Today we’d like to introduce you to Ckai Cameron.
Hi Ckai, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my jewelry business two summers ago after visiting Juno Beach in Jupiter, I found a ton of beautiful shells and it inspired me to get crafty and see what I could make with them. I’ve always loved shelling & it gave me a good excuse to go as often as possible. It took longer than I’d like to admit to articulate the perfect pieces of jewelry because at the time I had just graduated from Esthetician school and was focused on getting my facial business up and going.
Eventually I came across a TikTok of this lady making ornaments out of oyster shells and that became my next fixation, I started collecting oysters and making trinket dishes, ornaments, picture frames, etc. I started finding all these tiny oysters and thought they were so cute but had no clue what I could use them for until one day it just clicked and I thought to myself, how perfect would this be as jewelry!? A lot of my friends and family loved my stuff and I started making custom orders for them, that encouraged me to start selling my products online through Shopify! I looked into pop up markets near me and did my first event last summer at Red dog surf shop in NSB, I had so much fun and it felt so good to meet people and sell in person as well. I attend the Artisan Alley Farmers Market, downtown DeLand and set up a booth about twice a month. It’s crazy that one day I just randomly said I wanted to start making jewelry and then it turned into a successful business that has changed my life!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wasn’t able to put as much time and effort into my jewelry when I first started because I was very busy with starting my facial business and building up a clientele and learning about skin care. I wasn’t able to find a balance for a long time. So I really just did the jewelry and oyster trinkets for fun as a hobby whenever I had a free moment. But I always knew I wanted it to become something more
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud of my oyster shell jewelry and creations. It feels so good to take something that is usually just discarded/ thrown away and giving it a second life. I love being able to upcycle the shells.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I feel like the biggest risk in starting this business would be all the time I put into it. We all know the saying “time is money” and I would just always think I hope I’m making the right choice spending all my time and effort on this jewelry.
Pricing:
- Necklaces $28-50
- Ornaments $12-20
- Ring dishes $12-20
- Earrings $20
- Bracelets $20-30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saltbabejewelry.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: salt.babe.jewelry
- Other: Tik Tok- salt babe creations
