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.

Times are Changing

I've been working on new designs for weeks now. I'm not quite ready to give all the details and sneak peeks, but soon.

Also, we have updated completely to Jamie's Studio on our web site. I hate changing names in mid-stream, but Jamie Livingston Designs was always Jamie's Studio. That's the name I started with, and the only name that doesn't leave a bad taste in my mouth.

It's really too bad that some things end badly. But know this, ALL changes, whether sales reps, designs, web site, etc., are made so we can better serve our customers at all levels. When money becomes more important than my customers it's time to make changes and move on, and that's what 2010 has been about.

I'm sure you will love our new sales repping company, LBB Reps, because they are all about the customer. We will be showing at Beckman's West, and Seattle Gift with them this year. So excited. And, instead of waiting for you to come to them, Scot and his staff will come to you.

Really looking forward to new things, including a great new publicist for the later half of 2010 and into the future.

"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today. As today is a gift to be enjoyed."

All the best,

Jamie

Calling all Bloggers

Calling all bloggers who want to gain friends in the blogosphere and build links at the same time –  BC Bloggers 3 is now open.  To join just visit Mommy Diary, read the requirements, and fill out the Application Form.

Letting Go

Letting go of the past to claim a brilliant future can be difficult. It's so much easier for our brain to process the negative for some reason. But today we move past excuses.
"I am no longer a prisoner of my past—past regrets, earlier traumas, pain and suffering. I believe in miracles and a joy-filled future. I gain the courage to let go! I let go. Of everything. Period."

Remembering - Memorial Day

When I was a kid I saw photos of my dad in uniform. He was in the Navy during Vietnam. But his service and his military career was never spoken about in our house. Heck, I don't even think I understood that there was a war, and that my dad had been there. I was 25 before I ever heard my dad talk about serving. And he was talking to a boyfriend of mine who'd been in the Army.

That was just before Desert Storm in the early 90s. I was in college and sharing a house with 2 other girls. We lit candles and put them in the front window so all who drove by on our busy street could see we supported our troops.

Then in 2001 when we invaded Afganistan. I had trained all year to run a marathon in Ireland. It was for a cancer benefit. And on the last day of my major training (before tapering down my miles) I came back from a 20 mile run to find out about the war, and that our trip was cancelled. That was when I gave up running and started making beads.

In March of 2002, one of our former employees left the US for the first time in his life, to invade Iraq. At that time we tied huge yellow ribbons around our trees and made red, white and blue beads to send in packages to our troops. We wanted them to know they were loved, and that we remembered them. Thousands of beads were donated by 100s of beadmakers. It was awesome.

Back then, we never imagined our troops would still be in those foreign lands, fighting and dying for their country (or what their country asked of them).

I can't imagine anyone is pro-war, and if they are then shame on them. But as I write, I hope that all the soldiers who work for our country, and fight for what we so often take for granted, understand that we only hope the best for them, and want them back safe and sound. We also want there to be no more war, so they can come home to their families knowing they will never have to go back.

Freedom comes at a very high cost when there are those who resent our way of life. But you can guarantee that when they are in trouble and need help, they will turn to the US and our soldiers to help them.

God bless our military past and present, passed away and alive. And don't forget the military of other countries who sacrifice for freedom too, as they all work together to preserve what we call freedom.

The Official Start of Summer

Traditionally, this is the time when our business at the restaurant is hopping. But the jewelry business slows a little. Instead of helping out at the restaurant, I'll be working on getting ready for the trade shows coming up, and getting in line with a bunch of great new jewelry. I'm excited to have the time to actually to make real jewelry out of the sketches that I make all year. I always keep a notebook handy in case and idea comes my way.
The funny thing? So far business hasn't slowed for the jewelry, but that just means I'll need to find more time to design.

Credit Card Scam

New Credit Card Scam - Not Writing Related

This wasn't me, but I'm passing it along:
NEW SLICK CREDIT CARD SCAM
This really happens. I got the call on my work credit card after making a purchase online with Amazon.

Fortunately, I didn't give them the number. Instead, I called the Visa number and they cancelled my credit card on the spot and re-issued another one for me. Man they are getting slick!!! New Credit Card Scam Snopes.Com says this is true.To verify see this site: http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp <http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp>

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information,except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it...This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.*

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'.. The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497..99 from a Marketing company based in ?'

When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?' You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800 -VISA) and ask for Security.' You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession ofyour card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for somenumbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?' After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do, and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card. Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account.

VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a 'Jason Richardson of Master Card' with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your family, friends and neighbors.

By informing each other, we protect each other. Neighbors helping neighbors; always the best policy!

Another late night of revamping my web site and social networking sites. Crazy trying to give them all the same look and feel. I hope you like what you see, because this is the last time I'm doing this for awhile.
I've added new jewelry to the shopping area of my web site, and completely changed the look of both the retail and wholesale areas.
And I'm calling it a night.

It's all new!

We love new things. And here at Jamie's Studio we have a new Twitter page at www.twitter.com/jamiesstudio and of course a whole new blog look.
We are getting ready for a fun summer party with Twitter, the blog and Facebook. I can't wait to reveal the details.
Also we will be featuring a retail store that carries our jewelry. Each month we will introduce you to a new store. And give you a sneak peek at how they got started and what our jewelry looks like in their store. So stay tuned.

How Lucky I Am

It's not often that a person finds their passion in life at an early enough stage to enjoy it. And to be lucky enough to make money while pursuing that passion is even more rare. Me, I have both.
First, I love to write, and for several years I was paid to write articles for a crafts business magazine. And it paid well. I love writing, and I learned from the articles I wrote.
At the time I was writing, I was making glass beads and selling them at bead shows and on my web site. I used what I learned to move of from just making beads to making jewelry and selling at art shows. I had quite a following after a few years.Each December I'd get to spend a week in Chicago (one of my favorite cities), and go to the theatre at night and see my loyal customers in the day time. Yes, the show days were long, but I loved working directly with my customers.
Then I once again used the research I'd done for my articles to move my jewelry business in another direction. I now sell wholesale. But in selling wholesale I had to learn a whole new lifestyle. I'd never done production work, and I had to come up with my own market niche to stand out from all the other jewelry. And I did.
I used sales reps to show my line and pretty much just worked in my studio.
But in all things, we move on. And I missed the personal relationship with my customers. So I'm selling retail and wholesale, and I'm selling my line myself. I mean who else is going to know my line as well as I do? And who would have more passion? Not that sales reps don't try, but with 20-50+ lines to rep, how passionate can you be about one line?
I just have my line to be passionate about, and I am. I love what I do, and I hope to never lose that enthusiasm. I thought it was lost, as I was burning out. But I realize I wasn't burned out, I was left out. I wanted to be a part of everything, and I missed the interaction with customers.
This year we have 4-6 trade shows planned, and I'm really looking forward to meeting current and future customers. And I hope I can give something back, by helping my customers better sell my line and therefore better their bottom line.
It is with utter passion that I built and designed this current line of jewelry. And as an artist that loves to draw and paint, I'm hoping to find a way to add that passion in a new line someday. For now, I'm happy. I've never been happier. I'm so very lucky.

As 2010 comes around I'm reminded of things that kill us slowly. And one of those things is GREED. GREED is one of the seven deadly sins, and for a very good reason. Wanting money, a nice car and your dream house are the reason we work. And working for your money, profits, windfall is not greed, that is unless you prey on unsuspecting individuals or groups.
I want the American Dream too, but I'm not willing to grovel near the pits of hell to get it. And I believe people who prey on others for money, or fame, whatever, are doing just that. How can that person feel good about themselves, and do they even have any friends? Because if money, or prestige are the only things that are important, you'll sacrifice friendships, and possibly family to get there.
In my life I've worked hard, many hours each week, to get what I want. I've never preyed on the weak, or less fortunate. I'm the one who digs in my pocket for change to help someone out. I'm the one taking the hit in my pocketbook, so my customers don't have to. Though many don't even know it. Because in my life, I've only strived to be a good person, be a good business owner, and earn the money I make honestly.
I pity those who prey on others. It must be a lonely life when in the end all you have is your money to keep you company.
So remember in your daily life, and in business, do what's right. I mean do what's right for the other person, because KARMA is a very strong energy, and when it comes back to you, all will be good. When you go to sleep at night it will be with a clean soul. And in the end, not only will you have prosperity, you will have family and friends who love you. Really love you.
In my life, I'm lucky enough to have an abundance of friendship and love. And for me, as long as I treat others fair, that is more than enough.
When I go to sleep at night, I sleep well, knowing I lived well that day and didn't harm anyone by being greedy or unjust. I think that's why my business keeps growing, my customers are long term, and my friends and family are always there for me.
Live well my friends and do no harm. If not KARMA can be a bitch in the end.

Thank You

After a great year in 2009 I want to thank our customers. Without you we wouldn't have a business. We've enjoyed seeing how you present our line on your web sites, and in your stores.
We are expanding our line for 2010 and think you'll love the new pieces and fun/sassy sayings we've added.
In 2010 we are establishing our own sales office to give you better customer service, with well-trained employees who can answer your questions, and help you with issues, without having to make extra calls to get you an answer.
Customer service is very important and we promise to provide prompt, professional service going forward. If there is anything we can do to make selling our line easier for you, let us know. We love learning from our stores.
And again thank you. We are so excited to be going in a new direction in 2010.

I've been stressing over some very minor things this holiday season. Stressing about change, and the new year, and about expanding my business. Stressing about how to handle being a corporation, and the new accounting practices I'll have to learn. About things from the past that have been bugging me. Mostly about how someone has lied about me and my business to make me look bad. So trivial really, and childish to waste my time and energy when it could be better utilized in my business and my writing. Oh, I've been stressed that I haven't been writing, too. lol
But last night, my friend was up all night with her 18 year old dog, watching helplessly as he had seizures, and then finally, early this morning he died.
Yes, it was a dog, and not a child or a parent, but living with a dog for 18 years, he may as well be a child or a parent, because he's there for everything. I cried this morning, for my friend, for the dog, and for myself, knowing what a tough night that must have been, and how I will have to face the same situation soon with my animals.
And I realized that this is what matters, I have a roof over my head, a healthy happy family, a husband who is my best friend and business partner, animals who make the world right, and friends who make me laugh.
I choose not to let the negative things and people get to me, because I'm thrilled to be doing what I love and making a living at it. I love my customers, and my family and friends, and most of all I'm happy. I wish happiness to everyone who is negative and unhappy, because the later must be an aweful way to go through life. When I look back, I want to be able to say, "Oh, that was small stuff, and I learned not to sweat it."

I make beads. I've been making beads for more than 9 years. In the beginning I made only beads and sold them on eBay, as singles and sets. Then I integrated my designer beads into jewelry and sold pieces right off my wrist or neck. My best first customers were the ladies at the bank. They'd gather around to see my newest designs. What a blast.

But I really enjoyed the beads and went on to start a web site for selling bead sets. And sell I did, from my site, and also from several gem and bead shows across the USA.

I just had to incorporate my bead sets into jewelry once again and I started selling at juried art shows. These shows were hit and miss. Mostly hit, but not convenient for my full-time job of running a restaurant I own with my husband.

On a whim, I decided to try wholesale, and I've never looked back. The designs I sell to catalogs and stores are vastly different from my original designs. I get really excited about the line I sell now, and I can't wait to add new pieces to the current line.

For 2010 we will continue in the same direction, and add a new line for pet lovers. Stay tuned for photos of new pieces, and our schedule of trade shows for 2010.

May inspiration come in many colors.