Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Hartney, Founder and Designer of MHART, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
MHART is a handmade jewelry brand. I have two studios located in NYC and Barcelona. I travel between each city throughout the year, creating the collections with sustainable manufacturing. Each and every piece is handmade by myself using quality materials. I draw inspiration from my travels and interest in gemstones, fashion, culture, and art.
Tell us about yourself
Despite the new jewelry brands that are mass-produced in factories, I am driven to provide quality handcrafted jewelry at a wide range of price points to my customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to design and develop every piece without outsourcing production. I am honoured to have been sold at large department stores and small boutiques across the country, which has allowed me to design jewelry at multiple price points that everyone can afford.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Time management. Whether I am shipping a production order to a large department store or a single piece to a customer online, each and every piece is handmade by myself, which makes it hard at times to focus on other parts of the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn from your failures. Each downfall that has happened since I started the business has only resulted in a positive outcome because I learned what went wrong.
- Time management is key. If you are running your business as a one-man show like myself, it is crucial to know how much time is needed to do each task.
- Stay true to your brand values.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mhartdesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mhartdesigns1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhartdesigns/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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