Venetian Vibes

Well, I have been aware that Venetian Vibes is a bit outdated, as it has been on my mind nearly every day, making an entry that is!  So much has been happening in the past month.

I want to say “thank you” to so many of my customers, actual and potential, for their interest, patronage, purchases, kind comments and support!  I am “meeting” so many nice people through my website!  The feedback about my jewelry has been UNBELIEVABLY positive!  I am so shocked and thankful!

Some people have written to me about the difficulties of breaking into this business!  Gosh…it IS hard!  Honestly, with ALL the work, time, effort, emotion & MONEY that goes into my business, my sales have NOT been as great as I would have hoped…I’m selling but it is very slow.

I’m thankful for all that I have sold!  One wonderful woman bought over $100 of jewelry during a sale that started over a bracelet.  I am currently working on a custom order for another great gal.  I have LOTS of pieces that I’ve not photographed yet and placed on Ambient Venice, Etsy, Fine Art America, Jewelry Artists Org or Ebay.

The biggest piece of news is that I WAS ACCEPTED INTO AN ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW that is being held on September 6th, 2008 in Grand Rapids Michigan!  I am so excited but very nervous, as this will be my first show!  I am feverishly making pieces, ordering products, organizing items, thinking about tables, displays, props, etc.  I opened up a credit card account with Merchant Banks, so I can accept credit card payments on the day of the show  :0)  I have to purchase a 10 x 10 tent, some tables, display models, etc.  There’s a lot to do but I think it will be good experience & exposure for me!  My items are MUCH PRETTIER in person than they are in photos!  I think that I can do very well.

Sam & Sun Kim, son & mother respectively, are successful business people and the owners/operators of Sun’s Crystals in Royal Oak Michigan.  Sun has befriended me since I began patronizing their supply stores.  They have given me many tips about increasing my success as a new business owner.  They have been great.

Anyhow, Sun tells me that to be successful at a Craft Show, I need to have items priced at different tiers or levels.  So, that’s what I’m working on.  I have most items at the $60-$85 range.  I’m developing more at the $30-$50 range.  And I intend to have lots of earrings and some bracelets at the $12-$25 range.

So, we’ll see and I will keep everyone posted!  Oh…BTW…today marks the 5 year anniversary of my marriage to John!

Thanks for reading this!  Wish me well, as I wish you!  Don’t give up ’cause dreams CAN come true!  It takes hard work, it’s up & down but it DOES happen…s-l-o-w-l-y!