[Jewelry making - Article 00181] - Re: [Orchid] Truth or dare survey

[John Sholl]

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    Hello All, One month after high school graduation i entered the
    professional jewelry world. Twenty years later I can proudly say
    that every dime of income i have brought home has been from this
    industry. During my apprenticeship I was fortunate to still be
    living with my parents. At that point I bet my income made up no
    more than 5% or 10% percent of the household total. Throughout most
    of my career as my skills increased as well as my pay I was
    splitting the income about fifty/fifty with my girlfriend then wife.
    Some years I did better and some years her accounting work did
    better. 

    I started my career in a trade shop then did a stint at a
    manufacturing facility but settled into the retail world
    specializing in high end custom jewelry most specifically bridal and
    platinum pieces. Eight years ago I used $5000.00 dollars of
    inheritance to buy my first bench and set it up at home. I bought
    only the tools needed to do the simplest of platinum fabrications.
    This work was what I could command the highest dollar for. But with
    a well rounded background  I took in almost any work offered to me
    all the while still maintaining a forty hour plus job in the jewelry
    business. 

    The real fun started about three years ago when I realized that my
    weekend and evening job was making me work every weekend and evening
    or I was feeling guilty about relaxing on weekends or evenings. So I
    decided I had to choose between following my own dreams or those of
    my boss. I quit my day job and have never looked back. I pay myself
    the same amount as I was paid "on the job" At the time it was 100%
    of the family income because we felt it was better for my wife to
    stay home with our children. I have put every other penny back into
    my business. 

    Three years later I have a small boutique style retail store that
    supports me and two other assistants. I am continuing to grow and
    now have the ability to turn away work that will not make money or I
    can charge what in necessary to make money. My wife is back on the
    job and My pay makes up 62.5%. This does not take into consideration
    Jenn's health and retirement benefits or My investment in inventory
    or equipment. I bet we are still pretty much fifty/fifty. However, I
    am seriously considering hiring her to help at the store full time.
    At that point my jewelry business would once again be supporting us
    100%. 

    I'm doing ok. I would recommend being your own boss to anybody who
    has the desire. But remember knowing how to make the jewelry is only
    the first step. You will also need to know about gem stones and how
    to sell and market and do the books and manage and so on. 

    Oh and Noel, no matter if George W. Bush is in office or Hillary and
    Slick Willie, the rich are rich. And the young will be getting
    married. It is no mistake that I have specialized in high end
    platinum bridal work. I came of age during the Reagan years.
    Remember trickle down economics? 

Thanks for the great thread.

John Sholl
J.F.Sholl Fine Jewelry
Littlton, Colorado



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