Introducing... Jennifer Dahl Designs

I’m so excited to introduce to you today, one of my long time sponsors, Jennifer Dahl Designs. If you haven’t had the chance to check out her beautiful shop you must. Each piece she creates is unique and I truly believe tells a story. I just loved having the chance to read more of Jennifer’s story. It’s so important for us as women, to come together, support and empower one another and I hope you are encouraged by Jennifer today.

Jennifer Dahl Designs 1

How has social media changed your business?
I started this business as a wholesale only company about 10 years ago and social media wasn’t really a big deal, so for many years I didn’t do anything other than maintain a basic website. The last couple of years I have worked on building more of an online presence, and I love the people I have gotten to know through social media! Since I sell 99% of my product to retail stores I haven’t gotten a lot of interaction with women who wear my jewelry, but social media is changing that and it’s been really exciting for me.

Jennifer Dahl Designs 3

You Have my Heart Necklace

What keeps you inspired to create new products?

I love doing it, and that’s my main motivator. Makers need to make, so it just comes naturally for me to want to create. I always have ideas running through my head, but the hardest part is finding time to get it all done.

How do you balance personal and business life?

I wish there was some kind of magic formula for this! I’m a single mom to three busy kids and a new puppy, so our house is a busy one. I’m blessed to be able to work from home, which used to be a stumbling block for me because I felt like I was always working. It saved my sanity when I committed to working regular office hours while my kids are in school and shutting the office door every day around 4:30. It doesn’t always work, but if I can keep a regular schedule 90% of the time we are all happier.

Sweet Story Necklace

Technology has made my job so much easier. Most of my kids games and activities are during the day, and I can attend every one of them because of my iPhone. I feel there are people that judge mothers when they see them on their phone at their kids activities or while they are playing with them in the park, but my phone allows me to be at those activities. If I have to step away for a few minutes to take a business call or check my emails once in awhile it’s well worth it.

Jennifer Dahl Designs 2

Tiny Cream Word Charm

What advice would you give to a new business owner?

Do what you love and don’t be afraid of failure. I owned a coffee house in my 20’s and I didn’t even drink coffee at the time. I was a complete failure because I didn’t have a passion for the product I was selling, but I learned so much from that experience – mostly what NOT to do. I think the key to being successful at anything is to not let failure keep you down. Get back up, brush yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and keep trying.

Please be sure to check out her shop! Don’t forget Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are right around the corner!

xo, Alissa