YYC Feature: DIRT ROAD DESIGNS YYC
Tienneke Schuurmans lightweight jewelry makes a statement, in more ways than one
Big, bold, versatile and best of all, you can wear them all day without discomfort! But Tienneke Schuurmans handmade earrings are not only super lightweight and beautiful, they support the local economy— her products are made from locally sourced leather and vegan cork material. Schuurman has always believed that supporting local is a cornerstone of good business practice. Building a sense of community and keeping a small carbon footprint are just some of the many reasons she supports fellow small business owners in Alberta and B.C.. Her enthusiasm is like her dazzling products: bold, beautiful and something we need more of!
It’s awesome you use locally sourced supplies to create your earrings! What are some of the businesses you source from? Why is it important to you to source local?
“For me, supporting local has always been a foundation of this endeavour. Keeping small businesses alive is the key to a strong community. I source most of my leathers from a family-run business in B.C. we have developed a great relationship, and it feels good knowing that we are all working together to keep our neighbours supported.”
Where do you look for inspiration when choosing the colours & styles for new designs?
“Many of my styles and colours are inspired by nature. Styles and colours change seasonally, so there is always something new and fresh. I also look at seasonal colour-trends in clothing lines and try to follow suit.”
What has been your biggest challenge in your entrepreneurship journey?
“Oh my.....where to start? I think the biggest challenge has been making the decisions, and balancing between selling online, selling in stores, going to markets, and offering wholesale. Navigating all of these avenues to ensure the product is available to the consumer is challenging! An entrepreneur has to learn many trades on the fly - accountant, photographer, web design, communications, social media, and more!! It's a lot to learn, but I'm loving every minute of it!!”
“I'm big on minimizing waste, so I always request as little packaging as possible with zero plastic options— everything gets recycled or re-used”
In what ways does Dirt Road Designs YYC try to limit its environmental impact?
“An important part of source materials locally is that it cuts down on shipping distance and materials. I also use zero plastic in my product shipping. I'm big on minimizing waste, so I always request as little packaging as possible with zero plastic options - everything gets recycled or re-used (don't be surprised if you receive your earrings in a re-purposed envelope!)
The nice thing about being a business owner is that I make the rules, so I can create a business that I feel is sustainable and is creating a very small carbon footprint.”
What influenced your choice to use vegan cork?
“I think that it is important to know your clientele, and I am aware that the world is changing, if I can offer an alternative material that is vegan-friendly, then I am happy to do so!! The cork comes in beautiful style and colours - and it's even lighter than the leather, it's a win-win situation!”
On your social media you’re a big advocate for supporting local! Why are you passionate about promoting local consumerism?
“I'm big on building a sense of community, and being thoughtful about what we are investing our dollars into. Knowing that the honey I had for breakfast was made locally makes me feel good because I know that this small purchase has made a positive impact in a number of ways. It has financially benefited an entrepreneur in my community, created a very small carbon footprint as it is local, and now I have built a relationship with a person in my community! Also, I find that locally owned business owners will often recycle a share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.”
What is your hope for Dirt Road Designs over the next five years? (How do you see your company improving or expanding?)
“I think that I'd like to grow my online presence. I've also been thinking about how I can contribute more to the community, I have always wanted to build an ethical consumerism type of business model where a portion of each sale is donated directly to a community program, I hope to have that established in the next year - stay tuned!”
What is your favourite quote or piece of advice?
“I really believe that as an entrepreneur, you have to put yourself out there and be ok with making errors. It is in the errors that we learn how to be better! I didn't learn how to run a business in school, so it's really been a 'fake it, 'til you make it' adventure!!”
Find her at:
@dirtroaddesigns_yyc
www.dirtroaddesignsyyc.com