Joy Dravecky
Joy Dravecky
Owner / Designer of Joy Dravecky Jewelry
Turlock, California
facebook.com/joydraveckyjewelry
instagram.com/joydraveckyjewelry
pinterest.com/joydravecky
What do you do?
“A little bit of everything. From buying supplies, designing, to making phone calls. I started making jewelry five years ago, and now I’ve really honed the line. We’re in two dozen boutiques now.”
Of all your tasks as an owner, what is your favorite to do?
Design, finding inspiration, or finding items that lead to ideas. Since my jewelry is handmade, each piece is unique. This means I'm always looking for inspiration and new items to work with.
Give us an example of how you do your job like a BOSS.
I'm always looking for opportunities to be better. I'm not just punching in and punching out. Sometimes at midnight I'm doing a newsletter. Sometimes I'll dream a new design! My business is constantly on my mind. I'm always thinking: What's my next step? What's my next plan?
What steps did you take to grow your jewelry line?
I started making jewelry as a creative outlet while my newborn was napping. I had a tiny bit of extra money and used that for supplies. I started small, posting on Facebook, calling local boutiques, and holding open houses with friends. I opened my Etsy in 2010, and I learned how to be a company from Etsy.
In 2014, my earrings were on the cover a book, Meals Made Simple by Danielle Walker. As we were planning her launch of her book, Danielle suggested I start an Instagram account. It was so cool to see my name in a book, especially since I used to do some writing. The book cover really pushed the line. I went from making $20,000 in 2012 to $200,000 in 2014.
Is there anything frustrating you about your business right now?
Wearing all the hats. There are so many things I'm responsible for. My attention is divided in so many ways. I feel like I'm always chipping away a little bit of everything each day.
What task keeps landing at the bottom of the To Do list?
Definitely creating my own show on my web site. Right now the shop still goes to Etsy. I want to build a new site and create a more professional store. I know it's going to take lots of man hours.
If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Follow up, tie up lose ends, file things away, and keep ahead of the game. Basically I'd want to hire someone who is an organizational wizard.
What are all the tools (digital or physical) you use on a regular basis?
Gmail, Instagram, Facebook, Etsy, Dropbox, Quickbooks
Do you sit in the same spot every day, or do you move around the house?
I want to get to the outside table! I need to use that more.
If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Manufacturing and production. I have one production person right now, but I'm curious about what the costs are. If you want 200 pieces of something - what does that look like? Where do you start?
Do you have any mentors or peers that you can ask for advice?
I end up meeting so many different people at trade shows. I met Naomi from Restrung. She's from New Orleans and makes jewelry from old guitar strings. She has a whole team. And visiting Los Angeles. There are so many people creating everywhere.
What types of projects or collaborations are you currently looking for?
I just hired a rep which I'm super excited about. They're on the road already, so they can help me out. My next goal is to grow retail. I'm looking for bloggers / stylists to wear my jewelry and get exposure on it.
What are your deal breakers when working with someone?
Not caring, laziness, being late. I've invested everything in my business. I need you to care. I need you to be there.
Do you allow yourself to say No?
Because my jewelry is handmade, people think it's easy to do custom requests. I've had to become a "No" person. I'd end up buying a lot of supplies for something that I don't normally make, and won't make again. In the beginning, you don't have the luxury of saying no. I've learned how to say No.
How should someone approach you about collaborating?
E-mail me, and include as much information as possible.
This member profile was originally published on June 2015.