It's Time For the SD After Sunset Debut

Today is the day I officially debut my jewelry line, After Sunset, to the San Diego community! The RAW Artists event I was invited to be showcased in is tonight! I still have a couple last minute things to do and then off I go to set up and prepare for a big night.

I'm probably most nervous about the set up because it's a lot for me to do alone between all the unloading, heavy lifting, back and forthing, and parking in dark garages Downtown. Oh, the joys of being a single business owner.

But really what I'm most nervous about is the response I'll get from local art and entertainment lovers. Jewelry is very competitive and during this first year of After Sunset, I've promised myself to never stray from my own style and taste just to follow certain trends. But I've enjoyed the process of brainstorming and creating and working with customers.

I've put blood, sweat, and tears [many of them] into After Sunset, especially for this show in particular. There was a point last night where it was difficult to see any of the floor in my living room among all the beads, wire, and display items I had everywhere. My house has been a jewelry and headband factory since March. I have burns on my fingers from gluing myself one too many times. Pricks in my hand from sewing and a scar on my pointer finger from chopping into it with scissors on accident. Take that for handmade.

I've learned a lot about myself through this process of running my own jewelry business for its first year. And I'm still learning. I'm still seeing where this goes. But I sure have learned a lot thus far.

I have no idea what to expect tonight. I'm grateful for friends and co-workers who will be there to support me. I'm grateful for those of you reading this now who have reached out to me via text, Twitter, Facebook, and email to wish me good luck. It means the world. Really. I'm also grateful for my business partner and helper, Stella. She loooves working with tissue paper...

I'm proud of the jewelry that I've created and I'm nervous yet excited to finally share it with fellow San Diegans. And maybe, just maybe, I'll start to see more and more After Sunset pieces throughout America's Finest City :)

That's all for now. To follow along throughout the day tomorrow, be sure to follow @ShopAfterSunset on Instagram :) Hasta la vista!