Nikki Kelly lost her corporate job at 38 weeks pregnant. The prospect of job hunting with a newborn and no family support created immediate financial anxiety. She needed an income but required flexibility. She pulled $1,000 from her savings, set up a workspace in her garage, and started stamping names onto keyrings.
Kelly had no background in jewelry design. She had previously failed her high school business studies class. Her first concept was highly personal: a simple necklace featuring her new baby's name. She tested a few delicate designs and listed them on Etsy to see if the market would respond.
