The Center by Lendistry (TCbL): What led you to start your business?
Carter Eve (CE): Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by gemstones, rocks, and other treasures from the earth. I started studying design and management at Parsons School for Design, but I wasn’t happy managing other designers—I wanted to design myself. One day, while sitting on a park bench, it hit me: I want to make jewelry. At the time, I was living above a jewelry store, which I passed by every day, and that inspired me to pursue my passion for jewelry design.
TCbL: Small business owners often face barriers and challenges. What, if any, have you faced?
CE: One of the barriers I faced as a woman-owned small business in the jewelry industry is not being taken seriously or treated with respect. I’ve had to be tough to avoid being taken advantage of. People often downplayed my efforts, asking, ‘How’s your little business going?’ Many doubted my ability to run a business because I’m a creative. Despite these challenges, I’ve always believed in myself and stayed true to my vision.
TCbL: Can you tell us about your experience with the Digital Growth Accelerator?
CE: It was amazing. Mike Cano is a digital marketing and advertising guru. My one-on-one sessions with him transformed my business and life. He explained everything in an easy-to-digest way, even though it was s a lot of information. Setting up my Google business profile and getting reviews were game changers I wouldn’t have thought of without his help. Running Google ads and creating a Google Merchant Center account has boosted my visibility. Everything I’ve learned in this course, I’m going to continue to take forward into the future of my business.
Learn more about Carter Eve Jewelry on their website or follow them on social media:
Website | Instagram | TikTok