Bitter Sweet

Warning:  Being personal and putting everything on my blog is hard for me.  I suffer from a issue I call “British Reserve” it means we like to keep our emotions to ourselves & definitely do not know how to articulate them properly.  So I will probably be a ramble & write to much, thank you in advance if you can make it to the end.

Over the last year I have talked about my struggle with never having enough time for everyday life, my jewelry & my intention to live a life of purpose.  However, I have never really disclosed the whole work reality so here’s a little back story leading to a major change & new intentions.  

Seven years ago I was a little lost with life, college wasn’t for me, I was still working at the same job I started in High School.  I was a manager & feel some sort of accomplishment with being so young but I was also miserable.  The retails hours were awful, the PTO was ok, except all I wanted to do was go home to England & five days off wasn’t enough. Eventually I decided I was going to leave the company & go home to see friends in England for a little while.  As I planned my trip & looked for something else I picked up a part time job at another retail store for fun & extra money.  The intention was never to stay with the job long.

So I went to England & Italy, came back and randomly decided to quit my full time job without a new full time job in place.   I really enjoyed that summer & who wouldn’t? It felt amazing to only work part time & enjoy life; I took some jewelry classes; which evoked my passion for the arts, creativity & fashion again.  I had let go of my artistic dreams for to long & honestly feel like that’s why I was a little lost at the time.  I couldn’t get enough of my new hobby but unfortunately, the summer had to end & I found a 9-5 job in Corporate America.  It wasn’t creative, exciting or anything I was passionate about.  Yet it seemed to be the perfect schedule, I would have my weekends to myself, real PTO (5 weeks to be exact).  However, I decided to stay at the part time job for a little longer for extra money to buy a car.  The plan was six months.

Fast forward 6 ½ years later, I am still working both jobs & nothing major has changed in my life, not what I planned but that was my reality.   Some weeks over holidays I have worked 70 hrs plus worked on Stella Jewelry, tried to keep up with family & friends & sometimes taking classes.  I was trying to it ALL but wasn’t doing any of it well.  That’s not the person I want to be, I want to exceed expectations & create a life I enjoy not just work it away.

Yet I love my part time job so much, I have had many ups & downs, gained valuable work experience, made life long friends & it was honestly more than a job at the mall.  It’s not something I can explain unless you worked with us but there a bond & a connection with the brand, that you feel part of something bigger than working retail.  I love the brand, the products & their values as a company.  Unfortunately, I want my life to move forward & there are no opportunities available for me at this time to move forward with them.  

So for the last year I have been trying to define my purpose, it’s so hard because I don’t know what I enjoy or love anymore because I have spent six years working & not living.  I started to get in a fog again so this week I re read some past posts by Jess on Make Under my Life to hopefully see things cleared & make a plan.  I know Stella Jewelry is my passion right now & I want to create a company I am proud of, professionally that is my ultimate purpose & by creating the a job I love, I can’t help but believe I will learn to love & enjoy my personal life.

Monday I looked at myself with an outside perspective, emotionally & financially, scary intimidating stuff but worth it.  Ultimately I wish I could leave the comfort of the corporate pay check.  However I am scared I need the paycheck to move my jewelry forward.  So I had to make the emotional decision to leave my part time job.  This may seem so trivial to most & maybe it is but to me it is sooo bitter sweet.  I have formed a second family there; it seems like the end of an era in my life & although I am excited for the future personally I am sad I won’t be part of the brand I love so much. 

I will now be able to decdicate the appriopate time to my creativity, to friends, family & finding new hobbies I love.  I can't wait to see where I go from here & will be back tomorrow with my intentions for creating a REAL business out of Stella Jewelry.

Hope you will all follow me on my journey to a life of purpose that I will love!!



Innocent yet Sexy

I love the look of a backless dress, they are so innocent, yet so sexy! Definetely a look that would drive Christian Grey crazy!!

Its also kind of like a mullet, business in the front party in back!! Well maybe not quite!!

 

I love the trend of adding a necklace backwards to dress up the look. It definetly can take the dress from day to night. 
                                                                                                  

          

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Luckily, a customer requested a custom piece to be worn with an evergreen low back dress.  I haven't seen the dress & she needed the piece to be in Charleston by Saturday so it was a little bit of challenge, an exciting challenge for me.

I wanted clean lines, a simple pendant that still made a statement.  I hope my client loves the look & I can't wait to see the pictures from her event. 

What do you think?  Would you wear this backwards? 

Monday Already?

Wow I can't believe its Monday already! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend even though I am sure it flew by entirely to fast!  

For a while I have been frustrated with my life & the lack of time I have to put into my business.  It's been hard working through whats holding me back but since I started trying to be more intentional with my time I have seen positive things happening.  I look back on my week & I am really proud of the time & energy I have put into my jewelry.  The website is looking better, I have made new contacts, new designs & put a million ideas on paper.  Its funny how my switch from "I can't do this because of this" to an attitude of "this is what I want & this is how I am going to do it" has made so much difference.  I can't wait to see where this change takes me!

Sunday I spent time with this lovely lady Cole & Kristin Gainey Photography shooting pictures for our new pieces!  I am lovely this sneak peak of one of the looks!  Wouldn't this look good at Coachcella?  

The necklace design is departure from my normal design aesthetic, but I am so glad I stepped outside by box for something more fun.  I can't wait to share all the looks with you!  

Street Style & Contest

"The best fashion show is definitely on the street, Always has been. Always will be." ~ Billy Cunningham

For 50 years Bill Cunningham has been documenting New York Style.  From Anna Wintour to Royalty to a tourist.  It doesn't matter who you are he will document your look if the clothes speak to him.  

In a world of celebrity stylists & endorsement deals there is nothing more inspiring than the regular girl who knows how to rock their figure & the put a unique twist on fashion.  It's reality & honestly what drives my designs for Stella Jewelry.

Luckily Southwest Va, has their own street style photographer, A. David Verdi & I am lucky enough to be sponsoring his newest contest.

The concept is for you to create a look, grab a friend/photog & style it up.  I know there are so many Friday Fancies ladies that would rock this contest.

For more details & the pictures of the prize hop over to Angels POV.  

I hope you all had a lovely Monday & Happy Tuesday!

P.S. If you haven't seen the documentary on Bill Cunningham & love fashion you really should buy it now!!

Happy Monday

So I sat down this morning to blog about my Jewelry & the pressure I put on myself because I am not where I want to be!  Then I sat back & decided against a negative post.   Well then I had writers block because I wasn't inspired by anything.  I have been letting my weaknesses in business take over the good.  It's clouding my mind.  I won't go into the details, instead I want to share some of the exciting things from the past week! 

The response to the bracelets I posted here has been so overwhelming from friends & family.  It is beginning to become our most popular piece, yet I haven't been allowing myself to enjoy the excitement, I have been pressuring myself to fill those requests & stressing because I can't add the item to online yet.  I am always worried about rushing to add something when its not 100% & then I worry about loosing the online buzz.  Today I decided to stop worrying & appreciate the fact my friends will be rocking the new bracelets.  It always mean's the most when someone you love admires your work.

I am determined to get these online this week!  I just need a name, anyone want to help??

In other exciting news I am teaming up with a Angels POV, (street style blogger) for an exciting little project!  I think all you Friday Fancies ladies will love it!!  I can't wait to share the details soon!  In the mean time go check out his blog.  I am super jealous he photographed Michael Knight from Project Runway.  Micheal was one of my favorites & I'm loving his new Bridal line which he debuted at Charleston Fashion Week.  

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I am also in love with this girls look!  Adorable & on trend top knot, clean make up & a perfectly executed bubble hem.  Bubble hems can look to childish when badly done, where as this dress looks chic & classic with a modern twist.  

Oh & is anyone else excited Adam Levine & his girlfriend broke up?? 

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I know I shouldn't be excited someone is going through a break up but I mean look at him!! Gorgeous & now single, well he's just even hotter!!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend & thank you for the sweet comments on my Friday Fancies look!  I am of to catch up on everyone else's looks now!

Stike a Pose

I am always on the look out for fab poses that I could use as inspirations for photo/video shoots for Stella Jewelry.  So of course I love the whole concept of Pinterest & making collages in Photoshop.  However, today for the first time in months I picked up a copy Vogue & realized there is nothing like taring pages to save when your creativity is lacking.  

When I combed the pages I was inspired in a whole different way than I am online.  I felt more emotion & connection to the pieces & marketing.  I wanted to rip out all the pages I love & make a scrap book.  Just like when I was a child collecting designer ads & proclaiming I will wear that dress when I am older.  I obsessed over a Escada gown in 1998, I still remember the ad.  It was champagne with a square neckline, very Princess Diana & way to mature for my 16 yr old style.  The model was stunning with glamorous hair standing in front of a bronze wall.  Its funny the things that speak to you & how long your remember them.  I still have a love for square necklines. 

Here's a couple of my fav. shots from the April Vogue (I took pictures of the pages just so I could play with my new Frame Magic App lol).  

Chanel is always a classic, yet this ad combines edge with such timeless pieces, a perfect way to grab my attention!!

How beautiful does Kate Moss look? Shes like a gorgeous statue on the mantle. I am normally not a fan of her but she looks stunning in this spread. Kate Spade also added some edge to her ad's with pink hair with pearls & a trench!

Then there is Victoria, to me she is always perfection!!

Does anyone else still love getting inspiration the old fashioned way?

Coral Again!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  I saw 21 Jump Street this evening & was surprised it was so funny!! It was no Hangover but definitely a decent movie if you want some laughs! Channing Tatum in a Uniform isn't a bad reason to see it either!

 

I also spent most of my weekend craving coral pieces for my wardrobe.  After my inspiration board last week I can't get enough of the color.

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I am in desperate need of a new satchel bag for summer & swoon every time I see a Proenza Schouler.  They are the perfect combination of casual, chic & quality.  Of course all of that is reflected in the price!!  I wish I could find something similar that's not $2000.  The other pieces would add so much fun to my closet & be really versatile mixed with classic pieces.

Then there is this Motorcycle Jacket I found on Pinterest, so edgy & girly at the same time!  I'm obsessed!

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 I was so excited when I received my Birchbox this month & it included a full size Essie Luxe effects "as gold as it gets".  So of course I needed to pick up to polish to feed my color obsession!  I choose "A Crewed Interest", its a nice alternative to a classic pink manicure. 

I can't wait to try this combination tonight. 

Happy Monday Everyone!!

Coral & Gold

I hope everyone had a fun St Patrick's Day, hopefully you have recovered from all that green beer.  

After seeing all that green I am kind of over the color.  So I spent Sunday looking for inspiration elsewhere on the color spectrum with gold & Coral.

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I have always been a fan of Coral, I think its perfect in summer to brighten an outfit & looks amazing with my favorite color turquoise.  Although, I haven't always been a fan of gold, it is so easy to look cheap or dated when wearing it that I tended to stay away.  However, I cannot get enough of these colors together at the moment. 

My inspiration board lead to a new bracelet design. 

They aren't quite finished yet but I'm loving the contrast of the gunmetal with the neon coral ribbon & the gold leather.

What do you think? I would love your feedback.  

Never enough time

Right now I am really struggling to have time for everything in my life.  I know I am in control of my schedule but sometimes it just seems all out of my hands.  I am terrified I am letting people down personally & professionally yet I don't have energy to be 100 % in any aspect of life.  I have a million ideas, dreams & to do lists running through my mind that I can't keep up all the time.

I have talked before about making changes but somehow I just keep finding reasons why I can't follow through.  I am trying so hard to get past those feelings but it's hard to leave jobs you love & are comfortable with to possibly pursue my dreams of making Stella Jewelry successful.  Honestly, its hard concentrating on the normal everyday things I need to do.  Right now I am spending all my free time working on a Spring Collection & can't wait to launch it but due to other commitments I haven't got the time to meet my deadlines.

In effort to become more intentional with my time I am signing up for Teuxdeux, it seems like a great website/app to keep track of everything going on & what needs to be done.  I hope that I also can get a better grip on what I can do to make my free time more productive because to be honest right now I am so drained on the weekends I don't feel like doing anything. 

Has anyone used it or do you have any good advice on time management & pursuing your dreams while working full time?

Happy Valentines Day!!

I personally think we should celebrate love all year round as it truly is everywhere! However is always fun receiving roses, chocolates & diamonds right?

I hope you all have a great Valentines day & get spoiled!! 

During our Spring Photo shoot this weekend I couldn't help grabbing a cute vday picture! Which then prompted a quick sale on the remaining A/W stock!

Natural Beauty

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I don't think anything man made could ever compete with natural beauty!  I mean the colors in the Barrier reef waters are gorgeous & so inviting!! So inspiring when I am creating new jewelry.

Recently I have been very drawn to the accessory trend of using raw stones.  I almost prefer this look rather than a polished stone.

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The brightness of the the Blue Agate is stunning & would look wonderful with a coral dress.  I love that the sparkle from the Druzy earrings (middle) formed by a layer of crystals on top of another stone.  So glam.

An intention of mine for 2012 is to find a class where I can learn to dip stones & mold metals.  I have so many designs already in mind!

P.S Speaking of Jewelry!  We have a little sale going on right now!

Display Inspiration!

Being a jewelry designer I am always looking for inspiration, not only for my pieces but also for displays.  

For the most part we have always stayed pretty traditional with our displays ensuring our pieces are easily shop able.  I like clean lines and symmetry so for the most part this works for me but I want our look/brand to stand out. 

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As always Pinterest is serving me well with the inspiration.  I am really loving the gold tree for our spring collection. What do you think? Traditional or unique? 

Instagram Sunday!

I'm linking up with Jenni again for the Best of Instagram! As I spent most of my spare time this week working on our spring collection & as a result most of my pictures are of jewelry. 

Well except for Romeo & Juliet pic!  My friend & I took it back to the 90's during movie night, I was obsessed with this movie back then & with Leo!  He was is so dreamy!

I am really excited about the colorful jade bead's we ordered, they will make a fun pop of color to any outfit!

What do you think of the two new earring designs?  I am not sold on the green & gold look yet and would love your opinions!!

Hope you all had a fab weekend & have a great Monday!

Color Overload!

When designing jewelry, I am easily drawn to natural & classic colors sometimes incorporating a pop of coral & of course turquoise. 

For Spring 2012 I am stepping out of my normal aesthetic & letting the inspiration of Pantone's 2012 colors set the tone. 

I spent most of the evening ordering new stones & elements.  Now I am impatiently waiting for the delivery.  

Isn't it the worst when you motivated & have to wait to put ideas into action? Patience is definitely an opportunity in my personality.

What colors are you loving for 2012?

  

Working on my Business!!

Another week & no time to blog again.  I also can’t seem to get in the Christmas Spirit.  I’m super tired from work & all I want to do it work on making Stella a real business so days in the office drag along so slowly.  It’s been awhile since I blogged about business plans so here are some updates.

Our website needs some loving but we are slowly getting there.  I need to magically become a fancy graphic designer.  Online sales are slow and we appreciate everyone we have.  With time restraints I’m having a hard time updating the new items we make, I’m hoping in the New Year to dedicate more time to this.

Last week we had a small booth on a local farmers market with other vendors, the first time we did this we did rather well.  This week not so much, I was a little disappointed however it was freezing and who wants to stand outside looking at jewelry when they can be inside with hot chocolate.  However the night was not a total bust.  After the event we went to the Tuned Out Christmas Party at a local bar.  We had the jewelry with us & sold 6 pieces while at the bar.  Guess I just need to take the jewelry to the bar from now on J Liquor can only help sales right?

Sunday my friend Kristin kindly included our pieces in a photo shoot, we are super excited to see all the shots.  Here’s a sneak peak;

Thank you Kristin & Krystal.

I'll be back with a fun fashion post tomorrow for Friday Fancies.  This week its all about the Sparkle!!  

Jewelry, Hats, Ballrooms & Goregous Flowers

Last week we attended the Bella Magazine Women's Luncheon as vendors & had such an amazing time.

Although the prep work seemed never ending for the last two weeks the lack of sleep was definitely worth it. We met lots of great customers & other vendors.  We enjoyed nibbling on amazing food, had a mini manicure & was able to spend the day in one of Roanoke's most historic renovated Ballroom's.

I was definitely stressed out about the display prior to the event.  I wanted something simple, clean & easily shopable.  Women need to touch and try on jewelry & there is nothing worse that not being able to easily pick something up.  Overall I was happy with the end result.  Women were attracted to our table which is very exciting.  Next time I need to had some height to the display as the mirror needed to be elevated to eye level so it set the table off balance.  I am a little OCD when it comes to balance so it drove be a little nuts, lol.

                            

Beautiful roses adorned the room, cotton candy cones & delicious food lined the tables.  Very girly & flirty & I got to wear a hat, so fabulous & British :)!

What does everyone think of my feather fascinator? 

Stella Jewelry Sophie Look

    

   

I wanted to see what look I could come up with around our Sophie Collection.  I am in love with the corset dress from Victorias Secret and the price ($50) is amazing!

Business Plug

As I work on launching a new website and new online store I added a style page.  Currently, I am just posting pictures of customers wearing our jewelry but I am toying with the idea of this being in blog form. I will still post pictures of customers but would also like to post ideas of what to style the earrings or necklaces with and interact with customers on how they would style them too.

As I figure out what form I want it to take I am asking for photographs of people wearing our jewelry.  Hence the shameless plug.  If you have one of our pieces and want to be added to the style page send us your pic.  In return we will send you a nice little discount for the online store when it launches.  You know you want a discount :)

Send all pictures to stella@stellajewelrystore.com ~ I can't wait to see how people style our pieces!

Tired!

After a few crazy busy weeks and an insanely busy short week at the Corporate Job I am officially exhausted.  Working two jobs, being a friend and daughter plus creating a business is getting tiring. I think adults deserve nap time too!  However, I know this will be worth it and one day I will be relaxing on a yacht :)  ...what? I have to dream big!

Although the website is up and people can visit, its not complete by any means.  So this week I have spent every night working on pieces, pictures and of course the actual store.  It is still a slow process and I need more content but IT WILL be complete by next Friday.  Setting a deadline will help me stay motivated and help with my intention* to not procrastinate!

Here is a little peak at the pieces in the online store!

*To read about Designing my life with intentions read this post!

Sacrifice

To most of the world sacrifice is negative.  You must give up something in order to have something else, figuratively and literally.  Time, money, relationships, whatever it maybe the word indicates a loss or an inconvenience.  I however am turning my sacrifice's into a positive in my business.

Creating a business is HARD.  Its is scary, frustrating, exhausting, expensive and insecure.  I could probably go on with the list of negatives for a while but the truth is, I am tired of the negative. I am tired of me focusing on the negative, tired of negative energy around me in my friendships and work life.  As I work to change those areas I do not want it to seep into my business.  I want to be very conscious that every fail is actually and opportunity to grow, that every dollar spent will eventually be returned and ultimately know that all the negatives lead to one POSITIVE, my business. 

I am recognising that creating a business is rewarding, fulfilling, freeing, spontaneous, educational, it has infinite potential. All positives derived from the negatives. 

Over the next two months I am excited to sacrifice my time to focus on Stella Jewelry.  I see potential in the website that I need to put into action, I am determined to have the online store completed.  The fall collection needs to be ready by August 10th and I need to truly spend time on marketing the company.  I am going to stop complaining about falling short and just make things happen.

So if I don't have time to hang out to grab a quick dinner I hope my friends and family understand.  I am not being anti social and I shall return to the social scene eventually.  Wearing fabulous Stella Jewelry of course!

 

  P.S ~ Thank you to Mum, Mama Rousis, Melanie, Brianna, Amanda, Trina, Krystal, Taryn and even Blair and my brother Tony.  You have supported us all in different ways and we really appreciate it! <3