Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Wheeler.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Starting a young age, I became very passionate about fashion and accessories. As a child, my mother would always take me to the mall to shop. We would spend hours upon hours at the mall.
The first thing I would reach for was anything with sparkles! I love the flashy style. So it came as no surprise that jewels and pearls would become a part of my everyday life. I could not afford the beautiful and expensive handmade necklaces sold in my college town.
I started making my own jewelry my junior year of college as a way of saving money. I would wear my designs to class and other events on campus. In no time I started receiving compliments from my friends and classmates.
It was during that time I realized I could make this little money-saving hobby into a business. After a lot of procrastination and two years later, I finally jump started my business through e-commerce.
I officially opened my website at the end of March 2018. Since then I have made over 200 sales and sold as far as Sweden.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A continuous challenge I face is expanding my business into local shops. I have had very little opportunity to expand into boutiques. Being able to be in the storefront would help me tremendously.
Even though I am able to attract my target market through social media, there is just something more meaningful about being able to have my jewelry sold through a boutique. Customers are able to try things on and really see the quality in the products; that is just something that pictures cannot do justice for.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with FashionMEsta Jewelry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business is named FashionMEsta Jewelry. I came up with the name when I started thinking about what words best represent my style, my personality, and my company. The word fashionista came to mind.
I have always been one to experiment with fashion. You could say I have my own unique style. I believe everyone has their own fashion sense. That is what my company represents; everyone’s own unique style.
Emphasis on the “me.” This is how I came up with the name fashionMEsta. Every fashionista has her own sense of style, that moment when you are out shopping and say that’s so me.
What is FashionMEsta Jewelry?
Fashionmesta Jewelry is a company that sells handmade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. We are known for having trendy jewelry that fits everyone’s budget and style. Hence our brand slogan: “Affordable and adorable jewelry all under $18.”
What sets my business apart from others?
I am most proud of keeping the cost affordable. Maintaining a low cost helps set my business apart from others. I have affordable prices. I think companies fail to research some of their demographics. My target market has a low income. I mostly target high school and college students.
I am a recent graduate myself, so I understand the money struggle. I would never want to feel like I was ripping people off for the amount of money they pay for my products. I will continue to keep prices affordable and the jewelry adorable!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to expand into more small local businesses. I also plan to be a part of more local festivals where I can showcase my jewelry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FashionMEsta
- Email: fashionmestajewelry@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionmesta_jewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashionmestajewelry
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
