Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Laskin Magnin.
Hi Stacey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I attended a beading class taught by a friend and became very interested in creating more intricate and elaborate jewelry pieces. After the class ended, I went home and kept beading. Then, I started buying beads. Soon, the beads took over my kitchen table, so I brought in a 7-foot folding table and set it up as a workbench.
Within a few weeks, the beads and jewelry displays I had created had taken over the new space. I made a logo and an Instagram account (@vicecitybeads). Then I started applying for markets to sell beads. It was like the whole thing had a mind of its own and just blossomed.
Everything I tried to do worked out— it just intuitively felt easy and right like few things ever do. Not everything has been easy or right since, but those early victories helped launch my business, Vice City Beads.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Figuring out without guidance the tax, business, and bookkeeping aspects of the business has been challenging work for me. In addition, I had a month with almost no sales where I felt really deflated and hopeless, but things picked up.
I realize that the market for luxury goods is cyclical and times up with major holidays and gift-giving events so there are just going to be slow times. I also struggle trying to please everyone by offering products to their tastes instead of staying true to myself and my brand.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m actually a practicing attorney, but I’ve always felt like I’m wearing someone else’s clothes and acting out a movie scene in that role. I’m experienced, and I’m good at it, but it’s not exactly who I am.
As an owner/creator of my small business, I make the rules. I set the norms and standards. I am enough. I make bracelets with quirky phrases as well as custom and irreverent jewelry. I think people see that what I’m doing is a little different. It’s OK if it’s not for everyone.
I’m proud of everything I’ve learned on my own and everything I have still to learn. I’m thankful for the customers who have supported me and who wear my designs.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
I feel like just launching the business at all was risky. My law office wasn’t sure what to make of it as there aren’t many lawyers/jewelers/mothers out there. My friends (some of whom attended the initial beading class with me!) were a bit dubious.
But I put the work in and put myself and my products out there, and the overall consensus reaction has been hugely positive and supportive. Any time you’re putting yourself out there for people to view and comment on, offering up a product or a version of yourself for sale, you’re opening yourself to criticism. But it’s the only way forward.
Pricing:
- Custom bracelets start at $20
Contact Info:
- Website: Vicecitybeads.etsy.com
- Instagram: @vicecitybeads
- Facebook: @Vice City Beads
