I met Raquel at Divapreneur and she has been an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. She’s been very supportive and I’m a great admirer of her exquisite jewelry. I often address her as “Diva Elegance!” because everything about her product is elegant and professional. In fact, the idea for Fearless Friday was inspired by Raquel’s Jewelry Tuesday blogs, where she interviews other jewelry designers. Fearless Friday will highlight fearless Divas in many different areas of business. The focus is on how they built their businesses and what keeps them going. Of course, I will also expose you to the quality products and services each of them offer! So now, I give you Raquel Roysdon of House of Raquel.
Who or what inspired you to begin creating jewelry?
Joan Rivers inspired me. I was watching QVC and fell in love with her jewelry line. I found a bead store in the neighborhood. I was hooked crystal, wire and gemstones.
Do you have other hobbies?
I used to sew with a passion, I love to paint (in the summer).
How long have you been creating?
Since 2002.
What inspired you to turn your talent into a business?
My boss wanted to buy my earrings. How did you start? She gave me my first show at her house the Christmas season, I sold $1800.00 in earrings. I was in business.
What challenges did you face?
#1 challenge, getting my designs up on my website. I take the pictures and have to find time to get the photos cleaned up enough for my website.
Who do you use for a support network?
My husband, son, and sister.
Do you have a website?
Do you blog?
http://houseofraquel.blogspot.com
What advertising methods do you use?
My customers! My website, My blog, Other website, My Chic Things, Blog Linking, Newsletters What has worked best? Repeat customers
I noticed that you’ve changed the name of your business. Were there challenges associated with that?
Awh yes Hija4 Designs since 2002 was the name of my business. My youngest son had told me for a few years to change my name. I wouldn’t listen. I joined Divapreneur and a very smart women suggested to me that people couldn’t pronounce it or understood it. I had begun selling from my website all throughout the country. My selling target was no longer friends of friends and family.
What do you do to make time for creating your jewelry in the midst of a busy life?
I don’t do housework, hahahah. I don’t cook. I get home from working at a 9 to 5 office job, eat dinner and go to my design table. Turn on music, or the tv and I am either designing, taking photos, on my website, blog. My laptop is very near me.
What advice do you have for other designers or women going into business?
First of all I will say do something that you love. Being in business for yourself you tend to spend many hours doing it. I find that I have the energy because I love what I’m doing.
Second, not everyone is going to want to buy what you are selling. Do not take it personal. Find your niche and build upon it.
Lastly, join Divapreneur and network network network!
Dream Big – The Courage To Follow Your Dreams And Laugh At Your Nightmares
You Deserve A Bite! Big Crumbs – Save AND Earn And Help Others Do The Same
Thank you Parthena – I am honored to be your first. I hope that you have continued success with your jewelry business also.
And I’m honored to have met you! You’re a wonderful role model and your jewelry is such pretty eye candy!
Yes I agree, it is about time Ms Raquel had her turn…Great!
Thank you Parthena for brining her to this forum.
Isn’t it amazing and what our inner being can achieve?
I wish the both of you, my friends…the world of
success and happiness!
This is so fun!! It is like an inside peak on how it all started. What a great idea.