Jimdo Spotlight Jolie Mack Designs

Interview with jewelery designer Jolie Mack

Describe yourself in five words:
Neurotic, slightly (this word doesn't count) obsessive, melancholy, moody, awkward maybe? Five words aren't enough really, there's a lot more. And better ones too, like focused and then there's distracted easily, and chatty.

How old are you?
Old enough to know who the Smurfs, the Golden Girls, and The A Team are.

Was this your original choice of career or how did you end up designing jewelery?
Let's be fair and say that I have never actually chosen a career. It has never occurred to me to do that. I have been many things: a band member, a wedding planner, a waitress, a bartender, a makeup artist, an advertising hustler, a marketing developer, and over the last 8 years, a Mom of twins.
Having the steady hands of a veterinarian, making jewelery was a natural choice. It has allowed me to quit the bar job that I "loved" so much and keep my own hours.

Like most things, my business came to be by necessity and accident: I knew I needed to change careers but discovering my designing ability was a happy accident (kind of like my kids.) Putting the two things together seemed the thing to do at the time.

What makes Jolie Mack jewelery so special and why does the world need it?
Anything that is made with care and attention is very special. The technicality or finishing of a jewelery design is crucial - paying attention to the tiny details. I hand-file every wire end, I am very aware of the balance of the design, the way it hangs or lays, and the comfort of the piece. Proper assembly ensures that all of components stay together. The only way to achieve this kind of quality is to produce every design by hand, myself.
Although my designs are certainly unique, competitors are everywhere. There is a designer out there who can recreate my jewelery and perhaps even improve upon it! But because of the ethics I believe in, my business is a breath of fresh air to those who choose Jolie Mack Designs. Customer satisfaction, personalized communication and fair business practice are values that set my business apart from others. These philosophies make my clients feel special, keep them coming back and ultimately, add a bit more sparkle to the jewelery.

However, it's much more work!

Who are your customers?
Those who purchase are usually closer to home, here in Canada. My demographic leans toward the 30-something professional woman. Interestingly though, it seems that each individual design grabs its own micro-demographic, depending on its colour, shape, length, materials and price point.

How did you find out about Jimdo in the first place? Do you have a favorite Jimdo-feature?
Facebook is a very important tool for professional exposure and so I spend a lot of time on there. About a year ago I searched the Facebook applications for websites and Jimdo popped up. I was curious because the name was so perplexing (I always want to say Jimbo (...surprisingly enough, quite a few other people do too! Who would have known...?!)) and the little logo (I'm a logo junkie) was so...smiley. I committed myself to using what Jimdo offered and as I began to work with its abilities, I quickly realized that having my own website for only time and no money was a reality! Good news, considering I had a fancy website quoted for $8000!
Gosh a fave feature? I get along with them all! I like how easily it is to move things around, add and remove pages, build pretty picture galleries and edit my content.

What features would you like to see Jimdo develop next? What updates would help make your site better?

The only thing that I truly wish for every night when I go to bed is a Jimdo shopping cart! Oh yay, what a dream come true would that be!! The world would be my oyster if I could sell my jewelery like an internet gypsy through a Jimdo feature.

How has your Jimdo page helped you and/or your career so far?
Well, let me count the ways! First off, if Jimdo's templates, fonts, and ease of use weren't so delightful then I would be out a boat load of cash for a pro-designed website - cash that I need to keep the business running. Secondly, Jimdo allows me to present a beautiful site to my clients and world. My site is reliable, updated, and provides fabulous communication with potential customers through its forms, picture galleries and social networking. Third, through Jimdo's own marketing, Jolie Mack Designs receives plenty of European exposure with little effort! That's just one more thing off my busy mind. Jimdo has been instrumental in the success of my business and I say thank you.

Do you have a recommendation of another Jimdo page that you would like to share with us and our readers?
There are so many gorgeous Jimdo pages that I couldn't even go through and pick one. I am attracted to Jimdo pages that are heavy with photos though, because the galleries look great. I do suggest that all Jimdo users take some time now and then to explore the Jimdo environment. Browse the pages to see the other creative ideas used to construct Jimdo sites. The possibilities are endless and you'll likely be inspired to work further on your own special page.

Jolie, best wishes for your future and thank you very much for this interview!

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