New Feature Friday!
Featuring Dragon Dreads
Hello there beauties and happy Friday to you all! Hope you've all had a pleasant week; I do apologize for no Feature Friday last week, due to reasons I could not help I unfortunately couldn't get the post up, but..Here it is!
This week's Feature is all about a inspiring business which is Dragon Dreads, an on-line store where you can purchase the most wonderful jewellery to even corsets with that kitsch and rockabilly edge to them. This was a business I simply stumbled upon by complete luck, what really drew me in was their perfectly categorised ranges which directs you easily to their products.
Their prices are ever so affordable too! Perfect for gifts as there is something unique about their items than you'd get from any retail store.
I was so pleased to have an interview with Sally who owns Dragon Dreads to hear more about her business career in this independent industry!
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Interview with Sally l Owner/Creator of Dragon Dreads
1) What has been your key inspiration to your current career?
I think books have been my biggest inspiration, in my current career and my life in general. I am an avid reader and I think it is my love of reading which has unlocked my creative potential. Books teach you anything is possible, you just have to start the adventure, there may be some pitfalls and distractions on the way, but if you keep at it you'll succeed. I think this sums up running your own business perfectly. It's a struggle but the journey is what makes it worthwhile. I am a qualified librarian and I have brought my passion for literature into my jewellery business by creating our very popular 'novel necklaces' range. I try to choose cult books, stories which has got people talking, or create fond memories of childhood bed times.
2) What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The freedom to let my imagination run wild. I love the process of designing a new range or creating a new piece. I quite enjoy locking myself away in the studio and just getting carried away in the whole process. I love seeing people wearing and enjoying my jewellery.
3) To date, what has been your 'proudest' moment?
Opening my own shop in Croydon was something I’ll always be proud of. I think I'm proudest of the fact that since selling my jewellery to other companies and fashion boutiques, my jewellery is now available in shops worldwide.
4) Where do you see yourself in the future?
I’d like to continue expanding my ranges, I’d love to get my jewellery stocked in the USA. I think I’d like to see the Dragon Dreads brand get bigger and bigger.
5) What tips/advice would you give to someone who wants to go down the same career path as yourself?
Don’t be scared or put off, just do it. Everyone makes a big deal of you need a business plan and money etc. to start a business. Honestly if you want to sell your handmade jewellery, make a small enough amount to fill a stall, and get down to your local market. I started off in Camden market. I used the money I made from my regular job and started buying in basic beading supplies and made the odd necklaces and earrings I liked. I turned up one Saturday at the Electric Ballroom in Camden with what I’d made and set up shop. A stall only costs £30, they supply the table and chairs. All you need is a table cloth and some stock and you’ll be making money before you know it. Then get an idea of what is popular, what sells well, build a customer base. The best advice I can give is don’t be afraid to take risks, never regret the ‘what if’s’ in life.
6) Which would you say is your favourite item off your website at the moment?
That’s such a hard question. I love them all! I think it would have to be one of the vintage Disney necklaces from the new ‘One little Spark’ range. Probably the Little Mermaid one as that was my favourite film as a child and I love the Art Novo style of the poster used in the cameo.
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Feel free to check out Dragon Dreads store and their social links here -
Shop - http://dragondreads.com/
Twitter - @dragondreads
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Dragondreads
Tumblr - http://dragondreads.tumblr.com/
that harry potter charm bracelet is AWESOME.
ReplyDeletestunning blog!
ReplyDeletewould you like to follow each other?
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