Turning a creative passion into a thriving business isn’t always straightforward. Just ask Anne Harrill, originally from France and later the founder of Cleveland-based jewelry and lifestyle brand Océanne. Her business model has evolved as she has found strength in community, and Harrill’s journey offers inspiration for anyone looking to start or grow a business. She spoke recently with ICSC Small Business Center contributing editor Rebecca Meiser.

You got into jewelry almost by accident. When did it start feeling like it could become a business?

I made jewelry for a few years as a hobby, mostly for gifts. In 2009, my husband, [a founder of a nonprofit teaching kids to write music and perform], was doing lots of performing with his students. I’d sneak a few pieces onto his merch table. People started buying them, and I loved the connection that came from those conversations, especially since I didn’t speak English fluently. It was a special time for me to get to know people better, and they were interested in what I was making. It gave me confidence. Not many people [in France] start their own companies from nothing, but my husband, who’s very entrepreneurial, encouraged me to go for it.

What helped you make the leap from hobbyist to business owner?

I started doing local shows — lots and lots of them for many years. Then I applied to bigger shows in places like Chicago, Brooklyn and Indianapolis. Eventually, I had to move [the business] out of the house, so in 2015, I looked for a studio space. That’s when I connected with Fount, who were also just starting. We shared a studio space for about a year. Jackie, the co-founder, and I really hit it off. She’s so vibrant and full of energy. Being around other creatives was such a motivator. It’s hard to start a business alone. Finding people who share your mindset and are supportive, not competitive, makes such a difference.

MORE FROM THE ICSC SMALL BUSINESS CENTER: How Leather Bag Maker Fount Reached Its Audience

When you decided to open your first store in 2017, how did you approach writing a business plan?

I joined programs through JumpStart, a Cleveland nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding and business development programs. They helped me learn how to pitch and plan long-term. Being around other entrepreneurs showed me what it meant to dream big. Our business grew very slowly and steadily, which helped me take risks at my own pace and made it feel manageable.

What led you to expand to additional locations?

We tested a pop-up at Pinecrest in November 2021, which was a great learning experience. We saw that being in a mall was a huge opportunity: more foot traffic, more people seeing us. Even though the rent was higher, we were successful, so we ended up getting a longer lease and we’ve been there since. Meanwhile, Jackie had moved over to Crocker Park. [The property] reached out to us in 2023. We wanted to be in the main area, and they had the right space, size and location. We signed a lease there in early 2024 and started the buildout late last spring.

How do you balance designing new pieces with managing daily operations at three stores?

I try to structure my week, but there’s always something that comes up. Every week is different. I might plan to be at one store on Tuesday and another on Wednesday, but things happen and plans change. I like it that way. It keeps things interesting.

How have Océanne’s offerings evolved over the years?

After being a jewelry shop for many years, we noticed people were often looking for an additional gift, so we wanted to offer everything in one place. We’ve expanded into apparel, cookbooks, prints and lifestyle products. My husband’s nonprofit also runs a print shop that works with teens and women in recovery, and we began collaborating with them for our apparel. Empowering women is now a big part of our mission — sharing stories and giving meaning to what we create. We also carry other local makers and have added permanent jewelry, [which the maker fits in person by welding instead of fastening with clasps], and a charm bar [where customers can build their own jewelry], which is a really great way to connect with people.

What role does community play in your brand today?

That’s what drives me: connecting with people, my team and other creatives. Whether through collaborations, events or meeting customers in person, that energy keeps me inspired. Some of the most meaningful moments have come from customers sharing how a piece or message resonated with them. That’s why I do what I do.