Meet Kelly Hoffman of Wrapped in Happiness in Pacific Beach

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Kelly. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a love for fashion and jewelry growing up but never knew exactly how to incorporate that into a career path. I was late to the game in figuring out what I wanted to do after college and ended up working an 8-5 job in public relations in the corporate world. After a little over a year, I was unexpectedly laid off. This was bittersweet for me because I knew that career was not for me, yet I wasn’t sure what my next step was. While struggling through the job hunt and countless interviews, I turned to making jewelry, which started completely as a hobby and form of a creative outlet.

I surprisingly found so much joy in making something so small, something that was created completely by me and unlike anything else. It was the one thing I had control of at the time, and it was the one thing I could do where I would lose complete track of time and everything around me – I just wanted to create. It took some time to gain the confidence to show people my finished work, but once I did the amazing support I received gave me the courage to open up my own online shop. Within two years my little online shop has grown into merchandising local stores along with a big move across the country to put on jewelry shows at events in San Diego, something I never in a million years would have thought I would have the courage to do.

Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I see obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn in the business world. There are no guidelines to running your own business or promises that it will even be successful, so it’s a lot of trial and error to figure out what works best for you and your customers. Sometimes it gets a little tricky while also holding another part-time job, but it’s taught me to prioritize my time better only take on what I can handle. When I first started out, I wanted to say yes to every opportunity that came my way, but I’ve learned that it’s better to put all your energy and focus into a couple of things at once rather than to overwhelm yourself with too much. There really are “no days off” while keeping up with orders and customer service daily, but when you love what you do it doesn’t feel so much like work, it’s way more of a reward knowing you’re making a difference and getting to do what you love at the same time!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Wrapped in happiness is a wearable reminder to seek positivity and happiness in everything you do, big or small. All pieces are made to order with an underlying theme of “wrapping” oneself in everything believed to be your true happiness, both physically and mentally. All of our pieces are made in sterling silver and 14k gold fill materials along with the healing energies of labradorite, moonstone and quartz crystals. With a passion for jewelry and simple inspiration, Wrapped in Happiness sparked the light in me, to make pieces that shine through you.

I personally design and create all Wrapped in Happiness pieces that you order along with promoting via social media outlets, stocking stores, and attending local events throughout San Diego. Once an order is placed, each piece is made to order with any specifications made from the customer to truly make it one-of-a-kind and made just for you. I also order all of my supplies from other local vendors throughout the country, so it makes me happy to know that while I’m creating my designs, I’m also supporting other small businesses, too.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! San Diego is the perfect place to start a business as there is such a strong community that loves to support small local businesses. Also, the weather is perfect all year round, so there are always outdoor events and markets that you can set up shop to promote and sell your product or simply attend and network with other vendors. One of my favorite things about attending events and popups is getting the opportunity to meet such amazing people that show so much love and support for my designs. I believe that one of the keys to success is creating and maintaining strong and supportive relationships with others in the community and luckily with the use of social media now, we can stay connected whether you’re in the same town or across the country.