If you could go back to a year ago, what would you tell yourself based on what you know now?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Jewelry, in the scheme of things, is not that important. When you’re a small business owner starting from scratch day in and day out, it’s incredibly vulnerable when you’re promoting your business. When someone comes back with a critique, it’s hard to remember their perspective. I have to not take things so personally and seriously.
There have been stressful instances, but it’s good I’ve had them because they’re the ones I’ve learned the most from. I feel so lucky, I’ve had so many awesome customers and repeat clients who have shared their stories with me and what meaning they sought in my pieces. A woman bought this hand carved antique angel charm from Italy, and when she got it in person she told me she would pass it down to her family members. To allow someone to feel that way about a piece is incredible. It makes it worth it.
Do you have any advice for aspiring makers and creatives?
My biggest piece of advice is, if it’s something that you’re interested in and could see yourself be happy doing. Try it. If it works out, awesome, if it doesn’t, then you can say you tried, otherwise you’ll regret it. You won’t know everything in the beginning, and you can’t possibly either - you’ll learn as you go. There are a lot of resources that to learn from.
The NY Gov website was super helpful in how to set up my business for tax purposes (so depending on your location - that’ll be great). I did a lot of Googling, a lot of asking for help from other people who own their own businesses. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
How has COVID affected business for you?
Honestly, the pandemic may have helped and I am lucky to be able to have kept things up and running. I think for those who have been home, unable to shop in the stores, and have found Nova Lita, buying fresh jewelry maybe made more sense than a new dress. To create any joy during the time we are in right now, that’s really cool.
Are there any brands or people that inspire you or that you admire in the space?
- The Jungalow- @thejungalow Justina Blakeney, blends a lot of different cultural design aesthetics together. Girl power, owning a business as a woman is so cool.
- Gina Danza- @wildginaa does some incredible outdoor photography. It’s super ethereal and thoughtful ideas with her images.
- Alexandra Elle- @alex_elle, a wonderful self care author and community builder.
- Sophia Zakia- @sofia.zakia one of my favorites, her pieces are super interesting.
- Mociun- @mociun creates home goods and fine jewelry.
- Katmojo- @katmojojewelry a jeweler utilizing lots of colors, beads, and chains.
- Retrouvai- @Retrouvai a jewelry using a lot of repurposed coins and Victorian era pendants.
- Workhouse Jewelry- @Workhorsejewelry antique jeweler in LA and Palm Desert.
- Maura Green- @MauraGreenJewelry fine jewelry creating charms, pendants, chains and more.
- Celine Daoust- @CelineDaoustJewellry delicate and powerful handmade jewelry
Follow Nova Lita Vintage on Instagram @novalitavintage, and shop at novalitavintage.com.