I always find its good to look back over the year before you move on to the next. Its great to remember the highs (and the lows) and what bits of the year were just so amazing you want to them to happen all over again. I won’t bore you with too many lows but here are a few of the highs.
2021 saw us back in lowdown in the January, a big hit to everyone including small businesses. For me it was a juggling act between making sure my family was happy and healthy and that my business was moving forward in a time where lots were forced to stand still.
I took this time to learn a new skill – stone setting. There was lots of practising including lots of crawling on the floor looking for escaping gemstones accompanied by lots of swearing and even some tears! But the practised paid off and new pieces were added to my collection.
My favourite piece being the Simplicity ring. I love everything about this ring from the delicate set stones to the added burr texture around the band. I also love that they can be personalised with any gemstones. The last one I made had a stunning tanzanite in it for a special December birthday.
Moving into summer saw the return of real life markets. Wow these were a shock to the system! It had only been a year but I completely forgot how much time and effort goes into them. From making sure your stall looks top notch, to writing list up on lists of things to do and take with you, and then actually remembering how much stock you need to make and take with you! I wouldn’t change them for the world though. Nothing beats speaking to customers face to face, making that connection and chatting to all the other lovely stallholders.
It's definitely something on my list to this year – do more markets.
And my last high of 2021 was some of the amazing commission pieces I was asked to make. It’s a process I have thoroughly enjoyed from the initial brief, to the collaboration getting the design perfect, to seeing the finished piece come together. They really are all a joy to make.
I'd also like to take this time to say a big thank you to all my stockists. Without there support my little business wouldn't be where it is today.
So that leads me into what’s next for 2022. Well now that would be telling…
...lets just say watch this space.
Catherine
x