What is your biggest achievement ?
I don ’ t measure success by the big commissions , the value , the corporate order or the celebrity . I measure success by the small things . I got a stunning e-mail form a woman in USA thanking me for making the simplest of rings for her partner 5 years ago . They are still so pleased with them that she felt inclined to drop me an e-mail all these years later . Another lady from Australia lost her brother in a car crash and wanted a ring making with his signature inside . Making commissions like that and hearing what that object means to them is better than any award or big boy order .
Other than crafting , what do you enjoy ?
The small things . Like the ten minute walk to school holding my daughters hand or having a latte with my wife in peace and quiet or telling my 17 year old boy “ I love him ” in front of his mates . Opening a pack of bourbon biscuits and laughing out loud , that will make sense later .
If you had to choose your favourite from your creations ?
I am approached by parents who have lost a child . Either in birth or later years . Also by clients who have lost a sibling or a parent . Making something with a hand print , fingerprint or their hand writing is exceptionally rewarding . I can ’ t pick a favourite , as each story is deeply moving . I suppose the most memorable was the first time , when I made a footprint piece for a lovely lady to remember Frankie .
What advice would you offer someone starting out ?
Don ’ t chase galleries and shops to sell your wares . Ten years ago , the only way to make a crafting living was to provide multiple retails outlets . Now , with the Internet you can sell as easily to Alaska as you can to Cornwall . It doesn ’ t suit all crafts as some sell easier online than others . You should however have at least a WowThankYou and Etsy shop , a personal website and a Facebook business page . The Internet has changed how we shop and your location is not a barrier to success .
If you could change one thing about what you do what would it be ?
Facebook is the nightmare . People see a picture and just put in the comment box “ OMG that is lovely how much please .” You answer their question , then the next person puts the same question . A lot of my comment threads on facebook , are from people asking the same question . Ahhhhhhhhh .
What has helped your business the most ?
Without doubt the Internet . Within that context , my own website - www . chris-parry . co . uk Within the last year , my Facebook page . www . Facebook . com / Chris . Parry . Jewellery
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