Designer View – Kristin of Sweeter Than Me Bridal
Recently I spoke with indie jewelry designer Kristin Friesen of Sweeter Than Me Bridal to discuss what it means to her to be an independent business and designer.
What does it mean to you to be an independent jewelry designer?
To me, being an indie designer
of any kind means self sufficiency. Sharing my work with others is a
secondary (and equally wonderful) perk of making jewelry. For me, I
love the fact that I can make virtually anything I see. If I see a
necklace on a girl on the street and I want it, I go home and make one.
I love being able to look in my closet and design the perfect pair of
earrings to go with any given outfit. Jewelry is a luxury that many
people cannot usually afford, myself included, and I love the fact that
I can make a little something special for myself at a fraction of the
cost. Another thing that is really special for me is seeing my pieces
in real life. For example, I was at my in-law's house a week or so ago
and I saw my mother-in-law wearing a pair of earrings I gave her. It
means so much to me seeing people really use and appreciate the things
I design, it makes me so happy. This is why I create.
of any kind means self sufficiency. Sharing my work with others is a
secondary (and equally wonderful) perk of making jewelry. For me, I
love the fact that I can make virtually anything I see. If I see a
necklace on a girl on the street and I want it, I go home and make one.
I love being able to look in my closet and design the perfect pair of
earrings to go with any given outfit. Jewelry is a luxury that many
people cannot usually afford, myself included, and I love the fact that
I can make a little something special for myself at a fraction of the
cost. Another thing that is really special for me is seeing my pieces
in real life. For example, I was at my in-law's house a week or so ago
and I saw my mother-in-law wearing a pair of earrings I gave her. It
means so much to me seeing people really use and appreciate the things
I design, it makes me so happy. This is why I create.
What kinds of jewelry and service do you offer that the larger companies don't?
Well,
the real difference between buying handmade and buying commercially
produced items is the level of personal service you receive. There is a
lot of competition in the world of handmade jewelry and I do my best to
set myself apart, but the thing that sets me apart the most is my
consistent excellent customer service. I really pride myself on my
level of customer service, I am always 100% committed to the
satisfaction of my customers and I think customer relationships are
extremely important. (And I haven't had a single unhappy customer so
far!)
Another big difference is this ability to customize. Large
companies offer certain styles and if you don't like them, well then
tough. If you don't like my styles, well then we work together to
create something you do like. I am always up for doing custom work
because I know how hard it can be to find that thing that's "just
right". This is especially true for brides. You have that very specific
necklace in your mind but you just can't seem to find it anywhere! It
can be overwhelming trying to shop for jewelry and intimidating to ask
a seller directly for help. Keep in mind that indie designers are real
people just like you, who would love to help solve your problem. I am
always so honored when women ask me to design their jewelry, and I
truly enjoy helping them to create their perfect piece.
the real difference between buying handmade and buying commercially
produced items is the level of personal service you receive. There is a
lot of competition in the world of handmade jewelry and I do my best to
set myself apart, but the thing that sets me apart the most is my
consistent excellent customer service. I really pride myself on my
level of customer service, I am always 100% committed to the
satisfaction of my customers and I think customer relationships are
extremely important. (And I haven't had a single unhappy customer so
far!)
Another big difference is this ability to customize. Large
companies offer certain styles and if you don't like them, well then
tough. If you don't like my styles, well then we work together to
create something you do like. I am always up for doing custom work
because I know how hard it can be to find that thing that's "just
right". This is especially true for brides. You have that very specific
necklace in your mind but you just can't seem to find it anywhere! It
can be overwhelming trying to shop for jewelry and intimidating to ask
a seller directly for help. Keep in mind that indie designers are real
people just like you, who would love to help solve your problem. I am
always so honored when women ask me to design their jewelry, and I
truly enjoy helping them to create their perfect piece.
All of the pieces at Sweeter Than Me Bridal can be
customized and tailored to fit the needs of any bride. Many pieces are
shown in white/pearl/silver as an example but can be made in gold,
ivory, or any other color to match chosen wedding colors for brides or
bridesmaids.
customized and tailored to fit the needs of any bride. Many pieces are
shown in white/pearl/silver as an example but can be made in gold,
ivory, or any other color to match chosen wedding colors for brides or
bridesmaids.
– Gabreial Wyatt, Vintage Indie