Spotlight On: Rachel Franco

Name of Business: JaLa Designs, LLC
Type of Business: Jewelry
Web Site: http://www.jala-designs.com/
Email: rachel@jala-designs.com

Tell us more about your woman-owned business.

JaLa Designs, LLC (pronounced Jay-La) is a unique, handcrafted jewelry line whose "secret ingredient", I like to say, is its use of beautiful designer silk and tapestry fabrics. Combine these beautiful fabrics with antique brass chain and semi-precious stones and you have necklaces and earrings that are a combination of elegant beauty, sophisticated chic, works of art and fashionable edge.

Why did you decide to start this type of business?

I don't know that I can say that it was completely planned! As I was growing more and more unhappy with my job in marketing, I was feeling like I wanted to do something more creative. Thus, when I was downsized from my marketing position in summer 2008, I had the opening and the space to really think about my next step.

A few weeks after losing my job, I was over at a family friend’s house getting some career advice. While there, I noticed this beautiful fabric-covered bowl and I thought to myself, "Wow. Wouldn't something covered in fabric look pretty as part of a necklace?" It was a question I just had to answer! I spent several months exploring and experimenting and now have JaLa Designs.

Can you share with us the challenges that you have encountered related to starting a business?

The primary one would probably be having a limited budget. So, really trying to get the most bang out of each buck. Along with this, being a one-person shop, it’s challenging to find the time to do everything I want to do.

I think an obvious challenge for any entrepreneur right now is the state of the economy, which, by the way, I have full confidence will turn around. Considering JaLa is relatively new - it’s done pretty well despite the economy, but wading through this environment does present some challenges - and opportunities, I’d add.

How did you overcome these challenges?

Having allocated some budget to hiring external resources to manage the things I either don’t have the time or inclination to do has helped. You’ve got to know what you’re good at and for what things you need outside help. Also, just figuring out the lowest cost options is key.

Can you share with us something that very few people know as it relates to your business?

I guess I would point to the name, JaLa. Many people ask me what the name means. It’s inspired by a very close family friend of mine who passed away unexpectedly. She was one of my favorite people in the world, and naming JaLa after her is my small way of honoring her life and memory. Every time I either look at the name or speak it, I think of her.

What words of advice would you provide to others who are considering starting a business?

~ Have a clear and focused plan in place – if you don’t know where you’re going, every road will take you there. Isn’t that the saying?

~ If hiring external resources, vet them carefully. Interview them thoroughly – ask about what they’d do for your business, ask about past results they’ve achieved, talk to references, etc.

~ Hiring a consultant can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re hiring the best person for the job!

~ Have patience. Growing a business doesn’t happen overnight.

~ Have resilience. When growing a business, there will be bumps in the road. Be able to withstand them and learn from them. This leads me to one of my most important pieces of advice…

~ Be open to constructive feedback and, when appropriate, ACT ON IT!

Do you have any special offers for those reading this interview?

Pink Heels readers can get 15% off any JaLa Designs piece. To redeem their discount, visit http://www.jala-designs.com/ and enter PINKHEELS at checkout.

Would you like to be considered for an upcoming "Spotlight On" post? If you have a web site and a business Up & Running story, please email Jennifer Moore at Jennifer@Pink-Heels.com. You can be located anywhere in the world as we are creating a global network of fabulous women!