Sunday Spotlight with Tynise Nicole
By: Lauren Francis-Jackson
Sunday Spotlight features business owners, bloggers, natural divas, beauty
companies, and more as they share their story with The Sisterlocked Diva
family! Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Nicole Durrant, creator of Tynise Nicole Jewelry and Things! Check out my interview as we discuss her funky ethnic jewelry, being a woman entrepreneur, and what jewelry can do for natural hair lovers:
The Sisterlocked Diva: I am so excited to chat with you Nicole! Thank you for allowing me to interview you for my blog. Tell me about
your natural hair journey.
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: I started my journey
five years ago. Even when I wore a relaxer, I only had a relaxer
like 2 to 3 times a year. I was ready for something new so I cut it short
in a Halle Berry cut. I loved the cut but the upkeep was frequent and expensive! I was relaxing my hair at least once a month. I always knew I wanted to go natural so I figured why not now. It would be easy to transition to short natural hair since my hair was already short.
The Sisterlocked Diva: I too went
natural from a short cut. More than the upkeep, I was tired of the limp hair just after getting a relaxer. Now, let's talk jewelry-- I love your jewelry and have enjoyed the pieces I have purchased from you! When did you
become interested in designing your own jewelry?
Tynise Nicole Jewlery & Things: I have always
been a creative and artistic person.
Painting is my first love! So
jewelry was something I want to try. I
like different stuff and one day I saw jewelry making kit at
Michael’s. It was amazing then people
began asking me where I got my jewelry.
I was like "Wow I can actually sell my jewelry!" When Etsy
just began, my shop didn’t do well but I stayed at it. I was also going to craft shows and selling my jewelry at markets. Then I got my big break--a woman who runs a craft outdoor market saw
my Etsy shop and invited me to her show. I got greater exposure after that! I have been in business for the last 3.5 years.
The Sisterlocked Diva: That is wonderful!! Sometimes it takes someone else to see our work and recognize what great things we are capable of! What gave you
the motivation to keep going with the Etsy shop?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: At that time,
it was about me thriving off a creative passion. When I went to craft shows and markets, I
always did well. I knew that Etsy was
not the main venue to do business. I
began the jewelry in the early part of 2010.
About this time last year I launched my website and big cartel
website. It is kind of like Etsy. I continue to maintain my Etsy shop as well, however I have more items available on my website and my big cartel website. 
The Sisterlocked Diva: People are buying more from small businesses like yours so being visible in the community at craft shows and online is smart. I want you to think back to when we met. I remember when I met you-- you explained that you decided to transition from full time 9 to 5 work and move toward entrepreneurship. Why did you decide to pursue entrepreneurship?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: Great memory! I was in a
job that I hated, but it provided me with lots of opportunities. I wanted to make my own dreams come true not
just making someone else’s dream come true.
I saved money and built my safety net.
When I felt the time was right, I left the job. Working for myself can be challenging, but it is so rewarding as well!
The Sisterlocked Diva: I like how you had a plan for what you needed to do to get yourself financially ready for entrepreneurship! What's the
most challenging thing about being self-employed?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: Sometimes
that means working through the night because you are in control of your own
productivity and earnings . I work a part time
job as well to make ends meet. You have to staying motivated by making your business the best it can be. There is always something to do so your have to prioritize your goals!
The Sisterlocked Diva: I agree with working crazy long hours-- I certainly do as a blogger. Whether blogging or posting to social media sites it is What advice
would you give to other women entrepreneurs trying to tthe full time job after my regular 9 to 5 is done! What advice would you give to a woman looking to turn their passion into a
career?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: First, I
would do some self-evaluation to see if you are truly passionate about your business. I had to do sacrifice as in not eating
out all the time, no more weekly shopping trips, etc. You have to want to put the time and effort
in. There will be things that you will
have to give up.
Secondly, if
you get in it and decide that it is not working, sometimes you have to let it
go. That does not mean that you have to
give up your entrepreneurial dreams.
Sometimes you have to change courses.
After you have done all you can, and things are still not growing—that
may be the time to let it go.
The Sisterlocked Diva: As I am building my brand, I try to think ahead to entrepreneurship so your advice is appreciated! Now about your jewelry-- how would you describe your jewelry?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: My jewelry is
an expression of my inner creative side.
It feeds off of a natural inspirations!
I love African jewelry—the colors, the materials. I like putting my own modern twist on ethnically
designed jewelry.
The Sisterlocked Diva: I would agree that your jewelry does have an ethnic feel to it! Have you
taken any classes to increase your knowledge in making jewelry or choosing
materials?
The Sisterlocked Diva: Awesome! Your handcrafted metals are funky! As a natural
woman, how can we use jewelry to accessorize our look?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: For women, I
think that we are so different yet beautiful in our own unique way. Jewelry is a way to enhance what you
have. I love to accessorize my ensemble. It gives you more confidence—it’s kind of
like what makeup does. There is so much
jewelry out there—you need that unique statement piece to set you a part. It compliements you—I want my jewelry to speak, and to
motivate women to do more.
The Sisterlocked Diva: Love how you put that-- jewelry should speak! What are the
current trends for jewelry for 2013?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: Honestly, I
don’t follow trends with jewelry most of the time. I get inspired by old ancient inspirations
like Egyptians. I like the unique—not
just what you can buy with the store.
The Sisterlocked Diva: I agree that with traditional stores like NY & Company, you can see many people with the same earrings or whatever. Any big
projects or events coming up in 2013?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: I am working
on two collections—one should be released on Friday! I am also do spring collection—a small one to
be released in mid March. I am looking
to begin selling my jewellry in a local store in Maryland in March.
I am also working on a few more stores! Also, I did trunk
show in November. I would like to do
another one in 2013. I want to take
classes in enameling and metal smithing.
The Sisterlocked Diva: Nice!! Looking forward to the new collection!! Do you plan
to expand your line to carry other accessories (e.g., loc jewelry, hair
accessories, etc.)?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: I would love
to offer more! Jewelry designing just comes natural
to me. A friend of mine asked me to
create something to hold his locs. I
have gotten requests from men to design men’s jewelry. I would like to look into adding some men's jewelry!
The Sisterlocked Diva: Men's jewelry would be a great market! Would you be
willing to offer any special deals to The Sisterlocked Diva readers? If so,
what would you offer?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: Yeah, I would
love to do a giveaway with you! I would
also offer discount for the time period of the giveaway
The Sisterlocked Diva: Loving it-- we love giveaways! Do you teach
jewelry making classes? Any recommendations on jewelry making classes in the DC
area?
Tynise Nicole Jewelry & Things: I do one on
one teaching! I do a basic intro to
beading class. If anyone is interested,
they can email me for more information!
~The Sisterlocked Diva
