Miss Independent-Nautical Wheeler

You may remember Jen from her Nautical Wheeler Giveaway. 

Today Jen is also my Miss Independent!

I met Jen through her blog Oh Sunnie Day and I instantly fell in love with her cute jewelry. Jen features her jewlery on Etsy as well as her personal Shop. Her jewelry definitely has a summery feel and would be perfect for pairing with your next beach outing.

While I love Jen's creative friendship bracelets, she also offers hand-made jewelry! 

Here are a few things I would pick from her Nautical Wheeler Shop:

1. What made you decide to start your own business?

I've been making my own jewelry and doing custom pieces for friends for years.  One day a friend introduced me to Etsy. I loved the way the shops were set up, I just knew I had to have my own.  I decided to share my jewelry because I'd love for everyone to have at least one piece homemade by me.

2. What was your biggest risk or fear about starting a business?

I thought about starting my jewelry business for a whole year before I actually did it.  I was scared to put my designs online for everyone to see.  I started by putting a single design in my Etsy shop.  It sold right away.   From that moment on, any fear I had was gone.  

3. How did you know what you wanted to do?

I've always been passionate about jewelry.  When I was 12 I use to sell friendship bracelets by going door-to-door around my neighborhood.  I was a pretty focused little kid.  Something I don't think I've ever lost.  When I thought about starting a business, the jewelry line felt natural. 

4. What support system do you have for your business to help you stay motivated?

I have an uncle who's a gemologist and an aunt who's a goldsmith.  Having family in the industry definitely helps! Whenever I need advice, I turn towards my family.

5. What is your biggest challenge about running your own business?

Finding time to get everything done has been hard for me.  The busier my business gets, the more I get pulled in different directions. Balancing everything so that I have time for myself and a social life is tough.  I've accepted the fact that it's okay if I don't get everything done in one day.  Now I try to do a little bit each day in order to finish a new design or shop for new materials.

6. What is the best advice you have for someone wanting to start a business?

If you're thinking of starting your own business, you just need to do it.  The scariest part is the start.  Everything else after seems easy.

I love that advice. Just DO IT! And if you aren't already, be sure to like Nautical Wheeler on Facebook. 

Which piece would you choose from her collection?