Billie Tribitt Designs - Lewiston
Billie Tribitt traces her interest in designing jewelry to receiving some turquoise beads from her mother. She admired the stones so much that she decided to design a necklace for herself. Tribitt wanted to create a quality necklace, so she researched craft stores and bought a book on beading. After studying various techniques, she made her first necklace and became hooked.
Slowly, Tribitt began purchasing additional semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls and subscribed to a beading magazine. As her passion for designing jewelry for herself developed, she began making jewelry for family members as gifts. The response she received was encouraging.
A friend suggested that she sell her jewelry at a craft fair. Given the amount of inventory she had accumulated, she decided to give it a try. Tribitt wasn’t sure how to price the jewelry and sought advice from Jill Thomas-Jorgenson at the Region II Small Business Development Center (Idaho SBDC) at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. Tribitt’s debut at the craft fair resulted in better-than-expected sales and the start of a new venture, Billie Tribitt Designs.
She has since designed and made numerous necklace and earring pieces. She recently purchased a kiln and has begun firing fused glass and has taken a silversmith course. Tribitt uses only quality materials and precious metals, rather than plated wire and metals.
Much of Tribitt’s sales have come from word-of-mouth referrals. Her largest customer base comes from her co-workers at Lewis-Clark State College. It’s not uncommon to hear people ask, “Is that a Billie Tribitt necklace?” Tribitt creates custom designed pieces by special request or that reflect her customer’s favorite colors.
Tribitt’s jewelry can be found at craft fairs and on consignment in a local Lewiston craft store. She is pursuing selling her jewelry in consignment stores outside of Idaho.
Tribitt credits Thomas-Jorgenson at the Lewiston SBDC with helping her grow her business, saying Jill has been her “go-to” person. Thomas-Jorgenson continues to counsel Tribitt in marketing and business planning.
SBDCs are a program supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.
