Jewelry Artist Podcast with Robin Kramer: Y’all Ready for This?

Robin Kramer has the industry experience and unique ability to look at an artist’s work and recommend practical steps they can take to improve their business. She started Red Boot Consulting in 2010 and co-founded Flourish & Thrive Academy for jewelry designers in 2012. In the Jewelry Artist podcast, Robin and I talk about mentoring and being mentored. We also discuss tips for growing your business.

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Step by Step

Robin helped grow Dogeared from a small company into a well-known jewelry brand with sales growth over 800% in the five years she was there. An important takeaway from this fast and furious time was the importance of communicating and taking things step by step. When the company was smaller, they could afford to deal with computer issues or purchasing mistakes. But implementing more structure and procedures helped them grow successfully. Robin’s advice for jewelry artists moving from a “solopreneur” model to having employees is to document “recipes” or step-by-step guides so everyone is on the same page as the company grows.

Be a Helper

Robin believes in helping your customers find you, get to know you, and fall in love with your jewelry. She recommends getting to know as much as you can about your “dream client,” or your ideal customer. By identifying your dream client, you can reach out to them on all the platforms they use, from email to texting, social media, or good old-fashioned mail. She recommends using messaging that clearly conveys what you do as a jewelry artist and helps them understand what you want them to do, whether that’s steps to participating in a marketing promotion or simply making a purchase.

On the Road Again with Jewelry Artists

Red boots are Robin’s signature footwear. She’s excited to be taking them on the road again now that venues are reopening. Robin admits that she thrives on the energy and connections that happen at in-person events. She attended NY Now last summer, where she led a special tour for designers who wanted to learn tips for exhibiting at the show. Robin also attended @meleetheshow and was impressed with the curated fine jewelry show. Upcoming stops include a mastermind gathering in Minneapolis, client meetings in Los Angeles, and a stop in Sausalito. She often combines work-related travel with visits to family and friends and is grateful for frequent opportunities to do both.

Let the beauty of love be what you do – Rumi

When I asked Robin what she does to take care of herself in the midst of her hectic schedule, she said she exercises every day but that loving her job contributes immensely to her happiness. We agreed that it’s energizing to work with jewelry artists who put so much of themselves into their work. Catch Robin’s Jolt of Joy Zoom calls, details on Instagram @redbootgal.

Happy listening,
Katie Hacker, host of Jewelry Artist podcast

All images courtesy of Red Boot Consulting.

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