While large corporations often have the resources to outsource production and materials, many small businesses rely on a limited team to handle all aspects of the business. This can make it difficult to maintain high-quality standards while keeping costs low.

As a small business owner, I've committed to sourcing materials ethically and ensuring, when needed, practicing fair labor practices. I believe that by prioritizing quality and craftsmanship, I can offer products that are both meaningful and affordable.

As a small business owner, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle everything from production to marketing. Unlike large corporations with teams of employees, I wear many hats. There are days when I feel overwhelmed and doubt my abilities. However, the joy and fulfillment I find in creating keeps me motivated.

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of seeing someone appreciate my art. It's a reminder of why I started this journey. While large corporations may have more resources, small businesses offer a unique and personal experience that can't be replicated by mass-produced items. There's always a story.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Do all their product images look different from one another? Some businesses take images from other artists' sites, replicate the designs, and sell alternative items using these images. You'd be amazed how much this happens with small and big business. Most small businesses will have some continuity in their photography - especially collections. 
• Inability to provide where/when/how they sourced their materials.
• Mass-produced products claimed to be made by one individual. We all have time constraints, so if one person is claiming to make 300 pieces an hour, that's probably worth looking into... just saying.
• Prices are too good to be true - this is where the cost of the final product does not align with cost of materials/time/labor/etc.
• Lack of information about the product. is a sure sign.
• Product origin/tags - this one may seem obvious, but you'd be amazed how many companies claim to have products "Made in the USA" that are in fact fully or partially produced in international factories with unequitable labor laws. Yet, sometimes equitable practices are found..So, if buying and supporting Made in the USA is important to you, watch for some designers or artists that say "designed by X (their name.)" This often means they came up with a design, send it off via CAD file or even a drawing on a napkin, and have it mass produced overseas.
• And specific to the jewelry industry it's important to be aware of the potential for misleading information about materials. While some sellers may claim to use semi-precious stones, it's often difficult to verify the authenticity without expert testing. Instead of focusing solely on the type of stone, prioritize the overall quality and craftsmanship of the piece. Look for well-made jewelry with attention to detail and a unique design.

Remember, the value of a piece lies not just in the materials used, but also in the artistry and craftsmanship behind it.

Whether you're a maker or a consumer, we all play a part in ensuring we are participating in ethical business practices. One of the best ways to stay informed is to support small businesses with detailed quality control standards. This can be as simple as reading the details on a company website or asking a representative directly. Small businesses tend to exceed in being transparent because they rely on honest interactions with their consumers. 

As a US-based artist, I would love to see a higher trend in purchasing products manufactured in the States, with reasonable shipping times for artisans who are designing and creating each piece. I truly admire when people take the time to appreciate the fine details a maker applies to create a piece that ends up in your hands. That reciprocity of this energy exchange is something so special to makers like myself behind the scenes. Not to get all woo-woo, but this connection truly grounds me, and I think indeed grounds each of us globally too.

If we invest our energy into researching the entirety of how a business works from beginning to end, then we can work together hand-in-hand to support each other, and our community thrives. It can take a bit more time to promote the importance of ethical shopping, but as Lao Tzu famously quoted, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Let's enjoy the last days of summer and support each other. A simple compliment or thoughtful text can brighten someone's day.

As a small business owner, I hope this blog has inspired you. IF you aren't already, consider supporting the shop small, shop local movement by joining the Swink Fam for behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive giveaways, and much more!

Discover Jester Swink.

• Unique, handcrafted pieces
• Ethical and sustainable materials
• Personalized designs

Shop now and experience the difference. 🤎

xo, Rae