Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Campbell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started little pancakes as a way to unwind from my job at the time, selling mostly to friends at first but then starting an Etsy shop and doing weekly markets in Boston. Sales began to grow – I picked up some wholesale accounts and started doing shows in other cities as well. I eventually took some metalsmithing classes so I could expand my line (I started making stacking rings which are still my number one seller) and at that point, I needed more time to make jewelry, so I quit my job to run little pancakes full time. Since then, I’ve been refining my line and try to keep growing my skills, so my work never gets boring.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My current challenge is how to run a business with a new baby. I have a 6-month-old, so I divide my days between taking care of her and making jewelry when she naps. One plus, is I’ve found that I’m pretty productive when I know, I only have an hour or two to work. I’m not quite as flexible as I was before, but I’m adjusting as I go.
As far as advice, one of the most valuable resources I’ve had is being connected with other artists/small businesses in the Boston area. Meeting up with them and talking about the ins and outs of running a small business has been enormously helpful and I can always get a pep talk when things get hard. Finding connections, whether they be in person or online, is definitely invaluable!
what should we know about little pancakes? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Little pancakes have evolved a lot over the years, with the biggest change happening when I learned how to metalsmith. I’m most well known for my rings. I have a wide variety of them in my line, ranging from cat ears to opals, to simple bands. I have customers who have a collection of them, which always makes me feel really happy. Knowing someone loves my work so much to keep coming back and spending their hard earned money on it is such a huge compliment!
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
I mentioned before about finding a community you can bounce ideas off of and in the same vein, it really helps to find an experienced person to act as a mentor, whatever field you’re in. Getting into something new can be scary and of course, you’re going to make mistakes, but if you can avoid some of them by learning from a very experienced person it will make your journey much easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.littlepancakes.com
- Email: littlepancakesjewelry@gmail.com
- Instagram: @littlepancakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittlePancakesJewelry/
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