The very first show!
The artist in me has always dabbled in different things. I remember at the age of 12 I went out shopping with my sister and we were in a JoAnn's craft store. I had the urge to buy all the beads and bobbles there to design and make jewelry. Of course I was 12 and had no money at the time so this journey didn't truly start until I was about 17 or 18.
When the age of 17 came around I volunteered at a local store in my small town. They were a consignment shop that rented out spaces to crafters and artists. I loved this store. I would volunteer there for free that is how much I enjoyed it there. Helping the owners with all sorts of things such as stamping logos on bags, helping design window displays, keeping storage organized, and helping with any customers that came in.
One of the owners made hand crafted jewelry herself. That is how I began to learn the craft. I remember the very first piece I ever made. It was so basic but I was so proud of it. I had strung up pink beads on a cord, attached the clasp, and placed a pink enamel rose pendant as the center piece of the necklace.
Once I got the basics down and bought some of the materials I started pumping out my own designs and promoting my own brand on Instagram. My designs were also put up in the shop for sale. This is how Jewelry With A Smile was born.
The town that this shop was in was located on a main street. The main street was were most fairs took place. I rented a space right outside there shop. That is when I had my first pop up shop. I prefer pop up now rather than saying craft table. Sounds more professional that way! The first show was a bit of a bust, however I didn't let that get me down! It was my very first show! I had no idea how this all worked! Neither did my parents! Who were with me every step of the way mind you! I am lucky to have such supportive parents. On a side note they came to every show I ever had. They were artists as well.
My table was very baron. I drew up my own signs, used whatever cheap table cloth I could find, and bought cheap neck displays that would fly away anytime a slight breeze came through always knocking my items down! My parents could draw and paint. So I talked them into duplicating there work as well so I could fill out my table more. When I look back on it, I simply needed more products of my own. It looked a little random! It was a learning curve.