This is the third in a series of interviews with women who work from home. Today's interview is with Stephanie White, the owner and creative force behind SW
Creations Jewelry. SW Creations sells original beaded jewelry creations.
I caught up with Stephanie, and she agreed to share her story. Here's her interview:
Work From Home Momma: How many years have you worked from home?
Stephanie: I began SWCreations in 1999. Initially, I began by going to local churches and other craft shows. In 2001 I launched www.SWCreations.Net and began my Internet business. In the year 2003 SWCreations really began taking off and producing a consistent income for me. The following year, I made the difficult decision to leave my very troubled marriage. I purchased my own home and continued to run my home-based business, which allowed me the luxury of always being available for my daughter whenever she needed me. It also allowed me enough flexibility to participate in her school activities and visit her for lunch.
Work From Home Momma: What made you decide to start a home business?
Stephanie: When my daughter was born I found myself a little stir crazy and so began dabbling in beads again. I knew immediately that designing jewelry was exactly what I wanted to do. Although, when I began this business it never occurred to me it would actually support me one day. This business turned out to be an amazing blessing and helped me create a healthy home atmosphere for my daughter and me.
Work From Home Momma: Why did you choose making jewelry?
Stephanie: I chose making jewelry for a couple reasons. First of all, I always had an interest in beads, even when I was a little girl. My grandmother was not surprised in the least that it became my company. Every time we would talk she reminisced about the bead creations I made when I was younger. The other reason I chose jewelry was because I found it to be very therapeutic. My desire to bead provided me with a distraction and a healthy emotional outlet when I was in a very toxic marriage. I was dealing with a great deal of physical illness that was brought on by the stress of that marriage. Designing jewelry definitely helped me cope through some of those stressful years.
Work From Home Momma: What is your biggest business challenge?
Stephanie: The biggest business challenge is adjusting to the growth of my business. As my business has grown there has been much more work to do on the business end. I have found through the years that I seem to spend less and less time actually designing jewelry and more time running the company. I hope to expand my business and hire some employees within the next two years. I have also begun to delegate certain areas of my business to people who are more experienced in some areas and can get the job done more efficiently and thoroughly.
Work From Home Momma: What is unique about your jewelry?
Stephanie: I believe one of the greatest attractions to my jewelry designs is the fact that they are all handcrafted and so many pieces are one of a kind. I have always allowed the beads to be my guide in designing jewelry and beaded gifts. I let the beads create the designs. I also enjoy creating or using one of a kind pendants or artisan lampwork beads in my pieces to help each piece be original and unique in multiple ways.
Work From Home Momma: Where do you see your jewelry business going in the next year? In the next five years?
Stephanie: Five years ago, I never thought what was once my hobby would fully support me. It also never occurred to me that my jewelry designs would be published in magazines. With that knowledge I think there is no telling where my business will be five years from now. I expect I will have employees by then to help keep up with the level of quality and customer service I try so hard to maintain today.
Work From Home Momma: Is there anything else about your business that you'd like to tell the readers of Work From Home Momma?
Stephanie: There are some very profound reasons why I am where I am today. First, believing in my talents and myself was probably one of the original key factors to not giving up in the first few years when it was not apparent this would ever be more than a hobby. My faith in my higher power has also allowed me to walk through tough times by letting go and trusting that all the experiences in my life-hardships and successes-have occurred for a greater purpose. I've learned so many lessons in my life, and this business has allowed me many opportunities to give back and share some of what I've learned.
Do you have more than two years experience in a home business? Would you like to share your story on Work From Home Momma? Contact me at Laura [at symbol] workfromhomemomma.com.
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