Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Howard.
Hi Sierra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I started creating my brand in 2019 after reading a motivational book about self-improvement and financial success. I was working at Starbucks at the time and I was struggling financially while also being a college student. I started getting into making jewelry and made it a therapeutic hobby after long shifts that consisted of moving a lot on my feet and handling rushes. Around this time, I was experiencing a spiritual awakening and met other spirituals online who also made jewelry and expressed their love for spirituality.
I met a jewelry designer named Liv on Instagram who helped me create my brand as known today as @SierrasCollections. She guided me on ways to sell, which products to use to make the jewelry, how to make business cards, etc. Shortly after, I started selling my jewelry at my job which then led to the beginning of my brand. I officially opened my store on July 24th, 2020, and have been expanding/ growing my brand ever since!
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?
In the beginning, selling was very smooth. Coincidentally, I opened my brand at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak which led a lot of people to shop from home. I gained a lot of traction online and made enough sales to help my family on the side as well as pay for school with more ease.
I was able to buy more inventory for myself more frequently as well. The struggle I’ve experienced throughout this journey so far is the sudden decline in sales due to inflation. It has been a little challenging but I’ve gained more loyal customers over the years who are repeat buyers of my brand.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a jewelry designer! I create jewelry using pliers, gold-filled metals, and crystals from home. I’m currently saving enough revenue from my brand to open a studio to create permanent jewelry as well as open a physical shop of my own. I’m known for my spiritually inspired jewelry that consists of crystals, symbolism, zodiac pieces, religious pieces, and cultural pieces.
My brand is made for women who desire to connect with their divine feminine energy so I make a lot of angelic, goddess core pieces. I’m also in the process of creating crystal candles as well. I’m proud of my overall growth because I started unsure of my niche and how I wanted to sell my jewelry and I felt that over time I found the perfect niche that is true to me and my loyal consumers.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned a lot during Covid-19. I was exploring social media apps like TikTok and the lockdown showed me that a lot of people were just as eager to create, engage and start their brand as much as I did.
I learned that having your brand is the key to financial independence and mental clarity. There is a lot to learn and operate on your own as a small business owner but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I’m grateful for how much I’m able to create for my brand and the rewards I get for it as well as positive testimonials and compliments of my pieces.
Contact Info:
- Website: SierrasCollections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierrascollectionsshop/
Image Credits
@jonesthestudio and @miriamthegoddess
