Name of your website?The Enchanted Seed - Unique Designs in Freshwater Pearls and Semi-Precious Gems
Your name?
Maureen Jacobs Figueredo
Your Location (city, etc)
Tucson, Arizona 85741
Please give us a short summary of your website?
The Enchanted Seed is an independently-owned jewelry design studio located in Tucson, Arizona. Our artisans use delicate Asian freshwater pearls, semi-precious gemstones, and imported crystal to create one-of-a-kind handmade pieces that are both beautiful and affordable. From classics that will never go out of style to new creations that that combine elegance and innovation, The Enchanted Seed is at the forefront of jewelry design.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I was encouraged by family and friends who loved my designs. I have a background in Art and Computer Graphic design, and designing my own website to highlight my jewelry was lots of fun!
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
This is my first website, which was launched in October, 2007.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
The Enchanted Seed brings to mind fairy tales, beautiful princesses, and magical jewels.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Every woman deserves to enjoy the elegance of real pearls and gemstones! The Enchanted Seed uses the highest quality pearls and semi-precious gemstones. Because we are located in Tucson, AZ, home of the largest Annual Gem and Mineral Show on the planet, we can purchase our materials directly from vendors from around the world. We sell our designs directly to the public to keep our costs at a minimum, and pass these savings on to our clients. Our one-of-a-kind jewelry designs are beautiful AND affordable.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
My eventual goal is to turn my business from a part-time venture into a full-time successful operation.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I'm just starting out and "paying my dues". I'm really still at the initial investment stage, and will tell you about the success part as soon as it happens!
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
If I had unlimited funds I would devote more time to actual jewelry design and get more help on the "business end" of operating my company.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
YES! I have many designs still waiting to be listed on the website.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
There are so many costs associated with starting a website. As a newbie, I'm still learning as I go along.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Juggling work, family, and starting a new business all at the same time. I'm lucky to have the encouragement from friends and family who believe that I will be a success in all aspects of my life!
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Besides word-of-mouth from local, satisfied clients, I am working with ShareASale Affiliate Marketing.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It's more time-consuming than I had expected, but that's my own fault. I'm a perfectionist, and I'm always looking for ways to make it better.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
The site has only been up for a couple of months. I am committed to make this business profitable, and will devote at least several years to developing it.
What celebrity would you like to endorse The Enchanted Seed designs?
I'd like a "got pearls?" approach in advertising. I would love to see people of all types, not just celebrities, wearing our designs. Young, old, famous, infamous, or just regular people like you and me, because The Enchanted Seed jewelry is for everyone! (But if Charlize Theron wanted to wear one of my designs to the Academy Awards, it would be fine by me!!)
What is your website address?
The Enchanted Seed - Unique Designs in Freshwater Pearls and Semi-Precious Gems
