Jobs Created:
3 part-time positions created
1 full-time position retained[/box]
Beth Millner has been working with jewelry crafts for nearly her entire life. Living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for the past several years, she finds herself constantly inspired by nature and the change of seasons. Specializing in sterling silver, copper, brass and gold jewelry with a nature theme, she’s designed more than 1000 pieces of jewelry, showing her work at art and craft fairs and music festivals around Michigan for the past 5 years.
In 2012, she brought her skills to a brick and mortar storefront in Marquette. Customers have responded with great enthusiasm. Located at 521 West Washington Street in Marquette, Michigan, the new store and studio where launched with the financing support from Northern Initiatives. Thanks to a Technical Assistance Loan Beth had the capital to invest in the storefront and studio and saw her gross sales nearly double in less than a year.
Future growth is an integral part of the continued success of Beth Millner Jewelry. Understanding the financial side of your business is key when a business is beginning to grow. NI was also able to help Beth improve her financial literacy through the use of Profit Mastery tools and other financial awareness techniques. Having completed the program she shares, “I’ve been able to now calculate and see my break even and profitability numbers in addition to setting prices that are fair but will produce profits.” Increased sales and profitable pricing have allowed her to increase her part time staff. Beth’s latest hire is a recent graduate from Northern Michigan University’s Fine Arts program, the same program that launched Beth’s career.
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PROJECT SPONSOR:
Northern InitiativesMarquette, Michigan
Dennis West
(906)226-1671
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
- Launched a retail storefront
- Program used: CDFI Fund Technical Assistance Loan
- Partners: Beth Millner Jewelry
COMMUNITY:
- Marquette, Michigan