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LIBERTY TWP. — A jewelry business is spelling success for Heather Holt of Liberty Twp.
The former retail purchaser, now stay-at-home mom, uses Scrabble tiles to create charms with designs or photos on the back.
“I love jewelry,” she said. “I just happened to be looking, and I thought it was such a good idea, even to have a random Scrabble piece.”
She started making pendants six months ago from the game pieces, and word of mouth has turned the hobby into a business, Hoo Me Designs. The name came from a nickname that stuck years ago when her nephew started calling her Hoo.
Holt keeps her supplies in colorful boxes, and works from her dining room table or other out-of-reach places.
The process takes seven to 10 days, so she works during times she isn’t chasing after her 4-year-old, Jack, or spending time with her daughter, Haylen, 11.
“I love doing photos,” she said. “I think they just turn out so amazing. I think doing the Scrabble pieces is a lot of fun, but I would really like to go more into the metal work.”
Recently, she made a pair of cuff links for a client. Her daughter, she said, especially likes metal bookmarks.
As the products catch on, she said the goal is to supplement her household income.
Holt created a page on Etsy.com, a Web site for small business owners. However, word of mouth has been her most successful marketing. The most popular items are those with photographs, she said, and when people see someone wearing one, they ask about it.
Christmas 2009 was the launching point; she received about 50 orders for the $5 charms.
“I think for the most part, it was kind of shocking,” she said. “It kind of snowballed a little bit. When other people like it as well, it is kind of rewarding.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com.
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