Conversations with Emmie Barnett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmie Barnett. 

Emmie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was a young girl, I created a business called “Emmie’s Charmed Life,” where I made clay charms and doll house miniatures and sold them at local craft fairs. When I became an adult, I still had all of my materials but wanted to make something I could enjoy as a young woman. This is where TheEmmieBDesigns came to be: an older sister to Emmie’s Charmed Life. 

I make and sell handmade jewelry. I started out making polymer clay and resin earrings, but I also make barrettes and even teacher lanyards. I originally started selling on my own and then created an Etsy shop. I am now a little over 2 years into my business and my earrings have been in 1o stores, from TN, Kentucky, and even Canada! I am in my last year of college alongside a part-time job at a local boutique, which I have worked at for 5 years, and TheEmmieBDesigns is still going strong! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have had people tell me that I am not good enough, as well as trying to balance being a full-time college student with another part-time job, so it has definitely consisted of long nights and hard times, but it has been all worth it! 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make my own handmade jewelry. I began with polymer clay earrings, then I branched out to barrettes, teacher lanyards, and resin earrings. I am currently in school studying elementary education, so this is something I started as a little “side hustle,” but little did I know this would do so well and be so successful! I am most proud of my dedication and how I have been able to carry this business 85% on my own. My family & friends have been so gracious to help alongside me, but this business is mostly done by myself. I think what sets me apart from others is my dedication and my upbringing. I started working with polymer clay as a hobby when I was in elementary school making clay charms. This is what originally sparked my interest. When it comes to dedication, I work on EmmieB alongside my busy college schedule and a part-time job. Juggling both of those alongside my business has been very hard, but I think it has been beneficial. Also, I am always open to doing custom and unique special orders when customers ask, some other businesses will not do that. 

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am currently the only worker for my business, but I have lots of family and friends that support me. I have done a few collaborations, whether that has been with a giveaway or shoutouts. My family is really good at helping me when I have big wholesale orders, whether that is with packing or making invoices, but the making and assembly of my earrings and product are all done by me. 

Pricing:

• Prices range anywhere from $4-$30

Contact Info:

• Email: theemmiebdesigns@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheEmmieBDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemmiebdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theemmiebdesigns

Image Credits
Abby Fawbush