The debate on our national Budget has left many of us with more questions than answers. We are being advised to prepare for austerity measures, yet the only way for Jamaica to overcome the deprivation that faces us is to focus on growth. If our economic strategies do not promote and support productive activities, then the country’s financial future will be compromised.

Despite the general feeling of malaise and uncertainty that currently exists, let’s make a special effort to think positively about the prospects and possibilities for better. For me, while I may not be able to control or change our leaders’ economic decisions, I will continue to play my part by encouraging each and every person in Jamaica to focus on earning more.

It is getting more challenging for the local manufacturer to produce competitively, thanks to increases in the cost of living. Electricity, wages, transportation, and security are just some of the rising overhead expenses that make it harder for a business to remain profitable. However, in difficult situations, those who use innovation can definitely find new opportunities to exploit.

The best things in life are free

Wouldn’t it be wonderful in these times of out-of-control prices to have a business where most of your raw materials were free, and your input costs were just a tiny fraction of your revenue? Laura Meier, a young exchange student from Germany, has discovered a wealth of profit potential lying on the grounds of one of our local universities here in Jamaica.

I first saw Laura’s handiwork while scanning Facebook a few months ago. She had posted some pictures of earrings she had made from large seed pods, and was using the social networking site to advertise her unique wares. After seeing her forwarded message on a friend’s page, I knew that I had to learn more about this resourceful artist and her work.

I was immediately drawn to Laura as I sensed she would provide me with another intriguing ‘more money’ adventure. Many years ago, when I was also attending university, I had found my own money-making niche with jewellery. Some of my friends admired the leather bracelets I had made for myself, and I took advantage of their interest to start my first entrepreneurial venture.

Nature’s beauty with a purpose

Laura was quite excited to share with me how she hit upon the idea of using material found in nature to create wearable art. She explained that when she came to Jamaica from Germany, she was amazed at the beauty of our surroundings and was intrigued with the different kinds of trees and plants that were in abundant supply on the school campus.

As an avid environmentalist, she enjoyed observing the shapes and colours of the leaves, seeds, pods and other parts of the trees. Her artistic eye quickly realised that these items would make interesting jewellery and she started experimenting with different designs. She found a nearby craft supply store that provided her with relatively inexpensive wire and other jewellery accessories.

As I looked through her eclectic collection of nature’s bounty, I was impressed with Laura’s ability to see creative potential in things that many people would ignore or sweep into the garbage heap. For example, she was able to take pods from the mahogany tree (I didn’t even know that this tree had fruit!) and separate them into three distinctive elements that she used in her creations.

Jewellery in a jiffy

I got an opportunity to experience Laura’s simple manufacturing process to produce a pair of earrings. I selected some miniature pine cones and my tutor showed me how to use a tiny drill to make holes right through the seeds. Then I used a sharp pair of scissors to cut two equal lengths of jewellery wire and threaded them through the cones.

Next, with Laura’s guidance, I chose some coloured beads to complete the design. After closing off the wire with a tight loop, I had completed my first piece of nature jewellery in less than five minutes. For a first attempt, I was quite pleased with the overall look of my creation. Although it had been over 20 years since I last dabbled in jewellery making, I was confident that I still had the touch.

Laura revealed that although Jamaican buyers generally liked her work, persons from overseas were much more excited about purchasing the natural jewellery. She explained that her environmentally friendly pieces were respected and valued because they were one-of-a-kind designs and they were in harmony with nature.

With prices starting from $500, Laura’s art is easy on the pocket and therefore she usually finds ready markets at craft fairs or online. With her ingenuity and creativity, she is using nature’s free blessings to generate a very rewarding part-time income. So, look all around for your own earning ideas – what might be in your backyard that you can use to make more money?

Cherryl is a money coach, business mentor, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. Her upcoming book, “The 3 Ms of Money” will reveal all the secrets she learned about financial success. Get more advice on money and business matters at www.financiallysmartadvice.com and www.entrepreneursinjamaica.com. Email comments to cherryl@financiallysmartonline.com.