Kim Y. McGuckin Handcrafted Jewelry

All About and K.Y.M. Quotables

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All About and K.Y.M. Quotables
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K.Y.M . Mission Statement:  to provide handcrafted jewelry at a reasonable price that allows women to feel special and unique! 
 
Customer Quote of the month: 
 "Kim,  I got my package yesterday and I love everything!!  The necklace is everything I hoped it would be.  The gold spacers are perfect.  The shading of the crystals is beautiful.  I can't thank you enough for your work and attention to detail.  Fantastic. "   Jessica Daley, Warminster PA
 
Retailer Quote of the Month:
"Hi Kim, Thank you for a great day as our featured artist. We are very proud to always have you be a part of our store.. You are so natural with your marketing and your people skills. So thank you for choosing us as one of your sites to sell your wonderful jewelry.." Warmest Regards, Cindy and Laura DeMaio, Lemons and Limes Chestnut Hill, PA
 
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Below is an exerpt from the Friday Featured Artist Interview 2/22/2008 at simplesweetcakes.com blog:

 

Describe your craft?  I design bridge jewelry catering to moms, brides, and fun, funky gals of all ages! 

How you got started?  A mom/friend of mine asked me to attend a jewelry design class at a local craft store.  I liked an excuse to get out and be with other adults (I had a 2 year old at home) so I went to the class.  I learned how to crimp in about 10 seconds.  That's all I needed to get rolling.   

How long crafting? I have been on a jewelry making binge for the past 6 years now.  It's addictive, and being self-taught, I am still learning and growing my craft. 

My inspiration?  Other moms.  I listen and learn.  That's what I tell my boys to do all the time!  I get wonderful ideas from other women, and it may take me a month or a year to let the idea evolve in my head.  I can have so many ideas brewing, they trip over each other at times. 

Favorite Work?  My Premiere necklaces are my favorite in that I hunt around antique shops and thrift stores to find unique pendants and pins.  I turn them into wearable art.  Each necklace is different, and I never know how it will turn out.  I just let myself go and the piece evolves wonderfully.  I do have to admit that my proudest wares are the Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry that I sell through the Breathing Room Foundation.  I give 50% of the BCA jewelry sales straight to this foundation and they help families in the local area afflicted with cancer.  What a great win-win for all.  It is truly special for me. 

Marketing of wares?  I have a website that features what I do, why I do it and all of the retailers I sell to and foundations I fundraise for.  Most of my success has been through personal marketing, meaning that I participate in artisan shows, craft shows and fundraisers and get the word out personally.  Believe it or not, I have found that the one-on-one attention that I give to my customer, as well as the attention to detail that I give my work really seems to mean something to women who are tired of the "same old, same old".  If a piece does not work for someone, I listen and learn why, then I fix it and make it BETTER.  That's how I have become successful and have gained a reputation for quality and value. 

Entrepreneurial advice?  Gosh, there is such a steep learning curve that I took on when getting into my own little jewelry business.  I would suggest being open to new ideas, and writing them down.  Having a mentor would be wonderful, and I wished that I had one to provide the shortcuts to learning....but then I might not have been as successful in how much attention I put to being myself and taking it back to the basics of running an honest, well intentioned business.  Truly defining yourself and what you want to achieve is key.  Do not be afraid to bounce ideas off your friends or partner.  Do expect to make mistakes, but do not hesitate to admit your shortcomings, fix it and make it better.  Listen and learn.