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Lisa Broyles of Rox & Things

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August 16, 2009 | By desertmaidenbathworks

Lisa is extremely talented and a very busy lady. Running an Etsy store, Artfire Studio and 1000Markets shop seems like it would be a full time venture, but she carries on a full time job outside of her creations! She's got a solid head on her shoulders and some good business advice for new sellers. I hope you enjoy reading about Lisa!

Name - Lisa Broyles
Business Name - Rox & Things™
Location - Burleson, Texas

Do you have any interesting personal factoids?
I can't talk without my hands. I remember a public speaking exercise in junior high school. The teacher stopped me and said, "Lisa, put your hands behind your back." I clasped my hands behind my back and continued, swaying as I spoke. A habit I've not broken. Talking with my hands, not swaying.
Tell me about your craft/mediums.
My business revolves around my jewelry. I offer handmade, custom bridal, vintage and vintage redesigned but I dabble in all sorts of crafts. A lot of the time my ideas are to re-purpose, revamp and create something new from something that already exists. Garage sales (though thankfully I have yet to get an "I brake for garage sales" bumper sticker)...just be careful driving behind me, thrift stores and curb side finds included. I'm happiest when I'm creating something so that seeps in to many things around me.
Why do you love your particular mediums?
The process of creating. Looking at something and having an idea how to rock something out, make something pleasing to the eye, something that will make me and hopefully others feel good.
Tell me about your most enjoyable experience with a customer.
I have many, especially designing custom bridal and bridal party pieces. One that does come to mind was a woman that found one of my pieces online and just "had to have it" for the Margarita Ball in Dallas that was two days later. It was an amethyst and sterling silver necklace that she wanted for her purple velvet ball gown. She wanted to meet me and I suggested the grocery store parking lot at my nearest exit ramp. She was driving an hour to get this piece and at first I was a bit uncomfortable, having never met anyone in a dark parking lot to exchange cash for a necklace. We met and it was cold and windy, her scroll that I include with my designs went blowing across the parking lot and here this woman is, running in heels trying to stomp on it to catch it. lol! She did, she loved the necklace, paid more than I asked, hugged me and went on her way. A few days later she sent me pictures of her at the Ball and she was right, the necklace was perfect.
Where can we find your work?
Both my handmade jewelry and my vintage pieces can be found via my website, http://roxandthings.com which link to my shops, http://roxandthings.1000markets.com (1000Markets closed.
http://roxandthings.artfire.com as well as my Etsy, http://soov.etsy.com

Any advice to new or young sellers just getting their feet wet?
The most important bit of advice I would offer is to understand your pricing. Too often I've seen items for sale that just blow my mind when I look at the price. It's vital to know how to price your work so that you are not underselling yourself. I say this because your question is "new or young sellers" and for the most part, that is the single biggest mistake I see. A lot of time and effort are involved in quality handmade items and additional time when selling online to photograph, upload, market, write good descriptions, etc. Of course the same advice could be given for over pricing. With a bit of research new sellers can find what works best for them, and they should do that research or they will find themselves wondering how to buy more supplies. Worse yet, wondering why they purchased $4000 worth of inventory and only recovered $2000 of that investment. There are lots of great websites that share helpful information at no cost. Personally, I won't buy a gorgeous pair of sterling silver earrings with gems or wire work, even though I absolutely love them if they are priced at $6. I'd feel like I was stealing! To sum it up, research, research, research.
What do you do outside of your business? 
I'm an Office Manager/HR Manager for a car dealership, one I'm proud to say is here for the long haul in the current crisis that is this business.
What does the "handmade movement" mean to you?
I've always been in to handmade. I've sewn since I was 11 years old, I remember string art, I crochet, refinish things, etc. I'm thrilled with the "movement". It's time to get back to it! My grandmother made me the most beautiful, exquisitely made Easter dresses as a child. Handmade is made with love and pride. Something a factory can't do. That goodness is what it's all about.
If you could have lunch with and pick the brain of any artist living or dead, who would you choose and why?
Diane Von Furstenburg. Why? She's an icon and I would love to have a 3 hour lunch with her since your question didn't mention a time limit.
Tell us a bit about the space you create in? How has it evolved since you started your craft?
I created a wonderful office for myself that later became the room I designed jewelry in as I have a work table, etc. My space has now migrated to storage containers and the kitchen table along with two armoires in my bedroom full of packaging supplies. Must. Stop. Now.
What is your favorite type of handmade item to buy for yourself?
Soap
Who is the person most supportive of your craft business? How do they support you?
I have a friend named Debra that is a walking advertisement for me. She is constantly mentioning my business to others. She encouraged me to do my first show (I need to have a talk with her about that one)...and still demands on paying full price for my work. My family is very supportive but then they know who makes the best spaghetti sauce in the world so they have to be.