For all you ladies ready to launch your own business, this read is for you today. Liz Larsen, our June curator, is the mastermind behind lifestyle blog Accessory Jane and Shop Accessory Jane, a fast-growing online jewelry boutique. And, *spoiler alert* you just might see an Accessory Jane piece in this month’s Mommy Mailbox, which you can sign up for here.
Tell us a little about Accessory Jane, the shop and the blog.
Hi, I’m Liz! I’m the blogger behind Accessory Jane, a Dallas-based fashion + lifestyle blog, and also the Co-Founder of Shop Accessory Jane, an online fashion jewelry boutique that I started with my mom. From chasing a 6 year old to chasing my wildest dreams, I’m learning what it takes to juggle a family and build my dream job one day at a time. Hope you’ll follow along!
How and why did you start your business?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs. I always knew I wanted to start my own
business, but never really quite had the courage to do so until I found myself to be a single mom. I knew I wanted to stay home with my daughter, and I was determined to find a way. After much encouragement from my friends and family to finally pursue this dream, I started Accessory Jane and handed it over to the Lord.
What's a fun memory from the early days of the business that you still laugh at?
Oh all the craziness of starting a business! Accessory Jane first started out the end of 2012 on Facebook as a fixed-price auction page. Every week we would curate a brand new collection of top trending fashion accessories, post them to our Facebook page stating the price and how many quantities we had available then we would wait and watch our followers start bidding! The first few times we posted our collection, I remember my mom and I just sitting there and praying that somebody would come and comment on our items. We would always giggle every time someone commented and our giggles quickly turned into victory dances when we would see sold out on nearly every item we posted!
Describe your customer for us. Who is an Accessory Jane girl?
The every girl! We design our collection to be pieces that any and every girl can wear. Whether it’s the working woman on Wall Street or the stay at home mom that just wants to add a little pizazz in her life! When we look good, we feel good. I believe that accessories have the power to do just that
You always put together darling outfits. What inspires you in fashion?
Why thank you! For me, I just love the way a well put together outfit can make someone feel like a million bucks. I believe that a person’s success and personal fulfillment are greatly affected by our attitude and the way we view ourselves. A woman’s wardrobe is a direct reflection of those and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Crazy as that sounds, it’s true! It’s amazing to see what 10 extra minutes and a little creativity can do for your confidence…and productivity! One of my all time favorite quotes is, “The way you keep your house, the way you organize your time, the care you take in your personal appearance, the things you spend your money on, all speak loudly about what you believe. The beauty of your peace shines forth in a well ordered life.” -Elisabeth Elliot. Fashion inspires me to put my best foot forward and represent a strong, Godly, well put together woman!
You are doing the mom juggle of a business and a family. What has worked for you? What have you learned from?
The key for me is Balance and keeping a well-organized planner Balance is giving Accessory Jane my best, but not giving Accessory Jane all of me. Remembering that God also made me a mom. I am a business owner and a mom and both of those are very important, time-demanding things.