Founder and CEO of Cranberry Beads, Joanne Ivy helps creative customers pick out the perfect beads and supplies for jewellery making through her online shop.
Joanne transformed her passion for beading from a hobby to a business.
As she began teaching beading courses, she realised people really loved her stock of beads! Joanne found her niche, set up her website and has been running her shop full time for seven years.
What Joanne enjoys most about running her business:
“I LOVE beads! Sorting through new stock, picking out new beads, and helping others embrace their creativity and use their imagination is exciting.”
What Joanne Wishes She Knew When She Started:
- Believe in herself and her capabilities
- Seek guidance early on
- Learn the fundamental marketing skills
Joanne’s Advice to Potential Business Owners:
“Find something that really excites you.”
Turn your passion into a viable business and making sure it has that element of practicality. If you’re turning a hobby into a business, reassure yourself that you won’t end up resenting the hobby.
Joanne’s ideal business would be moved from her home studio to separate premises for work. She would have a few more employees to focus on the ‘everyday’ tasks while she focuses on the bigger picture of the business. However, she would keep her toes in the fun aspects of the business!
A problem that being a HerBusiness Network Member has solved for Joanne:
Joanne’s favourite entrepreneur is Loren Bartley, a long-term HerBusiness member. Loren’s podcast “Business Addicts” with Fiona Redding inspired Joanne to run her business. They opened up a whole new world of innovative ideas for Joanna’s business potential.
This post was authored by Hannah Stanley. Hannah completed a journalism internship at HerBusiness. She studies journalism and electronic media at the University of Tennessee in the United States.
