In this episode, we’re heading to sunny South Florida to chat with Danielle from Darling American Designs, a trained metalsmith who turned her passion into a thriving permanent jewelry business. After getting her first welded bracelet in NYC back in 2018, she knew this was something special. Fast forward to 2021, she took the leap and added permanent jewelry to her business, quickly making a name for herself. Now, after years of being 100% mobile, she’s taking the next big step, opening her very own brick and mortar studio!
Danielle isn’t just an artist, she’s a strategist. We dive deep into how she built her business, starting with hiring and trusting a team, which allowed her to grow beyond just herself. She shares her best social media strategies, from the importance of branding to boosting posts for maximum exposure. And when it comes to booking events, she’s got it down to a science, knowing exactly what makes a good event vs. a bad event and how to market the hell out of it. Plus, she’s all about collaboration over competition, proving there’s more than enough room in this industry for everyone. If she has to pass on an event, she refers clients to trusted artists she’s trained because helping others ultimately helps her business, too.
So, why make the move to a brick-and-mortar? After countless inquiries from clients wanting to visit her, Danielle realized she was actually losing money by not having a physical space. That’s when she knew it was time to plant roots. Now, with a new studio on the horizon (complete with a soldering station to expand her services), she’s creating an immersive experience for her customers. We get real about the challenges, the mindset shifts, and what it truly takes to build a business that gives you freedom, financial stability, and the quality of life you deserve.
This episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and real talk for anyone looking to scale, hire, or finally take the leap into a storefront. Tune in now and let’s dive in!
