Lula Belle Meets Purple Pepper

Are you championing independent businesses?

Through my feature, Lula Belle Meets, I'm championing independent businesses and finding out what drives people to become self employed.

Lula Belle Meets, Sarah James, owner of Purple Pepper, Warwick

I met Sarah at the launch of Love Warwick.  Part of the launch involved a speed networking session and we got talking about Purple Pepper.  I felt Sarah's story was really interesting and a few minutes wasn't enough so we met recently to talk more.  In less than two years Sarah has grown her jewellery business and as a result also undertakes talks at events, something she never thought she would be doing. 

Where did the idea for Purple Pepper Jewellery come from?

I'd been made redundant and I was thinking about what to do next, when I suggested the idea of transforming my hobby into a business.  I have been making bespoke handmade jewellery for a number of years and have always received great complements.  It all started when I reluctantly attended a jewellery making workshop whilst on a weekend away with friends and to my surprise I really enjoyed it.  From there I started to make all sorts of jewellery experimenting with different materials and
designs.

How did you develop your idea?

I didn't have much to lose so I set about developing a website and getting business cards etc. The name that I had been using when I was making jewellery as a hobby was ‘Sparkles’ but whilst talking to a graphic designer friend she asked me what ideas I had for a logo. After a brainstorming session it was evident that the current business name was no match for taking my business forward.  So we started with my favourite colour, which is purple and my doodling of hearts. I also read an article about Moonpig.com and like the idea of a funky name that would be remembered. My friend said that there are purple peppers and that’s how Purple Pepper Jewellery was born.

Was it easy to set up your business?

As I already had a client base I started to do more such as hosting jewellery parties, attending fairs, charity events and having a stall at Warwick market.  In my first year I said yes to as events as possible and this helped to shape the way forward.  From attending wedding fayres I began to get bespoke commissions for brides, mother of the bride and bridesmaids;  I get a real buzz from being able to create something that is bespoke and compliments the bride's day. Everything I make is a one off piece and my clients all love to know what they are wearing is the only one in the world and in most cases, made to fit them perfectly. Working so hard in the first year has helped me make many great contacts which mostly lead to yet more contacts! I also attended, and still attend many networking events.

What are the philosophies of Purple Pepper?

I want to create something special that gives people joy and brings them memories every time they wear the jewellery.

What is the USP of Purple Pepper?

Everything is bespoke and handmade which makes it unique to the wearer.  You won't find anything like it on the high street or see the same piece being worn by anyone else.

Who would you say are your competitors?

Obviously there is a lot of competition out there, you can buy jewellery everywhere from the supermarket to independent boutiques and the high street stores.  Great if you want to wear something that you might see someone else wearing.  Of course there are also other people who make handmade jewellery with similar materials to myself, but I hope my style and design stand out as well as people liking a personal and professional service.

What is your strategy for telling people about your  business?

Word of mouth has been one of the best ways that people hear about my business.  I also tried a Groupon deal last year and that worked out really well and I reached people who may not of heard about me otherwise.   I started a market stall in Warwick which I did for approximately 9 months. I made many great contacts this way and it was great fun, but I'm not planning on going back as I really used it as a marketing tool - and it did the job!

I am using social media including Twitter and Facebook to reach out to a wider audience and to ensure the Purple Pepper brand is seen by as many people as possible.  I'm also in the process of re-launching my website as I learnt the hard way by not doing enough research into a good web designer in the early days and it really wasn't worth it. My advice to others is to go without a website and really do your homework rather than rush into one like I did!

What have been the highlights so far?

I started to run my own jewellery making workshops after the amazing feedback responses I got from the jewellery parties.  These have proved a great hit.  At these I show people the items I made at that first fateful jewellery workshop I attended and tell them my story of how I have got to where I am today.  From this I was approached to tell my story to other ladies as I was seen as being very inspirational, so I now speak at various events and groups around Warwickshire.  I also now teach short courses for Beginner and Improver jewellery making at Stratford college... something I never imagined I’d be able to do in a million years! Everyone loves to go away with their handmade item(s) of jewellery at the end of each lesson or after private workshops.

What does the future hold for your business?

So much as happened within the last 18 months that sometimes I have to pinch myself and be reminded of how all of this started.  I particularly enjoy the teaching side of things as it's great to share my skills with others and meet new like-minded people.  People bead for all sorts of reasons or for no reason at all ... it's a great way for people to get together for a coffee morning or an evening out for a birthday celebration - and all at affordable prices.  I've taught a number of men to bead and they're actually very good at it you know! Beading can also be a great way of increasing confidence and boosting self esteem as the instructions I give are step by step and very clear, as well as plenty of hands-on help.

One day I’d like to think that Purple Pepper will be 'us' rather than just 'me'. Things need to grow a little more before I can expand but the seed is now sown and you just need to keep your eyes open for future developments!

I have found a gap in the market in certain areas of Warwickshire and I'm already feeling excited about a new venture! From all the amazing testimonials Purple Pepper has received I know we can make success of a new venture - all you need is to be truly madly deeply passionate about what you love, and it will work ... so watch this space!

What would you say to someone who has a business idea and wants to set up their own business?

If you have the passion and the belief then you have little to lose.  It's very daunting to begin with but once you start hearing all the positive feedback and compliments it gives you an even stronger urge to make things really happen.  I went to many networking lunches and meetings and it proved helpful being with others in the same position. Give it a go, what have you got to lose.  If you find yourself in the position that I was in, redundancy can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. If I can do it then you certainly can too. I'd just moved house and had to find something I felt comfortable doing - but never in a million years did I think I'd be setting up a jewellery business!

Thank you Sarah, again yet another inspirational story and one that will probably resonate with many people.  Redundancy can either be a very scary time or a chance to do something that you love and become your own boss.  What is right for one person might not be right for another, but it is certainly an option to explore, especially if you have a hobby that can be turned into a business or you have a profession that you can develop into a consultancy.

I'm championing independent businesses.....I hope you do to!

Lula Belle x