
Hosted by Robyn Clark · EN

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Have you ever felt torn between the safe path and the creative life you know you're meant for? In this episode, I'm joined by Alicia Sundwall, founder of Kissmet Designs Jewelry, for a beautiful conversation about creativity, intuition, and building a jewelry business while still balancing work, motherhood, and real life. Alicia shares how jewelry became a healing outlet during a hard personal season, how she learned to trust her creative instincts, and what it's looked like to move through self-doubt, ADHD, nervous system healing, and the pressure to stay on a "traditional" path. We also talk about what happens when you finally stop second-guessing yourself, start honoring what lights you up, and allow your business to become a bridge back to who you really are. If you've ever wondered whether your creative path is truly possible for you, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How creativity can become a path back to yourself when you feel disconnected, burnt out, or stuck Why trusting your creative instincts is one of the most important skills to build as a jewelry business owner How ADHD, nervous system regulation, and sleep can impact the way you show up in your business Why surrounding yourself with like-minded people can completely shift what feels possible for your future Topics Discussed: Alicia's journey from corporate life to jewelry design Using creativity as a tool for healing and regulation Building a jewelry business while navigating motherhood and work Trusting your instincts and staying true to your style ADHD, nervous system healing, and entrepreneurship The power of support, community, and mentorship in business __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kiss.met.designs/ Website | https://www.etsy.com/shop/kissmetcrystaldesign/?etsrc=sdt&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fl.instagram.com%2F

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Are you making more money in your jewelry business… but still feeling stressed, reactive, or unsure what to do with it? In this episode, I'm joined by financial advisor Rolf Issler to talk about what really happens when jewelry business owners start making serious money. We unpack the emotional side of sudden wealth, why so many business owners hit big sales milestones and still end up feeling financially unstable, and how to stop treating your business account like a personal ATM. Rolf shares powerful insights on cash flow, taxes, financial decision-making, and how to build a jewelry business that creates long-term freedom. We also talk about the identity shift from being the operator in your business to becoming the steward of a real asset. If you want to grow a profitable jewelry business, manage your money wisely, and make calm, strategic decisions with your revenue, this episode is a must-listen. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Why making more money in your jewelry business does not automatically create financial stability How emotional and reactive spending can quietly sabotage business growth The importance of separating personal money from business money How to build a jewelry business that creates freedom, options, and long-term wealth Topics Discussed: Sudden wealth syndrome and emotional spending The "silent drag" of hidden financial leaks Why jewelry business owners need a 90-day financial cooling-off period The danger of treating your business like a personal ATM Cash flow, tax planning, and financial structure The shift from business operator to business owner __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolfissler/ Website | https://www.prosperwise.ca/ Substack | https://prosperwise.substack.com/ The Velocity Surge: Growth-Stage Founder Planning → https://www.prosperwise.ca/academy/velocity-surge Financial Planning for Growth-Stage Founders → https://www.prosperwise.ca/growth-stage-founder-financial-planning-kelowna

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Are you struggling to grow your jewelry business while balancing a full-time job and wondering if you're really allowed to call yourself a business owner? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Kaitlyn Gurule of Kiara Rose Jewelry to talk about what it really looks like to build a jewelry business in a busy season of life. We talk about her journey into silversmithing, how rockhounding reignited her joy, and the beautiful pivot she's making by incorporating hand-collected gemstones into her work. Kaitlyn shares honestly about juggling a demanding career, navigating visibility on social media, and learning to own her identity as a jeweler, even before doing it full-time. We also dive into the power of community, the impact of the Jewelry Business Academy retreat, and the mindset shifts that help you keep moving forward one step at a time. This episode is such a heartfelt reminder that your business is real, your dream matters, and you don't have to have it all figured out to keep growing. __________________________ What You Will Learn in this Episode: How to keep building your jewelry business even when you have a demanding full-time job Why owning your identity as a jewelry business owner changes the way you show up How following your creativity and passions can open doors in both business and life The role community, support, and mindset play in sustainable jewelry business growth __________________________ Topics Discussed: Kaitlyn's journey into metalsmithing and jewelry design How rockhounding inspired a new creative direction in her brand Balancing a jewelry business with a full-time career Confidence, visibility, and showing up on social media The impact of the Jewelry Business Academy retreat Mindset shifts around identity, growth, and owning your business __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kiararosejewelry/ Website | https://kiararosejewelry.com/

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ DISCLAIMER: We really enjoyed this conversation and learning more about Ben's platform. However, Robyn has not personally tested this product, and it is not officially endorsed by her or the Jewelry Business Academy. Are you spending too much time, money, and energy perfecting your jewelry designs before you even know if they'll sell? In this episode, I'm joined by Ben Tilley, CEO and founder of Pencil, a design and commerce platform built for jewelers. We dive into a smarter way to approach jewelry design, sampling, customization, and inventory, especially when cash flow is tight and time is limited. Ben shares his journey from software to fine jewelry manufacturing and back into tech, along with the biggest mistakes he saw brands making behind the scenes. We talk about perfectionism, testing demand before overcommitting, why so many jewelry business owners are still doing things the hard way, and how technology can help you simplify the path from idea to sale. If you've ever felt stuck in the design process or overwhelmed by inventory decisions, this episode will help you rethink what's possible in your jewelry business. __________________________ What You Will Learn in this Episode: Why perfectionism keeps jewelry business owners stuck and how to move forward without waiting for everything to be flawless A smarter way to test new designs and collections before investing heavily in inventory How simplifying the design and sampling process can save time, money, and creative energy Why sales and marketing matter just as much, if not more, than having beautiful products __________________________ Topics Discussed: Ben Tilley's journey from software into jewelry manufacturing and back into tech The biggest challenges jewelry businesses face with design, sampling, and production Why so many brands over-invest in inventory too early How to test demand before committing to a full collection The role of CAD design and how Pencil simplifies the process Why strong sales and marketing skills matter more than most jewelry business owners realize __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/pencil_design_platform Website | https://pencildesign.co/

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Are you secretly wondering if your jewelry business could become your full-time reality… but fear keeps holding you back? In this episode of the Jewelry Business Academy Podcast, I'm joined by Elle, the founder of Pretty Steep, a sterling silver jewelry brand inspired by mountain life and adventure. Elle shares her journey from working corporate marketing jobs to finally trusting herself enough to go all in on her jewelry business. We talk about the fear of leaving a steady paycheck, the power of support and community, why mindset matters just as much as strategy, and how to know when it's actually the right time to make a big move. If you've ever questioned whether your business is "just a hobby" or struggled to believe you can truly make this work, this conversation will leave you feeling deeply seen, encouraged, and ready to back yourself in a bigger way. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How to know when it's time to seriously consider going full time in your jewelry business Why betting on yourself is often the turning point for real business growth How your environment, support system, and mindset shape your success Why treating your jewelry business like a real business changes everything Topics Discussed: Elle's journey from the UK to mountain life in BC Starting Pretty Steep and building a jewelry brand inspired by adventure The fear of quitting a stable job to go all in on a business Why mindset, visibility, and self-trust matter in entrepreneurship The impact of community and the Jewelry Business Academy retreat Moving from hobby mindset to real business owner identity __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prettysteep/ Website | https://prettysteep.co/

Are you building a jewelry business you love… but feeling the pressure it's putting on your relationship, identity, or peace? In this episode of the Jewelry Business Academy podcast, I'm joined by Bella and Lee Picco for a powerful conversation about what it really looks like to grow a business while growing a marriage or long-term partnership. We talk about identity shifts, communication, shared vision, role clarity, and how to stay connected when life and business feel heavy. This episode is such an important reminder that scaling a business isn't just about strategy. It's also about who you're becoming, the habits you build, and the way you support each other through hard seasons. If you're navigating entrepreneurship with a partner, or simply craving a more aligned and intentional way of growing your jewelry business, this conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, and practical takeaways you can start using right away. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How identity shifts impact both your jewelry business growth and your relationship Why clear communication and role clarity are essential when building with a partner How to create shared vision, goals, and check-ins that actually support your growth Why scaling your business requires building better habits, resilience, and self-awareness first Topics Discussed: Identity shifts in entrepreneurship and relationships The danger of tying self-worth to business success Shared vision, mission, and goal-setting as a couple Communication during stressful business seasons Role clarity and staying in your lane inside the business Building habits and resilience to support long-term growth __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lets.not.sugarcoat.it.podcast/ Website | https://www.thepiccoinstitute.com/

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Are you pouring your heart into your jewelry business and wondering why sales still aren't happening yet? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Kate, founder of BGLY Brooches, for a Hot Seat conversation all about what it really takes to get your first sales in a jewelry business. We talk about the early stage so many jewelry business owners find themselves in...when the website is live, the products are ready, the branding is done, but the traction still feels slow. I share why building a jewelry business is not about perfection, polished content, or chasing every strategy, but about getting your minimum viable product out there, taking messy action, and staying consistent long enough to build momentum. We also dive into comparison, confidence, sales pressure, social media, in-person selling, and the mindset shifts that help jewelry business owners keep going when things feel uncertain. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How to get your first jewelry sales when you don't yet have an audience Why in-person events, collabs, and direct connection can work faster than waiting on Instagram How to tell the difference between a product that needs more time and a strategy that needs refinement Why belief, consistency, and messy action matter more than looking polished online Topics Discussed: Getting your first sales as a new jewelry business owner Minimum viable product and launching before everything feels perfect In-person selling vs. online marketing Comparison, confidence, and mindset in business growth Why consistency beats strategy-hopping Building trust, community, and momentum over time __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bgly_brooches/ Website | https://haiy0z-bm.myshopify.com/

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Are you waiting until your jewelry business feels fully figured out before you really go for it? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Julie Sloan of Ever After Jewelry to talk about what it really looks like to grow a meaningful jewelry business over time. Julie shares how she went from the corporate world to building a brand rooted in sisterhood, symbolism, and authenticity. We talk about rebranding, pivoting, trusting your ideas, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Julie also opens up about expanding her business model, building a team, navigating copycats, and starting her business later in life. This conversation is such a powerful reminder that your path does not need to look perfect to be successful. If you've been craving encouragement to trust yourself, evolve your business, and keep going, this episode is for you. What You Will Learn in this Episode: Why you do not need to have your entire jewelry business mapped out before you begin How authenticity creates momentum, opportunities, and deeper customer connection A healthier mindset for dealing with copycats and staying focused on your own vision Why it is never too late to start, pivot, or build a business that feels aligned __________________________ Topics Discussed: Julie's journey from corporate layoffs to jewelry business owner Rebranding from Inspired Jules to Ever After Jewelry How authenticity shaped the direction of her business Building a team and expanding through sorority and campus-based events Navigating copycats and protecting your confidence as a founder Starting a jewelry business later in life and embracing growth through change __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/everaftherjewelry/ Website | https://everafther.com/

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Are you unintentionally making it harder for customers to buy from your jewelry business? In this episode, I'm joined by retail expert Bob Phibbs to talk about what really drives sales in a jewelry store or boutique. We dive into the psychology of customer connection, why so many business owners lose sales before the conversation even begins, and how to create a buying experience that feels personal, elevated, and human. Bob shares powerful insights on the customer "browsing brain," the mistakes retailers make when they lead with discounts, and why selling jewelry is never just about the product itself. We also talk about training a strong sales team, creating store displays that invite connection, and how to help customers feel seen, safe, and excited to buy. This episode is packed with practical jewelry sales advice for boutique owners who want to increase conversions without pressure or gimmicks. What You Will Learn in this Episode: How to create a jewelry buying experience that makes customers feel comfortable, curious, and ready to purchase Why leading with discounts can cheapen the emotional value of your jewelry How to shift from selling product features to selling the feeling, story, and meaning behind each piece What jewelry store owners need to know about training staff to confidently convert browsers into buyers Topics Discussed: Retail psychology and customer connection Why customers say "I'm just looking" The browsing brain and how it affects buying behavior Why discounting can hurt jewelry sales Store display strategies that increase engagement How to hire and train a stronger retail team __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bobphibbs Website | https://www.retaildoc.com/

Work with me 👉 https://www.jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/ Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build a jewelry business rooted in meaning and emotional connection? In this Spotlight Series episode of the Jewelry Business Academy podcast, I'm sitting down with Aaron May, founder of Mayniac Metals, a memorial jewelry brand that creates deeply personal pieces using cremated remains. Aaron shares how he accidentally fell into jewelry-making, how one meaningful gift for his wife sparked a powerful niche, and how he's built a business centered on transparency, trust, and community. We talk about balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship, managing emotional client work, navigating social media marketing, and scaling without losing integrity. If you've ever wanted to build a jewelry business that feels aligned, purpose-driven, and authentic to who you are, this conversation will inspire you to lean into your unique path. __________________________ What You Will Learn in this Episode: How to discover and lean into a niche that naturally aligns with your purpose Why transparency builds powerful customer trust in emotional jewelry categories How batching your work differently can dramatically increase productivity The importance of showing your face and personality in jewelry marketing __________________________ Topics Discussed: Building a memorial jewelry business Working with cremated remains and honoring clients' trust Balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship Social media marketing for jewelers Time audits and batching strategies Hosting hands-on jewelry workshops __________________________ Ready to grow + scale your jewelry business? Work with me → jewelrybusinessacademy.ca/fast-track If you loved today's episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a strategy drop. DM me your biggest takeaway on Instagram → @robynclarkcoaching Grab my free business guides → linktr.ee/robynclarkcoaching Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mayniacmetals/?hl=en Website | https://mayniacmetals.com/