About the Shop:

DC Handbags & Accessories was established in 2007 by Deneen Ivy. Her store is a one stop shop for trendy/classic handbags, jewelry, and array of accessories!

Find Them Here:

Website: DC Handbags & Accessories

Giveaway Item:

Two $15.00 Gift Certificates

Thanks Deneen!

I’d like to introduce you to one of my lovely sponsors for the event: Jewelry By Jackie

About the Artist:

“I have always been a creative person. My philosophy has been that if I can make it or do it myself, I will. That is why I think I decided to pursue an artistic passion such as jewelry making. I attended SUNY Brockport and majored in Studio Art, concentrating in Jewelry Design. Before that, I would dabble with things found at my local craft store to make interesting jewelry designs.

I have been making jewelry for over 10 years now. I love to design unique jewelry for myself to wear, and after enough complements and encouragement from family, friends and acquaintances, I decided to sell my creations. One of the things that makes my jewelry so unique is the fact that I hand make all of the components I use. All of my ear wires, leaf designs and head pins are created out of sterling silver wire completely by hand.

I love how every piece is truly unique, and can never be duplicated. One of the things I like the most about designing jewelry is that I can create a completely personal piece of art for a very special individual and they can wear that piece of art. Whether the piece is for a family member, a best friend, or is a sale on my website, I make each piece with the highest quality and intimate attention to detail.”

Find Jackie Here:

Etsy: Jewelry by Jackie
alter ego etsy shop: Hand Cut Paper
twitter: @jewelrybyjackie

Giveaway Item:

Tracy iolite and leaves earrings (value $30.00)

Thanks Jackie!

I will continue to communicate with you through other means until my computer is fully operational. Thank you so much for your patience.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Info on the Blog Blast:

If you post on your blog(s) our announcement between now and the twitter party you will be entered to win $100 cash. If we reach 500 blogs there will be two additional $50 drawings, totaling 3 winners!

Please return with your specific blog post links on Bree’s Blog, under her Twitter Party PAGE tab.

Info on the Twitter Party:

August 22, 2010 @ 9:30-10:30pm EST, Sunday, we will party! There is a custom tweet grid and a linky for early RSVP. RSVP’ing early also enters you into special drawings. You do not have to RSVP to tweet and win but the ‘extra’ will not be available. You can win both the blog blast and at the twitter party!

RSVP at BreeBee’s

Who in the world is Henry David Thoreau?

1. Jane Micheal
2. Chic Girl Designs
3. Jewelry By Jackie
4. Gabriel Horn
5. DC Handbags and Accessories
6. Dahzay Designs
7. The Paper Princess
8. RELM Handmade
9. A Dash Of Kennedy
10. I Am Joolien
11. Elsa Coburn Designs
12. Altered Image
13. Avon
14. Pure Intox
15. Urban Spice Emporium
16. Ellie Blossoms
17. Moose Haves
18. Chocoholic Prints
19. Me!!

what differentiates your business from others?

First, you have to know your competition. Visit B&M stores, go online and check out craft fairs to see what your competition is doing. How are you different or better, what sets you apart? You need to give customers a “reason to believe” in your product above the others. Do your unique designs set you apart? Is it your recognition by the art community? Maybe you’ve created a new way to craft an old product. Pinpoint the differentiating factor.

communicate what you do.

Can you describe your business in a sentence – and pinpoint the differentiating factor in it? Not “I make jewelry” but “I make unique fabric accessories from recycled materials that reflect the wearer’s attitude to life.” (I’m making this up, but you get the idea.) Ask a trusted friend to describe your business and write that down. Does your description match your friend’s? Is there a clear understanding by the consumer (your friend) of your vision? Construct a sentence or tag line that says exactly what you do, and use it on all your communications.

create a visual presence

that is easily understood without explanation. “Keep it simple” is not trite advice – it’s a known fact. Fancy fonts can be unreadable. Shadows and background art can obliterate your message. An up-close image of part of a necklace may not be understood visually by anyone but you. The most successful logos and brands in the world are the simplest: Nike, Volkswagen, Gap, Target.

gain trust and credibility.

Customer service is key. Generate service rules for yourself and don’t waver from them. Send a thank you to every customer. Wrap every purchase the same way. Return every call or email within a certain period of time. Thank every customer for his or her referral. Your brand is an extension of yourself, so you have to be true to it, and it has to represent the real you.

guest author:
Sunny at Sunny Day Vintage