When I've told people that I have started a jewelry business lately I often get comments about the dire situation supposedly being experienced by retailers across the world. Apparently no one is buying anything anymore. But I'm suspicious. Could it be perhaps that rather than heading out to the local mall where everything is produced en masse in overseas factories and there is little to no imagination or personality about products - especially products like jewelry - people are instead looking for something more unique, and the internet is giving them the opportunity to find it. What's more, the internet is giving people with a unique style of crafting an amazing new way of finding taste specific customers in a global marketplace. It's quite incredible. I make many more sales through my facebook page than I do at the local markets I sometimes sell at - why? I think its because I can reach people who are interested in my product more directly, and through their own interest. There is a lot less chance involved. And it's so great because I don't have to pander to the people who happen upon my product, but I can make exactly what I want to, and then use my existing networks to find the people out there who are looking for someone like me.
Recently I was having a designer's identity crisis, but now I feel much more confident in my product. I've found my niche - at least for now - and it has paid off. I am being true to myself and as my networks on social media reflect a certain kind of personality, this has allowed me to reach the audience I was hoping for. It really couldn't be better - for both me as a new retailer and aspiring designer, as well as the customer seeking out something unique in an otherwise very same same world of consumerism.
What is it that I am offering? Something magickal and spiritual. Crystals and the essence of the forest, nature energies captured in art. Natural designs that evoke a sense of wonder and celebrate the beauty of the world around us. I'm an animist and a nature spiritualist - and I love that I can bring this into my artwork. I am currently working on bringing in a more specifically magickal aspect to the pieces also.... amulets with magickal, and very beautiful sigils on them. Wait and see - you're going to love this :-)
