Mary Myrdal lives in Cape Town, South Africa; but now in her 70’s, she is still going regularly to Mexico to source beautiful silver jewellery. She always brings back new, exciting pieces which she sells in her home town. At the same time she brings stories of new adventures. This is the story of how she found a creative way to earn an income.
‘When my husband died in 1994, I knew that I would have to find a way to supplement my income – but I thought an answer would come. And it did, in a round-about way.
My son, who lived in San Francisco at the time, invited me to join him and his wife on a 3 month ‘surf safari’ from San Francisco all along the coast into Baja and across to mainland Mexico at Mazatlan. The only reason for stopping anywhere – was the surf good?
After many adventures we finally arrived at Puerto Escondido, the ‘mecca’ of all surfers to Mexico. We stayed in a basic surf camp and I slept as always in a small one person tent on the beach sand.
A regular visitor to the camp was an American who came in on his motor bike. We got chatting…..and one thing led to another!
On my return to South Africa, he invited me back to Mexico for another holiday of 3 months. Later I in turn, suggested he come to Cape Town to experience the beauty of the Cape – for a holiday. He however, had other plans and he announced that he had come to live with me!!!!
It wasn’t long before he said that he was unable to find any really nice silver jewellery in Cape Town and proposed that we go together, as a partnership, and buy jewellery in Mexico. Which we did. It was an instant success. BUT, I soon noticed that I was doing the deliveries, collecting the money, taking orders and keeping the books – while he lay on the couch watching videos!
So I told him that I would buy him out and he must return to Mexico.
Now I was on my own – and Senorita Silver was born.
He had been a good teacher and I drew on his guidance but I started to buy what I felt was right and I listened to my customers. I expanded the business and started offering the jewellery on consignment to jewellery shops.
Soon I was going to Mexico at least once and sometimes twice a year. Good years.
I have been able to provide myself with a steady monthly income. Over time I have used some of the profit to invest in 2 properties so adding to my income and allowing my money to work for me.
The only curtailment at the moment is the exchange rate, which is not in my favour – but it has been my impression that there are always people prepared to pay for quality pieces. It has been up to me to supply those pieces.
It has been a lot of fun, I have made a lot of friends in Mexico. Apart from the buying, I have been able to explore and travel in a very fascinating country. At the same time I have made firm friends in the greater Cape Town area – both jewellers themselves and customers I meet through my website and my Facebook page. Now I go to markets as well, which also yields new friends and customers. So I don’t have time to be lonely; plenty to keep my brain active and my body fit.
Take the plunge I say and go the entrepreneurial route, you won’t regret it and you are your own boss and you set the work hours.’
Facebook: Senorita Silver or click http://on.fb.me/1l8Wf9X) .
Hey Mary!! What a great website this is … and you are certainly an inspiration for all who get as far a really looking at it and reading it! Juxtaposed with Pieter Dirk Uys!? Bliksem …That’s a good start!!
Thank you, William
An adventurous spirit combined with a positive outlook. Inspiring at any life stage.
Thank you, Lynne