Today we’d like to introduce you to Dimashly Fabiana.
Hi Dimashly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a Latina, woman-owned business and I currently operate my business in a little cozy corner at home.
Now, the same as many other businesses, Covid-19 gave me the push I needed. I’ve worked at my current job for about five years now, and it’s one of those jobs that mentally drains you. I’m sure a lot of us understand that part. I remember waking up one Sunday saying I need to do more for myself. I cannot keep working for someone else and by their own rules. I wanted to build something that I could call mine. So, that’s where the brainstorming began. I asked my family to help brainstorm name ideas and that’s where Jewel’d & Co was created.
I started this business reselling jewelry until I found my love for polymer clay! I’ve always thought of myself as a creative person and I was feeling guilty that reselling things wasn’t where my heart was truly at. I needed a creative outlet. Thanks to TikTok, I was able to learn how to work this medium, being polymer clay, and began to practice making earrings for myself.
I absolutely LOVED it and the people around me had never heard of these handmade earrings! I started showing the behind the scenes processes, the ideas I had, I included my followers in polls into what they liked what didn’t they like, and from there it just started growing.
I must say though, I’m not exactly where I want to be just yet, but I am working hard everyday to grow my business. I’ve gotten more compliments than anything and that’s what keeps me motivated. One day, I’ll be able to leave my full-time job for my own business and it’s all because not only did I believe in myself, but those around me gave me the push I also needed.
I thank God for all the opportunities I’ve had and how I’ve grown. I’ve met so many new people and connected with other makers and I only wish that all of us can flourish the ways we desire. It’s never about competition but about being a community. The more I grow in this business helps me to understand that my desire to be able to help others is coming true. Slowly but surely, my dream gets closer just cause I decided to make a change for myself.
Starting was definitely scary, especially putting something handmade into an internet filled with critics, but I did it. Since day one the support has been amazing. I can only imagine how it will go from here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Support-wise, I feel as if the road has been smooth. I have such a great support system and those who purchase earrings from me are the loveliest people!
I think my only worst critic is myself. Comparison is the thief of joy, but I always remind myself that everyone’s story is different. Success comes differently.
Doing internet marketing is something you have to be brave for, but it’s the only way you’ll be able to market your business in today’s time. Me, an introvert, has been challenged in so many different ways because of this. Instagram is filled with viral reels, and then there is TikTok with the videos. In order to grow, you have to connect with your following and I love seeing others do it, but when I flip the camera, I can’t help but get shy.
There have been a few instances where I suck it up and do my thing and the positivity flows in and that’s where I think to myself after “What in the world was I afraid of?!” But for the shy ones, we know that comes in waves.
Being in the business world challenges me to stay out of the box. Everyday I learn something new, and I learn to grow as a person. As I’ve stated before slowly and surely wins the race. With constant work within myself, I’ll continue to learn the ways of internet marketing. A fear I’ll continue to conquer.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a polymer clay artist. I specialize in making handmade earrings. I make your outfits come together!
Something I always say is your outfit isn’t complete without accessories and what better way to top it off than by wearing some handmade earrings.
In such a big community, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or like maybe you’re not standing out enough. But the reality is, there’s no you in the market.
Only I can create what I do and those who love it will choose it over and over again. I put the sweat and sometimes even tears into my work and then it flourishes like I never would imagine.
I’m happy to have this creative outlet where I can not only make myself feel beautiful but others as well.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned during this time is that life is too short.
We live thinking we have all this time in the world, which maybe in some way we do, but we don’t.
If you’re dreaming of something, go for it. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you because we’re not all promised tomorrow.
Don’t be so hard on yourself in not having enough to start, we all start somewhere. That somewhere might feel super tiny and cramped and first but in time, it’ll grow. Those growing pains aren’t for nothing!
Contact Info:
- Email: jeweldandco@gmail.com
- Website: jeweldandco.com
- Instagram: @jeweldandco
- Facebook: facebook.com/jeweldandco
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeweldandco?lang=en
