Balancing Act!
I began professionally designing, crafting, and selling jewelry in 2005, when I left my career in marketing and merchandising to pursue my passion. It was a wild ride immediately, when I launched the line just a few short months later at Accessories - The Show at NYC's Jacob Javits Center in their juried "New Designers" section.
My debut in NYC landed my collection in a number of boutiques from coast to coast, and soon after I was invited to include a necklace in the gift bags that were presented to the Nominees at the Primetime Emmy Awards. This garnered some great press, and my business took off! I was working day and night, traveling a ton for sales meetings and in-store trunk shows. I participated in several fashion and charity events those first couple of years, and I continue to donate pieces for auction to causes I support.
In 2007 I had the first of my two children. As I adjusted to my new role as mother, I decided to back-burner my jewelry business to focus on my family. I continued to make jewelry for several private clients, friends, and family, and found myself creating really meaningful pieces that incorporated birthstones and other sentimental things into hip, not-so-typical "mommy" jewelry. This remains a particular passion.
Now, I'm selling my wares primarily through a local shop in my neighborhood, at trunk shows, online, and via client referrals. I titled my story "Balancing Act" because that's what life really is - finding a balance between work, creative outlets, family, leisure, and self. Like many of you, I continue to fine-tune my act every day...
Wear it well,
Angela
