Launch Party

As you readers know, I have officially begun my "career" as a jewelry designer for Origami Owl.  It took three weeks of being on a waiting list followed be three more days of waiting for my kit to arrive.  Excited to get started and show friends and family what it is (most people I've told have never heard of o2 before), I decided to host my first jewelry bar at my house last night, just two days after receiving my inventory.

Now, I really enjoy decorating parties, and well, things in general.  This jewelry bar was no exception.  The kit included several lockets, chains, charms and dangles, as well as paperwork and a few display items, but designers are given liberty to set up things as we wish.  I went to a local wholesale type decor store called Flower Factory, where I found several display items including candle stands, decorative blue "gem stone" crystals and an owl.  Next, I went to The Christmas Tree Shops and found some awesome blue bottles and a blue glass owl.  The great thing is I already use a lot of blue in my home decor, so these things can double as that for me.  The main element of my display is actually a cork board covered in burlap that my sister in law, Jess, made me for Christmas.  She actually owns a business that specializes in cd/dvd sleeves for photographers called Kraft and Jute-- beautiful stuff!  Anyway, I pinned five sample necklaces to the board and placed it on the center of the table beneath a display stand with the candle stands flanking it on both sides.  I think it turned out beautifully.

The party itself was a bit of a monetary disappointment, unfortunately.  I'm not sure if it is because of the somewhat late notice (about a week before), the product itself, the way I sold it (or didn't sell it), the amount of people there (several friends that were planning to come ended up getting sick), or what.  Maybe my expectations were too high... I don't know.  I really do think the necklaces are beautiful, unique and classic.  Each one has its own feel, from the chain and the locket, to the charms and/or dangles.  The ladies that did attend had so much fun trying things on, experimenting with different charms, lockets, chains and dangles, and hanging out.  My mentor, my husband's business partner's wife, came to assist me and answer any questions.  I was grateful she was there to help explain things and add additional information on the product.  She has been great about helping me get started.  I think I will enjoy getting to know her more too.  I am glad that my friends that were able to make it seemed excited about their necklaces if they bought any and hopefully they will be willing to host their own jewelry bars and help me grow my business.  As one of them reminded me last night, "Everyone knows at least one more person than you.  And girls are turning 18 every day."  This sales stuff is a whole new territory for me... I did only make it at Bath and Body Works for 3 weeks after all.  Attacking people as soon as they enter the store is just not my idea of an enjoyable job.  It might be for some people, but it isn't for me, thank you very much.

To all who have bought their first Origami Owl necklace from me, thank you oh so much.  I hope you LOVE your necklace!  And if your friends or family also love it, please consider hosting your own jewelry bar!  I will love you forever!