We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Roser. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.
Erin, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I believe it began with something I read when I was young. My childhood was…let’s just say not storybook material. I read whenever I could as an escape. I can’t recall the exact words but it was something to the effect that there is something to look forward to in every day. Sometimes it’s the smallest of things and if you’re focused on the bad, you might miss it. That mantra got me through many tough days. I’ve remembered it for 50+ years and I’ve reminded myself every day to not go to bed without remembering the good things about the day, It’s often surprising at times, that on even what I think are the worst of days, there are a hundred little good things that happened.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the owner/designer at Beads You Need a very small, home based bead and jewelry supply business. My focus in on presenting unique, carefully curated items to my customers. I spend time researching vintage and unusual items so my customers know what they’re getting and perhaps some history of the item as well. I truly enjoy getting to know my customer base and even though my business is almost exclusively internet based, I try to meet as many customers and fellow sellers when I travel.
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?
This is a tough one. When I sold my first batch of beads 20(?) years ago, I had no idea that I had just started my own business nor did I have a plan to. I had some unused beads and found an auction site and put them up, they sold and I thought, awesome! Now I can get rid of the junk supplies I was using, make some money and reinvest in sterling and quality stone etc. I was still designing and making at the time. But I knew with my RA, my hands wouldn’t hold up forever. So firstly I would say planning ahead. What’s your back up or escape plan. Not for failure, but which way can you go if plan A isn’t going to work for you anymore. Always keep that in mind. I’d say organizational skills are equally important. Set up systems for everything to organize and make your business flow smoother. I have a huge amount of little things to keep track of in my inventory and I have systems and back up systems. I did not have this in place from the get go, and I spent a huge amount of time looking for items, backtracking, and re counting. Be frugal is my third. Again, I’ve learned from mistakes. There’s a ton of products out there to enhance, build, organize and sell your business. Before you make a purchase for your business, take time to sit back and think of how your purchase, whether it’s an ergonomic chair or a software program, is really going to work for you on a day to day basis.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The challenge I’m facing is one I have faced for 32 years. Rheumatoid Arthritis. It’s done some damage and Arthur, (my name for RA) is trying to gain on me. There is no cure, no resolution, only management. So, I manage Arthur the same way I would my business. I’m hyper organized so that if I do have a flare up or low mobility day, I don’t get too far behind. I do everything I can to stay healthy. I’m on 2 medications that suppress my immune system so I get sick easily. I avoided people long before COVID. Not necessarily business related, but it greatly affects my business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: beadsyouneed1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beadsyouneed
