For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Inc, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Michelle Jones, Owner Of MCA Jones Creations!
MCA Jones Creations is handmade jewelry made with semi precious stone beads as well as seed beads. The jewelry offered is rings, bracelets, anklets as well as necklaces that have been newly added. The semi precious stone jewelry is made with elastic string, and the seed bead jewelry is made with flexible wire and clamp closure, however both bead types can be used for either style!
Our girl Betina interviewed Michelle about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I have only been in business for a year and a half, and have been putting more pieces out within the last year.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start MCA Jones Creations?
I started McaJonesCreations because I have always loved making jewelry ever since I was young and had ordered my boyfriend and I matching bracelets and once they came in, I just became inspired to get back into my old hobby. So I started this business officially in my final year of college to help with funding for materials needed in my program as well as to give me something to focus on during time off. I was working part time, as well as doing school so I decided to start making bracelets again to help make a little extra money to support myself through my final year.
3: What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
One thing I love most is being able to bring someone’s idea to life and creating pieces that are one of a kind for everyone who orders them. I love being able to have a free range of what to make, and be able to play around with different styles, colour combinations, and designs to come up with new jewelry pieces.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start MCA Jones Creations?
One thing that I’ve had to overcome since I started out this business has probably been the fluctuation in orders. I started this business and had gotten quite a few orders right away, however I’ve noticed between last year and this year, they weren’t as frequent from when I first started. I have reflected back on the spread of orders and I’ve noticed that posting more about my products would be needed to help bring in new people and more orders.
5: What is one thing about working in your industry that people would be surprised to learn?
I think people would be surprised to learn that I run McaJonesCreations while still working 40 hours a week in the field I went to school for. I started a new job about 6 months ago and although it is full time right now, I have still continued to design new pieces and make custom jewelry. Currently, the pieces I’ve made lately are mostly for friends and family, but I am also producing a new stock of semi precious bead bracelets to a friend who includes a variety of artists on her live shows.
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
Instagram is probably my favourite social media platform that I use because I use it more frequently, and it’s quicker for me to upload images of stock and what I’ve made for customs into different highlights or posts. I find Instagram is also easier to connect to customers as the messages are right on the app, and you can share posts in a quicker way.
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
I started out only making bracelets for myself, family and friends as a little hobby, and when I made a bracelet for my aunt, she suggested working on a Facebook page to show off the bracelets I had made. During the process of creating and working on a Facebook page, I also decided to start up an Instagram account to give more variety to promote what I make to others. I chose to start up social media for my business as a way of displaying the jewelry I’ve made, as well as to help boost some sales.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
When I first started McaJonesCreations up, I was only getting a couple orders from friends and family here and there, but once I made both platforms that I have now, I had older friends reach out asking for customized pieces, as well as another small business reached out to me to discuss working together on different bracelet collections. Since I started collaborating with another friend, and started posting more of what I sell on social media, I’ve been getting more orders and have more people reaching out to me asking if they can help get me the supplies I need.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
One piece of advice I would give that I am still currently working on myself is to make sure you do frequent posting of your products. Being up to date and showing your followers or customers what you’re making helps keep them interested and gives you the chance to get their feedback on designs or suggestions for what kind of new pieces they want to see.
A Little More About Michelle
I’m 21 years old working with children in a daycare alongside my mother, which is the job I’ve wanted to do since I was young. I always loved creating bracelets and have been into making handmade jewelry since I was about 6 or 7 years old. When I was younger I used to make all sorts of styles, between using beads, gimp, string and even yarn.
Connect with Michelle
Know A Voss Boss?
Do you know a Voss Boss who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
