Jewelry Designer Reveals How She Turned Her Brand Into A Million Dollar Business In Three Years
A self-taught jewelry designer, robbed of her savings by a shady supplier, now owns a million dollar business.
Hanoi-born Chi, who moved from Vietnam to Australia to study business at the University of Melbourne seven years ago, in 2018 launched S-kin Studio, a brand of accessories filled with gold that does not tarnish. in water and suitable for sensitive skin.
Without formal training in jewelry making, the 25-year-old began by watching YouTube tutorials on different techniques before experimenting with pieces ordered from an American wholesaler in the guest bedroom of her Melbourne home.
After creating what she thought were popular designs, Chi spent $ 5,000 – her savings – ordering them wholesale from an ethical manufacturer in India, who suddenly stopped responding to her messages without delivering the products. .
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Chi, founder of S-kin Studio, in her store in Bulleen, north-east Melbourne
In 2018 Chi launched S-kin Studio, a brand of golden accessories (left and right) that do not tarnish in water and are suitable for sensitive skin.
Chi watched YouTube tutorials on different techniques before experimenting with parts ordered from an American wholesaler in the spare bedroom of her Melbourne home.
A second Indian manufacturer she still works with today intervened at the last hour to help her start the business and resolve the dispute with the shady supplier.
Over the next three years, Chi moved the business from her spare bedroom to a thriving studio in Bulleen, north-east Melbourne, where she employs a team of five who help run a brand at seven digits.
Today, it sells between 2,000 and 2,500 units of handmade, made-to-order, ready-to-use accessories each month.
Unlike many affordable jewelry brands seen on TikTok and Instagram, every S-kin Studio piece can be worn in the shower or in the ocean without worrying about it turning green.
Chi said she bases her designs on her Vietnamese heritage and strives to create affordable pieces without compromising on quality.
“I take inspiration from my travels, my culture, my background and the simplicity of everyday life,†she told Daily Mail Australia.
At 25, Chi (pictured with her husband, Alex) now owns a million dollar business
His creations (photo) are inspired by travel, Vietnamese culture and the simplicity of everyday life
A new collaboration between S-kin Studio and Dutch visual artist, Hegia de Boer, sold for $ 40,000 (AUD) of shares in the first 24 hours after launching on June 30.
The brand has been worn by some of Australia’s biggest social media stars, including fitness influencer Sarah’s Day who chose the $ 117 baroque pearl earrings for her wedding in Byron Bay.
Orders are pouring in from all over the world, with around 60% of customers based in Australia and the rest in countries such as the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand.
Chi’s longtime bestsellers are the $ 45 Ivy Huggie Hoops, which are her “go-to recommendation†for first-time buyers.
Orders are pouring in from all over the world, with around 60% of customers based in Australia and the rest in countries such as the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand
A new collaboration between S-kin Studio and Dutch visual artist, Hegia de Boer, sold $ 40,000 (AUD) of shares in the first 24 hours after launching on June 30
The hoops claim dozens of five-star reviews online, with many calling them their everyday favorite earrings that they rarely take off.
“I love them, I work in the sun and salt water every day and for over two years they have not faded! A woman wrote.
She added, “I replaced them once because the clasp loosened over time and they would fall off. But I love them! ‘
A second said she had not removed the earrings since their order in February.
‘So comfortable and super affordable. Will order more earrings as soon as possible, â€she wrote.
Chi’s creations are available in her store in Bulleen and online from S-kin Studio website.