I’m so thrilled to introduce our Stylist of the Month for August — the cute-as-a-button Emily Williams in Baltimore, MD! Emily started just a few months ago, but has really started off strong with consistent trunk shows, earning herself two Jump Starts. She is the perfect example of how a new stylist can ump head first into this lovely business – especially during the “slow” months of summer… But for Emily, it was anything but slow. She rocked Summer 2011 and she is sure to ROCK HER FALL!
Quick Facts:
Name: Emily Williams
City/State: Baltimore, MD
Career Rank: Stylist
Start Date: June 4, 2011
Jump Start Earned: 2 – $1,000 in free jewelry
Q & A:
Q: We are lucky to have a wonderful Stylist like you join our Stella & Dot family! What does Stella & Dot mean to you and to your family?
A: I am blessed to be able to be a stay at home mom, but who doesn’t love some extra girl time? I’m able to run a fun, fashion-forward business on my own time, wear fabulous jewelry, and get paid to have parties!
Q: How did you find out about Stella & Dot and become a Stylist?
A: My very dear friend Krista Demcher, recently promoted to Senior Stylist, introduced me to S&D. I had been to some of her trunk shows and fell in love with the jewelry.
Q: Looking back, who were your first six hostesses and how did you approach them? What did you say to them to book their trunk show?
A: Mostly close friends and family. Some offered to have a party once they too saw the gorgeous jewels, some I suggested they throw a party. Then a friend of a friend asked to have a party right away and it was my biggest party yet!
Q: As a new stylist, what has been a challenge for you and how have you overcome it?
A: Being bold and/or confrontational. I’ve learned that just sharing my excitement about the product is enough to get others interested.
Q: You have been a consistent Stylist, selling an average $2,500 for the last 3 months since you’ve started. Any tips on keeping a consistent trunk show schedule throughout your Jump Start?
A: Booking parties at parties is key, and remember to plan ahead to keep the business flowing all year long! I remember being a little disappointed in July when I booked an October party, but now that it’s a month away, I’m really happy I have that one planned! Incentives or promotions are great for those who need that extra push to have a party too. One offer I like to do is offer a discontinued or sale jewel for someone who books within the next month.
Q: Any tips for juggling the work/life balance?
A: As a stay-at-home mom, my “job” never ends…but there’s so much flexibility with it too! I take advantage of nap times, quiet times, and the preschool hours. AND I have an amazingly supportive husband who makes it all possible.
Q: If you could give a new stylist only 3 tips, what would they be?
A: 1.)While the jewelry sells itself, there’s always that one guest who has a random question, so know the jewels; 2.) Show your excitement/love of the jewelry and business, it’s contagious; and 3.) Don’t be afraid to ask somone to have a trunk show, the worst you can hear is a “no.” But keep it real and personal with your guests. One way is by remembering what their wish list item was, or when an upcoming wedding/event they have is so they can be prepared with jewels. They always appreciate that you remembered them.
Q: Do you want to build a team of Stylists in the near future? If so, why and when?
A: I think it would be great to have a team of stylists to support and encourage one another, but must admit this has been a weakness of mine. I’ve gone through my list of contacts again, made some personal calls and emails, so hoping to change that very soon! Hoping for at least one stylist before the end of the month.
Q: What’s something that you’ve learned that you wish you knew when you first started?
A: I think what I had a hard time seeing was how I had a strong enough network of people to make the business successful. My launch party was one of the smallest parties I’ve had but from it, I was able to book 4 parties and from there I’ve been able to build a great network of customers.
Q: What’s your next goal with Stella & Dot? What’s your one-year goal?
A: I would like to have at least 4 parties a month. I also look forward to having past hostesses book AGAIN for the winter. By a year I’d like to have a great network of customers, a consistent schedule of parties, and hopefully a few sponsors.Q: Let’s say that it’s New Years Eve and you are looking back on the past year of your Stella & Dot business. What does it look like? What would you have liked to accomplish?
A: I would like to have had 20 parties by New Year’s Eve and have sponsored one or two new stylists.
Now… For the Fun Stuff!
Q: If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?
A: Mint chocolate chip. It’s delicious no matter what time of year it is.
Q: Cookie or brownie? Cake or pie?
A: Brownies, the gooier the better! Pie.
Q: Favorite place you’ve ever visited and why?
A: Italy… the history, the culture, the food, the wine, the college experience in another country…I could go on and on
Q: Finish this sentence: When I was a little girl, I dreamed of….
A: being married and having children, and being an interior designer.
Q: If you were a Stella & Dot piece of jewelry, what would you be and why?
A: The Bamboleo – it was a goal of mine to earn it for free, I was obsessed with it from the minute I saw it. The colors in my house are the colors in that piece, I love everything about it.
Q: What are your favorite jewelry pieces to layer? (Necklaces, bracelet combos, stackable rings, etc.)
A: Bracelets – esp. the paige and sloane bangles.
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