My name is Mercella. I’m originally from Connecticut but I currently live in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA. I majored in economics but my true passion is designing jewelry. Next semester, I plan on going for my MBA in business development so that I can perfect my entrepreneurial skills. I’d also like to take jewelry courses at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
I started my Etsy shop because I felt that it was the next step for my jewelry business. I had been making and selling jewelry offline for over ten years and venturing online was the next thing to do. I heard that Etsy had a great community where I could get criticism and feedback. It also received traffic from people that appreciate handmade goods.
The name Jewelicide was created by my boyfriend at the time. I’m not sure how he came up with it, but he called it Jewelicide: Jewelry to die for. I came up with the name Allysin from my favorite band Alice in Chains. My online username was AllysinChainz so I decided to shorten that and make it my shop name.
My favorite item on Jewelicide is the Watermelon Tourmaline, Garnet and Vermeil Necklace. I love the colors in it and I’m really happy with the way it turned out. Also, watermelon tourmaline is my favorite stone and the pictures I took of the necklace came out nicely. My favorite piece on Allysin sold recently. It was the Silver and Black Zebra striped teardrop earrings. I liked them so much after I made them that I ended up keeping them and creating another pair for my shop.
The first piece of jewelry I sold on Jewelicide was a pair of simple silver earrings that I’m no longer fond of. My photography skills at the time were terrible! The first item I sold on Allysin was a black and white kandi cuff which is now my best seller.
My inspiration for Jewelicide comes from many different things such as, the changes in the seasons, the flowers in my front yard and my travels to various countries. I am also inspired by trying to find that perfect piece of jewelry for the right outfit. The inspiration for Allysin comes from raves and the types of jewelry I wish I had in middle school and high school. My style was pretty funky back then and I definitely could have rocked those kandi cuffs!
People should buy handmade if they are looking for unique, one of a kind goods. Handmade items are made with love and extra detail. They are pieces of art and when you purchase them you know that you are buying something that someone put a lot of heart into.
My best advice for selling handmade is to promote via word of mouth. Tell everyone about your craft!
I plan on upgrading Jewelicide as soon as I find the time and money. I’d like to use higher grade stones and create more intricate pieces of jewelry. I’d also like to learn metalwork. It would be nice if I could add some metalwork to my gemstone jewelry. I would love to expand my Allysin shop at some point in the future. Right now, I’m just focused on getting more items made and listed.
Jewelicide can also be found at the following:
destash supply shop: http://plurfection.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jewelicidejewelry
