Voss Boss Entrepreneur Spotlight – Sarah Giffin, Owner of ViV Jewelry

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 Sarah Giffin, Owner of ViV Jewelry.

“I make contemporary eclectic jewelry and home decor out of polymer clay. I also do a variation of illustrations and specialize creating in floral and organic forms with eye catching colour palettes.” – Sarah

Our CEO Mandi had the opportunity to interview Sarah about her business, and key to success – and they also talked about social media stuff (duh). Oh – and we HIGHLY recommend that you take a look at her reels, they are INSANE.

A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur

1: How long have you been in business?

3 years

2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start your business?

I never saw myself in a 9-5, I have always been creative and went to OCAD to pursue an illustration career. This lead me to start the business and drop out of the illustration program. I’ve always gone against the current to do what I love!

3: What do you love most about being a business owner?

The leadership that comes with it. I enjoy being in control and having say on anything I do. The felling of indescribable, it’s so much fun to call all the shots.

4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start your business?

Learning about finances. It was never taught in school and a big learning curve when it came to registering my business and filing taxes. Also it’s very hard to turn my business brain off, I’m always thinking about work because I have no “clock in-clock out” hours.

5: What is one thing about working in your industry that people would be surprised to learn?

Much more goes into the social media side of things than you’d expect. It is a full time job in itself to learn algorithms, get the perfect photos and videos for content, post it to sell, etc.

And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!

6: Do you have a favourite social media platform? Why?

For business I love Instagram but for personal I love TikTok! I’ve been able to grow and share a lot on Instagram and it’s my main source of communication for restocks, markets, etc. but TikTok is so much more fun to be on these days. Less pressure, although it’s harder to get engagement on videos than it is on Instagram!
7. What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
I just know it’s the way of the world and our future, it also comes very naturally to me because I’m such a visual and hands on learner.

8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?

It has impacted my business exponentially. I wouldn’t have the impact I have now if I didn’t have Instagram. It has helped me reach people across the world, something that I couldn’t do as easily without it. It also allows me to express my creativity in a different way, I am how to engage consumers, graphic design techniques and how to edit videos all at once. It‘s amazing!

9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?

Do it as soon as possible. Each social platform has so many accounts it’s hard to get your work seen. Be consistent even if you don’t see engagement but also have a clear plan. There’s so much info on how to work with algorithms, do your research. Also my biggest piece of advice is be yourself and be relatable, people are turning away from accounts who have no personality. They want to see your face and hear your voice – don’t be shy!

A Little More About Sarah

I am 23 living in Toronto, Ontario. I grew up in a small town but always knew I wanted to live in the city. I moved to Toronto when I was 17 to pursue an illustration career. Three years into my undergrad I started making jewelry as a hobby and selling it on the street in my spare time. It eventually blossomed into a full time business and I ended up dropping out of school to pursue it. It’s now 3 years strong and I have no regrets!

In my free time I enjoy going to the gym and exercising, I have thoughts of also pursuing a fitness career on the side. I am on a journey of learning how to handstand- it’s so much fun! That will come with time though. I also really enjoy cooking, skateboarding and reading. I’ve recently started exploring more of Ontario/Canada and have gone on a lot of mini trips this past summer that I’ve really enjoyed because it’s been nice to get out of the city and connect with nature.

Other than that, I am really passionate about being creative and believe every one should tap into their creativity at least once a day. Whatever that looks like for you. A life with creativity is a beautiful one!

Connect with Sarah

Website
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Twitter

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