Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Perez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was a kid, my mom and I loved spending our free time doing arts and crafts together. One of our favorite materials to work with was string the kind used to make friendship bracelets. She taught me how to braid and create all kinds of fun designs, and over time, my interest in making jewelry only grew stronger. One summer, I decided to buy a small kit of nylon string and taught myself how to make square knot bracelets. I had so much fun with it that I kept making more and started sharing them with my friends. As people began showing interest and asking to buy them, I turned my hobby into a small business during my senior year of high school.
My small business helped me cover the costs of getting my dental assistant license and supported me in participating in different school activities. By the time I graduated, I had saved enough to purchase all of my college dorm essentials. During my first year at the University of Texas at Arlington, I felt a little shy about promoting my business, so I deactivated my Instagram account. But one day, someone asked about my bracelets and wanted to follow my business page which gave me the push I needed to start sharing my work again. I decided to participate in the university’s first MavMarket, which was also my first ever vendor event. I ended up selling out of all my bracelets and made enough profit to invest in better materials and improve the quality of my products.
Now, I’m continuing to grow my small business and working on creating even more unique pieces.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth journey for my small business. During my second year, I felt discouraged due to a lack of sales and even considered giving up that I ended up deleting my Instagram account. But after some time, I decided to give it another chance and reopened the account. I also took a leap and created a Depop profile to reach more customers, even though it came with its own risks.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I own a small business called Vineyard Bracelets, where I sell handmade bracelets through Instagram, TikTok, and Depop. My main focus is on charm square knot bracelets, which are unique and crafted with care.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come with my small business from getting high engagement on TikTok to completely selling out at in-person markets. Seeing people connect with my work and support what I do has been incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is the niche style of my bracelets. Square knot charm bracelets aren’t something everyone can easily make, and I take pride in the time and skill it takes to create each one. I also draw inspiration from other creators but always make sure to add my own twist to maintain originality and stay true to my business
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for those who are just starting out would be to never get discouraged. Starting a small business isn’t always easy but it’s rewarding so stay consistent and believe in yourself. There is always business for everyone so just trust the process!
Pricing:
- Charm bracelets: $9
- Beaded flower bracelets: $15
- Simple knot bracelets: $4
- Matching couple bracelets starting price: $15 for two bracelets
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vineyard.bracelets?igsh=dXlocGYxNWxiYm9u&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vineyardbracelets?si=evq5rdqhVddr3ea7
- Other: https://depop.com/vineyardbracelets
