We recently connected with Kelly Bennett and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Full disclosure, I don’t think I have completely overcome it. That being said, I feel like a little bit of imposter syndrome is good for me, it keeps me on my toes and driven to continue moving forward.
I buy and sell vintage and antique jewelry which isn’t a new idea. However, you have to keep in mind that while there are always going to be people that are in the same industry, you are all still unique in your own way. Find something that sets you apart, that speaks to your brand and your customers.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hello all!
My name is Kelly Bennett and I recently started a new business – Bronzeville Estate Jewelry.
I buy and sell vintage and antique jewelry from individuals, estate sales, and antique shops, and then resell those items on my website. Sometimes I leave them as-is, sometimes I ‘ll convert them into a more wearable piece of jewelry but I try to keep them as close to their original form as possible.
I started this business because I am obsessed with jewelry from the past and I want to preserve the history and craftsmanship of these gorgeous pieces. I have 25+ years of experience in the jewelry industry ranging from; fabrication, to retail sales, to education, and now to this. In those years I have seen so many beautiful pieces get melted or destroyed because they were a little worn or weren’t the current trend. I hate to see that happen so I’m on a mission to save the history and craftsmanship from previous eras, one piece at a time.
I feel like the stars have finally aligned (took long enough), as I got a degree in merchandising in 2008, then my Gemology certificate in 2016 and have been making jewelry for as long as I can remember. So, I took a leap and decided to join my education and work history and put it toward branching out on my own.
I am hoping to ramp up things quickly and start making home visits to purchase items (including gold) from individuals that have pieces they no longer wear and would like to make some money!
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?
Tenacity Passion
Education
I would have loved to start this journey sooner, but all the parts just weren’t there yet. When I was ready, I just knew it in my bones. Jewelry has been a lifelong passion for me, so there really wasn’t any other choice, I just kept at it until I was finally able to start my own business.
If you have a passion about something, don’t push it aside. Keep at it, even if you have a full time job and your passion is just a hobby. Practice and learn everything you can and don’t give up. And don’t worry if it isn’t going in the exact direction you want, eventually it will.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bronzevilleestatejewelry.com
- Instagram: bronzeville_estate_jewelry
- Facebook: Bronzeville Estate Jewelry
Image Credits
Kelly Bennett/Omar Garcia
