My First After Sunset Showcase

Well, as many of you know, on Thursday I had my first-ever showcase! I was invited with my jewelry line, After Sunset, to be a featured artist in the RAW Artists event here in San Diego. Since I was invited back in the beginning of March, the show was constantly in the back of my mind. I had a lot of work to do to prepare. And, as always, I put a lot of pressure on myself.

My display and logo were the two biggest priorities of mine. I was back and forth to all the antique shops, thrift stores, and swap meets because my vision was to use antique pieces to display my accessories. Being unique was also very important to me while designing my display. I wanted something that was cohesive with the look and feel of my line while also being fun, practical, and different. For my logo, I worked with a wonderful designer who works with my dad and he seamlessly created my concept. Then, I worked with a local print company here in Ocean Beach to have my business cards printed and to get my logo blown up to poster size.

After that, all I had to do was make a ton of jewelry, head bands [that's right - head bands!], and my tissue paper tassel garland, pack everything up, and cross my fingers that it would all work. Here's the end result:

The bottles were all found in thrift shops or the swap meet and were either painted on the inside or spray painted to create the gold plated look.

I fell in love with the rare rose gold 1950's breadbox the second I saw it in an antique shop. I strung some twine around it and it ended up working out perfectly. 

Each of the frames as well as the tri-fold 1960s mirror were found in antique stores. I had always wanted a vintage mirror like that and finally had an excuse to get one ;)

I found this Mid-Century folding serving tray on Etsy and had to have it. It was actually the very first item of my display that I purchased and decided to continue on with the antique theme.

And there I am at the end of the night!

It was a long day. I was there from 3:00pm to nearly 11:30 at night but it was worth every second.

I met so many wonderful San Diego artists and we have made plans to collaborate with them soon.

It was such a great reminder to me of why I've chosen to be an entrepreneur. Because even after all the heartache, all the worrying, all the doubting, all the sleepless nights... when people tell you how much they love your work and your creativity, when you get to share your passion with so many people, that's when you're reminded. That it's worth it. That it does matter. That your hard work pays off.

I will be working on listing the new designs in the shop!

For now, buy your 4th of July Bracelet Trio before it's too late!

Lastly, I just want to thank you all for your support. All of your encouragement helped tremendously! I hope After Sunset continues to grow and that I can continue to work with so many wonderful people around the world. Much love to you guys!

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!

Hope for the Helpless

Friday night, I sat with tears streaming down my face. I read a story about the hundreds of horses in Oklahoma that were killed because of the horrible tornadoes. Hundreds of them. A rescuer described the scene as they arrived saying he will live the rest of his life trying to get those images out of his mind. I just can't. even. imagine.

Then, because my heart was already broken, I jumped on Facebook to check the latest news from Central Oklahoma Humane Society. There are still dozens upon dozens of animals separated from their families and left without homes. My heart breaks for every single homeless animal in the world. Every time I walk into an animal shelter, I think about their stories. Where they came from. What they've been through.

And then I think about the animals in Central Oklahoma. I think about their itty bitty hearts that must have been beating out of their chests during the fury of a storm as massive and deadly as those that ripped through their town. And then I think about the aftermath. Thank goodness they were rescued. But what must be going through their minds now? Where's my family? Will they ever come get me? Where am I? Where's my home?

As I write this, each of those animals above is still waiting for their family to find them. Some of them may never be reunited.

For those of you who want to help, I still have a few Glimmer of Hope bracelets left in my shop. Right now 50% of the proceeds are being donated to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society to help every one of those animals above and the hundreds of others still needing food and shelter... and love.

And then I just realized this post resembles that of an ASPCA commercial. Cue the Sarah McLachlan...

When Exciting Business Opportunities Arise

I'm sad the Blog Everyday in May Challenge is over but man, now that it's over, I sure have a lot to catch you up on! First things first: On Friday, I mentioned that I'll be doing a special little vlog for you all soon. It'll be a "You Asked, I Answered" vlog, so... ask away! What have you been wanting to know about me? Whether it's about my make-up routine, life in California, or something deeper, leave your questions in the comments :)

I have some pretty exciting news to share with you all. I have been selected to be a featured artist at a RAW Artists showcase this month in San Diego! RAW is a worldwide organization that helps get the word out about local artists within major cities. They reached out to me a few months ago after finding my jewelry line, After Sunset!

So, on June 20th, I will be all set up to publicly share my jewelry line with the San Diego community for the first time! If you are in Southern California and 21+, I am officially inviting you to this event at 7PM Downtown at Block No. 16! You can buy discounted tickets for $15 until June 17th, by clicking through to my RAW Profile here and clicking the "Buy a ticket for this artist" link at the top to help support me!


There will be local bands, a fashion show, and other artists who will be showcasing their work there that night! Block No. 16 is a fun, fresh, new venue and this event is going to be a blast! I am so honored and excited to be a part of this and to see After Sunset continue to grow. All of your support is greatly appreciated!

Aside from all the time I've been putting into After Sunset lately and getting everything ready for this showcase, I've been a busy bee. I've been going to baseball games, sitting by fires, antiquing, enjoying palm trees, and taking mini road trips for blogger birthday parties. I've been so busy, I don't even know which topic I'll write about first! Guess we'll find out tomorrow ;)

The month of May and getting ready for this experience has taught me a lot. About my work ethic and priorities. About my style. About my hopes for this company of mine. About being successful. About defining what "successful" means in my own mind. And about learning the different blessings and downfalls that can come after saying either "yes" or "no."

Time has flown by since this opportunity to be a part of the RAW showcase entered into my life and I said, "yes" to it. There will be many things I'll have to say "no" to as I get into crunch time before the 20th. I'm focused. I'm hopeful. I'm determined. I just want this to be a positive and memorable first event for After Sunset.

Here's hoping we all have a productive week and that you ask me the most stellar questions below :)

After Sunset Jewels + A Huge Giveaway!

Boy, do I have some fun things in store for you today! First off, I am beyond excited to finally and officially share the launch of my new Spring designs for my Etsy shop, After Sunset! Making the big move to San Diego and being constantly surrounded by the beautiful sunsets, the gorgeous colors of the palms and the sea, and all the natural textures of the sand and the rocks along the coast - I have been super inspired to say the least.

My new designs use mainly stone and glass and seed beads along with funky gold touches [my favorite] to create colorful and fun jewelry to add to your outfits! I'm currently focusing mainly on bracelets because, let's be honest, you can never have enough arm candy, right?

Here are some of my designs using stone:

+ Multi-colored turquoise, mint, purple, and pink Wrap Bracelet

+ Turquoise and Mint Elastic Bracelet

+ Purple and Pink Elastic Bracelet

+ Circular Turquoise and Gold Geo Bead Elastic Bracelet

The bracelets with mint are limited addition so get them while they're hot!

+ Turquoise & Royal Blue Magnesite Stone with Gold Geo Bead Wrap Bracelet.

I'm obsessed with with the tribal/Aztec look right now so I pretty much wear that bracelet all the time :)

Now, let's talk about my love for Czech seed beads. They're so colorful and beachy!

Again, you can buy these seed bead + gold tube bracelets individually like this gorgeous Neon Yellow Luster Bracelet

OR

as an arm party combination like the Purple Ombre set below!

I'm also loving Czech glass beads and... chain. Obviously. I mean, I couldn't NOT have chain in some of my designs ;)

The Mint & Champagne Wrap Bracelet is an example of some of the Czech glass & chain wraps that are in the store! And yes, I wear multiples of these bracelets at the same time :)

And the Aqua, Mint and Matte Gold Elastic Bracelets are another one of our arm party sets you can buy!

Be sure to check out the shop for all of the bracelets & new ones will continue to be added!  As always, let me know if you want a custom order :) I am so excited, you guys. Creating jewelry has always been a passion of mine and it means the world to be able to share it with you all. I would LOVE it if you help me spread the word about my shop!

After Sunset

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

And because I love my readers so much, I am offering you FREE SHIPPING for the next two weeks on all U.S. orders! Use coupon code BLOGGERLOVE at checkout through April 4th :)

Now, for the GIVEAWAY! 

I have teamed up with these amazing bloggers below to offer you not one... not two... but THREE $100 Visa gift cards that you can use for whatever your little heart desires. Amaze, right?! Enter using the Rafflecopter below and good luck to you all! 

Henning Love // Heart of Aloha // Love, The Skinnys

Home Sweet Auburn // Alisha & Brandon // Perfectly Imperfect

Life is a Sunset // and here's to you, Mrs. Robinson // Classic & Bubbly

Big Mario Life // Sparkles and Shoes // The Egg

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fun by the Water

It was a happy, fun weekend full of beautiful weather!

On Saturday, I went with my dad to his company's get-together near Annapolis. It was at a fun little Hawaiian-inspired place on the water called Coconut Joe's.

My dad had not gone to one of these work parties in years so I made sure he was going this time. I am so glad we got to go because the people he works with are all amazing. My dad has worked for this company since before I was born so most people there know "alllll about me." (I got to hear that a lot!) We mingled, had some yummy CRAB CAKES, and had a blast. So much of a blast that we stayed for 6 hours.

The weather could not have been more perfect. Sunny day, upper 70's, nice breeze off the water. I was also lucky enough to meet my new BFF who is recently engaged to one of my dad's awesome co-workers. She and I gabbed for hours and hours and did a little wedding brainstorming of course. I love how when we were taking the picture below she said, "Does this mean I'm going to make it on the blog?!" Gotta love her :)

On the way home, we stopped by Annapolis Mall so I could swing by Buckle and finally try these bad boys on at Nordstrom:

Needless to say, I am in love with TOMS. I knew I would be but finally putting them on my feet and feeling how ridiculously comfy they are... it just sealed the deal. They didn't have any colors in my size (can you believe my feet have gotten even smaller and I'm now a 5.5?!) so I ended up ordering them online straight from TOMS! Shout-out to Britt :)

Like I mentioned, the weather was absolutely gorgeous! Perfect for some time outside and some time visiting Mom's grave...

The weekend finished up with a little more shopping and some more jewelry making, of course. Have you checked out some of the newest additions to the shop? Here was my outfit of the day on Saturday, featuring the Cove Necklace in Seafoam as well as some other additions below:

And, lucky for you... Kelsey over at the Capital Barbie is giving you the chance to win any of the Cove Necklaces from After Sunset! Go stop by her blog to enter and tell her I sent ya :)

On Wednesday, I'll have a fun giveaway here for you! Hint: Animal print :)

Last Letters of Summer

Dear Pretty Little Liars -

You win. I started watching you on Netflix last week and I can't stop. My lunch breaks aren't long enough. I want to marry Mr. Fitz. [no spoilers, please!!!!]

[via]

Dear Weekend -

You cannot get here soon enough. You just cannot. And as soon as you get here, I plan on soaking up every second of you that I can. Starting with a little retail therapy :)

Dear Dreams - 

I'll figure you out soon. You've stayed with me for years now and I keep talking myself out of you but that doesn't make you go away. Nor should it. I promise I won't let others talk me out of you either. The time is almost here to work hard and make you come true!

[via]

Dear Bloggers - 
So many of you inspire me every day. You have been the biggest support for me through my toughest moments. Because of how loving and inspiring this blogging community is, Hollie [Hollie Takes Notes] and I have created Project Inspire - a snail mail swap of motivational cards/notes!

Check our blogs on Tuesday for all the fun details and to sign up! :)

[via]

Dear Jewelry Lovers -
Have you checked out the latest additions to my shop, After Sunset? That Cove Necklace below in Ballet Pink is now for sale :) Stop by the shop here and see what else we have! Today, I'm wearing the Ombre Necklace in Sunburst Orange [Again. I am always wearing orange these days it seems!]

Linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters and you should too :)

Happy Friday to all!

Enjoy your last weekend of Summer!! Can you believe it?

Letting Happiness Ignite

Happiness is...

Actually loving the work that you do. Enjoying it. Dreaming about it. Seeing the vision you have come to life. Even if it means sacrificing your social life [and the majority of your sleep.] It's seeing the final product and whole-heartedly loving it :)

Happiness is...

Going to the place where you held your first job for a yummy dinner paid for by a gift card :) It's indulging in that tasty blood orange Italian soda, the lobster ravioli, and chocolate ganache! Oh, and the warm, rosemary bread...

Happiness is...

Watching your sweet kitty rolling around in the sun. Smelling the refreshing September air. And still being glad that she's an indoor cat :)

Happiness is...

Being silly with my niece. Letting her poke me. Dancing together. Giggling. Tummy tickles. 

Happiness is...

Seeing how happy she is with Missy. Hearing her squeal when the cat walks into the room. Remembering what true and simple happiness really is after seeing that.

Happiness is...

Candid family shots that capture those happy moments. Watching fun, kids' YouTube clips and getting your niece to like Zoobilee Zoo :)

Videos full of happiness, dancing, and cookies :)

While I do love a good hair day or finally finding more chambray tops that I've been looking for [I didn't end up shopping at all this weekend] I know that it's the little moments, the little things, that bring us true happiness. I know that life hands us unhappy moments, rough trials, and unexpected twists - not to make life less enjoyable but to make our true happiness ignite.

After all, it is through the bad times that we are able to appreciate the good. 

My heart has been really full lately. Full of a lot. A lot of things that just need to be sorted out. I'm at one of life's crossroads. There are many things in my past that will be left there and not brought to the future journey. There are also many opportunities that lie ahead - and the time is coming where I'll need to decide which opportunities to take now, which to turn away, and which to save for later. 

As I make those decisions, I'll be sure to keep happiness in mind. I want the happiness in my life to continue to grow and I must make the decisions for myself that will allow that to happen.