There is no greater feeling than to know that you have inspired someone, even if it is in the smallest manner. Since we are in Women’s Month, we thought we could bring you a little inspiration by exploring the journeys of two female business owners.
Both these women followed their creative flair and turned their passions into a reality and now profitable businesses. Here are their stories.
Janine Binneman Jewellery Design | Janine Binneman
Janine found her love for jewellery-making by complete accident.
She applied to study Graphic Design while living and working as an au-pair in Italy. Her portfolio was due in two months’ time, and since she was in Italy at the time, her work was influenced by the decorative designs of that country. Coincidently, the family she worked for at the time ran a jewellery business on the side, which she drew inspiration from as well.
Once her application was accepted, she was told by the head of the department that her portfolio was more suited for jewellery design – and that is where her love affair with the art started. Janine says, “It is amazing how one’s life can be changed by someone with the right EYE!” While she was studying, she worked at a jewellery store, but knew right away she did not want to sell the usual commercial, mass-produced items and her only option was to start her own little creative business.
Every business day is different for her. Her time is spent with clients either in studio or remotely. Since the onset of COVID, however, her physical gem hunting had to be put on hold. Every year, she would travel to different destinations, hunting for precious and unique gems to use in her pieces, but lockdown forced her to only buy from her regular suppliers online. She has said that she hopes to travel later this year, though.
Janine loves working with people and creating magic for them. “There is just a special alchemy when like-minded clients and I set out to make a dream happen in 3D with gemstones and precious metals. Sometimes a good place to start is to know what you don’t want to do!” She says that she works with a fantastic team, loves that her job allows her to be creative, and spends one morning a week exploring her creative processes with an art facilitator, which she says has been life-changing.
We asked Janine about what inspires her and how she inspires those around her. She says, without a doubt, mother-nature (the original designer) is definitely her main inspiration. Other than that, she admires the iconic style of Iris Apfel – someone who makes no excuses for who she is and what she loves; Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic made her realise that creativity is a massive gift that needs to nurtured, while Georgia O’Keeffe is who she wants to be when she grows up.
Photo Supplied by Janine Binneman Photo Supplied by Janine Binneman
As for inspiring others, she says the fact that she always sees life as an adventure inspires others; she hardly ever sits still and wants to be out and about in nature often, as this fuels her creative engine. She also adds, strong women lifts other women, and because of this, she is always real, talks about her challenges and always celebrates all the ups and downs.
When asked if she had any advice for those looking to start their own business one day, she says, “Never take no for an answer! Do what you are passionate about and it will be impossible to not succeed but it doesn’t happen overnight.” When asked about her business journey, she says that as a business owner, you have to wear many hats, be highly driven and never stop, even after you fail.
Website: www.janinebinneman.com | Instagram: Janine Binneman Jewellery | Facebook: Janine Binneman Jewellery Design For orders: Email customerlove@janinebinneman.com; info@janinebinneman.com, or call+27 824683201.
A.S. Inglis Leather | Andrea Inglis
When Andrea looks at a piece of raw leather, she already envisions her next piece of work.
After resigning from her permanent job in 2020, she decided to take the big leap of faith to finally pursue her dream of opening up her own business. Andrea followed her passion and started her own leather artwork company with her items ranging from clutch bags to tote bags and more.
All her items are intricate and 100% handmade. The designs are hand-cut, the stitch holes are punched by hand and everything is sewn together by hand. Her pieces are versatile and timeless, and because it is somewhat of a neutral colour, they go with almost everything.
Andrea says, “I don’t see it as only a fashion brand, but also a brand that speaks to everyone’s lifestyle. Leather is such a beautiful material.” Each piece that she has worked on encompasses its own character and uniqueness and she is hoping that one day it becomes a household brand.
When asked about her usual work day, she says that although it can be stressful at times, the excitement far outweighs it. The stress comes from wanting to finish each item perfectly, but the excitement comes from the anticipation of seeing how the item will turn out. Each of her items take between 8 to 15 hours to complete. She adds that the best feeling is knowing that she can make something with her hands and use the gift of creativity God has given her. She also finds that having a support structure helps immensely, even if it is just that one friend, a spouse or even a son or daughter cheering you on.
Photo Supplied by Andrea Inglis Photo Supplied by Andrea Inglis
When we asked if she had any advice or inspirational words to share with those looking to start their own business, she said, “If you don’t try, you will never know if it will work. Have and open mind. There is no shame in asking advice from seasoned business owners, or people in the same industry as you. What I have come to learn is that there is not only one road to finding your success. What works for someone else might not work for you, but finding your own way, is the exciting part of it all. It can be frustrating, but that is what pushes you to work harder to perfect your craft.”
She sums up her business journey in this one sentence:
“I feel so proud of myself knowing that someone is happy with their purchase.”
Since Andrea’s business is fairly new, her website is still under construction and her Facebook page will be up soon, but for now, you can follow her and place orders via her Instagram profile at asinglis_leatherworx.
