Investing with a Creative Twist
Investing in Shares: From Clueless to Cluey
It all started with an event called Investing for Women back in 2022. My savvy entrepreneur friend Chelsea De Main, who owns a super sexy hair salon called Eye Am Hair, encouraged me to go along with her. Before this, I didn’t know the first thing about ETFs or Wall Street. For a long time, when I thought of the stock market, I pictured men in suits yelling in front of glowing green numbers. But investing doesn’t have to be like that. Stocks, shares, and markets were all a mystery to me, but I was curious to learn.
The event was run by Ladies Finance Club, and they made the process approachable and easy to understand. They introduced us to app-based platforms like Sharesies, where I started with a free $5 credit. That small step gave me a chance to get comfortable with how investing worked. Once I gained confidence, I began adding my own funds. Read on, and if you’d like to try it, there’s a link below with $5 credit to play with.
I won’t pretend I’ve made millions, but my investments have definitely grown more than they would have in a term deposit or savings account. More importantly, the experience has been empowering. My strategy relies on observation and a bit of intuition. I pay attention to companies that repeatedly come onto my radar - through conversations, news, or even trends I notice in daily life. After doing some research into how they’re performing and evaluating their ethical values, I decide whether they’re a good fit for my portfolio.
Investing, for me, mirrors my creative practice as a jeweller and artist. It’s about taking risks, trusting your instincts, and finding value in unexpected places. In my art, I’m drawn to unconventional materials and experimental approaches - embedding technology into jewellery or casting QR codes in sterling silver. That same adventurous spirit shows up in how I invest. Beyond shares, I’m intrigued by alternative investments, like the idea of buying Big Mac’s, turning them into jewellery and holding them until they’re worth more. Or through the longer term process repurposing an old church as a creative space. For me, it’s about seeing potential where others might not and trusting my vision.
What I loved about this journey is how accessible it had made investing for me. It’s as simple as using a friendly app on my phone, making it feel far less intimidating. Plus they gave us a free pair of socks at the workshop. SOLD!
Simple Guide to Investing in Shares with an App Like Sharesies
1. Download the App
Search for "Sharesies" (or a similar app) in your app store and download it.
2. Create an Account
Sign up using your email. Follow the steps to verify your identity and link a bank account.
3. Set Your Budget
Decide how much you can afford to invest—only use money you can afford to lose, as investments carry risks.
4. Ethical Research
Look for companies or funds aligned with your values, such as sustainability, diversity, or clean energy. Many apps have filters for ethical investments.
5. Start Small
Begin with a small amount to get comfortable. Sharesies lets you buy partial shares, so even $5 is enough to start.
6. Diversify
Spread your investment across different companies or funds to reduce risk. You might try an ethical ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) to start.
7. Monitor, Don’t Stress
Check your investments occasionally, but don’t panic over daily ups and downs—shares grow over time.
8. Learn as You Go
Use the app’s educational resources to build your knowledge about investing.
9. Withdraw if Needed
You can sell your shares and withdraw your money anytime, though it may take a few days to process.
10. Stay Patient
Investing is a long-term game. Be consistent and give it time to grow.
This is a link to receive a $5 credit with Sharesies. Read the terms and conditions to see if it’s right for you. I’m recommending it because it’s easy to use, but like any investing activity, it does involve risk.
Disclaimer: This is in no way, shape or form an endorsement for Sharesies or Ladies Finance Club. I have no affiliation with them.
I want to be clear that I am not a financial advisor, nor am I qualified to give financial advice. Everything I share is based on my own experiences and what I’ve learned along the way. My goal is to empower others, especially those who feel intimidated by investing, to explore ways to take control of their money. I hope my journey inspires you to start small, do your research, and build confidence in managing your finances. Always consult a qualified professional for tailored advice before making any financial decisions
COMING UP…
Keep an eye on a future post about NFT’s. I’m going to learn how to create them starting from scratch, while being conscious about whether NFT’s are a path I want to follow. Come along for the ride, and subscribe for more in depth content. If you have any tips to share for NFT newbies, I’d love to hear from you!
