Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Howard.
Hi Cortney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, my name is Cortney Howard and I started HBB in 2019 with my daughter making gemstone bracelets. I continued to learn and grow as a maker turning my dream into a reality with everything I have today.
Affordable, high-quality jewelry was important to me. I love the supportive women who continue to purchase from me because they know that my items are allergy-tested and long-lasting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel like when something is meant to be, it’s easy and you always have clarity. I can honestly say that I don’t feel like I have hit any bumps in the road in this process. Every step has felt right and I look for signs and inspirations that have led me to where I am today.
I started selling on Etsy, and when my sales didn’t seem to be growing because of the oversaturation, I was inspired to apply to my local Farmers Market in Statesboro. Meeting people and other vendors opened the doors for me to apply at large outdoor markets. I continue to listen to what my customers want and trends. So, I have been working to get an online presence as well as becoming a vendor in multiple boutiques and other stores.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create handmade, polymer clay earrings, using high-quality 18-karat gold plated findings. A big one that sets me apart from other makers in my field is that I use high-quality findings and my pieces do not look handmade. I try to make my clay look as seamless and clean as possible. Another thing that sets me apart is that I have a ton of different color and style options.
Rarely do I have two styles that are the same. When someone comes up to my booth, I might have over 600 different styles of earrings to choose from. I love engaging with my customers too. I love talking about my products and jewelry in general. It is so much better than only selling online when I get to see people out in public.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
What matters to me the most in life is to be kind. Whether that’s in a professional setting or day-to-day. Any stranger that I meet. I love smiling at people and I love making people happy. I always enjoy seeing the good in the world.
I think life is so beautiful. I think kindness is so important because you never know what somebody else is going through. I never know if somebody’s having a bad day, and when you show that person, genuine care and courtesy, it can help them in ways that you don’t even know.
Pricing:
- All clay earrings are under $20
- 24/7 wear 14k gold-filled jewelry is all under $50
- Purchasing is available on my website and Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://howardbeadboutique.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howardbeadboutique
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/howardbeadboutique
