Today we’d like to introduce you to Liv Murphy
Hi Liv, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started permanent jewelry early in 2023 after I actually had a negative experience with another permanent jewelry company. I did some research and became consumed by permanent jewelry, its meaning & the gap in the market for a solid PJ artist. I started welding on jewelry in March of 2023. I was pop up based (traveling and setting up in other small businesses) for almost a year. An opportunity to open up a studio fell into my lap and I took the leap! I now have a permanent location where clients can come to me, have private jewelry parties, or just relax in the space. I would say I stay 85% booked up with appointments in my studio. I still do the occasional pop up, but prefer to have a more 1 on 1 experience with my clients. It has been in no way ‘easy’ to get where I am today. I’ve managed to build up this brand while also working another full time job. Starting August 1st, I will be full time at my small business!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Noooooo, in some areas yes and some no. Due to the influx of PJ companies buying inventory has been rough. What I mean by that is, ‘sellers’ will misrepresent what they are selling. I personally only buy from reputable wholesalers, but I have had to cut off many bracelets that clients have gotten from other ‘businesses’. This gives the whole industry a hard time. It has also not been easy to run a six figure business while also working for someone else full time. However, when I first started LBL there were things that I wanted to do that just weren’t in the budget. So in order to scale to where I wanted to be I was also working full time. Now that LBL can keep its own lights on, replenish inventory, and pay me, I am now only working on LBL. Owning a business is not ‘easy’ if it was then everyone would do it. I have always been an entrepreneur so finally owning my own legitimate business is such an amazing experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Working with jewelry, quality is so important. I don’t offer any gold plated products, and I think that’s what sets me apart. For so many of my clients, permanent jewelry means more than just a bracelet, it’s a bond between friends, sister’s, celebrating the birth of a new baby, or commemorating a loved one who has passed. This is why I have such an emphasis on customer service. I always do my best to go above and beyond for my clients, and on the rare occasion that there is an issue, I do my best to make it right. I feel like there are so many permanent jewelry artists who are in it for a quick buck and that is definitely not my outlook on business. This also is not a hobby for me, this is my company, I have built it from nothing and I am not doing it as a ‘side hustle’ or ‘hobby’. Even when I worked full time for another company, I spent more hours working on LBL on my weekends and nights than I did working at that company. I invest in only the highest quality products and am slow to jump on trends that may affect the integrity of my offerings. When I opened my shop, I was the only permanent jewelry artist in Knoxville with a shop dedicated solely to permanent jewelry. This is because I saw the value in being able to provide that unique 1 on 1 experience for my clients, which all goes back to my emphasis on customer service.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
That I can do anything, just not everything. I have been so blessed to have a busy schedule, and I just recently brought 2 employees on to help me at events/throughout the week. I think many small business owners can relate, but when you’ve built something from the ground up, it’s hard to let people into your business, especially in a service based industry. I am so grateful for my 2 Link’d Ladies as they help me so much and in turn able to take on more high volume events because I have them with me. They also allow me to take a step back when I need to. The burnout of giving anything 100% of your free time is real, and while I love owning my own successful business, I do need to take some time for myself. A burnt out Liv does not give her clients the best possible experience she can. So taking that time to recharge allows me to be at my best each and every time a client sits down in front of me.
Pricing:
- you get what you pay for with permanent jewelry! If someone’s prices are really low compared to others, take that as a sign
- You can expect to pay anywhere between $55-85 for a bracelet from me, depending on the complexity and precious metal weight of the chain
- My pieces offer a fix it gaurentee, so if you’re not happy, come back and I will make it right!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.linkdbyliv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linkdbyliv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1817276408710432/
