Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin and Kerin O’Toole.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Kristin: I started Hollis Hayes from the desk of my boring 9 to 5 job as a way to channel my creative energy. I chose the name by combining my childhood street name and a family name. I started by making jewelry for family and friends and it grew from there. I created a website and gained a small but loyal following. When I reached out to a few boutiques to carry my jewelry, I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction. It has been almost 5 years since I started this hobby. Since then, my sister has joined me full-time, we have a few amazing employees and we are in over 100 stores and thriving. I grew my side hustle into a full-time job and haven’t looked back since!
Kerin: My sister has always been the more adventurous go- getter out of the two of us so when she went all in on Hollis Hayes, it didn’t surprise me that it succeeded. I had been working at a Boston based hedge fund by day and helping her fulfill orders by night. I joined Kristin full-time as a co-owner in April of 2017 and couldn’t be happier working with my little sis.
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?
Kristin: Anyone who says that starting your own company from the ground up is easy, is lying! The jewelry/accessory industry is a very competitive space to be in. We work very hard to stay relevant and to keep up with the big brands that we share shelves with at almost all of the stores we are in. We pride ourselves on being extremely hands on and lean in terms of outside help (if you email us, Kerin or I will be replying). The struggle that comes with that is being on the clock 24/7. We love interacting with our customers and feel so grateful when someone decides to spend their hard earned money on our jewelry even if that means we get little sleep!
Kerin: We of course encounter bumps along the way but it is truly how we have learned everything we know and are much stronger because of it. Growing a small business takes a whole lot of trial and error, blood, sweat and lots of tears. At the end of the day we are working as a family and doing something we love. We are both grateful for that!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hollis Hayes Jewelry story. Tell us more about the business.
Kristin: Hollis Hayes Jewelry is best known for our handmade, semi-precious stone charm bracelets. Each bracelet is sold on a card which describes the meaning behind the charm. We put so much thought and effort into which charms we use (we have over 75 options), our bead colors and the meanings. Our bestsellers include the elephant for luck, the nurse for a caregiver and the guardian angel for the obvious. We also offer the option to customize your own bracelet on our website.
We are most proud of building something from nothing. Kerin and I have worked really hard to build this company into what it is today all while hearing from so many people that most small businesses fail within the first 18 months. Hearing the word “no” as a young entrepreneur can be extremely discouraging. It can leave you questioning yourself, doubting your choices and unsure about the future. The word “no” has always been motivation for me. I like to prove people wrong and I think that has something to do with our success. When you do what you love, it will have a way of working out in the end. I have found that owning a small business is really all about overcoming your own personal obstacles. You get challenged in ways that you can only grow from and when you stand behind your product and brand long enough, people will start to listen. That is when the true rewards are to be had.
Our newest collection is going to be unlike anything we have done before. Hollis Hayes for Change is set to launch in September and we are so excited about it. We have teamed up with four amazing charities (Vanderpump Dog Foundation, The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, The iGoPink Breast Cancer Charities of America and DonorsChoose.org) to create bracelets that give back. $1 from every bracelet sold will go back to its corresponding charity. We hope to show young girls that owning your own business is possible and that when you work hard, give back and enjoy the journey, your success tastes that much sweeter.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Kristin: First off, I am insanely lucky to have the most supportive family and boyfriend. Our parents are our biggest fans and constantly encourage us to follow our dreams. As far as business goes, it has been more hard work and persistence that has played a major role. It took one whole year to get into our biggest retailer. I still remember the email asking if we wanted our samples returned to us because it wasn’t going to be a good fit for them. I continued to send samples each season until they most likely got sick of me and decided to do a trial run in 15 of their stores. They flew off the shelves and placed the biggest order we had seen to date to roll out to all of their locations. That was a great day!
Pricing:
- Each bracelet retails for $28
- We offer a bracelet of the week on our website for $14.99
- Our earrings are $24
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HollisHayes.com
- Email: info@hollishayes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollishayesjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollisHayesJewelry/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HHJewelsCo
Image Credit:
Photography: Jennifer Matos @discoveringearthlings
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