Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Perry.
Hi Audrey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started working in jewelry stores at 16 years old, surrounded by professionals who taught me their skills. I traveled across Texas and other states appraising peoples jewelry and collections for insurance purposes. Years later I found myself with a large personal collection and started selling to friends. I started my business back in 2017 as a side job and by the year 2021 it became my full-time job. Buying, selling and repairing people’s fine jewelry. I started doing pop-up markets all over DFW, meeting people and growing my business and getting close with my community. Next thing I know I’m organizing the longest running flea markets in Dallas! The Double Wide Flea. I love collecting and curating unique and vintage pieces and seeing peoples reactions when they find a piece of jewelry that is special to them. I also very much enjoy being so involved in the city of Dallas. I’ve made countless friends who are fellow small-business owners, and I get to work with them on a regular basis. Seeing them grow and succeed brings me great joy. To do what you love and love what you do is such a blessing. I strive to set an example for my son, and to show him that you can do anything you dream of and that hard work pays off.
I hope to grow this more and more every year. It’s been a dream come true!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been hard in ways that I can say that I did expect, and easy in ways that I didn’t. Running a small business has its benefits but also many struggles. From staying organized, keeping up with the social media world, running your own books, being engaged with customers and keeping realistic goals and expectations. And always remembering to make time and not to overwhelm myself. I think the most challenging thing is the pressure to staying active online and keeping up with the trends and such. It might also be the financial consistency factor, you just never know what to expect some months.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in curating vintage sterling silver jewelry. I collect jewelry from every era. I am known for having a really great selection of rings, which are my best seller. And having a good range of sizes. I also do what I call “ conversion pieces “, where I take a single clip on earring that I’ve found, or a brooch or cool odd-ball item and turn it into a ring. I really love having a level of creativity within jewelry. Something else I really enjoy is repairing jewelry. I can size rings, solder chains, replace stones and even help someone with a custom or heirloom piece of jewelry.
I’ve personally never seen or met anyone with a collection like mine. I think my upbringing, connections and experience in the jewelry world is what makes me stand out. I source from so many different people and places that my inventory really speaks and resonates with almost everyone that I meet. And that to me is super special.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Absolutely. Starting a small business in its self is a huge risk. So right off the bat, you’re taking a risk. And many more will follow. But that’s the beauty of it. You just don’t know until you try it.
I know what people like, as I know what sells. But I do like to shake things up and do something different. Whether that is trying a new event for the first time, sourcing items that I know would take a certain kind of person to notice, or even investing time or money in things I am skeptical about. I believe in slim-chances and divine timing. So yes, lots and lots of risk, but with that comes big rewards.
Pricing:
- I like to keep about 75% of my collection between $20-100
- But the other 25% will definitely be some more expensive pieces that are going to be super unique, designer or over 100 years old!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thetreasurepeddler_
