We were lucky to catch up with Anika Dauber recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anika, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
When I first started selling my jewelry, I sold myself short a lot. I felt as though “basic” pieces, such as plain crystal studs or single-layer necklaces, weren’t creative or unique enough to count as art. As a result, I overcomplicated most of my designs, hardly offering any alternative simpler alternatives. The few I did offer were incredibly underpriced. Customers often remarked that they wished I had lighter earrings options, so I tested a few basic designs. Not only did they become best sellers, but people would still pick them up at my booth and ask “did you make that?” with awe. Eventually, I reluctantly raised my prices- crystal stud earrings went from $1 to $6 each. They still sell just as well- (In fact, some people have called them inexpensive!) It can be easy to overdo a product trying to prove yourself, but I’ve learned that it often undermines the elegance and simplicity many consumers want in the first place.
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?
When I couldn’t find the specific pieces of jewelry I was looking for, I decided to make them myself! I lauched my Etsy shop the summer or 2022 when a post displaying my Crescent Crystal Layered Necklace design garnered interest in a Facebook group. My goal is to supply every-fae with their fairy-grunge jewelry fix. I recently launched vintage button jewelry made with 100% second-hand buttons. They are completely unique, one-of-a-kind designs, and I love how they turned out!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first skill I had to acquire was the confidence to share my art and launch my business without worrying what other people may think about it. Second, going hand-in-hand, I had to learn how to both accept and offer rejection. As a small business, you’re constantly being presented with opportunities. You have to become comfortable having vendor event applications rejected, and saying no to people asking for free things (trust me-that will happen a lot!) Lastly, I had to learn to constantly adapt. From seasonal designs, to changes in the market, there’ll always be something to keep you on your toes! Its important to always be open to learning new skills, and not to tie yourself down to one product or design.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Though he’s a far cry from a jewelry expert himself, my boyfriend of 7 years has been my biggest motivator and rock throughout this journey. Whenever I’m doubting a design, I go to him. While most of my friends / family would be hesitant to critique, he’s always completely honest. If it’s a little too much, he’ll tell me. If its perfect, he’ll say so! He’s constantly pushing me to be proud of my work, and not to undervalue it. He’s the reason I had the confidence to raise my prices to what they are today. I only do jewelry as a hobby right now, but if I ever got to pursue it full time, I know it’d be thanks to his support. I wish every other artist / small business owner a support system as amazing as mine!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faeriesfix?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faeriesfix
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FaeriesFix
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
