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 An Interview with Bella Lili

Bella Lili is the business of Autumn Phillips, a San Antonio based jewellery designer specialising in unique, beautifully crafted pieces. She was kind enough to let me interview her about her work and how her business got started.

How did you get into making jewellery?

I remember making my first bracelet in 3rd grade. I had taken apart our family’s only working phone. My Mom was furious, so I put it back together, and it worked! But more recently I lived in Cheyenne Wyoming, and had a fancy dinner to go to. I need crimson sparkly earrings. I couldn’t find what I wanted, but I found 2 pairs close. So I decided to remake them into what I wanted. After that, I was hooked and it because a hobby on the side. That was 11 yrs ago.

What has influenced you creatively?

My unique and steampunky stuff is inspired by the books I read and the music I listen to. I love Sci/Fi, Fantasy and Ancient Mythology. So I create things as I picture them in my head. Most of my "rock and roll" looking pieces come from my musical influences.

What are your favourites of the jewellery you’ve created?

One of my favourites is ‘Barrister’. The inspiration behind this piece is my good friend who is a lawyer. He knows so many secrets about so many people. They will go to the grave with him. It’s very impressive, his ability to keep a secret. I put a fantasy spin on it. Since I am an avid reader, I devour books nightly. Coupled with this is a fantasy inspired design. Created with a female Fey or Sidhe (Fairy) Noblewoman in mind. I could image this being a emblem or symbol of office for an esteemed Legal Counsel or "The Keeper of Secrets"! Secrets are safe with her, as she keeps them behind a locked door.

Noir Puppet came from a bad dream in the middle of the night. I dreamt I was one of the dolls in the old 80's horror movie "Puppet Master". Sometimes with so many changes in our life, it can easily make us feel out of sorts. There will be more Puppet or Marionette items coming soon. Perhaps less Macabre and more pretty. :)

What made you decide to set up a business and how did you go about it?

I was selling things at local festivals and at work. A friend turned me on to Etsy. I found that once I got started, my shop developed a life of its own. So I thought, well if I am going to do this, I am going to do this right. About 2 years ago, I had enough money in savings from my Human Resources Consulting to give it a go full time. So I bought up a bunch of supplies, set to work and stocked my shop. I joined a team and got a business license. I also, set out branding myself and developing top-notch graphics for myself. I find that people buy the "experience" as much as the item. They want to know where the piece came from, how it developed and have it arrive in a pretty box. So that is what I try to do. Things just seem to have fallen into my lap. I just make things that I am really proud of that are top quality, and it really makes all the difference in the world. The trick is to make things that people love. The biggest mistake most sellers make is, that they never message their buyers. I really hate that. It makes you feel unimportant. I am rambling....

I think a lot of people would like to be in the position where they can give up the day job and live the dream. What gave you the final push?

The stars kind of aligned and I was in a horrible job with very nasty people. It was either do jewellery or live in a cardboard box. I was at my wits end and anything was better than what I was doing. But it was odd because I was making more money doing that horrible job then I ever had before. So I thought "what do I have to loose", put 6 months pay in savings and went for it. It couldn't have been worse then what I was doing, and I wanted to make sure I tried it. I didn't want to live with "What if, or I wonder if I could have done that..."

What tools have you used to promote yourself, and where do you get your promotion ideas from?

I spent a bunch of $ on advertising in the beginning. But I found it to be not worth the effort. The biggest turning point for me, was just creating something I was passionate about. That and doing great giveaways. If you are going to give something away. Make it worth someone's time. Something in the top price range of your shop. I got the idea from Wunderkamer

Your website and the pictures of your jewellery look very professional, did you do them yourself?

I take every single picture myself and edit it myself. With my Sony Cybershot DCH-7. I am not a photographer, and I set it on auto, macro, in HD aspect and point and shoot. I do not over edit the pictures. Just crop and save.

I do all the graphics myself, for my website and for my business cards. I buy copyright free or public domain images from 1930's and before, do some photoshop magic, and voila! I am self taught and love all the graphic work I do. I even design business cards for others if they so desire.

What advice would you offer anyone wanting to start their own creative business?

Make something people want to buy. Seriously, what sets you apart? There are so many great artists out there, why you? You can't just copy someone's style do minor changes, and cut prices. Really dissect it from a customers off the street. What do they see, are your products and quality far better than expected? (My mantra is "Under promise, over deliver"). They are buying your creativity, so make it worth their while. Give them the whole experience. Start small, see if it sells, do not take it personally if it does not. There are so many products out there, you can't expect to be the next ‘Snuggie’. Make it because you love it, and your heart is in it. That translates far better than anything else you can do.

 What are your plans for the future?

 I plan to keep making beautiful things. Get a few more magazine reviews under my belt. I really love the creation and design aspect of what I do, paper work and taxes are not so much fun. I am at the cusp of having a helper and trying to avoid that as much as possible. I will continue to challenge myself by setting goals (usually monetary for a deadline, or to utilize a different component that I have been holding on to.). I find that small goals, really help work through "ruts" or creator’s blocks.

Any advice I would give someone...this is a tough one, because most people are not objective enough to do this:

or TotusMel on Etsy.

You have been mentioned in magazines etc, how did that come about?

I was mentioned in the July 09 issue of Viva La Moda, a guest curator was a fan and customer of mine, she choose one of my necklaces on Etsy to be featured. More recently I sent some jewelry (again, my best) to Gothic Beauty, I received a glowing review from them. It was really great. That was very flattering.

How important have social networking sites been to the growth of your business?

Honestly, not very. I find that most social networking places are so saturated with self promotional, that I do not. I have a person page on facebook, that I allow friends and friendly customers to learn more about me as a person. Its not strictly business related. I prefer it that way.

How do you find juggling running your own business and being a mother?

It’s very difficult. I am a single parent of a 6 yr old and an 11 yr old. I work while they are at school, and take a break while they are home. Sometime I work again when they go to bed. I try and take off when they are off of school. Summers are a juggling act of relatives, summer camps and short vacations. It’s hectic but my girls are wonderful. My family really helps. Without them I wouldn't be able to do it. They are invaluable.

For more information on Bella Lili and to see more of her beautiful jewellery, visit her website at

www.bellalilijewelry.com

Click on the above items to go through to the shop