The N A Waterman jewelry brand is based on quality at an affordable price. So when it comes to our consumers, we believe that we help out by doing just that…offering the best quality pieces within everyone’s budget. We also have a voucher program, which gives a percentage back to the consumer that sends referrals who in turn purchases jeweled pieces from the business.

What was the inspiration to start this business?

I have such a passion for fashion and I absolutely love jewelry. I believe that a great piece of jeweled accessory completes any attire. The business actually came about from a vacation to the Cayman Islands in 2003. I could not find any unique pieces of jewelry that matched the wardrobe I was taking on my trip.

Also, I just love wearing jewelry with my swim suits. One day it just dawned on me that I could make the exact type of jeweled pieces I was looking for and I did just that.When family and friends saw the pictures from my vacation, they immediately wanted to know where I bought my jewelry.Needless to say, I began creating pieces for my family and friends. The word quickly spread and I began having jewelry shows with much success. Due to that success, I decided to widen my market and start an online boutique. And the rest is history...

When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

When I first started my business, I never envisioned opportunities of having models wearing my pieces or having the pieces photographed in online or printed magazines. I still have a ways to go to become that success story, but we are definitely on the right track.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get passed it and grow from the experience?

There was a time when my business was booming and sales were coming left and right. Then unfortunately I had some medical issues which forced me to put a hold on my business; which is a struggle when you are running a small business on your own. As I was getting my health back in check, it also allowed me to reevaluate my business and the way I was operating it previously.

The experience helped me to realize that it is ok to ask for help. Although you want to be a sole proprietor, it doesn’t mean that you have to do it all yourself. So now I am focused on building myself a small team to help run the business in different aspects. That way I know if I ever have to take medical leave again, I will not have to shut down the business for an unspecified amount of time.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you need to do lots of research when starting your business. It’s not as simple as I want to start a business. You may think that your product or service speaks for itself. There are lots of logistics that comes with developing a good business, no matter how small the business may be.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

I would tell any FEM that is starting a business that anything worthwhile is definitely hard work. I am not going to lie, there are days that you feel like it is too much to handle, especially if you are doing it on your own. A business is like your child. You have to nurture it and watch as it grows. Any parent would tell you that when they become a first time parent, they feel like they do not know what they are doing.

There are times that they want to give up, but you cannot. You have a responsibility to take care of this child and that is how you should look at your business. You developed this business and it is your responsibility to make sure you do everything to make it a success. And I have to keep saying because it is so important…it is ok to ask for help.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

I am inspired to continue growing my business for my family. I want to leave a legacy for my family. I am also inspired by the people that wear my pieces. It makes me feel wonderful to see people wearing a piece of jewellry that I created.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

Being an entrepreneur sounds glamourous. If given the opportunity, who wouldn’t want to have their own business? My advice to anyone that wants to start a business, I say go for it, but don’t go into it blindly. Make 100% sure that you do your research and that you are willing to put in the work. You also need to have a tough skin. You are going to get a lot of rejections and you cannot take it personally. It is not a reflection on your product or your service.

There are so many entrepreneurs out there, which means a lot of competition. So to wrap it up, my best advice is to believe in yourself and in the business you are offering. You are your salesperson. If you don’t have confidence in your business, no one else will.

To connect:http://www.nawaterman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nawaterman_eyecatching/

Natasha A Waterman: Jewelry Designer embracing and creating all that is beautiful