I know we’ve all secretly wondered what it’s like to sell jewelry for fun on the side of our full-time jobs. Or if you’re like me, you just imagine the loads of jewelry you’d have access to and how you’d play dress up in all the newest pieces.
Stella & Dot first got on my radar a few years ago after seeing some pieces online and in everything from Vogue to the New York Times. I even hosted a trunk show at my house about a year ago and have since met several Stella & Dot stylists in the Baton Rouge area.
Everyone knows about Stella & Dot and how amazing and versatile the jewelry is, but everyone doesn’t always know what goes into being a stylist.
So I sat down with my friend Jennifer Hamilton, an Associate Director at Stella & Dot here in Baton Rouge, to get the scoop on what goes into being a stylist, how to become one, and of course what the major perks are.
SF: What’s your favorite part of being a Stella & Dot stylist?
Jennifer: Working with other women and helping them reach their goals. My passion is helping other women succeed!
SF: What was your biggest fear when you first started?
Jennifer: My biggest fear was that I had never sold anything before. I overcame my fear by diving into it and telling myself that the worst thing that could happen was I would have $350 in accessories that I got to pick out. What I quickly found was that everyone loved the collection too and the jewelry sells itself!
SF: How many hours of your week go into Stella & Dot?
Jennifer: A stylist can work as little or as much as they want since you are your own boss and set your own hours! I work around 20-25 hours per week. A typical day for me includes reaching out to my upcoming hostesses for the week, reaching out to potential hostesses, reaching out to stylists on my team for one on one coaching calls and following up with customers to ensure they are delighted with their orders.
Shop Stella & Dot Spring 2016 Handbags
SF: How do you mainly promote Stella &Dot to get your merchandise in front of people?
Jennifer: There are numerous ways to promote our products. The majority of my business comes from in home trunk shows and repeat customers. I also sell through online virtual style sessions, Facebook and Instagram, pop -up shops at salons, bridal shows and vendor events. I love selling on the go! I can sell S&D ANYWHERE! We also just launched an iPhone App which makes it super simple.
SF: Can being a stylist get competitive?
Jennifer: Being a stylist in Baton Rouge is amazing because we have such a large support group. I am in business for myself but not by myself! There are several teams in the area and we encourage and empower one another.
SF: What’s the process for becoming a stylist? What are a few of the perks?
Jennifer: Signing up is simple! When you choose our first starter kit option for $199 (less than a trip to Target), you get a gorgeous kit of marketing materials (catalogs, order forms, hostess planners and more) on top of your choice of $350 in samples ($450 in April)!
In your first 60 days, you can earn $1000’s in FREE product and cash as a new stylist. It’s the best time of the year to join Stella & Dot. People are shopping for spring wardrobes and it is a huge gifting season with Mother’s Day, Confirmation, Communions and even graduation.
- You get 25% discount off all samples all year round and can qualify to earn 50% discount off during new line launches, which happen 4 times a year.
- Stylists also get the opportunity to get $500 worth of new samples for $99 every quarter. Hello seasonal fashion fix!!
- You can share this business with others to grow your own team and earn coaching commissions!
Shop Stella & Dot Spring 2016 Jewelry:
SF: What qualites do you need to be a stylist?
Jennifer: Anyone can be a stylist! You need to be a people person and have a few hours a week to spare.
SF: How can women balance being a stylist with working another full-time join?
Jennifer: Contrary to popular belief, our stylists are definitely not only not stay at home mom. Seventy percent of our stylists have a job whether part time or full time on top of Stella & Dot. There are stylists who are teachers, doctors, lawyers, hair stylists and more!
The majority of our stylist community work their “Stella & Dot gig” around their other priorities. I LOVE that Stella & Dot was created for busy people. Actually busy people make the best stylists! It’s a simple business that works beautifully around the on-the-go gal who may also happen to have a very busy life/family. We have college students all the way to styling grandmas!
SF: What are some of your current favorite spring/summer pieces?
Jennifer: I love our bright-colored spring and summer collection! We have started selling sunglasses and tunics too. One of my favorite pieces is the gold and white clutch. It is so gorgeous for summer and the “jewels” come off and clip on the necklace! Our versatility is amazing!! I love the tassels and fringe on our spring/summer collection too!
Huge thanks to Jennifer for letting us in on what it’s like working with Stella & Dot! If you’d like to get in touch or use Jennifer as your personal stylist, you can reach her here!
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