Project Spotlight on Creative Entrepreneur Samantha Smikle
Samantha Smikle is owner and designer of TNEMRNODA - a new venture focusing on eyewear and jewelry designs.
Samantha grew up in a Jamaican household where jewelry was as inherent to wardrobe. She recently shifted her career from journalism to explore jewelry design, and is bringing bold expressions to her artistry. RocketHub caught up with Samantha to discuss her business, and current crowdfunding campaign.
What was the inspiration behind TNEMNRODA?
TNEMNRODA is an accessories line of embellished sunglasses and jewelry, specifically hand bracelets, midi rings and amulet bracelets. I believe in the power of positive thinking as a way to affect change in your life and I cherish physical things that represent and facilitate this. So I love creating designs that represent happiness, luck and protection.
Why is the Axis Show important for your venture?
Acceptance to Axis is one of the most single important steps in the TNEMNRODA journey to gain a foothold in our reach to TNEMNRODA girls all over the country and beyond! The Axis Trade Show presents the opportunity I’ve worked for-- to elevate our platform by way of selling our line directly to the buyers of the high department stores and specialty boutiques that our customers shop in!
What has your experience been launching fashion/jewlery products through crowdfunding?
Holding my line and vision up against a crowdfunding campaign tested my ability to concisely convey why TNEMNRODA is so important to me and why that matters to my audience. In person, on the phone, on social media and email, it takes loads of talking about the achievements and potential of your line to rally people around your cause. It takes way more digging than is needed to just design and sell a piece. It also made me realize that the audience that funds your project may not be the same audience that consistently buys your product but both audiences are integral in the success of your business.
Any advice for others looking to crowdfund a similar project?
My advice to those looking to crowdfund a similar project is to maximize the appeal of the donations:goods ratio. I saw this as a real opportunity to gift my friends, family and TNEMNRODA girls. It's key to ask for donations coordinated with popular items of a higher retail value. There is a savings for the contributor, truly making what they receive a treat rather than a transaction. It's also great to mix in gifts that are unavailable anywhere else, like a collaboration opportunity on a custom designed piece with the contributor.
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