We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darlene Gillett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darlene below.
Darlene , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I won’t lie, there are months that I feel like there is nothing new or exciting to do & I just feel plain uninspired. However, setting aside the time to do research on what is popular, how I can put my own spin on it or coming up designs is key. Finding new suppliers is also super helpful when it comes to creativity mojo. For me, it’s all about paying attention to which colors, metals and materials are being worn and figuring out a way to creatively make it work for my business!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I own Della Jo Designs, an earring boutique. I design & hand make all of the earrings in my shop! I sell at markets, have pop ups in local shops, and I also sell on my website, www.dellajodesigns.com.
What makes my business so exciting is when a customer finds a pair of earrings the LOVE and get so excited about it!
I love helping women find earrings that accentuate their natural God- given beauty, both inside and out!
I feel like my shop is special, because I truly try to cater to each customer to make their experience wonderful every time they shop.
I use a variety of materials to mix and match for unique styles and designs you don’t find at retail stores – and I love doing custom work!
What’s new?
This year I launched the Earring of the Month (EOM) Club! There are three different subscription options, depending on which kind of earrings you prefer (studs, dangle, mix & match).
Our next online drop is June 18 at 8pm eastern for our “Cheers to Freedom” collection!
You can find sneak peeks on our Facebook Group, Della Jo Designs VIP.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Organization – it took me awhile to realize how much I needed organization in my business. Not only for my supplies, but I needed it for my mind. And when my office and work space is organized, my mind has an easier time being creative!
Don’t be afraid to pay for services that make your life & business easier! – I found out a few months into my subscription boxes that I could pay for a program to auto charge my customers, instead of sending manual invoices each month. It has made my life so much easier and stress free!
Take care of yourself first! – if you don’t put yourself first, everything will start to suffer. You must get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, spend adequate time with family and Treat Yo Self! Otherwise, you risk burning out super quickly.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I love doing pop ups at different locations!
Besides selling at markets, I’ve done pop ups at local schools for teachers to shop, as well as businesses such as salons and a local tea nutrition shop.
Do you have empty space you’d love to fill as something extra and fun for your customers? I can do shelving displays, as well as countertops, etc.
You don’t have a business, but you’d love to host an online or in person “sip & shop” party for you and some girlfriends? I’d be happy to talk to you and schedule something!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dellajodesigns.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/dellajodesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442666173225687/?ref=share_group_link
Image Credits
Self photo- Cassia Owen Photography Earrings photos- Darlene Gillett
