Stephanie Whitlow started her jewelry business in 2014 after traveling through Southeast Asia and creating crystal and stone pendants. She initially made the pieces as gifts but received interest from people wanting to purchase them. She now sells the pendants made from materials sourced in Malaysia and Thailand through social media between $15-30. While currently just a hobby, the jewelry business has potential for growth given the substantial profit margins from low material costs and higher retail prices.

1. STONES FOR YOUR BONES Stephanie Whitlow

2. STONES FOR YOUR BONES
I started my business in 2014, after returning to the UK from a trip through
South East Asia.
During my travels I began purchasing selections of natural crystals and
stones with which I created pendants by wrapping them with silver or copper
wire.
I initially began creating the pieces as gifts for friends. As I documented my
creations via my personal Instagram and facebook accounts I received a
great deal of interest from people keen to purchase the pieces I had made or
inquiring if I was selling more. From there I decided it would be a wise
investment to purchase a bulk amount of stock to work with and continue
creating while travelling, in order to sell upon my return home.
Once back in the UK some months later I began selling my jewellery in
person and via Instagram and facebook.

3. THE PENDANTS
A range of Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Turquoise pendants available.
All materials sourced in Malaysia and Thailand.
Stones come in various sizes and are priced accordingly.
Come on a complementary string necklace.
Requested for customised pieces accepted.

4. MARKETING STRATEGY
I market my products through social media: facebook, Instagram and
twitter.
By implementing hashtags I am finding I receive more ‘likes’ and
therefore footfall to my pages.
I also follow new people and add new friends daily as I find this also
increases my own following.
I offer a free pendant string with each purchase.

5. TARGET MARKET
My target market includes male and female customers, age range of
12-50. They are not too expensive so can be afforded by anyone,
with a price mark between $15 to $30 depending on the size and
type of stone or crystal. I have also made a range of boys pendants
using red coral I sourced in Thailand, so as not to make then
exclusive by sex. The pendants can also be placed on a keyring if not
worn around the neck so are unisex.
They make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas or as a present for any
special occasion.

6. FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
My income from this business is small as it is currently mainly a
hobby. However the profit margin is fairly substantial and if I were to
dedicate more time and effort into the venture I have faith it would be
a success.
Each piece costs only around $2 to make but retails for ten times
that. As it is only me involved in the business the only costs are for
stock which when sourced from Asia are extremely low. The products
value once created into a piece of jewellery increases drastically.
There us a great deal of potential for this business.