How my business has changed me

Many years ago when I was just beginning to learn jewelry making and taking my enameling classes at the Art League in Old Town Alexandria, I used to think to myself, 'I could never handle the business aspects of owning my own business'.  That somehow someone else would do it, what a joke I know!  I think back then I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that some day I would own a business. 

So here it is almost 10 years later and I am running a very small business.  Granted I only started 2 years ago but even before then I was planning and working towards the start.  Being the boss (and only employee) has taught me discipline, integrity, hard work and patience.  Traits that I honestly didn't expect from myself when I worked for my previous jobs, which I'm not proud to say but it's the truth.  

I'm going to take this moment to give props to several people that encouraged me to follow my dreams and gave me some great advice along the way. 

This is me last year in the main gallery at Art Avenue, I look happy and somewhat successful.

This was me in 2009 at my last enameling class with Abby Goldblatt, mentor and friend.

And my last visit with the guys at Lawrence Miller & Co. (Lawrence Miller on my right and Tim Shaheen on my right)

Above are photos from part of my beginning in learning business and creativity.  There are many people that contributed to my understanding best business practices and fueling my love for making.  It takes confidence to even take the first steps to beginning a business, I didn't have as much confidence when I got started but now I know that I can do it. 

I'm so grateful for the knowledge passed on from Abby, Lawrence and Tim.  I left Northern Virginia with experience and understanding of the jewelry business and it really prepared me for the great adventure of being a jeweler and business owner. 

I hope that if you are a beginning jeweler or even business owner that you have the same mentorship and support, if not - seek it out!

Thanks for reading as always!
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More reasons and facts for shopping local

I just got a GREAT email from The Old Town Boutique District (in Alexandria, VA, where I used to work at LDM) and there were some great facts and reasons that I didn't know about shopping local, so I thought I'd share them with you:

***These same reasons are good to keep in mind anywhere you visit with a downtown or local shopping district - aka, Uptown Greenville***

1. Keep more dollars in the local economy.
   For every $100 spent in a local store, $68 will stay in the community. But, spend $100 at a chain store and only $43 stays in the community.
2. Create more local jobs.
   That extra money is spent on hiring more people in the community, who buy their own products and services and pay taxes.
3. Attract tourism and visitors.
   It’s old Town’s independently owned businesses that make it a unique destination for tourists and residents of the washington, D.C. area.
4. Get better service.
   Local businesses take more time to get to know you and the products they’re selling.
5. Help local causes.
   Studies have shown that local businesses provide 350% more support to community causes than national chains.
6. Enjoy a diverse range of product choices.
   Small businesses choose products based on what their customers love and need — not a national sales plan.
7. Help the environment.
   By shopping in a central business district, you discourage sprawl. Plus, purchases by independent businesses typically require less transportation. And our easy Metro access and King Street Trolleys reduce congestion and pollution.
8. Invest in the community.
   Local businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and are more invested in our future.
9. Invest in entrepreneurship.
   Local entrepreneurs work hard to grow their businesses. As they expand, they create more wealth for the local economy.
10. Put your taxes to good use.
    Shopping in old Town requires less public infrastructure, less maintenance and more money available to beautify our community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested right here in Alexandria.

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Making my mark

I finally got around to ordering my very own makers mark, I'm very excited about using it.  I ordered mine through a small company called Microstamp I heard about them through my good friends over at Lawrence Miller and Co. who've ordered stamps from them before.

It just made no sense to have my jewelry floating out in the world and not have my stamp on it, literally.  In addition to getting my makers mark, I also got a .925 so that my customers would be ensured their jewelry is sterling silver.

Slowly I'm getting it all together! Thanks for reading.

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Eilisain jewelry now sold at Lawrence Miller and Company

Another great gallery I'm now selling my jewelry at, Lawrence Miller and Co. located in the great shopping district of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia just outside of Washington, D.C.

I've known Tim and Lawrence for quite awhile now, I worked there four years ago before I came to Greenville to attend ECU and I learned SO much.  We met taking a metal raising and forming class at the Art League.  

These guys are masters at repairing silverware and jewelry, and I'm really honored to be selling in their gallery.

Tim and Lawrence (make a great duo)

As I always do, I recommend that if you are in their neighborhood visit them, they can fix almost anything and they're quite entertaining to be around!

Here's a preview of what they'll have on sale:

Silver double owl talon earrings.  Love these.

One of a kind petrified wood and oxidized sterling silver.

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