First off, tell me a little bit about yourself.
Hi! My name is Cat Hutchings and I’m the creator of both SpotLight Jewelry and my newest shop, LuckyMe Jewelry. I grew up in Southern California and coming from a family of 8, family means everything to me! I’m currently a college student enrolled at Brigham Young University Idaho and am just about to finish up my BA in Broadcast Journalism. I love learning about different cultures and places all over the world.
I think a big part of this started after serving an 18 month mission for my church where I met the most amazing people from all over the world. From Lithuania, Australia, South Africa, Korea, Germany, China, Guatemala, and back again! There’s so much to learn in the world and I love how technology has made the world so much smaller. I married my college sweet heart (the love of my life) and we just passed our one year anniversary a couple months ago. After that, everything else just seems to be icing on the cake!
How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?
About a year ago, I took an entrepreneurship class at Brigham Young University Idaho just as part of my business minor. My husband is a business major and had always talked about starting a business, so I figured it would be a good idea to learn some of the basics. One of our assignments was to come up with a working business plan, and since I was going to be putting in all this work, I thought it might as well be a business plan I could actually start one day.
I tossed around a couple ideas and eventually decided on an earring shop since there was a relatively low start up fee and I LOVED big fun earrings. After that, it just kind of grew. I don’t think I ever imagined my company would be what it is today as I had very little computer knowledge so most of my sales where at boutiques or craft type shows. Discovering Etsy really gave my store wings.
When and how did you originally find Etsy?
One of my sister-in laws found out at Christmas time that I had started making jewelry after I gave her a pair and suggested checking out the site. She had opened a children’s clothing store and thought my earrings would sell great on Etsy. The site was so user friendly, it was a perfect site for me.
What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?
I love how simple the website is. Since all the stores have the same set up, it makes shopping there easy and fun. I also love how while the stores are set up the same, each shop is so individualized. From the pictures and banner to the shop makers profile. You can really get a feel for the people you are buying from.
What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?
I think I’m inspired most by the creations themselves! Every time I set out to make a new piece of jewelry, it sort of takes on a life of it’s own.
What is your favorite piece you’ve created and why?
I recently created some “half moon” wire shape earrings. They are earrings that have charms and beads hanging off a wire shaped like a half moon giving them this amazing and truly unique 3D effect. The design happened almost by accident as I was trying to create something different completely, again, showing how my pieces just tend to take on a life of their own.
What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?
I want to eventually venture to more boutique wholesales and open another website. My original dream is to have a website where at the checkout, people will have the option to select from several different charity organizations and have a portion of their sales donated to that charity by just the click of a button.
Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?
You can always expect new designs in every category! I always find myself coming up with new ideas and just like the pieces I sell, it’s seems like the shop takes on it’s own personality. I originally started thinking I would just sell earrings, but recently I have added necklaces, rings, anklets and more. I’m sure bracelets will soon follow and I’m also thinking about adding some hair clips.
Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?
For free giveaways and new product information as well as exclusive online offers, people can join my Facebook fan page too!
