Today we’d like to introduce you to Beryl Oduor.
Beryl, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I migrated from Kenya to Florida when I was 21. I’m the last child of 3. The relocation was an adjustment in many ways. I was in a new country, experiencing a whole new culture and way of life. I was probably homesick for the first two years before it subsided. I went to college and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in International Business. Deep down, I had always known I wanted to write my own story and do things my way but I didn’t quite know how.
For many years I worked 12 hour days as a caregiver for the elderly while I tried different money making opportunities on the side.
In my pursuit for my version of freedom, I tried to do six different businesses! From selling knives door to door to selling skincare, telemarketing, eBay, selling courses online for a commission to eventually launching my first online business. I spent close to $10,000 on online courses to teach me how to make money. Let’s just say, things didn’t work out the way I planned. I was, however, thankful to have the financial steadiness of my caregiving job at this time.
I’ve always been a seeker. None of my pursuits was a mistake. They were great learning lessons that I believe played a role to get me where I am today. Fast forward to a year and a half ago, I met my mentor, who gave me the direction I needed to launch Beryl’s Bracelets.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Beryl’s Bracelets is about creating pieces primarily from gemstones. I have always been fascinated by crystals and their different properties. I have been wearing several crystals on my wrist and placing them around my home for over eight years. There’s something very healing about being close to nature, whether it’s sitting out in the sun or going in the ocean or holding a gemstone that was once part of the earth.
The intention behind Beryl’s Bracelets is that every piece designed and created will speak to the wearer and give them what they need. The soothing nature of our crystals is intended to heal, restore and give hope and joy to the person wearing them.
Regarding our African Art and Jewelry division, I wanted to not only support artwork from my home country by providing income to the people creating the pieces, but it was also a great opportunity to expose the Kenyan culture to America.
Our philanthropic goal behind Beryl’s Bracelets is to help underprivileged children aged 7-12 receive an education in Kenya. Every month a portion of our proceeds goes to Captain Silvery Academy, a school created by my late grandfather Captain Silvery Omanya Amimo and currently run by mother, Florence Oduor. The school has grown from 46 to 80 children in the last 2yrs. We continue to work to improve the amenities.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My advice to other artists is that if you know deep down that you want to be your own boss, here’s a few things you need to know:
1- You may make many mistakes and try a lot of things that won’t work. Don’t get discouraged.
2- Don’t try to do it alone. Ask for help from people who have been where you are and are currently where you want to be. I strongly suggest getting a business mentor.
3-Being an entrepreneur is hard work! You need to mentally prepare and be ready for it by having a clear vision of why you’re doing it in the first place. That vision will be your fire when you feel like giving up.
4- Don’t be stuck on one thing. The biggest lesson I have learned is it’s important to know when to let go of things that are not working. Be FLUID. If your business isn’t making you a single penny after 90 days, you’ll need to change strategy or try something different.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be found on my website: www.berylsbracelets.com ,
and on social media: www.facebook.com/berylsbracelets; www.instagram.com/berylsbracelets
I also travel around Florida doing shows and festivals, which is a great opportunity for me and my customers to meet face to face. A fresh list of my show schedule is available on my social media platforms every Monday.
Contact Info:
- Address: Phone: 727-245-0099
Email: beryl@berylsbracelets.com - Website: www.berylsbracelets.com
- Phone: 727-245-0099
- Email: beryl@berylsbracelets.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/berylsbracelets
- Facebook: Facebook.com/berylsbracelets
Image Credit:
JEM Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
