Contributing Author: Stacie Walker
Today's interview and featured success story for July is Roslyn Tanner Evans of BeadZbyRoz.
I met her through one of the biggest social media sites in the world...Facebook.
Roslyn isn't new to the entrepreneurial world and has valuable insights to share with the Woman in Leadership community.
She is the founder of a company that can make a woman like me feel like a kid in a candy store.
She designs handcrafted beaded necklaces and other gorgeous accessories!
My jaw dropped to the floor when I discovered that she designs beautiful necklaces inspired by one of my favorite series on HBO, Game of Thrones!
Now, let's dive in to this exciting interview with an amazing woman and talented business owner!
Exclusive Interview with Roslyn Tanner Evans of BeadZbyRoz
Stacie: Good day, Roslyn!
It's such an honor to have you as our featured success story for July. I would love for you to share your background with the Woman in Leadership community.
Roslyn: Thank you Stacie. I appreciate all the support I can get. It's interesting that I was a leader most of my life and before it was fashionable.
Now, I am shining the spotlight on myself and doing what I can to support my extended family.
Today, I am a creator, designer, and entrepreneur of handmade beaded jewelry and I have been doing so for the past 6 years.
I retired from being a career counselor, for 30 years, to welfare recipients and then to unemployed professionals.
During that time I was also an EAP coordinator for my government agency covering a wide territory.Roslyn: I never thought I would have a business. If I did decide to continue working, it logically would have been in a professional role as an Outplacement Consultant. Like many people who stumbled into a job or even a career, I stumbled into a new field. An unexpected direction!
After taking a class in beading, the AMAZING and the most important/relevant thing was that I discovered I had a talent and ultimately a passion, that was hidden from my view.
I never thought of myself as artistic because I never spent time in crafts. I always had an appreciation for art, handmade pottery, and crafts.
But, I was the customer...not the creator. Stacie: What advice do you have to share with anyone thinking about going into business? Roslyn: It is NEVER too late to start again.It isn't that I am recommending others turn a hobby into a business.
What I know from my career counseling days and now my own experience, is that being open to explore new avenues can lead to life's greatest pleasures.Stacie: What has been the most challenging thing you have encountered since you have been in business?
Roslyn: There is always someone to take on challenges and forge a path for others to follow.
I was fearful that I would not be able to overcome my limited technical skills to master on-line marketing.
I was a technophobe. Today, I still get stuck.
But with the help of family, friends, webinars, tutorials, and YouTube, I am amazed on a daily basis at how much I do using a computer.
I LOVE IT!I knew nothing about how to set up, run, or market a business. I had many lessons to learn and accomplish.
For the first 5 years I sold our jewelry primarily at craft shows and used my website for submission/application to these shows.
As I advance in years, it has become more difficult physically to be on my feet all day to set up a tent, tables, and display. Then pack up after a long day.
This led me to re-evaluate my marketing and so I turned my attention to social media.
Stacie: What changes have you made?
Roslyn: A few years ago my daughter, Beth, who is truly artistic joined me. Although we are sometimes not on the same page, consulting with my daughter about business, design, display decisions, has brought us closer together.
She specializes in creating wearable art. Very feminine styles using hand painted lucite.
Together we do email marketing, some live shows and maintain our online website.
Beth does the photography of our jewelry and I create posts for my Facebook page and Pinterest. I focus on these two platforms as most suitable for a visual product.
I’m currently completing a graphics tutorial to keep my fans engaged with my posts.Stacie: Roslyn, I have one more question to conclude your featured success story. How do you define your personal success?
Roslyn: When you accomplish something you had no idea was possible, you transform your view of yourself.
I know I can accomplish anything I want to.
Be open to learning, open to asking for information and help. Always be open to not letting mistakes stop you.
Stacie: Roslyn, you have been great!
You are doing an outstanding job providing value to your family and to the world. I admire you for stepping up and helping others with your talent and gifts.
Roslyn: Thank you so much, Stacie, for this opportunity to share my story.
It is so important for women to know that it is never too late to start again. Life is a journey with passages that brings out many talents and interests. Stacie: Thank you for taking the time to share your inspiring journey with the Woman in Leadership community. In the near future, I would love to have you as a special guest on the Woman in Leadership Success online radio show.If you are interested in learning more about Roslyn, please connect with her by clicking on any of the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/BeadZbyRoZ
http://Pinterest.com/BeadZPassion
https://twitter.com/@beadzbyroz Image Credit: BeadZbyRoZ, piccsy