Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Banta.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gracie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been a fan of arts and crafts. One night in 2014, I was hanging out with a friend and we decided to do some crafty stuff (as typical 13 years old do), so we cranked out the beads to make some bracelets. It was in this moment that I rediscovered my love for crafts, and more specifically, making jewelry. I started to make jewelry as a hobby but only made it on a scale that would support my personal fashion desires. In 2017, I was given the incredible opportunity to go on a missions trip to Nicaragua and my parents hesitantly agreed to let me go under one condition: I had to raise the entire $2000 on my own. I decided to upscale my hobby & turn it into a business and raise the money that way.
In 2018, I decided to make a shop on Etsy and my business was known by the name of “Jewelry By Gracie.” One night in September of 2019 I had an epiphany and I decided that the name “Jewelry By Gracie” no longer fit my business and I was overcome by a strong desire to re-brand and create something that reflects both my story, my business, and all that I have seen God do through this. After lots of time and planning, I finally went through with the re-branding. Simply Sufficient Designs is rooted in the desire for my jewelry to be a simple reminder of God’s sufficient Grace and Love. I want my creations to reflect the creator of the universe. With the re-branding, I also pivoted in my product. I went from selling beaded necklaces to clay earrings. I absolutely love being able to create art that people can wear.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Running a business is hard — especially as an 18 years old. I feel like the biggest struggle of any business owner is comparing someone else’s journey to your own. There are no two business that are alike & that can sometimes be a hard thing to realize. There have been many days where I felt like I was doing everything I was supposed to, yet no one was buying things. It was extremely discouraging but I took those small failures and turned them into lessons and I kept persevering. There will always be bumps in the road but having the mindset to shake it off keep moving forward is what will make a business thrive.
Simply Sufficient Designs – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I make earrings from polymer clay and they are extremely lightweight and completely handmade. It takes me about 6-8 hours to make just ten pairs of earrings but the end result is so satisfying. It’s taken me a while to find my niche in the jewelry-making industry but I have completely fallen in love with this medium, I love that the possibilities for what I can create are practically endless. The thing I’m most proud in my business is finding something that is true to me and doing it because I love it rather than doing it because it’s trendy. My craft is heavily inspired by modern art and shapes. I am set apart from other makers because each of my designs are unique to me.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
In my opinion, success is not defined by numbers. Success is a mindset. When you are truly confident and satisfied in your work, you will be successful. Success to me specifically looks like pursing my business while simultaneous pursuing a college education — and seeking excellence in both. It also means having the freedom to hang out with my friends or work pool-side on a summer day.
Pricing:
- Earrings — $16-$25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simplysufficientdesigns.com
- Email: hello@simplysufficientdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/simplysufficient_?igshid=1xz6bdwt63pzz
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