From Bedroom to Business: The Rise of a Jewelry Entrepreneur
May 30, 2025, 10:48 am
In a world where conventional paths often lead to dead ends, Kate Sullivan carved her own route. At just 26, she transformed a childhood hobby into a thriving business, The Sage Vintage, raking in over $570,000 in sales in 2024. Her journey is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of reinvention.
Sullivan's story began in her bedroom, where she first dabbled in jewelry making at 19. A college dropout, she left the University of Colorado Boulder, trading neuroscience for necklaces. Moving back to her father's home in suburban Chicago, she needed a way to make ends meet. She started by selling vintage clothing on Depop, a popular resale platform. It was a modest start, but it was a start nonetheless.
The pandemic hit, and the clothing resale market became a battlefield. Competition surged, and Sullivan's sales began to dwindle. She faced a choice: adapt or fade away. Inspiration struck when she stumbled upon an old jewelry-making kit. With a spark of creativity, she pivoted. She began crafting handmade jewelry, breathing new life into her business.
Sullivan's first creations were charm necklaces, born from thrifted pieces. She saw a gap in the market—charm jewelry was almost forgotten. Yet, she believed in its individuality. With her father’s help, she scoured flea markets and antique shops for vintage charms. Each piece was unique, a story waiting to be told.
In January 2020, she launched her website, The Sage Vintage, named after her beloved dog. This was more than a platform; it was her dream taking shape. Sullivan initially planned to return to college, but the allure of entrepreneurship was too strong. She realized she didn’t want a conventional job. She wanted to be her own boss.
The early days were tough. Sullivan worked late into the night, often until 1 or 2 a.m. She handled everything—design, packaging, shipping. By the end of 2020, her sales reached just over $70,000. It was a modest sum, but it was a foundation. She took a salary of $12,000, just enough to get by.
The following year was stagnant. Sales plateaued at around $70,000. But in 2022, everything changed. A collaboration with Haricot Vert, a New York-based jewelry brand, sent her business into overdrive. Their joint collection of 30 unique pieces sold out in under five minutes. The thrill of that moment was electrifying. Sullivan was no longer just a small-time seller; she was a rising star.
As her brand gained traction, celebrities began to take notice. SZA wore one of her necklaces on stage, and Gigi Hadid sported a piece from a collaboration. These moments were surreal. Sullivan found herself scrolling through social media, seeing her creations on the necks of the famous. It was validation, a sign that she was on the right path.
But with success came challenges. The demand for her handmade pieces skyrocketed. Sullivan found herself working 14 to 16 hours a day. Growth can be a double-edged sword. To scale her business, she needed to change her approach. She began producing multiples of each piece, moving from one-of-a-kind items to more accessible options. This shift allowed her to meet demand without sacrificing quality.
In April 2023, Sullivan expanded her reach. A buyer from Anthropologie purchased eight handmade necklaces for $1,500. Her jewelry was now in boutiques across the country. She hired part-time contractors to help with logistics, giving her more freedom. She could finally breathe.
Relocating to Idaho, Sullivan bought a house and set up a workshop. She took out a $67,000 loan to renovate her space and enhance her website. This investment was a leap of faith, but it paid off. She has already repaid over half of the loan.
Sullivan's plans for the future are ambitious. She aims to pay herself a proper salary of $100,000 in 2025. She dreams of opening a storefront in Chicago and launching her own line of apparel. It’s a full-circle moment, returning to her roots in vintage clothing.
Her journey is not just about sales figures. It’s about empowerment and self-discovery. Sullivan embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. She took a risk, followed her passion, and built something meaningful.
In a world filled with conventional paths, Sullivan chose to forge her own. Her story is a reminder that success is not a straight line. It’s a winding road filled with twists and turns. With creativity and determination, anyone can turn a dream into reality.
The Sage Vintage is more than a jewelry brand; it’s a symbol of resilience. Sullivan’s journey inspires others to take the leap, to embrace their passions, and to redefine success on their own terms. In the end, it’s not just about the jewelry; it’s about the journey.
Sullivan's story began in her bedroom, where she first dabbled in jewelry making at 19. A college dropout, she left the University of Colorado Boulder, trading neuroscience for necklaces. Moving back to her father's home in suburban Chicago, she needed a way to make ends meet. She started by selling vintage clothing on Depop, a popular resale platform. It was a modest start, but it was a start nonetheless.
The pandemic hit, and the clothing resale market became a battlefield. Competition surged, and Sullivan's sales began to dwindle. She faced a choice: adapt or fade away. Inspiration struck when she stumbled upon an old jewelry-making kit. With a spark of creativity, she pivoted. She began crafting handmade jewelry, breathing new life into her business.
Sullivan's first creations were charm necklaces, born from thrifted pieces. She saw a gap in the market—charm jewelry was almost forgotten. Yet, she believed in its individuality. With her father’s help, she scoured flea markets and antique shops for vintage charms. Each piece was unique, a story waiting to be told.
In January 2020, she launched her website, The Sage Vintage, named after her beloved dog. This was more than a platform; it was her dream taking shape. Sullivan initially planned to return to college, but the allure of entrepreneurship was too strong. She realized she didn’t want a conventional job. She wanted to be her own boss.
The early days were tough. Sullivan worked late into the night, often until 1 or 2 a.m. She handled everything—design, packaging, shipping. By the end of 2020, her sales reached just over $70,000. It was a modest sum, but it was a foundation. She took a salary of $12,000, just enough to get by.
The following year was stagnant. Sales plateaued at around $70,000. But in 2022, everything changed. A collaboration with Haricot Vert, a New York-based jewelry brand, sent her business into overdrive. Their joint collection of 30 unique pieces sold out in under five minutes. The thrill of that moment was electrifying. Sullivan was no longer just a small-time seller; she was a rising star.
As her brand gained traction, celebrities began to take notice. SZA wore one of her necklaces on stage, and Gigi Hadid sported a piece from a collaboration. These moments were surreal. Sullivan found herself scrolling through social media, seeing her creations on the necks of the famous. It was validation, a sign that she was on the right path.
But with success came challenges. The demand for her handmade pieces skyrocketed. Sullivan found herself working 14 to 16 hours a day. Growth can be a double-edged sword. To scale her business, she needed to change her approach. She began producing multiples of each piece, moving from one-of-a-kind items to more accessible options. This shift allowed her to meet demand without sacrificing quality.
In April 2023, Sullivan expanded her reach. A buyer from Anthropologie purchased eight handmade necklaces for $1,500. Her jewelry was now in boutiques across the country. She hired part-time contractors to help with logistics, giving her more freedom. She could finally breathe.
Relocating to Idaho, Sullivan bought a house and set up a workshop. She took out a $67,000 loan to renovate her space and enhance her website. This investment was a leap of faith, but it paid off. She has already repaid over half of the loan.
Sullivan's plans for the future are ambitious. She aims to pay herself a proper salary of $100,000 in 2025. She dreams of opening a storefront in Chicago and launching her own line of apparel. It’s a full-circle moment, returning to her roots in vintage clothing.
Her journey is not just about sales figures. It’s about empowerment and self-discovery. Sullivan embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. She took a risk, followed her passion, and built something meaningful.
In a world filled with conventional paths, Sullivan chose to forge her own. Her story is a reminder that success is not a straight line. It’s a winding road filled with twists and turns. With creativity and determination, anyone can turn a dream into reality.
The Sage Vintage is more than a jewelry brand; it’s a symbol of resilience. Sullivan’s journey inspires others to take the leap, to embrace their passions, and to redefine success on their own terms. In the end, it’s not just about the jewelry; it’s about the journey.