Diversifying and satisfying ...

Being a "creative",  I am constantly looking for ways to keep my artistic perspective fresh and ever-evolving. I tend to get bored easily and so to counteract that, I am always involved with various projects to keep my inner-muse happy. One of the projects that helped to spawn my jewelry business is my custom jewelry collection. A few years back, as I was toiling away at writing business plans, researching manufacturers and designing a concept on my computer, I decided that I needed to be able to do more than to sketch and design well. I needed to be able to speak the lingo that jewelry-folk speak. I wanted to be able to understand what molding, casting and and setting meant ... not only did I want to understand those things, but I wanted to be able to do them. So, I let my fingers do the walking,  found some classes and began CREATING. There really is nothing quite like having an idea and learning how to bring it into existence.

When my mind won't shut off and the ideas are over-flowing, jewelry-making allows me to dig in and bring my imagination to life. It truly helps to satisfy the artist in me. Take a look at some of my custom creations, and let me know what you think! Cheers.

Put a Little "SPRING" Back Into Your Step ...

Put a Little "SPRING" Back Into Your Step ...

Ready to break out of hibernation mode and step into those flirty little dresses hiding in your closet? Here are some great looks that will get you thinking SPRING! xo

To Blog or Not to Blog ...

courtesy of avoidinglife.typepad.com

This really is THE question of the moment, although unless you live under a rock the answer is obvious ... BLOG, BLOG and then BLOG some more! Having worked at being a "Young Entrepreneur" now for the past two+ years ... I was initially resistant to this social media concept. I thought everything was much more significant to my process, than writing down my thoughts and posting them out to the world. I have been known to be wrong before ... this would prove to be one of those times.

We live in a very connected environment (albeit, sometimes a bit TOO connected, but connected nonetheless). Admitedly, I am likely to be swayed off that perverbial fence in either direction, when I hear or read critiques from my peers (aka-bloggers/testers/writers). Whether you have created the next Statement in Fashion, or the hottest invention to hit since "ShamWOW," Blogging can and often is that missing link that gets the "Buzz" out to the masses and often to your target markets.

The Doubting-Thomas in me, was challenged last year, when at one of our trunk shows a lovely woman approached me (after making a purchase), to tell me how reading my post about my journey as a jewelry designer touched her. It took a very sterile and inanimate object (said jewelry) and made it into something that had a story with emotion behind it. Blogging was the bridge, in this instance, that took the reader from the product to the final purchase ... all by making the connection with the reader.

That's one of the best part about this business ... the lessons learned, and the people that teach them to me on a daily basis. Thank you Colette. :)

Gone but NEVER forgotten ...

His artistic confections that took our breath away, as they strutted down catwalks worldwide, was the stuff that dreams are made of. Every season topping the one previous with whimsy, edge, spirit and passion. Alexander McQueen dared us, even taunted us into looking at fashion as more than a shirt on your back, but rather as an expression and an extension of the wearer.

At only 40 years of age, McQueen has left a deep-rooted impression on the world he immersed himself in. Having launched out of London, he soon won hearts in every fashionable city from Milan to Paris. The launch of his subsequent label McQ, was slated for presentation Thursday at NYC's Fashion week, but was cancelled upon the news of his untimely death.

McQueen meant so many things, to so many different people. He was a visionary, a leader, a game-changer ... but most of all, to me, he was a man who changed the world he saw around him by the masterful creations he put into existence. Thank you Alexander ... R.I.P.

Expressions of LOVE ...The Dancing Star 2010 Bankle Collection - Fashion Industry Network

Expressions of LOVE ...The Dancing Star 2010 Bankle Collection - Fashion Industry Network

The road ahead in 2010

It's a new year, a clean slate, a chance to make EVERYTHING right in the world ... well at least to make it right in my world. When that ball dropped on 2009, I eagerly threw open the doors to view the big beautiful road before me. A road filled with any and all possibilities, new adventures and unexplored territory. NOTE OF CAUTION: quiet the music in your head, tone down the visions of grandeur and realize that the age-old saying, "In order to know where you are going, you have to know/understand where you have been," actually means something. It's the only way I know how to road map my next few steps, so that I am building my tomorrow's on a strong foundation of yesterday's.

My reflection time revealed to me what I needed to take me and my business to the next step ... A business coach. Having worked at this for the past two years, I feel as though I am at a crucial pivot-point, where I needed a mentor/guide ... someone else in "the know". That's what I found at The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh.

Having only just begun my journey with my coach, I already feel a greater sense of calm. A feeling that I am no longer alone in this and that I have someone in my corner. I am fortunate in that I know where I want to go, I just need a little help in knowing HOW to get there.

I would like to leave you with these questions: How do you plan to move ahead in 2010 whether it be personally, professionally or both? What are some methods that work for you and for the entrepreneurs out there, is coaching something you have tried/would try?

I will keep you posted on my progress, but in the meantime enjoy your journey and explore the possibilities.