”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littlefootsjewelry.com/
- Instagram: @littlefootsjewelry
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/littlefootsjewelry
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlefootsjewelry?_t=8cIWL4TKOWQ&_r=1