We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Berthelet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had worked ‘outside’ for many years, and just was sick of the office politics, nepotism, and unfairness……I wanted the freedom of being my own boss, being responsible for my own decisions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is Amy’s Handmade Gifts – I make and sell beaded jewelry/tapestries, greeting cards, ornaments, and other small gift items. Some things are assembled from designer kits, and some are my original designs. The most recent skill I have put to use is making hand-stitched beaded boxes. I am excited about creating more 3D objects just using beads. My career as an entrepreneur definitely hasn’t been easy – since I started selling some jewelry on Etsy in 2009, I have constantly been working on upgrading my skills and finding better ways of doing things. One of my biggest challenges has always been marketing – getting the word out enough to make sales. I even opened a small booth inside a local boutique. Currently I am using the services of a professional marketing company. I have learned that if you wait to start a business when all the conditions are right, you will probably never start. Take a small step, any thing you can do here and now, and go from there. I started with a $20 jewelry kit and Etsy. Another thing is don’t buy into the hype – everybody will come out of the woodwork and try to sell you things you don’t need when just starting out – LLCs, trusts, professional business suites etc. Save that for when your business is big/successful enough to warrant it, otherwise money will be wasted that could have been used for more needed things. The main thing I want people to know about Amy’s Handmade Gifts is that all the products are made solely by me – I do not purchase wholesale supplies from others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m afraid Arlington Texas isn’t the most exotic place, especially now during this crisis! Most of the restaurants in my area are open for dining in with conditions, so I would recommend the local Mexican/Salvadoran spot called Cafe Acapulco. Lake Arlington is a nice spot to just sit and visit. Hank & Ellie in Pantego is a fantastic, eclectic gift shop full of just about everything! And Deliverance Bible Church in Hurst is small and full of joy!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Deliverance Bible Church – Pastors Cleetus and Nichole Adrian 310 W. Pipeline Rd Hurst TX

Website: https://amyshandmadejewelry.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amyberthelet
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybiz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyberthelet
Facebook: https://facebook.com/amysbiz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgafdoPsvwx2cOgiBRgIcHw
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/amyberthelet/amys-handmade-gifts/

Image Credits
Amy Berthelet

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