As Valuable As Diamond

It’s easy to set up a tent at a farmer’s market, it’s easy to set up an Etsy page, but converting crafts into cash is hard.

What I’ve always loved about crafting jewelry has been using unique metals and gem to shape out a personal expression; and at The Gem Studio, owner Matthew James helps others craft symbols of people’s personal expressions.

Sadly, it takes more than a plucky “can-do attitude” to run a business. It takes capital, advertising, and a willingness to put yourself out there.

One of the reasons I admire The Gem Studio is due to its suave business sense. It knows that it has a well-defined audience and it crafts content to cater to it. Matthew James’ business sensibilities have proven to be beneficial in establishing his business, and in helping orphans in Uganda.

First, let’s look at the capital James uses to run his business. James runs The Gem Studio in a modified garage attached to his house. This eliminates certain operating overhead costs associated with other businesses such as rent, utilities, travel time, and wasted space.

James also sources his gems and metals from Provo and Uganda, this allows his to establish relationships with local crafters, smiths, and miners. Through this effort, he’s able to source materials at a lesser cost—meaning that he can ultimately have more profits to donate to Ugandan orphans.

James also promotes his business though several social media platforms that specifically reach out to stylish, working trendsetters who want to promote a charitable cause. For example, their Instagram page—the.gemstudio—has 28.7 thousand followers and will often make one post a day. Daily posting helps to engage its fan base and help those fans bring in their fans as well. The content of their Instagram posts features customers inside the studio enjoying themselves, which shows off how much fun the experience can be.

All in all, Matthew James has turned The Gem Studio into a model of social standing and charity in the digital age. His business sense sets The Gem Studio apart as a diamond in the rough.