Numbero Uno ~ honest to god, I know it may seem dramatic, but thank you to all of You, every single one of you that have been so encouraging of my handcrafted jewelry display venture, you have no idea how much it means to me and how much I appreciate it. My family, in-real-life friends, my blog friends, my Instagram friends, my co-workers, my sweet sister who came to the show, my sister-in-law who was so sweet to call me afterwards to see how it went, and to Tristen and Rhett who have dealt with my frantic constant worry and anx about every detail over the past few weeks, and whom helped me haul pallets and trunks to make it happen ~ Thank You.
I have been working hard the past month, to build a small inventory in order to have enough jewelry frames to take to a holiday bazaar. And this past Saturday, the show finally happened. And I'll make no exaggerations to my feelings about it: Praise God, Baby J, and all the Saints ~ it is Over! There is a reason that I fit comfortably behind a desk 40+ hours a week crunching numbers. Talking to strangers, selling my goods ~ is not my talent, and takes me waaaayyy out of my comfort zone. It makes me shake with fear. You think I kid? I don't. The first display I sold this weekend? I could not wrap it because I was shaking. Another gift-from-god vendor came over and helped me! True story. I know, super stoopid.
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| Laura ~ gorgeous, gifted artist, and my savior |
Will I do another show? I don't know. I'm half way committed to another one in 2 weeks.. by the end of today I'll have to make a decision.. and I'm working on sorting my thoughts into type on what I learned, what I'd do next time, what I wouldn't do, that I'll share later this week on the blog. There is so much to learn in this journey, it is incredible.
What I do know: Whether or not I do the show in 2 weeks, I truly believe I have a product that women love, that is evolving, functional art, and is the ultimate compliment, organization, and needed display of a woman's life long, dear collection: her jewelry. Like every woman, I have so many pieces of jewelry that tell stories, have meaning, and invoke memories.
Like the three absolutely fantastic pieces I purchased in Las Vegas. The handmade beaded choker Tristen made me in 3rd grade. The Virgo & Leo BCBG pendants bought while with my Bestie, that represent the fact that I often feel the effects of being a Cusp sign. And there's the Sapphire and itty bitty Diamond necklace from my grandparents. And the 20 beautiful Nashelle pieces I compulsively bought when I wouldn't buy clothes because I was so unhappy with my weight, but I could buy jewelry.
They are my treasures. That I will treasure, and god-willing, have always. And I adore to display them in such an artful way, and I want every woman to be able to display their jewels as well.
I've worked hard, have experienced many trials and errors in developing the design, and feel I've come up with a technique that is truly unique in the jewelry display market and I'm happy to know that they will sell to strangers! Yes!!!!! I had 9 displays to sell, and I sold 3 ~ 30% of my inventory ~ despite the fact that it was a slow show, and despite the fact that my product line price point doesn't do well in the environment I was in. I am happy. In fact, rather thrilled with myself. I did it, dammit!! ;)
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| November 3, 2012 My first show. Vancouver, Washington |
