Kelli Miller-Beauchemin knew she had a business idea when people on the street would stop her and offer to purchase her self-made jewelry off her wrist. Sugar Blossom Design was born a few years later, specializing in unique jewelry made of mixed mediums…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Sugar Blossom Design is an online business that creates unique jewelry made of mixed mediums, with a feminine bohemian flair. The pieces can be worn stacked or on their own.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I took Fashion Communication and Marketing at Ryerson as I have always been creative and I’ve always loved the fashion industry. When I was living in Toronto I started making pieces of jewelry for myself, and people started stopping me on the street asking if they could buy them right off my wrist. A few years after that I turned my hobby into Sugar Blossom and began selling my jewelry online. I pull inspiration from various facets of life. I have been lucky enough to live in and travel to many different cities around the globe and along the way I have been inspired by art, architecture, nature, street fashion and culture. My inspiration often presents itself in the simplest forms: colours of a sunset, a bouquet of peonies, a greeting card, wallpaper, shopping for fruit at the farmers market, I could go on and on.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part about what I do is being creative; I love designing and making each piece of jewelry. It also feels very rewarding when people go out of their way to send me a note just to tell me how much they love my bracelets. The most challenging part is doing everything on my own (designing, making the jewelry, social media, marketing, etc, etc, etc.)
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I would love my jewelry to be carried in stores across North America.
What does success look like to you?
I think success is the small day-to-day goals that I reach and the intrinsic gratification I get from that.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My most memorable milestone was the first time that I had an article written about my jewelry. It gave me a great sense of validation.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
If one door closes, don’t give up. Determination and hard work are the keys to every kind of success.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’m exploring that as we speak!
What is Notable to you?
Being true to myself and standing up for what I believe in.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Definitely iPhone… I have Apple everything!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I try to stay active and energetic by eating healthy, running (it always clears my mind) and getting seven hours of sleep. I think I stay vibrant by travelling!
