TAKING YOUR JEWELRY ON THE ROAD

NOW THAT YOU HAVE A NAME AND JEWELRY

Trying to decide how to get your great designs out to people is a giant project in itself. First you need to name your store or booth. I decided my things were Treasures, so I became Treasure of the Sea. Pearls were my greatest love. There were so many kinds. They are so beautiful. Every woman needs Pearls, either traditional or fashion. What a glamorous natural treasure. Second, you have to decide what you want to make, how much and who your buyers will be. Not so simple! There aren't books to read and most sellers won't give you the information you seek. Where to start? After designing and make a lot of great jewelry, I thought I should start a business. Starting to plan for my future as a retiree from my regular job and to have an income-what could be so simple? The whole project became a huge undertaking. I set up websites and booths on selling sites, too little sales, lots of people with the same idea. How do you get people to look and buy?? Then I thought I will do shows of some type. Maybe do Home Shows? But I really don't know the people in my area. So I advertised in the newspaper to no avail. Now what? Hired help on the websites. Spent and spent.

FIND A PLACE IN THE SUN
WORK WORK WORK
I decided there has to be some kind of show or place I can set my things up and sell them. BUT~??
I found out I needed jewelry cases, displays, tables, table cloths, lights , tools, and much, much more. And money~!! Where do you get the information when no one seems to want to share any knowledge with you?

GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE
APPLICATIONS GALORE
So, I sent out application after application. And nothing but," try again next year". Finally, I received the invitation and paper work for my first real show. At this point I had tried many other things and spent lots of time and money getting no where. It still is an uphill battle. I have to drive, set up, and be there for 3 days or more. Then pack it all up, go home and off again. Talk about tired~!
DRIVING YOUR DESTINY
SHOW YOUR GOODS
Then where to go? There are trade shows, gem shows, trunk shows, school shows. Where do you start? There are so many judged shows. I tried them all and have finally settled on Junior League Markets. BUT, one problem they have to want your items. There is so much jewelry, and they only need so many sellers. I love to go to them. The people are so nice and they feed you too~! Lots of friendly, fun people are there selling all kinds of great gifts.
Ten years into this and I am out there again this year, doing less, but enjoying life more. I was in Tulsa and Baton Rouge in October. November will be Odessa, Tx the 6-9 of November and Lake Charles, La Nov 13-15. Stop by and say HI~! So take your Jewelry on the road, join the experience.