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On 1 July 2024, Business Local became SBDC Regional. While the name has changed, we’re still here providing you with free business advice and support in your area. Find your SBDC Regional provider.
When jeweller Julianne Karavitis relocated from Melbourne to Kalgoorlie, she saw an opportunity to launch a niche fine jewellery design. With the help of the SBDC’s Business Local team, Julianne has turned her love of jewellery into a vibrant business with a positive impact on her local community.
Turning a passion into a thriving business is a goal for many business owners. After more than 18 years in the luxury jewellery industry across Perth, Melbourne and Los Angeles, Julianne had developed a range of creative and technical skills including diamond grading and gemmology.
After moving to Kalgoorlie and deciding to start her own business, Julianne worked with her Business Local team at Kalgoorlie Boulder CCI to turn her hands on skills into a successful business.
Know your market
In every industry, it’s essential to know your target customers and understand exactly what they need. Juliane recognised her move to the Goldfields as an ideal opportunity to launch her jewellery business, JLK Artistry.
“We had moved to Kalgoorlie in December 2020, so I was looking to start my own business and use those skills while having my two-year-old child in tow,” she says.
“I design bespoke jewellery pieces, whether it be engagement rings or remodelling family heirlooms. In some instances, I help clients with repairs but the majority of my work is creating luxury fine jewellery.”
Julianne brings her expertise as a qualified Diamond Grader and Gemmologist to the table, to help her clients select and craft bespoke jewellery pieces.
“A lot of clients in Kalgoorlie are in mining. They understand the commodities and diamonds, but need someone with the expertise to choose the stone that they want, and from the gemmology standpoint to sit down and take them through it. Then they make the purchase and we sit down and make the piece for them.”
Get the support you need
Julianne says the business advice she received through her Business Local team has been crucial to her start-up success.
An initiative of the SBDC which is funded by the WA Government, Business Local offers a network of skilled business advisers throughout regional WA, with a free advisory service for small business owners.
Business Local advisers are available for one-on-one appointments for personalised and confidential small business advice. They also offer group workshops on a range of subjects, including business planning, financial management, taxation, leasing requirements, marketing, social media and business expansion.
Julianne made use of the free business advisory service and participated in some of the low-cost Business Local workshops, including a session about tax.
“This sort of business support is really valuable – to have the ability to sit down and chat with someone for half an hour about local things,” she said. “They just knew all the businesses in town so well and that was so helpful for someone like me who was new to town.”
Growing to make a difference
The insights and skills Julianne has learned have helped her to grow her business, which has allowed her to have an impact in her own community. In July, she donated a bespoke aquamarine and diamond pendant necklace to the Goldfields Children’s Charity Ball, which was sold at auction for $17,000. The event ultimately raised $350,000 for sick children.
Being able to support her local community in this way has been an added benefit in her business journey.
Find out more
At the SBDC, we’re on a mission to help small businesses in WA start well, survive and thrive.
- If you’re looking for support and advice for your small business in regional WA, find the Business Local regional business support you need.
- Wherever you are, you might be interested in our upcoming SBDC business workshops, including the tax workshop Julianne has completed.
- Check out our quick guide to tax deductions for your business.
- Read more inspiring small business stories from the SBDC
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