Christopher Campbell was a sheet metal worker for more than two decades before the entrepreneurial bug bit him.

When knee surgeries took him off his feet a few years, he began making men’s jewelry to keep himself busy. He and his wife are now the owners and operators of S.I.L.C., a jewelry line that offers customized jewelry to the uniquely, sophisticated male.

Christopher is a recent graduate of Entrepreneur Rising Academy, a free, 10-week, cohort-based business bootcamp powered by Parallax Advanced Research. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey.

LAUNCH DAYTON: INTRODUCE YOURSELF — WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY?

Christopher: My name is Christopher Campbell. I’ve been in sales for the last three years with a local clothing company ,and my wife and I own and operate S.I.L.C., a jewelry line that offers customized jewelry to the uniquely, sophisticated male.

HOW DID YOUR COMPANY START?

I came across a piece of jewelry in my travels I really liked and my wife told me I could make it for less. 

Then I had to have back-to-back knee replacement surgery and was off work for three months after our travels. So, I began making jewelry. Jewelry-making kept my mind active and allowed me to not sink into a dark hole.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

I did not. I was a sheet metal worker for 20+years.

THE LAUNCH DAYTON COMMUNITY VALUES ARE: 1. BE BOLD 2. ALL ARE WELCOME 3. PEOPLE FIRST 4. GIVE FIRST 5. REMOVE BARRIERS. HOW DO YOU EMBODY ONE OR MORE OF THESE VALUES?

I believe all of my designs are bold. I also frequently make jewelry and give as gifts, especially if I have an idea that commemorates an occasion or celebration.

WHAT IDENTITIES OR LIFE EXPERIENCES DO YOU BRING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP THAT HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR THIS LIFESTYLE?'

My experience as a sales person and assistant manager at a clothing store have enhanced my ability to build relationships, which in turn helps me to be an excellent salesperson to determine a client’s needs and deliver a quality product.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER YOU’VE FACED ON YOUR ENTREPRENEUR JOURNEY?

Learning the lingo and the financials.

HOW WAS YOUR ENTREPRENEUR RISING ACADEMY EXPERIENCE?

I learned a lot, especially in regards to finding my market niche. I would definitely recommend the program to others. The experience was invaluable.

WHY DO YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO?

I love seeing the joy on a person’s face when their vision comes to life and they are adorned with their one-of-a-kind piece.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER FELLOW OR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?

Go for it. Listen and learn.

Our entrepreneur and small business coverage is powered by Launch Dayton, an organization that seeks to connect entrepreneurs to peers, resources and supporters while telling the story of the region's thriving entrepreneurial community.