We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Beckman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Brittany with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up, my dad would leave for work before the sun was up. I remember crying whenever he left to go to work. Looking back, I realize now he did it to provide for his family.
My mom worked nonstop taking care of my siblings and me, making sure we were educated, had clean clothes, and lunches packed for school, and drove us to and from school, and extracurricular activities.
My parents combined set the stage for me. They demonstrated what it meant to have a strong work ethic, to work hard for your family, and to put others first.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
For my daughter’s second birthday, I wanted to make her something handmade. We went to a local craft store and picked out some beads and stretchy string. In the first few moments of making her this bracelet, I felt immediately connected; to the process, to the beads, to the craft.
Shortly after I started making necklaces, specifically silk knotted gemstone necklaces. The meticulous craftsmanship that is required for this type of peace requires so much patience, and skill.
I had a deep gut feeling to make it a mission to perfect this craft and to start selling my pieces online. With the push of my best friend Elissa, of 30 years, she convinced me to open a storefront. I’m so grateful to her for that.
A couple of months later, I had my first sale! I’ll never forget it. I was elated. I was jumping up and down. At the time we were in a tiny apartment, applying for those quick cash loans just so we could buy groceries.
5 years later, I have an amazing business with the most amazing clients. Celebrities have purchased my work and some clients have over 20 pieces! A lot of clients order pieces 2, 3, and 4 before ever receiving their first piece in the mail. I’m incredibly grateful.
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?
I had NO knowledge of beading, starting a business, or how to reach potential clients. The biggest asset you have is your mind. You have to be enthusiastic, curious, and always willing to learn. I learned over time that the only thing to stop me is me.
I learned by doing. And anyone can do the same! There is an endless wealth of knowledge online regarding any business you’d like to learn. There will be roadblocks. The most important thing is your mindset. Keep trying. Don’t give up.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I accidentally grew my following on Instagram by double in the last year by showing behind the scenes videos. It’s great to have followers, but not so much when they aren’t your ideal client. And we all know, your content is only shown to potentially 1-3% of your total following.
What I am focusing on now to continue to reach my current and potential future clients, is to be vulnerable. It can be easy to hide behind the platform, but I think it is so important to be your authentic self. Share your struggles and successes. Share what it’s really like to be a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling two children, while running a 6-figure business. It’s not “perfect”, but it’s real.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brittanymyra.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/brittanymyra
- Facebook: facebook.com/brittanymyrajewelry
- Other: pinterest.com/brittanymyrajewelry
