My Career Voyage! Charting The Course

By Patty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator

The recent recession has created a tough job market with unemployment rates in the double digits leaving many dislocated workers at wits end on how to earn an income. Melinda Hawkins of Raleigh uses her jewelry-making hobby to bring in extra money to help pay her bills. Hawkins was laid off from her insurance job in Sept. 2008. When a job didn’t materialize, Hawkins decided to become a self employed insurance agent. Building a business during a downturn in the economy takes time and Hawkins could not afford to wait. With Christmas approaching, Hawkins switched to entrepreneur mode and started uploading photos of her jewelry creations on Facebook. And to her amazement, the jewelry started selling right away.

What is unique about Hawkins’ jewelry is that it’s one-of-a-kind; her designs are not duplicated. “People can’t find this in stores,” said Hawkins. “I customize it for the individual rather than make a one size fits all.” She started doing this out of frustration in trying to find jewelry she liked that was affordable, fit correctly, and wouldn’t fall apart. Hawkins decided to learn how to make jewelry and before she knew it, she had more jewelry than she knew what to do with.

“Little Inspirations has been a hobby for the last five years that has recently taken off, said Hawkins. “ I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind jewelry that is unique to each person that receives it.” She enjoys working one-on-one with customers to create jewelry for everyday, weddings and other special occasions, ensuring that it fits each person correctly. To avoid disappointing breakage in design concepts, “I try it out before I sell it,” said Hawkins. “If there are flaws, I’ll fix them before I sell them.”

Hawkins has recently added a line of Cause Awareness jewelry which is quickly becoming popular. She creates jewelry for causes such as Autism, Breast Cancer and Support the Troops. If there’s a cause to support, Hawkins will create quality jewelry for supporter’s to wear.

Hawkins said she was initially trying to make some extra money to help with bills and the jewelry sales have definitely helped. “I expected sales to drop off after Christmas, but sales have increased,” said Hawkins. Within one month, Hawkins has received orders from as far away as England and Ireland. If this keeps up, Hawkins may not have time to sell insurance.

For more information about Little Inspirations jewelry, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Inspirations/359156190326?ref=ts or to contact Melinda Hawkins, send an e-mail to littleinspirations@live.com.