Featured Seller: PoleStar

Who are you?
Jennifer Cowgill of PoleStar Jewelry

Where are you located?
Raleigh, 27610

What do you create?
I make modern gemstone and vintage/modern fusion jewelry

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?
Hmm, there are so many great places to visit. I have two young sons, so I would say we couldn't live with out the Raleigh Parks System. We use the greenways, especially the greenway along the NC Art Museum. We use the parks and the swimming pools in the summer. Great inexpensive fun!

When did you start creating?
I have been creative for a long time, I experimented with making jewelry in high school and I have always enjoyed drawing, creating collages in Photoshop and photo editing.

Why did you choose your medium?
I just really enjoy making jewelry. Sometimes gemstones just make me want to bite them they are so pretty, and I love looking at beads and creating beautiful combinations.

What inspires you?
I am inspired my nature in most of my pieces. I am not spiritual or religious but I acknowledge the mystical side of this Earth we live on and I like to capture some of that in my jewelry. Plus it is instant gratification!

Why did you choose your shop name?
I actually wanted the name Polaris, but it was taken on Etsy, so I decided on PoleStar as in the bright and sparkly, North Star. Some of my raunchier friends have implied other innuendo from this name, but it was unintentional on my part :)

Do you have any advice to share on how you have made your business grow?
Well, I know a lot of women. Through message boards, friends, preschool mom friends, family friends, and I let everybody know about my new business, and that has really given me a lot of sales. More sales brings you more attention and so now I am selling equally to people I know and who I don't know. However I have friends pay through Etsy so they can leave feedback and represent my sales numbers. As far as the representation goes, I try to give precise measurements in inches and cm and mm for any international customers, of whom I have had quite a few. I also try to give as much visual information as possible. This is the internet after all, people can't pick the piece up and try it on, they need as much information as possible to visualize how the piece will look on them.

What types of things do you do to turn first time buyers into repeat clients?
I do almost anything custom within my own power. I also package my product as if each client is receiving a gift. Even if you buy something for yourself, it is a gift for yourself, and you should be made to feel special for that. I also give 20% off an entire purchase after every 3rd piece purchased by a client. I don't know how long that will last, but it has helped my startup quite a bit. I also try to keep an open rapport with clients, and keep them frequently updated on their custom work process and shipping status.

--Don't forget to also check out her blog!