TDN Creations: at the heart of business

TDN Créations offers minimalist jewelry for modern and romantic people with materials such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or sterling silver. You can find a nice selection of their creations at Signé Local .

Learn more about the company by reading the following interview, where the founder Trang Dai shares with us her journey as an entrepreneur and the road traveled since her beginnings.

Who are you? Why did you choose this field?

Since childhood, I have always tinkered, then I have always loved manual work and experimentation with various materials. I have made felt dolls, silk painting, polymer clay products, etc. I finished my studies in language and management studies and started my career in a classic 9@5 job, but I didn't like it at all. I wanted to create and I couldn't see myself spending the next 35 years in a cubicle.

I decided to create polymer clay characters, photo holders, barrettes, jewelry with silver wire and crystals and I brought them to the office. My colleagues really liked my creations and asked me if they could buy me some. I said to myself: “why not”, and that quietly allowed me to buy more sophisticated materials. One thing leading to another, I chose to quit my job to take a year and a half of training at the École des métiers du Sud-Ouest de Montréal. You learn everything that revolves around jewelry and the different techniques, then the training ends with an internship in a company. Even before I finished the training, my Etsy shop was launched.

Trang Dai, Founder of TDN Creations

What was the trigger that pushed you to go into business?

The need to create and have my own schedule.

What is the most memorable moment in your career as an entrepreneur?

I realized I actually had a business when I hired my first employee. I was torn between fear and excitement. This is the defining moment in the transition from a hobby/solo business to a real company.

What motivates you at work right now?

I'm working on a new collection for the holiday season. More colorful, a little different from my usual style. It's creatively motivating.

Otherwise, on the administrative side, I am developing tools and procedures that I can delegate to allow me to free up my time to devote myself more to creation.

What playlist accompanies your days these days?

I have two styles of playlist. When I don't need extra focus, I listen to personal development audiobooks. As it interests me, but I don't have time to read it, it's perfect for me. When I need focus, however, I choose a playlist of various artists from the 80s and go!

What is your next project, product or launch?

The next collection to be released is element-themed. I say no more to keep the surprise!

Looking back, would you have done anything differently?

I think I progressed slowly. If I had to start over, for example, I would have hired earlier to allow me to grow my business more quickly.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Right from the start, you have to surround yourself with people who can help you and share their knowledge with you. I had the chance to participate in two workshops with very experienced craftsmen. In addition to sharing the costs related to rent and tools, we can discuss the business side such as trade fairs and points of sale, as we can also discuss creative challenges.

What is your wildest dream with the company?

In 5 years, I would like to have 100 points of sale in Canada. Once this goal is achieved, I would like to tackle the United States and Europe .

What can we wish you for the future?

Achieve my goals even faster than expected and continue to create and grow my business.

Many thanks to Trang Dai for his generosity and his time for this interview.

Want to offer yourself a handmade jewel? No worries, you can find a selection of TDN Creations jewelry by clicking here.