Entrepreneur's Spotlight May 2009

This month, the Entrepreneur's Spotlight shines on Tavia Brown, founder and president of taviametal in Charlottesville. She creates one-of-a-kind, limited edition, and custom jewelry in sterling silver, gold and titanium. Tavia's inspiration comes from memory, form, material, texture, and nature.

A recent piece, Golden Halo Moonlight (right), is a 2009 Niche Award jewelry finalist.

She describes her target audience as confident, self-reliant women with a sense of style, who like elegant jewelry with an edge.

In talking about taviametal, which she founded in 2001, the artist who designs fine jewelry was surprised to discover that she also found the business side of the venture interesting. She learned to rely on local resources, such as the SBDC, for guidance in business planning, marketing, inventory flow, and such. She is still using a fairly developed concept and marketing plan to guide the development of taviametal. One thing she would have done differently is seek business advice earlier.

In addition to her own shop, Tavia's pieces are available locally at Angelo. She is actively engaged with the Artisan's Center of Virginia community, as well as the Craft Attack Group of women artisan business owners.

Like most of the entrepreneurs I have spoken with, she has issues that keep her up at night, such as finishing a commissioned piece on time. However, as a mother of two and an artist, she also relishes the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship. With the recent launch of online sales capacity, she is ready to return her attention to the bench, and her artistic creations.

I am so impressed with how taviametal has developed since I met Tavia herself two years ago. Wonderful work! I enjoyed speaking with Tavia again, and appreciate her willingness to share her story with other entrepreneurs. You can keep up with her designs and shows on her blog.