Success With Jewelry Podcast: Episode 145 – Knowing When (and Whether) to Keep Going With Your Jewelry Business

Date: October 6, 2025
Hosts: Laryssa Wirstiuk & Liz Kantner

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Laryssa and Liz get real about the inner doubts and challenges jewelry business owners face when deciding whether to persist or pivot. They candidly share personal struggles with burnout, imposter syndrome, and the temptation to see setbacks as "signs" to quit. Through relatable anecdotes and supportive advice, the hosts aim to normalize self-questioning, reinforce the importance of reconnecting with your "why," and empower listeners to decide when to keep pushing forward.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of Today’s Topic (01:35)

• The hosts reveal this is the third time they're recording the episode due to technical mishaps, which sparked reflections on persistence and whether such setbacks are "signs."
• Liz: "Should we? Is this a sign?" (01:55)
  Both hosts share their transparency about the times they've wondered if they should continue the podcast, especially amid rebranding and personal transitions.

2. The Challenges Facing Jewelry Entrepreneurs (04:08)

• Current industry headwinds: rising metal prices, tariffs, and economic uncertainties are making it extra tough to run a jewelry business.
• Many designers Liz and Laryssa spoke with are unsure of their direction due to these challenges.
• Liz: "A lot of designers I've talked to recently are kind of like, I don't know what I'm doing, or I don't know where to go next." (04:34)

3. The Mental Game: Burnout & Being Your Own Boss (05:19)

• The difficulties are compounded by the lonely road of entrepreneurship: "You're your own, like, feedback loop, basically." (05:41)
• Both hosts admit to experiencing burnout—Liz with work-life balance as a parent, Laryssa facing big personal and professional transitions.
• The podcast, while fulfilling, can feel expendable when burnout is high, yet both affirm their commitment.

4. Imposter Syndrome and Real Talk About Doubt (09:15)

• Imposter syndrome is an ever-present challenge, even for seasoned professionals.
• Liz: "Who am I to be on a podcast, right?" (09:28)
• Laryssa reassures that self-doubt is typical, especially when business isn't booming.

5. The Role of Tough Times in Business Growth (10:51)

• Difficult periods force deeper business questioning and ultimately build resilience.
• "The strongest businesses are built in, like, times of difficulty or recession." (11:16)
• Deciding to move on does not equate to failure.

6. Pivoting, Questioning, and the Value of Self-Reflection (13:34)

• Challenging periods are an opportunity to pivot and rethink the 'why' of one’s business.
• By constantly evaluating and aligning actions with personal and professional goals, entrepreneurs can avoid drifting.

7. The Hosts’ Why: Connection, Honesty & Community (16:56)

• Laryssa and Liz reaffirm their purpose—creating a real, relatable space for jewelry business owners, not sensationalized “overnight success” narratives.
• Laryssa: "We're not trying to be this business podcast where we're giving you all of the, you know, ways that you can grow your business from 0 to 2 million overnight." (17:45)
• They value building meaningful, long-term relationships over quick growth.

8. Loneliness in Entrepreneurship & the Podcast’s Origins (20:31)

• Many solopreneurs and jewelry designers face isolation; the podcast was born out of weekly calls between the hosts during COVID-19 to combat that loneliness.
• The importance of community and having someone to talk to as an antidote to self-doubt.

9. Reconnecting With Your “Why” (22:10)

• When faced with difficult decisions about continuing, reflect on your motivating purpose.
• Liz: "What is my why? And is everything aligning? Am I doing the things that make sense with my why?" (22:24)

10. Normalizing Doubt & Temporary Challenges (23:56)

• It's normal and healthy to have bad days and even fantasize about quitting.
• Some obstacles are temporary, and setbacks can sometimes serve as course-corrections or opportunities.

11. Making Conscious Choices & Moving Forward (27:18)

• Key advice: Make a decision, move forward, gather new data, and then decide again.
• Laryssa: "Make a decision, keep moving forward until you get new information, and then make a decision again and keep moving forward. Rinse and repeat." (27:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Liz: "I think that some of these challenges, too, and that's why it's really good to have someone to talk to about it. Some of them are very temporary..." (24:20)
• Laryssa: "You're not alone in questioning your business. It would be concerning if you weren't questioning your business." (26:16)
• Liz: "If you're not questioning your business ever, I would say it's probably not a business. Maybe. Is that a bold statement?" (26:25)
• Laryssa: "Every big business or every business, successful business out there has some kind of pivot moment or some kind of story like that." (27:01)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|-----------| | Episode introduction & context | 00:00-03:00| | Industry challenges and headwinds | 04:08-05:19| | Burnout and being your own boss | 05:19-09:15| | Imposter syndrome & self-doubt | 09:15-10:51| | Business growth in tough times | 10:51-13:34| | Pivoting and importance of 'why' | 13:34-16:56| | Honesty and podcast's unique role | 16:56-20:31| | Entrepreneurial loneliness & podcast origin | 20:31-22:10| | Reconnecting to personal business 'why' | 22:10-23:56| | Normalizing doubt & setbacks | 23:56-27:18| | Conscious choices, moving forward | 27:18-end |

Key Takeaways

• Doubt is Normal: Every entrepreneur faces periods of questioning; it’s not a sign of failure.
• Reconnect With Why: When unsure, return to your motivation for starting—does it still resonate?
• Temporary vs. Permanent Challenges: Distinguish between fleeting setbacks and systemic issues.
• Conscious Decision-Making: Keep making intentional choices and adjust as you go, rather than waiting for a perfect sign.
• Community Matters: Combat loneliness by reaching out and connecting with peers.
• Sustainable, Honest Growth: Avoid comparison with sensational business stories—choose the path that feels right for you.

Closing

Laryssa and Liz invite listeners to share their own moments of doubt and to remember they’re part of a supportive community. Their ongoing promise: honesty, empathy, and real talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life.

Contact:
Listener stories and feedback welcome at successwithjewelry.com

This episode is for every jewelry designer or solopreneur who’s ever wondered, “Should I keep going?”—and for anyone who needs a reminder that doubt, when faced with self-compassion and honesty, can be a powerful tool for growth.