Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Ryan.
Laurel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began Nautically Northern in 2016 after moving to Cape Cod. At first, I was making one-off pieces for friends and family at my dining table as a hobby. As interest grew, I decided to see if I could take it further and turn it into a business. With a lot of help from friends and family in just a year, Nautically Northern turned into something I never dreamed it could. Year one, we were in 25 different retail locations across 5 states. This year, we have been able to almost double the number of retail partners. I am excited to see what the future holds for Nautically Northern. I have had the honor of meeting so many amazing people since starting Nautically Northern. Hearing their stories of why they wear their bracelet or necklace is my favorite part of my business. So far Nautically Northern has donated over $2000 to the American Red Cross. We hope to keep giving back to the American Red Cross and partnering with other charities as we continue to grow.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road pretty smooth but I have run into some bumps along the way. My biggest challenge that I have faced is being a one-person operation. Family and friends help out when I really need it, but the majority of the work is done by me. I also have a full-time job so balancing everything I want to do with Nautically Northern has resulted in some sleepless nights. When I started the business, I did not know how much work it was going to be and all of the intricate ins and outs of running a business. My best advice for other women who are starting their journey is don’t give up, success doesn’t happen overnight. Just because it hasn’t gone the way you wanted to, doesn’t mean you should quit. Stick with it, stay positive, and keep working and it will happen.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Nautically Northern – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Nautically Northern is a hand stamped jewelry company. We specialize in customizing our pieces to make each one truly unique. As a brand, I am most proud of the impact that we have been able to have on peoples lives while giving back to the community through donating to the American Red Cross. I am able to create an item that allows someone to carry a special place, date or memory with them all the time that they love and want to share with others. Since everything is hand stamped I feel like each one is a piece of me. These are not engraved by some machine they are made with love and care by a human.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Instagram and Facebook have been incredibly helpful in growing my business. Social media platforms have allowed me to network with other brands and pages. The amount of people that I am able to reach has been extremely helpful. Not only have these connections helped to grow my business but I have been able to use them as resources to learn more about how to run a successful business.
Pricing:
- Cuff Bracelets – $25 or $50
- Bar Necklaces – $30
- Charm Bracelets – $20
- Charm Necklace – $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nauticallynorthern.com
- Email: nauticallynorthern@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nauticallynorthern/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NauticallyNorthern/
Image Credit:
Amanda Copeland
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