California Gift Show - Los Angeles

Well, we've been back from the CA Gift Show for about a week. As much as I love doing trade shows and meeting my customers and other vendors, I didn't love this show.

I'm not going to bash the trade show, but I will say, the traffic was the worst I've ever seen at a show. And those who did stop by wanted to buy samples off the displays and not place orders. I think this has a lot to do with the cash and carry aspect of the show. People who aren't even legitimate buyers get into the show, go to cash and carry, then walk through the rest of the show, thinking they can buy the same way. This isn't good for the vendors. 

Even when a show is bad, I try to tell myself, it only takes one customer to make a show worth doing, and may even pay the expenses of the show. I wanted 10 new accounts out of the show, but I didn't quite make my goal. But I did get that one account that made the show worth the cost. This is a great account with long term potential WAY into the future. Really looking forward to a fantastic 2011.

My Story

For 2011, Jamie's Studio is offering a new line of jewelry. My Story gives women a chance to tell their story. We've added crystals, and more stamp-able charms. Mix and match and make a wonderful piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours.
We've also introduced a great new line of rings. You can see our new lines at California Gift in January.

Happy New Year

Wow, so many new things to share for 2011. First, the bad news, this the price of silver at an all time high, I've had to raise prices to keep up. This Christmas was difficult because I didn't want to raise prices for Christmas shopping, and I tood the hit. And I'm good with that, we had a record high Christmas season with our retail stores.
We've introduced some great new products to our line. First, the MY STORY line. This is a build a bracelet/necklace line. There are several items and styles for your customers to choose from, and the prices are very competitive compared to other lines offering the same style. We will be adding more as the line grows, but this will be an easy line to display. You can order one of each piece and I will set up the display for you. Of course the display will be extra. I'm trying to work on an inexpensive, but nice looking set up. I'll post about it when it's ready.
We are also offering two new bangles: The Bride's Bangle - stamped with bride and groom's name, wedding date, place of the wedding. And even the image stamps can be used on this item, The Birth Announcement Bangle - weight, length, full name, date and time, just like a birth announcement. And with both of these bracelets you can add a crystal at no extra charge.
For now, I'm trying to get orders out and make all of the changes for 2011. And on January 21, 2011 we will be at LA Gift.

The New Studio is Finished (well almost)

So the new studio is finally finished. On the outside that is. We will have to wait until spring to pour cement and finish the inside.

And lest you think the large area to the left of the photo is the studio, look a bit to the right. Yup, the small building with the windows is the studio.

But it's not that small. It's 1200 square feet. Lots of space for the office, shipping, and studio all in one space.

I'm so excited, I can't wait until late spring when we can move in. I know the rest of the staff is excited too. Alas, I don't think it'll be done in time for the Mother's Day orders to be made from here, but I'm good with that. I'd rather it take longer and have the perfect set up, than rush it and not have what I want. I do spend a lot of hours in the studio, so I want to love it as much as I love making jewelry.

The New Studio

The new studio is coming along quite nicely. The framing is up and tomorrow the steel arrives. The exterior will be finished within the next week or so. The interior will take a bit longer. We have to wait for temps above 50 for at least 3-4 days in order to pour the cement.
The studio will be 30 x 40 feet. It's attached to a larger building for storage, but it is fully self-contained.
I'm really looking forward to doing the interior in a bright and airy design. More pics to come. I know my staff will be thrilled to move in, even if they dread the move.

Gearing Up for the Holidays

This is the first year I've ever made image changes for the holidays. I'm having fun with the sites this year. I'll be adding new items as I have photos, and I have some great new ideas in the works.

I'm still working on the wholesale section of the site, but please if you are a store, don't hesitate to email or call. We welcome your inquiries.

I hope you are enjoying the changes as much as I am. I really enjoy working on the web site and trying to keep it changing and updated.

I even changed the home page logo to reflect the bright colors we represent.

I hope your holidays are happy and fun.

Jamie

Behind again on Blog Posts

Wow, I can't believe it's been two months since I last posted here. Craziness. A few changes here and there, but I've got to take a call from my wonderful publicist this afternoon, so I'll catch up later.

Have a great Halloween weekend.