Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindy Giese.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lindy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started making noodle necklaces with my toddlers. I was a stay at home mom. I left my job because I really wanted to raise my children. Because of this we broke. It was very hard making the bills. I begged my wonderful supportive husband for $200 to start some jewelry designs. I was already selling crocheted goods in craft shows and wanted to try to see if anyone would like my designs for jewelry. I was also cleaning homes in the evenings to make ends meet. I sold out of all of my designs at my first show and reinvested the profits. I did that again and again. I started doing in-home shows and they opened my Etsy shop in 2007. It was very slow the first year and only my designs that I made for my self were selling. Not the ones that I thought people would like.
From that point on, I made it a practice to only sell jewelry that I would LOVE to wear and not what I thought people would like. We transitioned to all Bridal Jewelry to wear for your big day. I was repurposing brooches and antique pieces into Necklaces, tiaras, fascinators, bracelets, belts, earrings and bouquets. Clients kept asking if I could design their engagement ring and I would tell them no. But they kept asking and I really started to think, why am I saying no?? It was only because I was scared of failing an putting my family in a bad situation. So, I decided to dive in and not let fear dictate my decision. I spent all the money I had saved to create 2 designs from scratch with a CAD and casting company that I found. My first 2 designs are the Penelope and the Love Birds. From the profit, I made off of them to create my next design and so on and so forth. We now have over 70 designs and sell globally. We are working on a site for small mom and pop shops to carry our line of semi-mounts so that my clients have a way to see them in person and try them on. When people ask me for advice, I tell them that there are plenty of people who will tell you that you can not do it. That it will never work. Well I say never give up on your dream and take chances. If you love what you do, it will always work out for you and your loved ones. : )
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I had to teach myself along the way. I have researched endlessly on my craft. It is totally a labor of Love, but it is scary sometimes when embarking on something completely foreign to you.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about PenelliBelle, Inc. – what should we know?
I am known for creating one of a kind and custom designs and having a modern, yet antique take on the engagement and bridal industry. We do many eco-friendly and conflict freestones as opposed to diamonds and we work with recycled diamonds. I am very historically inclined, so I love to give my pieces a bit of that history. Also, I am serious about being planet conscious and we just switched over entirely to Biodegradable packaging and shipping materials.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would say it takes a village! LOL! Firstly, My husband Tony. He trusted me to take the leap. That is huge! It was all of our futures on the line and I will never forget just what a gift and sacrifice that was to me! : ) My children. They inspire me. My daughters (Penelope and Lillie Belle), they are the namesake of the Company. When Combined it is their names (Penel-liBelle). Both are interning with me and have designs on the shop that they make a portion of the profits on. This way I can teach them how the process works and how to reinvest for growth on their sales and for their future. Family and friends. My parents (Scott and Mary Jane), for keeping me sane as a stay at home mom those first years. They kept me company when I needed some adult interaction and were there to help watch the kids for my craft shows, accountant meetings and whatnot. Other families as well.
When I first started, there were a few people who told me I could not do it, that the odds were stacked against me and that I should play it safe. They made me feel not good enough to keep going… but, there were a couple who really went out of my way to make me feel like my designs were good and that my ideas were valid. Laura, Stacy, and Kathy… thank you. I would not have had the courage to keep going without your input! The CAD and Casting company I use. Without Ilya, Leighann and the team, I would not be able to do this!! They are Great! They really get what is going on in my head and can make my drawings/ideas reality. Also the network of custom cutters of gemstones I work with. There are so many, but they excel at what they do and create excellent stones to work with. The Sycamore Post Office… I keep them busy… LOL… and they are SOOOO helpful. Thank you, Dave (my father-in-law) and Jonathan, who are both Postal Employee Wizards! Thank you. Finally, Jay Mongomery! Thank you for interning me on your business model and letting me in on trade secrets. I will pass along the knowledge that you have given me one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.penellibelle.etsy.com
- Instagram: @penellibelle
- Facebook: Penellibelle
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