I tried designing jewelry under my own name for a year but it was far too competitive and stores only wanted to go through showrooms. I was doing all of the basic wire wrapping and stringing which they didn’t want-you can find that at any farmers market on a Sunday or crafts fair. I would have had to go back to school to learn soldering and metalsmithing to create the kind of fine jewelry needed for a showroom with no guarantees of success so I got my certifications and started a private health and wellness brand with various revenue streams I can create out of targeting my specific customer.
It pays less but it is guaranteed employment and good for me as I age. I can tailor it to fit my changing needs.