A New Home for Bella Vita!

  Yesterday I signed a lease for a shop space in the beautiful Lafayette building at 523 S. Louisiana St. in downtown Little Rock. I will be at this lovely location until my permanent studio on Main St. is ready. 

Bella Vita's window facing Louisiana St.

Map of the area...

  The space is approximately 350 sq. ft. and is located on the 1st floor of the Lafayette. The easiest way to find me and access my studio will be from the main door to the building on Louisiana St. There is some street parking in front of the closest door to me and then more parking on 6th St. Just be careful and pay attention because both of these streets are one way streets. There is also an hourly pay parking lot at 6th and Main St.

  I will start moving into this space over the next few weeks. I hope to be up and running full time by Oct. 15th. Of course my main retail focus will be my jewelry but I will also have, soaps, lotions, candles, scarves, Erin Lorenzen shirts, and vintage home decor. I am also working on getting a few more gift lines in before Christmas. Tentative retail hours are Thursday & Friday 11-6 and Saturday 10 - 3 and/or by appointment. Of course we will see if these hours need to be adjusted once we are in the space. Appointments can be made by email, brandy@bellavitajewelry.net or phone, 479.200.1824 Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Exterior image of the Lafayette Hotel.  Built in 1925 and listed with the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

  For those of you that have been following me and my business for a while you might know that this isn't the "space" I have been talking about for 2 years... but, it is right next door to where I will move permanently when construction wraps up. Hopefully this will all happen by next Spring.  

 If you would like to be added to my email list click here... (sign up box is in the top middle of the page). I send out a monthly newsletter at the beginning of each month telling you all about happenings, sales, events, and new designs. And of course you can always find me on facebook and instagram!

Treasure Hunting Trip - Endless Possibilities

This self employment stuff is a real roller coaster.

There are a gazillion things running through my mind at all times - a lot of times they take over my ability to "just get one thing done." 

We all know how good it feels to start getting things done!!! 

Why is it so hard to do at times?!

The other day I took a look at my dry erase board that I made a big to do list on two months ago. It felt so good that all of those to do's were done! I didn't even have to obsess over a list, I just needed to give myself some time and everything worked out so nice and organically. 

We can't do it all! Not possible. But, over time we can get it all done. 

So, the reason behind this post...

I'm getting things done!

I've had a buying trip planned for the past few weeks. 

I can't tell you where I am going because it is top secret. :)

I haven't been all that excited about until this very moment... I have spent the morning emailing and chatting via phone with a new contact in the industry. In our short phone conversation I was reminded of old vendors I used to use, new vendors that I'll be checking out, and we even made an appointment to meet with a casting house. 

This feels like such a huge break through. I am now super excited and planning each day of this buying trip to the fullest.

Ive been struggling with a bout of un-motivation and creative bloc for a few weeks now. 

It happens a lot... especially when I don't do a lot of shows. But, that is all about to change. Shows are starting,  I'm traveling and coming home to design my Spring 2015 line. 

I can't wait to get my hands dirty and find so many new treasures! Follow my journey here and on instagram. I hope to have time to blog and post new treasures each day!! xxoo

Slow Fashion

 I just started my morning by reading this article: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/currency/2014/06/why-students-wont-fight-forever-21.html?utm_source=tny&utm_campaign=generalsocial&utm_medium=facebook&mbid=social_facebook 

And I feel a rant coming!

 I was in Forever 21 this past week for the first time in a lot of years. I was floored when I picked up a tank top and it was $1.80. That is insane. I did pick up a couple of items for myself... I won't make it a habit though.
 I probably wont ever shop there again b/c when I think about those clothes being so cheap I think about the workers that are making them, the conditions of the factories, and just how "dirty" the whole "cheap fashion" industry is in general.
 A couple of years ago I challenged myself to only shop handmade, "ethically made" or "made in America clothing", or at second hand stores. I found it is pretty easy to find "Made in USA" at big box stores, you just have to look. I also found that a lot of the clothing that I bought at smaller retailers cost a bit more but I am able to wear it for at least 2 years, most things are still in great condition and will last a few more  years if not longer.
 Forever 21 isn't the only guilty retailer however they are probably the cheapest place to buy fashionable/trendy clothing. I call it disposable clothing. You wear it once and then hopefully donate it to a thrift shop or sell it to a resale store.

 In the industry I am in I feel pressure to keep up with some trends... But I am not a trendy person. I am probably the least trendy person you will ever meet. I've always been a fan of doing my own thing when it came to fashion/dressing/accessorizing. I often wear what is easy and comfortable b/c I don't spend a lot of time on my appearance and I work a lot! I'd rather spend that hour and half that it takes to wash and fix my hair and put on makeup with my husband and dog, or working in our garden, or cooking meals. That is a whole different rant I could go on though... I'll save it for another day!

 In the mean time, I am going to get back on my quest to shop resale, handmade, Made in USA, and ethically made items.  One of my favorite and "go to" shops is Good Things Boutique in Fayetteville. Yes, I sell my jewelry there but this isn't just a plug for that! Jessy does an amazing job stocking her store with quality clothing that will last and hold up to wear and washings. I have also found great "Made in USA" pieces at my local Dillards. Other shops like Plato's Closet or Daisy Exchange or Cheap Thrills (Fayetteville) are great places to find trendier resale items. I don't always have the patience to sift through Salvation Army or other thrift stores but you can find great items at these places too... Even designer duds for cheap!!!

 My challenge to you is to try this out for a month! I would love to hear your feedback and thoughts and shopping secrets. And let me know if you are going to take my challenge on yourself. I would love to check in with you in a month or so! If you don't want to leave a public comment, please email me, brandy@bellavitajewelry.net

Want to read a good book on this topic? Check out Overdressed, The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth L. Cline

Interview with Elizabeth Cline: http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180557959/ethical-fashion-is-the-tragedy-in-bangladesh-a-final-straw

A Note About Mother's Day Orders

I am currently taking (and encouraging) Mother's Day (May 11th) and Graduation (May 10th for University of Arkansas - Fayetteville)

orders. I will be leaving the country from April 13th - May 1st.

 If you plan to place an order for Mother's Day or Graduation please contact me as soon as possible so I can plan for filling orders when I return from my trip.

 All orders will be filled in the orders received and I will work long hours to be sure they are filled upon my return.

 The sky is the limit on customizing unique jewelry for your loved ones. Check out some of my recent custom projects! And to place your own order or to get more information, call me 479.200.1824 between 8 and 5 Monday - Friday or shoot me an email. Thanks!

Orders placed before May 2nd will receive free shipping. It is NEVER too early to order!
Orders placed after May 2nd will be shipped using USPS Priority Shipping for $6/package.
Late orders can upgrade shipping to Express (overnight) for $20/package.

Main Street Update!

I stopped in 524 Main St. yesterday! This is what I found...

The inside of my studio space: Framing has started around the exterior walls. As you can see two of my walls are brick/stone. I think they will have to be covered though... I am pushing to keep one of them exposed but due to "Historical Preservation" rules, they might both have to be covered. The column in the center is also a very important piece of the historic part of this building. I don't know all the details but it is definitely original to the building (late 1800's). I'll find out more info and share it when I open up.

Floors leading to my studio. They still have to be finished but I think they are amazing! 

6th Street facade! This is the appx. where the entrance to the building will be.  Facade's being built and glass windows being put in place!

 Completion of all the construction is still at least 6 weeks away. I wont be moving in until June or July depending on my show schedule, which I am still finalizing. 

 Here is an article published by a local magazine: http://www.littlerocksoiree.com/post/97606/whats-coming-to-the-creative-corridor-on-main-street

 They didn't mention me (insert sad face) but it is a good article about what is coming to this "Creative Corridor" 

It was GREAT to see this progress being made. You all know I am dying to get in there!

Bella Vita is hiring!!!

I am in need of an employee or an intern seeking college credit. Part time and flexible hours. Could possibly work remotely at times.

Job Description:

• organizing and sorting materials related to jewelry making and inventory.
• photographing and editing photos for uploading to the web.
• uploading new designs to Etsy and Big Cartel.
• some basic jewelry making.
• designing flyers and other marketing materials for sales, shows, and events and creating line sheets and catalogs.
• setting up and working booths at craft/art shows/festivals.
• blog – update and create content.
• public relations - write pitch letters and work on creating, compiling, and sending press kits, and e-mails to garner media coverage. Research prospective media venues.
• marketing research and outreach - research galleries, stores, exhibitions, reps, and other visual arts opportunities. Contact perspective leads. Create and send promotional material.
• social Media – concept, create, post and respond to content on Facebook, Twitter, Instgram and other social media sites.

If you think you are a good fit for this job/internship description please email me your resume. Or if you have any questions feel free to email as well. brandy@bellavitajewelry.net

Thoughts on the Future

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...

Flying into Manhattan was lots of fun, last time I flew in it was dark so it was a totally different experience and sight.

This exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design was so amazing. I was probably drooling the whole time I was there...

Beaded Bib Style piece from the fashion jewelry collection. The craftsmanship was incredible!

My NYC street style! Thrifted denim shirt, target dress, belt from Gma, and Bella Vita necklace!

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.

My amazingly talented friend Stefanie Wolf in her booth at NY Now.

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!

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!

Buddha in an wooden cage. I love walking the big outdoor gem/mineral show in Tucson. Lots of fun stuff to look at.

Citrine growing in amethyst.

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... :)