Sharon Keyser-Jackson is the lady behind SKCreations, home-based in Bowie, Maryland. Among some of SKCreations unique wearable art are handbags, leather bracelets and cuffs, as well as pillows and throws which are all handmade from quality fabrics.
Sharon’s natural hair journey...
I have been natural for about nine years. I had reached the point where I was tired of having that standing two-week appointment for the wrap or set, an hour or more under the dryer, and the occasional touch-up.
I felt that my hair needed a break from the chemicals and the heat. I had no idea how liberating it would be. Once I went natural, I never looked back.
Her natural hair advice to others...
Natural hair can look strong but may actually be very delicate, so the best advice I can give is to pay attention to the signs your hair gives you. Natural hair has different needs than processed hair. It tends to be drier so you need to keep it well-moisturized and give it a deep conditioning fairly often.
A leave-in conditioner has worked well for me and I avoid any products containing alcohol. Also, in order to keep your hair healthy, you should clip the ends on occasion. Most importantly, wear your natural hair proudly and enjoy the freedom!
The inspiration behind SKCreations...
I learned to sew at a very young age and have always had a passion for fabric, which is usually the source of my inspiration. I'll fall in love with a piece and know that I MUST make something out of it. The love I put into my creations must have come through because others would see a finished product and ask if I made and sold more like it. It was an easy request to meet since I enjoy designing and creating, plus it gave me an excuse to get more fabric.
I've also always had an enterprising spirit, having had an accounting and tax practice for many years in addition to being a real estate agent. Selling my wearable art however is a lot more fun. I also create textile wall art. I just can't throw away those scraps.
I am constantly working on new product lines. My goal is to add at least one every year since I like to keep things fresh. In 2009, I introduced my premier wearable art bag line, Glam Girls, which showcases a style I use in creating my textile wall art. For every wearable art product I focus on unique, one-of-a-kind creations with an emphasis on vibrant, bold designs, as well as functionality.
Sharon’s advice to those considering starting their own business...
First and foremost, make sure you do something you truly believe in and hopefully enjoy. It will be hard work, and there will be times when you question your decision, but having that belief in yourself and your product or service will compel you to put in the effort and stick with it.
Second, preparation is key so do your homework. Check out potential competitors and see what is or isn't working for them. How will your product or service stand out? Determine your target market and promote to them. Pay attention to the responses you get and build on the positives. Third, have an online presence and use social networking; it is essential in this day and age, and it can be an inexpensive marketing tool.
Last but not least, remember that self-motivation is a skill; it is not a given. Entrepreneurship doesn't come with a job description. Strive to accomplish something every day. Use setbacks as a learning experience, and when you have successes don't rest on your laurels; work on taking it to the next level.
What the future holds for SKCreations...
Ultimately, I look forward to expanding my markets by growing my online presence and selling my wearable art products in stores. I'd also love to see my products on the Home Shopping Network. That, of course, would require that the majority of my products be produced by others, but the right collaboration would allow me to continue to be the creative designer, occasionally producing original and limited editions myself. As long as I can always have my hands on the fabric, I'll be happy. :-)
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