Founder & Owner,
Sincerely Kellyn
Launching My Business
Overview:
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My skin became increasingly sensitive as I got older, reacting poorly to various types of jewelry. Experiencing discomfort and skin discoloration inspired me to establish my own jewelry line, Sincerely Kellyn. My personal struggles fueled a commitment to transparency and customer focus in my business. My goal has always been to create jewelry that not only looks beautiful but also feels comfortable and safe to wear, using hypoallergenic and high-quality materials.
Challenge:
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Launching in May 2020, amidst the pandemic, presented significant hurdles. The primary challenge was sourcing high-quality, hypoallergenic materials during a time of extensive shipping delays and widespread economic uncertainty.
Goal:
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My initial goal was to attract customers to Sincerely Kellyn and sell out the limited stock available at launch.
Result:
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I launched my Etsy shop and was thrilled to sell out one of the three available product lines on the first day! Within the first week, I gained 100 followers and within a couple months, I had orders from 18 different states. This early success was a powerful affirmation of the brand's potential.
Reflection:
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The support from my community was overwhelming and deeply encouraging. Family, friends, and peers supported around my vision, reminding me never to underestimate the power of community support. This experience taught me the importance of not letting comparison stifle creativity. Launching Sincerely Kellyn at 18 was a bold step, driven by my desire to help others facing similar issues with jewelry. This journey has only just begun, and I'm excited to see where it leads.
Social Media Content
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I fostered an engaging online presence by sharing my personal journey, showcasing high-quality products, and giving a behind-the-scenes look at my process, all of which contribute to organic growth. Specifically, through the use of Instagram Reels, I have reached over 4,000 new accounts on Instagram.
Maker's Markets
During my sophomore year of college, I participated in my first ever maker's market on campus. The experience was overwhelmingly positive, with an outpouring of support from students and customers alike, leading to my selling 80% of my inventory. It was a pivotal moment in my life that allowed me to immerse myself in the community, connecting with customers face-to-face rather than just online. Since that defining experience in 2021, I have participated in over 20 marketplaces across Orange County and San Diego. Engaging directly with my audience at these events has become my favorite activity.
Influencer Marketing
I leveraged influencer marketing to expand my business, collaborating with a range of influencers from micro to macro levels, including Jess Conte, Sofia Conte, Bree Malia, Taylor Hayden, and Nicole Miller. To ensure their audiences aligned with my target market, I utilized platforms like Upfluencer, which provided valuable insights into their follower demographics and interests.
