America's New Entrepreneur--Pyne & Smith Clothier

A Division of Gardner Bank

www.smallbusinessbank.com

 

MICROBUSINESS FACTS: In today's economy, starting a microbusiness is often a necessary and increasingly viable option because of relatively low barriers to entry. For example, a college degree is not required, most business owners who utilize start-up capital, finance their businesses with personal savings, and all ages are represented in microbusiness, with a median age of 50+ for owners.  (Association for Enterprise Opportunity--The Voice of Microbusiness).

 

Pyne & Smith Collection

 

My name is Joanna, I am a dressmaker and design and hand make all items in my studio, in a small beach town in southern California. I was taught to sew by my mother & grandmother, and adore the art of dressmaking.

 

'Pyne & Smith’ clothing is designed & made to be well crafted, beautiful & functional, with a touch of bohemia. I only use linen & cotton, linen being a woven fabric that is breathable & hangs beautifully. Both fabrics are perfect for hot or humid days. Most of my dresses are 'easy fit' meaning they allow for comfort, movement, and breathability. They are tailored to give a clean shape and style. 

 I started 'Pyne & Smith Clothiers’ in January 2015. The previous two years before that I spent working, almost daily, on perfecting a style of dress that was comfortable, beautiful and functional. After making a few I thought were nice, I noticed other people liked them too. I then realized this was something I loved doing everyday,  and would also allow me the time to still be a Mom! So I researched suppliers, equipment, ways I could sell, the time it would take me to make a dress, whether I could provide a range of sizes that would fit a lot of body types, etc.  A lot of research!

I started selling on Etsy in January 2015. I then started to do a flea/art market in Los Angeles, once a month. After seeing that the dresses were selling, I went ahead and opened my website, www.pyneandsmith.com and I’m really starting to see each of these avenues work out. Etsy is a wonderful place to start out if you take the time to follow their guidelines to sell successfully, such as using key words, tagging your photos, and maintaining your shop. Attending a craft/flea market is also good to have a place that customers can see your physical work.

From these outlets, I was approached by a store owner in New York to carry my dresses, so they are now in New York!

 

If you are starting out with a new business, I recommend trying various social media platforms out, and seeing which one works best for you. I use Instagram a lot, (@pyneandsmithclothiers) and find it to be a great source to direct potential customers to my website or Etsy shop, but I also have a Pinterest account (www.pinterest.com/pyneandsmith) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pyneandsmith).

Typically you will find one platform you mesh well with and it tends to grow organically from there, as long as you are consistent! Above all, be persistent!

 

At www.smallbusinessbank.com, we're thrilled to feature businesses like Pyne & Smith Clothiers as our bank customer! Visit her site at www.pyneandsmith.com.

Learn how YOUR business can be featured on our blog and promoted for FREE via our social media platforms/website by calling John at 1-855-856-0233, Ext. 114 today!

For more information about our simple and value-based banking products/services visit www.smallbusinessbank.com.

Listed as one of the Top 10 Free Checking Accounts by GoBankingRates.com.

America's New Entrepreneur--Amy's Handmade Jewelry

A Division of Gardner Bank

www.smallbusinessbank.com

 

MICROBUSINESS FACTS: 26 million direct jobs come from microbusinesses, 1.9 million indirect jobs and 13.4 million induced jobs. (AEO--Association for EnterpriseOpportunity, The Voice of Microbusiness)

 

Small Business Bank Microbusiness Featured Customer:

Amy's Handmade Jewelry

 

I started making jewelry in 2009 after I got a piece of "junk mail" from a jewelry kit-of-the-month club. I was about to throw it away when I suddenly just knew that is what I was supposed to do!

 

I had been searching for a way to make a living from home and was doing online surveys and going to focus groups and taste tests. I had also tried my hand at multiple level marketing companies like Herbalife, with little success.

 

I wanted to sell something that I had created instead of convincing myself and others how wonderful someone else's product was.

 

I started as Amy's Handmade Notions with a site on Etsy and a free YOLA website.  A while later, I changed the name to Amy's Handmade Gifts and branched out in various directions. , including Merchant Circle, Etsy and Tophatter.

 

In 2011 I purchased a StoresOnline e-commerce website.

 

I also participate in local craft shows and am a regular vendor at a local Farmer's Market.

 

In 2015 I graduated from the New York Institute of Art & Design as a Certified Designer/Maker of Beadwork and Jewelry.

 

I am currently working on growing my company as a provider of quality unique home décor as well as jewelry and gifts.

 

My biggest challenge is to expand my presence through advertising and promotion with a very limited budget.

 

Small Business Bank helped me by making it possible to open a small business account along with a card swipe device--which is a must-have at events!

 

My dream is to someday open a brick-and-mortar gift shop.

 

I love to read and spend time with my wonderful husband of 13 years, Chris and our adorable cats, Lilly and Faith.

 

In the evenings I share a Christian music concept called "Joyful Noise" on social media.

We at www.smallbusinessbank.com are proud to be associated with Amy's Handmade Jewelry--one of the many micro business pro's we try to help every day realize their dreams of freedom and success. Visit her website: www.amyshandmadejewelry.com.

 

Learn how YOUR business can be featured on our blog and promoted for FREE via our social media platforms/website by calling John at 1-855-856-0233, Ext. 114 today!  

Learn more about our simple and value-based banking products/services at www.smallbusinessbank.com.