Jeweller Simone Walsh Outsources Production After Realising She Had Built Her Own Sweatshop
Simone Walsh, a jewellery designer hailing from South Australia, reminisced about a 2013 workshop abroad that exposed her to harsh working conditions. After three decades of operating her business, which features silver and gold creations inspired by her background in visual arts, she joined Etsy in 2006, quickly becoming one of Australia’s pioneering independent online retailers. By late 2013, after enduring over 100-hour work weeks and suffering from physical discomfort, she opted to outsource the production of components while maintaining her role in design and assembly. Once she verified the quality and working conditions of the overseas workshop, her business flourished, enabling her to cut back on hours, enhance her designs, and reclaim personal time, though she still found bookkeeping unappealing.
Key facts
- Simone Walsh is a jewellery designer and maker based in South Australia who has worked in the field for about 30 years.
- She initially sold silver and gold jewellery at markets in Adelaide and in boutiques and galleries around Australia.
- In 2006 she began selling on Etsy and made her first online sale within an hour, later establishing one of Australia's earliest independent online stores.
- By late 2013 she was working over 100 hours a week during selling season, earning considerably less than average income.
- On New Year's Eve, after a friend's visit to her Adelaide Hills home, she decided to outsource component making while continuing to design and assemble pieces.
- She visited an overseas workshop in person and found its conditions better than her own, with set hours, safety measures and a sunny lunch space.
- After her first order, existing customers remained satisfied and new customers continued to arrive, allowing her to work less and grow the business.
- She now has whole days off, time for her garden, walks, socialising and occasional holidays, but still dislikes bookkeeping.
Entities
Artists
- Simone Walsh
Institutions
- Etsy
Locations
- Adelaide
- Australia
- South Australia
- Adelaide Hills
- United States
- Europe