I am on day 7 of this research/buying trip and to say I am completely exhausted and overwhelmed would be an understatement.
The trip has been amazing. I've accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But now I am completely overloaded with ideas and inspiration.
I recently found out that a tiny little retail space in the heart of downtown Little Rock will be for lease ASAP. Apparently it is a hot property and the realtors will have to meet to see which prospective tenant is the best fit for the space.
I hope I am a finalist.
No, I hope I get it.
It would change a lot of things for Bella Vita; less travel and new retail hours -- just to name a few. The space is tiny so I don't know if I would have my studio in it or if it would be mainly a retail store. I have so many ideas for a retail store. While at the New York gift show I picked up a line of vegan candles/soaps/lotions, a line of woven scarves, and a line of beeswax candles that I can't wait to introduce to all of you! Another big idea I've had for the past few years is to curate an "Antique Button" museum in whatever retail space I end up with. That might just be a wall or a corner of display but I think it wold be amazing and a great addition to downtown LR. I've also thought a lot about having a small rock shop area in my retail space. I know people love gems and minerals and I would love to be able to offer that. And of course my jewelry designs would be the focus of the whole store and I would probably start selling some of my vintage jewelry as well :)
Thinking about all of this and brainstorming a business plan is exciting and very nerve wracking. I can't do it alone. I would have to find at least one full time employee -- which is scary in itself b/c I just started paying myself a salary last year. I can't imagine paying two or even three.. but I am hopeful that I will grow into that and I will be more comfortable as my jewelry business grows. I know a retail store isn't easy but I think I have what it takes, it is just such a GIANT step.
So, the update on my original studio (at 6th & Main) that I leased OVER a year ago:
The building was supposed to be ready in August and it wasn't, then January and it wasn't, now April 21st is the magic date. I am still on board with this project but if something else comes up I can get out of my lease. I have been really hopeful that this project will work out b/c I think the building is going to be amazing and it is totally my scene! A 100 year old building! Yes! But, I can't wait around for it to be finished much longer. I am fine waiting until April unless something else pops up... like the building this week.
I would love feedback if anyone has any! Personal stories/experience and encouragement totally welcome :) Email me if you aren't comfortable posting it publicly; brandy.elizabeth@gmail.com
Thanks for listening and check out some of my pics from NYC and Arizona...
The trip has been amazing. I've accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But now I am completely overloaded with ideas and inspiration.
I recently found out that a tiny little retail space in the heart of downtown Little Rock will be for lease ASAP. Apparently it is a hot property and the realtors will have to meet to see which prospective tenant is the best fit for the space.
I hope I am a finalist.
No, I hope I get it.
It would change a lot of things for Bella Vita; less travel and new retail hours -- just to name a few. The space is tiny so I don't know if I would have my studio in it or if it would be mainly a retail store. I have so many ideas for a retail store. While at the New York gift show I picked up a line of vegan candles/soaps/lotions, a line of woven scarves, and a line of beeswax candles that I can't wait to introduce to all of you! Another big idea I've had for the past few years is to curate an "Antique Button" museum in whatever retail space I end up with. That might just be a wall or a corner of display but I think it wold be amazing and a great addition to downtown LR. I've also thought a lot about having a small rock shop area in my retail space. I know people love gems and minerals and I would love to be able to offer that. And of course my jewelry designs would be the focus of the whole store and I would probably start selling some of my vintage jewelry as well :)
Thinking about all of this and brainstorming a business plan is exciting and very nerve wracking. I can't do it alone. I would have to find at least one full time employee -- which is scary in itself b/c I just started paying myself a salary last year. I can't imagine paying two or even three.. but I am hopeful that I will grow into that and I will be more comfortable as my jewelry business grows. I know a retail store isn't easy but I think I have what it takes, it is just such a GIANT step.
So, the update on my original studio (at 6th & Main) that I leased OVER a year ago:
The building was supposed to be ready in August and it wasn't, then January and it wasn't, now April 21st is the magic date. I am still on board with this project but if something else comes up I can get out of my lease. I have been really hopeful that this project will work out b/c I think the building is going to be amazing and it is totally my scene! A 100 year old building! Yes! But, I can't wait around for it to be finished much longer. I am fine waiting until April unless something else pops up... like the building this week.
I would love feedback if anyone has any! Personal stories/experience and encouragement totally welcome :) Email me if you aren't comfortable posting it publicly; brandy.elizabeth@gmail.com
Thanks for listening and check out some of my pics from NYC and Arizona...
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| Flying into Manhattan was lots of fun, last time I flew in it was dark so it was a totally different experience and sight. |
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| This exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design was so amazing. I was probably drooling the whole time I was there... |
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| Beaded Bib Style piece from the fashion jewelry collection. The craftsmanship was incredible! |
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| My NYC street style! Thrifted denim shirt, target dress, belt from Gma, and Bella Vita necklace! |
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| The warehouse... there are no words. It was a freaking mess this trip... almost too much for me to shop/dig through. But, I found my patience, and dug for about 4 hours and will be debuting new designs from my loot very soon. |
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| My amazingly talented friend Stefanie Wolf in her booth at NY Now. |
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| Snowy NY streets. I'm not a fan. Yes the snow in NYC was beautiful but not enjoyable when you don't have snow boots! Grey - icky slush and wet feet... that is all I have to say! |
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| My favorite color palate thus far... Ruby Zoisite, Pearl, Green Onyx. I have lots of fun projects in the works and can't wait to start designing with these beauties! |
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| Buddha in an wooden cage. I love walking the big outdoor gem/mineral show in Tucson. Lots of fun stuff to look at. |
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| Citrine growing in amethyst. |
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| Barrels and barrels of rocks. The picture doesn't capture what I saw... to me it looked like the open barrel lids were saying "hello!" Maybe I am delirious from this mighty long trip... :) |
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