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... :)

2014 - A post about the New year (a month late)!

3 and 1/2 months isn't too long to go without a new blog post, is it?!??!!!

Sorrrrrrrry bout that!

2013 was amazing for this lil biz lady. Thanks a bunch for that!  I made it through Holiday sales and went straight in to my debut in the wholesale trade show world. It was pretty crazy. I started planning mentally back in August when I committed to the show. I slowly began my new booth design by hiring Perrodin Supply to build me some amazing tables (see pic below). Then pretty much took a break from planning because I was engulfed in Holiday shows/orders/etc until the day after Christmas.
Everything came together in the two weeks that I had to make it happen. It wasn't easy though. And there were road blocks. But I prevailed and was finally on my way to Dallas.
Set up was a breeze because I had everything planned out to a T and because my good friend from college was there to help, mentally and physically. 

 

The show was great and a huge learning experience. Now I know I can do this type of show and will try for Atlanta and New York next. I gained new accounts and met a great group of fellow jewelry artists that were also exhibiting.
Now I am busy filling orders and preparing for my next trip.

I leave Saturday morning to fly to NYC to visit the International Gift Show. I'll do a little shopping while I am there too and I hope to squeeze in a visit to the Museum of Art and Design to check out the amazing jewelry exhibit that is there right now. From New York I will fly straight out to Arizona for my annual buying trip at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. I am excited, nervous, and a little overwhelmed by this trip, I won't lie... So much packed in to 8 days... I am planning to return to Little Rock more inspired than ever before! I have to come back inspired! Because, I had an amazing meeting with some amazing people yesterday and I am very excited to tell you all about it when the time comes. I am very much looking forward to developing a couple of new lines when I get back from my trip.

Until next time! Take care my friends and follow my journeys and daily life on my new personal instagram, username: brandymcnair
and as always you can keep up with all things jewelry on the Bella Vita instagram, username: bellavitajewelry

Crowd Funding - Bella Vita & Kiva Zip

 Some of you may know that I have confirmed and reserved a booth at the Dallas Market Center for the gift show in January 2014. This is a big step for Bella Vita and hopefully a good one. I want to grow the wholesale side of my business in 2014 and this is the first step in doing so. I chose the Dallas Market because it is close to home and the most affordable for a first timer. 
In conjunction with this big business adventure, I have been approved for a Kiva Zip loan. Learn more about Kiva Zip by following this link. Receiving the loan would allow for me to hire out photography and graphic design as well as help pay for new display items for a wholesale show and booth fees.
 I have actually already started planning my new displays and a few of the tables have already been constructed by Perrodin Supply Company in Springdale, Arkansas. I hope to be able to support other small businesses and artists for the rest of my display needs.

 I've never dived into the crowd funding waters before. Kiva Zip is different than most because I will pay the interest free loan back if it is 100% funded! That means any money you lend, you WILL get back.

You can find my loan page here on Kiva's website here: https://zip.kiva.org/loans/2074?utm_campaign=loan_fundraising&utm_source=zip&utm_medium=system
You can read all about me and my loan and my Trustee, the fabulous Ellie Roy from Argenta Bead Company!

Please email me with any questions! brandy.elizabeth@gmail.com
If you are a small business or artist or non profit interested in learning more I would be happy to chat with you about my experience thus far.
And, as always, if you lend, please know how grateful I am!