The importance of Social Media Feed?

So as a business owner, and as a jewelry designer, I spend a lot of time reading about how to increase traffic, to my site, to my IG, to my show schedule, etc.  And I have to tell you there is a lot of information out there.  Everyone is doing everything for "free", giving you all the secrets, telling you everything they have learned, and it is pretty amazing.

But I have to tell you, my pieces are on Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and I feel that my descriptions are telling, my pictures are professional, and I still don't get the traffic that some sites do.  I have a theory on why, I think there are some businesses just through the nature of their price points, are going to receive more attention from the Etsy and Amazon Handmade sites.  

Now, I also think though that their are those that have done such a good job on their social feeds, that they are driving business to their shops.  I follow so many jewelry designers, and there are some whose feeds make me want to go out and buy all their pieces.

I think ultimately that is what appeals to us, not the words, but the visual.  It feeds on our desire to have/be surrounded by beautiful things.  It's human nature. 

What's Important in Life?

In today's world things are ever changing, and in some instances they can be scary.  I watch the news this morning regarding the shooting of teens in a night club in Florida and it breaks my heart.  I can't help but think about my son, and think about his life and his safety.

Sometimes in my day to day life I find myself getting caught up in what, honestly, isn't very important.  It seems like it in the moment, because you can get caught up in, this or that.  But ultimately whats most important are our loved ones.  Trying to step back and reflect on the big picture can sometimes be difficult.  But in the other hand it is necessary so as not to get caught up in those things that aren't important. 

That is why I have found myself doing more to enjoy my life with my son, and just a little less of focusing on the "other" stuff.  It has been great, and much needed.  I will continue to do that, as life is too short.  I know in my final days, breathes, it will always be about those I love. 

What's Important in Life?

In today's world things are ever changing, and in some instances they can be scary.  I watch the news this morning regarding the shooting of teens in a night club in Florida and it breaks my heart.  I can't help but think about my son, and think about his life and his safety.

Sometimes in my day to day life I find myself getting caught up in what, honestly, isn't very important.  It seems like it in the moment, because you can get caught up in, this or that.  But ultimately whats most important are our loved ones.  Trying to step back and reflect on the big picture can sometimes be difficult.  But in the other hand it is necessary so as not to get caught up in those things that aren't important. 

That is why I have found myself doing more to enjoy my life with my son, and just a little less of focusing on the "other" stuff.  It has been great, and much needed.  I will continue to do that, as life is too short.  I know in my final days, breathes, it will always be about those I love. 

Growth of Rose Gilley Designs

My little business has always been very little.  It has ebbed and flowed depending on the time of my life as well.  Five years ago it was growing and doing quite well.  Three years ago, a little guy came into my life and it definitely took a back seat to him. 

The last 3 years I have done a few things differently, not as many shows, I haven't traveled to Tucson once, I have stayed home more, played more with my son, and just let go a little.  Most recently I have given over the PR side to a firm, and now I have brought on a wonderful, bright, motivated women who has a great skill set.  Her name is Lauren and she is working for RGD as an intern.  Her background is in graphic design, and she is helping me with creating a new look, creating consistency among all the various sites that I have, and helping develop consistent concepts. 

It is exciting and definitely gets my thought process rolling on all the things I want to accomplish! So here is to seeing a few new things in the upcoming months!!! 

#jewelry #jewelrydesigner #momlife #workinghard #rosegilleydesigns

Jewelry Class Coming Soon

So I am taking off this show season for a couple of reasons.  I am interested in learning some new skills, adjusting my designs a little, and just honestly taking a break. 

So I plan to take a class at the Revere Academy in San Francisco.  I am very excited, the last time I took a course to expand my knowledge base was when I was 5 months pregnant.  I wasn't sure if it was such a good idea, it was a shaping, doming, hammering course, but I think it is the reason my son now loves to work with me. 

So I plan to take a stone setting course, not bezeling, but pave setting, and I am so exceptionally excited.  I have wanted to take a course like this for a long time.  I have all these wonderful ideas in my mind and want to be able to execute them, well. 

So, that is what is on the horizon....#newskills

Summertime and A Special Vacation

I have been fortunate to take off the last couple of weeks and spend time with my boy.  Of all the things in my life that I would like to do, spending time with him is number 1, by far! 

Several months ago I decided that I wanted to do something special with him during our time off.  I was thinking maybe a day trip to a theme park, something within an hour or two but somehow I was led to LEGOLAND.  Now, this is not a place I ever heard of growing up.  To be honest, until a couple of years ago, when neighbors of mine mentioned it, it never crossed my radar. 

So after much, much, much research, including, rides, height to go on rides, age restrictions, and of course in general toddler interest, I decided on LEGOLAND. Now, LEGOLAND is not in San Diego, it is in a small town outside of San Diego, called Carlsbad.  We stayed at a hotel right up the hill from LEGOLAND, we had our own private entrance.  The hotel was also 2 miles from the beach, a straight drive down the hill and you are there. 

Overall we had an amazing time!!!  The rides were fabulous, the Coastasauras I believe was both our favorites, but my son also really loved the cars ride, and he now has 15 drivers licenses.  There was a water park, which was amazing, giant slides, pools, lazy river, honestly exceeded my expectations. 

Overall it was amazing.  We went to the park everyday, once to the ocean, we spent evenings swimming in the heated pool, had late movie nights and room service. We ate ice cream or a popsicle of some sort every day (you must know my son loves these 2 things), and we just had an amazing time! 

There are no words to explain how happy I was to see him happy on this trip.  It was truly a blessing.  I now know how my dad felt when he did these types of things with me. As the parent you get so excited for your child and just want them to love it and fully take it in, and when they do, its the best feeling in the world.

#parenthood #momlife #momboss #LEGOLAND #Carlsbad #California #SanDiego #ocean

Fashion Week Los Angeles

I can honestly say I have never attended a fashion week.  I read about them.  Wonder what they are like, but have never attended.  To be honest I wouldn't know how to go about attending, or maybe I have never wanted to put that much energy in to figuring out what I would need to do, but recently I received an invitation to attend LA fashion week.  So after much thought, I have decided to go. 

Why, you may ask?

I decided the experience alone would be great.  Just being able to feel the energy, see new designs, new designers, really an honor.  But also for many other reasons.  It seems to be about networking, meeting new people, bloggers, individuals in the fashion industry, finding (maybe) a designer who would like to wear my pieces down the runway with their clothing line.  I feel like anything is possible. 

Now, I have made some other decisions as well, that are a little different, so who knows, maybe this will shake things up a bit.  I don't know, but it is worth trying!!

#fashionweek #losangeles #jewelry #fashion #October

Rose Gilley Jewelry Designs on Uppler

I recently came across Uppler.  An online shopping experience for retailers and wholesalers.  It basically takes the shows, that we pay so much for, and puts them online.  It connects retailers to wholesalers from all over the world.  It is an interesting concept.  But will it work.

In the short time that I did the trial I received many inquiries and requests.  Which of course is a good sign.  And after that I received several requests from "customer service" to join.  So after some discussion with Uppler, I decided to give it a try for 3 months.

I have received 8 store inquiries, which is good, for not having to do anything.  But no orders yet.  In my defense, I had nothing listed, so that doesn't help.  But as of yesterday, I do.  I will keep you up to speed on the ever changing possibilities of Uppler.

#Uppler #jewelry #wholesale #boutique #rosegilleydesigns #jotd #jewelrydesigner

Instagram

I love Instagram!  As a viewer and as a business owner.  I love looking for businesses to follow be inspired by and learn from.  I enjoy a nice looking feed, consistent, visual appealing, and continual (meaning they are posting regularly).

I learn a lot from watching what others do, and seeing their success.  I also like finding feeds that have an aesthetic that is appealing to me personally, my own style if you will.  I find that sometimes the influence of Instagram is even suggestive in my jewelry.  I don't mean others jewelry, I mean the feeds aesthetic itself.  Which is really inspiring.

Summer Shows, Just Around the Corner

So yesterday was the first day I started looking at emails about summer shows.  It is a little overwhelming to think I need to decide now what to do for August or July.  With SF Market gone, I am off to Vegas, that much I know.  Now it is a matter of what show to do?  Not to mention, do I have a new line to present?

I have done ATS previously and although the show was quiet, I did well with new customers.  It is always nerve racking doing a new show because you don't know what it will be like, or if people will buy since your new.  It's just kind of an up and down process.

The nice thing about ATS is my booth set up is super easy!  I can get to the show with 2 suitcases and a child, LOL.  Of course I have my helper with me, I couldn't do it without her.  But I have done enough shows to know, it is super easy.

But then there is POOL, which at one time I was planning to do, but then changed my mind and went with ATS.  To be honest, you just never know what will be a good show.  This year, though, the umbrella of MAGIC has purchased ATS and a few other shows, so it could work out well!

Regardless I am going to do it.  I will find a way, as of this moment, I have committed to it in my head.  See you at ATS!!