WE ARE HIRING!

Bella Vita Jewelry is Seeking a Studio Assistant/Retail Shop Manager
  I am in search of a studio assistant/retail shop manager. This person should have a strong desire to see a small business grow and flourish and must be a dedicated professional wanting to help in all aspects of such growth. A creative spirit is a must as well as a willingness to learn from me and on your own. Jewelry making skills, basic knowledge of jewelry, experience working in small, independent businesses, photography, and graphic design are all huge bonuses.

 
 This position is part time (20 hours/week) and the hours are somewhat flexible but requires evening events from time to time and at least 2 weekends a month. Pay is based on experience.

 Other qualities we are looking for are; a person that is tidy, pays attention to detail, always organized, takes notes, spends time learning, is self motivated, has a strong desire and drive to work, offers excellent customer service, has a great attitude, and has reliable transportation. Pay for this position is based on experience and I am looking to fill the position as soon as possible. 

  Does this sound like you? Are you ready to commit to a small business that is growing? To apply, email your resume and any work experience to brandy@bellavitajewelry.net

Tell it Tuesday: Being Boss

 Tell it Tuesday is a new series of posts I am starting. I'll be telling you all about products I love, local business I can't live with out, podscasts and music that rule my life, and just about anything I am a fan of. I hope to post weekly if time allows. 

  First up is a new weekly podcast called "Being Boss," a podcast for creative entrepreneurs by Kathleen Shannon and Emily Thompson. These ladies lay it all out and tell it like it is. The free podcasts are great for beginning entrepreneurs and experienced business owners too. I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in starting a creative business. For me, as an experienced business owner, I enjoy hearing other peoples stories and daily struggles and how they deal with them.
Kathleen and Emily each have full time jobs in addition to Being Boss...
I had the pleasure of working with Kathleen and her business Braid Creative for my re-branding a few years ago. Check them out individually and check them out as Being Boss. 
  I would love to hear your daily struggles and how you deal with them in the comments. Or any questions you may have about being a creative entrepreneur!

52 Weeks of Bronze Pendants - Week 3

Medieval Village Pendant made from a brass picture button from the late 1800's - early 1900's. 

When I unearthed this button at my Grandmother's house it immediately reminded me of driving through the Italian countryside last Spring. On one of our days in Tuscany my family and I took a bus to the village that my Great Great Grandparents were from. It was a 5 hour drive one way so it was a great way to see a lot of Italy from Siena down to the Abruzzo region. We would be driving along the Autostrada and come upon medieval cities built on top of mountains. This button immediately reminded me of those villages and what I think they look like!

Original button image and necklace design are coming soon!

Sorry this is a lame post for Week 3. I am traveling and wanted to post something instead of getting behind and posting nothing :) I will update this when I get home.

Also, I am at market buying lots and lots of gemstones and other fun stuff. Follow along on facebook and instagram!

52 Weeks of Bronze Pendants - Week 2

We are starting something new with this weeks post... I have decided to debut all these new bronze designs in a very "small batch" to see the response to the new designs. The featured jewelry designs will have a link where you can purchase them each week. They will only be available in "small batches" for now and when they sell out, they sell out. I will gauge the response on the sales and will determine which pieces to add to my collection for the shop and for upcoming shows.

January 27th, 2015: At first I thought the antique button I used for this pendant was a "Lacy" glass button, but, after reading up on "Lacy" glass I have decided that it isn't. I do believe the fine, detailed pattern would be classified as a "Lacy" pattern but to be a true "Lacy" the button would need to be clear or transparent glass and it would also need to be painted from the back.
"Lacy" buttons are some of my favorite. The detailed patterns featured on these tiny pieces of art is swoonworthy! I might also be a little bit obsessed with Czech glass-- or all glass for that matter. See more on "Lacy" buttons below!
If you are interested in purchasing a pair of these earrings you can find them on my website.

Glass button used to make the mold for the bronze pendants.

More info on these wonderful glass buttons. 

All information was found on www.antiquebuttons.nl 

"The Age of Lacy Glass Buttons 1860-1910"
  Lacy Glass buttons were mainly made in Austria and Bohemia (now Czechoslovakia), which were the leading European glass manufacturing centre until World War II, some were also made in France and southern Germany. Lacy Glass buttons are named after the fine stippled pressed glass that you have just heard about. The difference is that Lacy Glass buttons are extremely delicate and finely detailed, relatively flat and mostly made of clear glass, - small part were made of transparent collared glass: blue, red, soft pink, amethyst, yellow, amber and green. Today many moulded glass buttons are called Lacy Glass, but to be a true Lacy Glass button, it must have 2 - 3 layers of paint applied to the back, which is quite smooth. First but not always - paint applied in matching design to the back, then a layer of metallic or non-metallic paint often silver grey, and as protection - a coat of black paint (gold and silver are also seen). Some buttons have additional lustre or iridescent coating.
  Though the technique of making pressed Lacy Glass in metal moulds was developed in America in the 1820’s, buttons were not made there at that time.
Lacy Glass buttons should be defined in terms of construction rather than surface pattern, since Lacy patterns were used on other glass buttons, which are not classed as Lacy Glass. What distinguishes Lacy buttons from others with similar patterns is the paint applied to the back, which is to be seen through the clear or transparent glass. Unfortunately, many Lacy Glass buttons have lost their paint, either the paint has become fragile with age and is often flaked or zealous collectors in the early days were eager to ascribe them to the Sandwich glass works. Therefore they are far more valuable now with the original paint - even in fair condition.
They were made in 3 sizes, - medium being the most rare.
Small ca. 1,4 cm,  Medium 2,2 - 2,7,  Large ca. 3,1"
 

52 Weeks of Bronze Pendants - Week 1

  52 Weeks of Bronze Pendants is a way for me to showcase the pendants I am making from my (and my Grandmothers) antique button collection. Of course I am still learning, I am not an expert by any means, but I have learned a lot from my Grandmother. All of my dating and identification is my opinion. If you are a collector and want to leave your feedback or correct me on anything please leave a comment. I am a bit behind but the goal is to post a new pendant design each week. And if I am really on top of things, I will post the jewelry design to go with it. Hope you enjoy!

  January 20th, 2015:  I think this button is a Division I which means it is from before 1918. I've always had a thing for rabbits. I used to collect rabbits of all sorts as a child. I had pet rabbits, stuffed animal rabbits, little ceramic antique rabbit figurines. It was a childhood thing and at some point as a teenager I cleared it all out of my life, or at least most of it. But now as an adult I have a soft spot in my heart for these cute little critters! Find this design soon, in my online shop and at upcoming shows.

  *Here is a quick introduction to buttons... Not the best article out there but a condensed run down of antique buttons. Of course there is so much more to collecting and loving these small pieces of work. If you would like to learn more in depth you might visit the National Button Societies website.

Atlanta Recap and the Begining of 2015

  I just returned from AmericasMart Gift Show in Atlanta. This was my second time exhibiting at this show (my first was back in July).
  I departed Little Rock on Wednesday morning on the direct Delta flight around 6:30. I finally made it to my booth in Building 3 around 10 a.m. Immediately unpacked the palette I shipped and started painting my back wall so it would dry in time to decorate before I left the building for the night. I spent around 9 hours setting up on my first day and decided that had to be enough. I needed rest.
  These shows aren't for just anyone. I was quickly reminded what an emotional roller coaster they are as soon as the first buyers hit our section on Thursday morning. It's easy to put yourself out there in front of the buyer but it isn't always easy to accept the rejection (in a nice way) and crazy faces people make when they walk by your booth and look you up and down. My product isn't going to be a good fit for everyone and that is completely fine, I just had to keep reminding myself that I have a great product and the right buyer WILL come by. And they did, I had a very successful show, I picked up several new accounts in several new states and couldn't be more excited. Now to get to work on these orders -- after I take a day or two off.
  Atlanta was a great trip, I am completely exhausted but came home on a very high note and in a a very good mood. I made a lot of new business contacts, networked with fellow vendors and even some of my suppliers, reconnected with old friends from market and made new friends. Even though those 6 days were completely exhausting, I came home completely refreshed and ready to kick some major ass in 2015! I am already behind on my goal setting, planning, research & development, and my new project 52 weeks of bronze pendants... but I am going to catch up! So please follow the blog, facebook, and instagram to keep up! 

P.S. Check out these amazing chocolates from Cocoa Rouge that we will have in the shop in a few weeks! I will be putting together a jewelry/chocolate/Valentines Day card package soon! <3

Overall Booth Design.

Spring 2015 Fashion Collection

More Booth Shots

My friend and fellow designer, Megna. I am bringing her beautiful hand made creations to Little Rock! Find them in my shop in early April.

What I wore... finally made a necklace out of the brooch my Grandma gifted me at Xmas. It turned out lovely.

New Anthro dress, slicked back pony, and the loveable "love knot" necklace. (not pictured my new favorite pair of heels from Good Things Boutique).

Took an evening off to hang with some friends. We ended up at the top of the Hyatt. Such a freaking cool building. I could have stared at this view for hours and from every angle. The architect is John Portman.

Upcoming Holiday Shows

I am gearing up for an extra busy Holiday Show season and it all begins next week! Tis the season!!

 

 

First up is the St. James Shopping Spree at St. James United Methodist Church in West Little Rock. This is a new show for me but I hear great things about it and I am excited to be setting up in a new (to me) neighborhood. 

 

Then on November 7th & 8th I will be making my 5th appearance (hard to believe!!!) at the Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show in Springdale, AR. This has become one of my favorite shows and I look forward to seeing lots of familiar faces. I will have tons of new designs including my popular one of a kind vintage statement pieces. I will also be taking custom orders for personalized/stamped jewelry.  

November 8th also brings the Arkansas Cornbread Festival on South Main Street in Little Rock. My friend Rachel will be running the show for me here! I am a tad bit sad that I am missing this festival... but I can't be in two places at once. 

Bella Vita Jewelry and Gifts Grand Opening!!! On November 14th (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.) during the 2nd Friday Art Night in downtown Little Rock. This will be lots of fun! I will have treats and there will be lots of chances to win prizes!

November 21st and 22nd is the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School Sale. This is my debut at this show as a vendor. I've attended as a shopper in the past and it is a great place for all things art and hand made!! The show is at the Clear Channel Metroplex on Col. Glen Road.

And the finale of big shows.... drum roll please! The Little Craft Show in Fayetteville, AR. This might be my favorite show in the history of EVER! This year will not disappoint -- as long as the weather cooperates.  They have even added a Friday night shopping event this year. December 5th and 6th. Be there!

I also have trunk shows at Moxy Modern Mercantile in Little Rock, Shelby's Party House in Harrison, and Good Things Boutique in Fayetteville. Check my newsletter or facebook for more info on these events.

Happy Shopping Friends!

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... :)