[Jewelry making - Article 00318] - Re: [Orchid] Bench Soldering within the Store

[Joel Schwalb]

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Nan,

    I first started making jewelry while living in Spain. At the time I
    was designing and making furniture. I met, and was encouraged by a
    retired American jeweler who was also living there. I was sharing a
    store/studio with a friend who was a leather crafter. I started
    making very simple things to sell to the tourists who frequented the
    Costa del Sol. I learned as I produced more designs. Soon I had to
    hire and teach others to keep up with the production. All along this
    path I was teaching myself. A few years later I moved back to the
    USA and rented retail space and opened a craft gallery and studio. I
    winged it, never had a business plan or business loans. It wasn't
    easy but I operated that business for 22 years before closing it and
    moving my studio to my home where I see clients by appointment and
    also maintain a web site which has become productive. 

    I am not suggesting that you try a similar route. On the contrary, I
    would suggest that you get some experience working for someone else
    for a couple of years. During that time develop designs for future
    use, learn as much as you can about the "business" and start doing
    craft shows to expose your ideas to the public and do get feedback.
    I think that it is much harder today to start your own business than
    when I started. You do need a business plan, financing, etc.
    Continue to take classes and workshops whenever you can. I encourage
    you to pursue your dream. 

Joel Schwalb
joel4 AT optonline.net
www.schwalbstudio.com

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