This week in our ongoing Meet the Maker series, we’re getting to know Megan Reynolds, who is the artist behind the customizable  jewelry line Flawed Perfection Jewelry.

 

LBC: What inspired you to take the leap as an entrepreneur?
Megan: I had always loved making jewelry and started seriously thinking about a business when I was a senior in high school. After I graduated, I thought “why not make this “real” and took the steps to make Flawed Perfection Jewelry a legal business. Then, I just loved being the boss of my own business and couldn’t imagine ever having a “normal” career!

 

LBC: How would you describe what you create?
Megan: I create customized designs that allow my customers to be part of the design process. Color and color combos are HUGE parts of my designs. My customers love to match their jewelry with their outfits, so my creations are intended to be perfect matches. I want them to know that when they purchase from Flawed Perfection Jewelry, they are getting something personalized just for them. Additionally, I offer many interchangeable and stackable designs, so women can grow their collections over time, while on a budget at the same time.

 

LBC: When you first got started, how did you envision your business would be defined?
Megan: I envisioned a business defined by simple, beautiful customized jewelry designs and personal attention to my customers. I also knew I wanted my business to give back and contribute to my local community and the world.

 

LBC: Where can we find your products?
Megan: Currently, my products can be found in my online shop. Additionally, my designs can be found in a growing number of retailers.

 

LBC: Walk us through a typical work day.
Megan: Right now, my schedule is particularly hectic. I wake up by 7, tackle emails and prep some social media things for the day, eat breakfast, and get ready for the day. Then, I spend couple of hours in the studio working on making things. After lunch, I get orders ready to ship or deliver. I then work my nanny job until dinner time. After dinner, I watch t.v. and do more work on the computer until 10 p.m.

 

LBC: What are the some things makers should think through when they initially decide to start a business?
Megan: 1. The legal components of a business. Make things legit, people.
2. What purpose you want your business to serve.
3. What sacrifices you’re willing to make for your business.

 

LBC: When you’re overwhelmed, what brings you back to focus?
Megan: A walk to be alone with my thoughts. Additionally, making a to-do list and scheduling things (after I’ve walked for a while).

 

 

LBC: Tell us about a few of the best business decisions you’ve made to date.
Megan: Last year, I decided to take my show on the road, literally, and do a trunk show up in Northern California; that was truly amazing. Also, choosing to stay home for college. I had space, time, and funds to work on the business. Additionally, the choice to start using Swarovski(TM) crystals. Because of those crystals, I can offer completely customized designs, with so many color options!

 

LBC: Please share one mistake or obstacle from your business experience. 
Megan: CASH FLOW. This has by-far been my biggest obstacle/mistake. I’ve spent money on the wrong things and then struggled with slow months. I overcome this (frequent) challenge by reducing my spending and finding little extra ways to get some cash flow during the slower times.

 

 

LBC: Is there a cause or a particular organization that you contribute to that you’re particularly passionate about?
Megan: I give a portion of sales every month to organizations that support girls empowerment and education. Through the end of the year, I’m giving to Girl Up, an UN Foundation dedicated to helping girls in Ethiopia, Liberia, Guatemala, Malawi in regards to education and child marriage. I want my business to put good into the world and that starts with girls education.

 

LBC: What are 3 essential resources in your business toolbox you can’t do without?
Megan:  1. Evernote – I LOVE this note-taking/organizational tool.
2. Community – I love having Facebook groups of people going through similar struggles that I can call on for support, advice, and encouragement.
3. Get Media Happy Membership – This membership has shifted the entire way I handle PR/pitches (one of my real challenges as an entrepreneur).

 

LBC: Suppose we had a time machine. If we blasted ourselves forward a few years, where would we see your company?
Megan:  You would see Flawed Perfection Jewelry as the go-to resource for customized, color-matched designs. You would see a supportive community of customers who are loyal to our mission of having a look for every outfit. Additionally, the business will be doing great things for the local community (employing local, down-on-their-luck women) and giving back to the global community to help educate girls around the world.

 

LBC: Your music play list is full of … 
Megan: Ingrid Michaelson, Taylor Swift, OneRepublic, Ed Sheeran, Sara Bareilles, A Great Big World, & a lot of musicals!

 

LBC: What’s the one thing you would eat, if you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life?
Megan: French bread. Hands down. (However, I don’t eat it currently–I’ve been gluten free for 1 year.)

 

LBC: What’s your favorite quote, and who said it?
Megan:  “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” -lines from William Ernest Henley’s poem, Invictus

 

Thank you, Megan, for sharing your talent with us!  We absolutely love your line and all of the ways we can customize each piece to make it our own, and we look forward to all the wonderful things ahead for Flawed Perfection Jewelry. We’re cheering you on!

 

Connect with Megan and Flawed Perfection Jewelry all around the web:
Company Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

 

Want to see your brand featured in our continuing “Meet the Maker Monday” series? Drop us a line: hello AT luckybreakconsulting.com. Please use “MEET THE MAKER” as the subject line and be certain to include your web address. We look forward to hearing from you!