Around two years ago, I was obsessed with beaded jewellery and back then, I swear there weren't many beaded jewellery shops online, let alone any affordable ones. I saw a gap in the market because I hated seeing stores copying and selling the same designs. I also remember so clearly my friends were always complaining how they always lose their sunnies, and from there, it sparked an idea in my mind. But KUHO Collective didn't start here.
Before My Rebrand
I learned my lesson to remember to test the beads before launch. Some of you may still remember Chains by K., I have to admit some of the beads were not as long-lasting as I'd like. Finding ethically-sourced materials was difficult and I didn't have anyone to ask around for advice, I wanted to stick with only using recycled beads but of course without testing, some of the beads which only came to my realisation a couple months later began to fade. That was probably the biggest mistake when you go head in first without doing any research or quality checks.
My friends chewed my ear off and could not stop telling me to get into jewellery. So when I started making necklaces and bracelets - KUHO Collective was born. I spent countless hours testing different beads in the ocean and made sure that my jewellery was not only beautiful and high quality, but also environmentally conscious. I do have to say, this year has been a lot easier since I have been running this side hustle for almost a year and a half. But the hardest part about juggling a 9-5 job and KUHO is probably trying to balance and find time to make content after work hours and on the weekends.
I do everything from sourcing, designing, testing to marketing. Everything is handmade by me (sometimes I do think about how handy it would if i had more than 2 hands)! During lockdown, it was way easier because there was so much more time to focus on KUHO. Beading simply became my hobby right away. Yes, at time it does get a bit overwhelming when I have too much on my plate or I just simply want to have an early one and go to bed. But the most rewarding feeling is receiving love messages from everyone who have made a purchase. I can tell you right now that the feeling of someone going out of their way to let you know how much they love your designs melts any small business owner's heart - and that's a fact.
Hard work pays off
Fast forward to now, I am proud to say that I have successfully launched my fifth collection. Starting my own online beaded jewellery business has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It has allowed me to turn my passion into a successful side hustle business while making a positive impact on the environment through my sustainable practices.
I am still loving the journey and if you are thinking of starting your own business, all I can say is just go for it (please don't follow what I did and dive head in first though)!