Self-employment
Husband-and-wife team decide to jump into self-employmentSmall business a real gemWhat could be better than working alongside your loved one every day? ROGER PIERCE -- www.bizlaunch.ca |
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 [ 2007-07-11 ] |
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Lori Cranson's passion for jewelry design led her to start a full-time business called Dalo Jewels.
"My husband and I make a good business team because our skills are so complementary," says entrepreneur Lori Cranson.
Lori and her husband Steve own Dalo Jewels (www.dalojewels.com). Dalo Jewels sells one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gemstone jewelry.
Serving professional women between the ages of 25 and 65, the company uses textile techniques in metal, precious metal clay and traditional cold joining techniques to create fabulous pieces.
CUSTOM WORK
"We also do custom work for brides and their wedding parties," Lorie says. "It's nice to have a special piece of jewelry for a special day."
Dalo sells its pieces at craft shows -- including the popular One of a Kind Show and Huronia Festival of the Arts -- at home parties, galleries, charity events and through its website.
Like the story of so many entrepreneurs, Lori originally created jewelry for herself and some friends. Eventually, other people started to ask where she got her beautiful pieces.
"I enjoyed making jewelry so much, I thought I might was well start a proper business to sell my designs," she says.
TIMING
The timing was right for both husband and wife to start up their company four years ago. "I was actually teaching others about entrepreneurship, and Steve found himself out of work, so we decided it was a good time to launch our business together," Lori says.
Steve brings a strong background in web design and administration to the business, so Lori can focus on production and sales.
Despite the long, 18-hour days, Lorie says running her own business is a labour of love. "We really enjoy making our own decisions and working the way we want, side by side."
Lorie has learned to be patient with her growing business. "It simply takes time to build a reputation in the marketplace and to generate a profit," she says. "To do both, you've got to stay the course and keep focused while you continually build your business."
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