Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Hickey.
Allison, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I officially started S Dot Jewelry Designs in April of 2009 in Charleston, SC, but I’ve been making jewelry most of my life! As a child growing up in New York, I was drawn to the Hall of Gems at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. I would stand mesmerized at all of the beautiful giant gems and minerals for what felt like forever until my parents made me move along to other rooms and exhibits. As a tween (living just outside Philadelphia at that time), I mass produced beaded stretch bracelets for all of my friends. That lead to many jewelry making and welding classes in middle and high school. I minored in Sculpture in college (College of Charleston) and then moved to Atlanta in late 2009 after starting dot jewelry designs.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, man… I’ve definitely faced some struggles over the 11 years I’ve been in business! I’ve dealt with multiple retail boutiques that went out of business overnight and didn’t pay me for my jewelry they sold. I’ve dealt with some shady business people in general and I’ve learned to only work with people you trust and get everything you can in writing. I’m lucky they didn’t put me out of business, I’ve only grown stronger from those negative experiences. Now I am in a great place with my business and I love the stores and people I work with currently!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I make handmade jewelry that is crafted from 14 karats filled gold or solid sterling silver, using the finest stones, crystal, glass, and resin. I’m known for making high quality but very affordable delicate handmade jewelry. I’m proud that I very rarely hear or see any issues with my jewelry breaking, tarnishing, etc. I have the most loyal customers that have kept coming back over the years because they love my jewelry and can’t find well made fine jewelry for such good prices elsewhere.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
That’s hard to choose. I’ve had so many awesome moments I’m proud of! I honestly just love all of the people I’ve collected and kept as friends who started out as clients and fellow artists. In October 2019, I joined the Gurl 2 Girl group of Atlanta-based female business owners and that has been so powerful to do shows with them and support and uplift each other! I’m also really proud if I have a really successful jewelry show or receive a large check in the mail from one of my retail store locations.
Pricing:
- My retail prices run in the $15-85 range (bracelets up to long necklaces).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sdotjewelrydesigns.com/
- Email: sdotjewelrydesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdotjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdotjewelryfanpage/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sdotjewelry
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