Meet Tabby Noorbakhsh, Artist

TJ Source is an Etsy shop where you can experience art on a personal level through a unique collection of stylish purses, phone cases, neck ties, and jewelry featuring the art of Tabby Noorbakhsh. TJ Source is made up of dynamic duo Tabby and Jose, who are partners in both life and business.

Tabby's art style encapsulates the bright colors and fun, flirty lifestyle of Miami and her work has been featured for Miami Art Basel 2015 At Art Fusion Galleries in the Wynwood Arts District, the world's largest art exchange. Her original vibrant paintings are exhibited throughout South Florida and we are proud to now be able to offer products that showcase her happy paintings and inspiring color arrays.

Tabby and Jose believe that art can be used as a form of therapy, and their wearable art goods can deliver healing and positive energy while also being fun and fashionable. They love the synergy of this work and how elements from so many industries can be combined to deliver outstanding quality products to their customers at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TJSource.

1. What inspired you to create fashion and home decor product featuring your artwork?

My inspiration to feature my artwork on everyday merchandise and fashion goods like handbags is my spirituality and connection to the earth. I express my connection with our earth through my paintings. Identifying my strengths and honing on them has helped shape this business.

In a stroke of good luck, my real life experiences synchronized, and it all started with art shows exhibiting original art and proliferated to jumbo office bags made of leather showcasing my art designs on a functional fashion medium. The art purses function as a modern day walking canvas.

The first thing I ever merchandised was a mug for a friend's birthday showcasing a butterfly, an orchid, and her name on it. It brought such joy opening the package and took me to my happy place from my childhood. Later, I discovered the same elation and joy as, over time, I put the art on new things and it's like instant gratification to see the art on quality and durable handbags. Having experience as a commercial and print model with years of modeling other designers' clothing and accessories lines, like my favorite MOGRA of South Miami, gave me exposure to the best of fashion that I am lucky to translate into my own merchandising line now.

2. When you create a piece of art, do you have particular ideas in mind for how you might incorporate it into a product, or do you tend to create your artwork freely and then see how it might work with your product line?

Typically, I do the art piece with three or four different concepts in mind. I like to use stretched canvas with acrylic paint and other mediums that create texture and shine, and I often do several varieties in a set for exhibiting purposes. Recently, I started working backwards and have an upcoming new product launch that I created from the handbags reversed to the art.

I am in the process of designing four to five pop-art styles, Leaves of Change, exploring everyday wardrobe colors with a splash of added vibrancy for some good vibes. The latest designs will be launched in Summer 2017.

Painting is what keeps the entrepreneur spirit alive inside me--it's what makes me different and just helps things tick. Creating durable handbags makes me happy because I feel I'm making a functional, authentic contribution to society. Every woman and man needs another handbag, let's face it! It is the way we privileged humans prefer things: no matter how many handbags we have, we always want what's new and cool. Our team thinks we created just that, the something NEW thats fun AND functional. We are constantly trying to fulfill our clients' needs with color to their wardrobe. I've used my unique design clutch handbag, and I've noticed it's very functional, and the double handle helps with the durability. The zipper is durable: my keys and cell phone are always tucked inside the compartment and my credit cards and ID are safely concealed in the secret pockets. I stand by my products' durability.

3. How does living in Miami influence you as an artist?

Living in Miami is a great breath of fresh air that helps me get inspiration for my new creations. The gorgeous environment is tremendously impactful on me as an artist. I love the weather with the warm tropical temperatures and soft nature colors of the ocean meeting the sky. Miami is a timeless place where weeks turn into months and months turn into years effortlessly and without resistance. I am lucky to have found a wonderful and compatible life partner, Jose, who makes the South Florida experience that more aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. What I love most about Miami besides my wonderful family is the sheer beauty of the beaches, city and downtown life, mixture of people, fusion of arts and culture and Latin swing.

4. Why did you chose Etsy as a platform, and how do you choose the designs and products to feature in your shop?

I chose Etsy because it is unique, represents self expression, and caters towards creativity and originality. I love the versatility of Etsy and the easy to navigate features. I have piece of mind with this platform because I know my clients' transactions are secure. I also know that as a small business owner, my marketing budget is spent well because I see results in my sales through their ads and analytics.

My goal is to expand to new platforms like Amazon.com next because we have lots of new designs coming up. Our goal is to really take advantage of technology because we are lucky enough to be able to utilize so many great resources, literally at the tip of our fingertips.

5. Would you tell us a little more about the way that you see art as therapeutic and how you hope customers will experience and enjoy your products?

I see my art as connecting nature with spirit. It is a form of visual and emotional healing because art does heal the body, mind, and soul of a person from the inside and out. Art is non verbal communication the unites the divided in times of verbal and physical conflict. Certain colors can have a positive effect on mood and emotions. I hope to channel soothing nature tones and colors into each painting that the viewer can take in for mood restorative therapy. The colorful art on purses, cufflinks, etc. can have an uplifting and happy effect on a person's mood.

Thanks, Tabby!

Meet Mia Nichols, Social Media Specialist

Mia Nichols owns a small social media management business, Social Media by Mia. The business handles social media for all sorts of companies, with a specialty in social media for crafters and jewelry makers. Learn more by visiting http://socialmediabymia.com.

1. What made you decide to start a social media business?

I love social media. I love figuring out what works to get people engaged. So, it made since to put what I love to use.

2. How did you choose to specialize in working with businesses related to crafting and jewelry making?

I love doing crafts and making jewelry in my spare time. However, health issues and issues with my hands keep me from doing it very often. It made sense to me to put my two loves together to form a business.

3. What do you think makes for good, engaging content when it comes to social media posts?

A combination of things. Videos and quotes from other parts of the internet, photos and links to your products, and general commentary.

4. If someone is posting regularly but finding that people don't seem to be interacting much with their posts, what are some strategies you might recommend?

Set up a social media schedule. Figure out what types of posts you want to post on what days. Then stick to the schedule. Find out what times of day work best for posting based on who is engaging.

5. For people who are just starting out in their craft-related business, what are your top three pieces of advice?

1. Set up your social media accounts so people can find you.
2. If you can afford it, hire someone to do your social media for you, so you have more time to focus on what you love.
3. Just keep at it.

Thanks, Mia!

Meet Ross Lang, Owner of Cobb Pawn & Gold in Marietta GA

Ross Lang is the owner of Cobb Pawn & Gold in Marietta, Georgia, a family owned shop that has been in business for over 30 years.

1. How long have you been in business?

Cobb Pawn and Gold is a family owned and operated business established in 1982 as an alternative to a typical pawn shop in Marietta, GA with more the look and feel of a fine jewelry store, including the personal service you would expect. We specialize in low interest loans on diamonds, jewelry, watches, and other valuable assets. We also offer loans on boats, PWC's, heavy equipment, and more, all stored on our secured lot.

2. Why should you get a loan at Cobb Pawn & Gold vs a typical pawn shop?

We are a family owned and operated business. With over 30 years experience in the jewelry business, we have the expertise to assess and offer you the true value of your fine jewelry at interest rates a fraction of that of a typical pawn shop. Unlike most of our competition, our mission is not to acquire your treasured possessions and flip them for a one time quick profit; our goal is to have a long-term personal relationship with you. Many of our first time loan customers become some of our best retail customers, returning every holiday or birthday year after year for that special item and the same quality of service and respect they received the first time they walked in our door.

3. What is the most unusual item brought into your store?

It's hard to come up with just one item out of the thousands of loans over the last 30 plus years, but the first thing that comes to mind is a 1966 Pontiac GTO Tri-power with factory original paint. We've had the car a couple of times. The customer owns a small seasonal business of his own and has used it as collateral to purchase additional inventory when needed.

4. Is there really such a thing as win-win with pawn shops?

Yes. We recently had a customer that had a pawn loan with a local competitor on a civil war-era rifle that had been in his family for generations. He's retired on a fixed income and was caught in a dead end loan that he could never afford to pay out; he only pay the monthly fees and the pawn shop he was at would not accept any principal payments. We paid out the loan and wrote him a new loan at half the interest rate he was paying. The discount in the rate left him enough cash to pay on the principal every month, and he was able to get his rifle back in a few months.

5. You have fantastic reviews online. Why do your customers keep coming back?

Being a family ran business, we offer superior customer service at the best rates in the industry; it's that simple! Our loan process is fast, easy, and private. All your transactions with Cobb Pawn and Gold will be kept confidential by us. In addition, all your jewelry collateral, while in our possession, will be fully insured, secure and kept off premise in a bank vault. That's why Cobb Pawn and Gold's growing customer base and our reputation of discretion and professionalism have attracted some well-known local athletes, executives, entertainers, small business owners, and prosperous locals who need quick cash. We are well-known in the industry and purchase fine jewelry and Swiss watches all over the southeast from pawn shops and jewelry dealers.

Thanks, Ross!

Meet Minda Powers-Douglas of TheCemeteryClub.com

Minda Powers-Douglas is an author and cemetery expert who founded TheCemeteryClub.com, a website dedicated to the art and history of cemeteries. Her books include Images of America: Chippiannock Cemetery, Translating Tombstones, and Cemetery Walk, and she has given workshops on topics like cemetery symbolism, proper gravestone rubbing techniques (where rubbings are allowed), ghost stories, memoir writing, creative writing, and self-publishing. She also creates unique pieces of cemetery-themed art such as her Pocket Cemeteries, and Cemetery in a Jar necklaces.

1. What first inspired you to start writing about cemeteries, and what keeps you interested in the topic?

I started writing my first cemetery book, Cemetery Walk, in 2003. I had been leading a workshop for girls for a number of years and, frankly, I was burnt out (loss of grant funding, volunteers, etc.). The workshop had been based on a short non-fiction book I wrote.

I'm the type of person who feels lost without a project or two going on. I decided that it was time to fulfill my life-long dream to write and publish a book. The topic that kept coming back to me was my interest in cemeteries. I'd been interested in them since I was a kid. They'd always fascinated me. So I dug in, so to speak, and haven't looked back. I love doing research, and there's so much to learn about them.

2. How do cemeteries connect to our appreciation of history--and of beauty?

Every gravestone contains a story. It's the story of the person buried there (or not buried there, on occasion). Of course, many of us know the stories of the famous people who have passed before us, but what about the millions and billions of others? I love discovering a long-forgotten person's story.

Aside from my site and books, I'm also a producer on a video web series we're working on called Tomb Trippin'. I'm based in Moline, Illinois, and the other producers, Dan Rosenfeld and Julie Pop, are out near L.A. Our goal with the show is to showcase little-known people with great stories that have been forgotten. We're really excited about it. My Facebook group members are also supportive and can't wait to see it. We're already working on things, and we plan to launch a Kickstarter campaign next year.

As for the idea of beauty of cemeteries, I think they are some of the most beautiful places you can visit. A number of people consider them "outdoor museums," and that is so true. In the U.S. alone, you can see gravestones that date back to the 1700s (and earlier if you look hard enough). You can walk right up to them and touch them if you want to (but please be careful!). How many indoor museums allow that without alarms going off? In old and new cemeteries you see a variety of artistic styles. Slate stone carvings in New England are often thinly chiseled yet have stood the test of time and elements. There are gorgeous marble monuments and sturdy granite ones. My favorites are from the Victorian Era and are carved with various symbols.

3. What will visitors find when they stop by your website, TheCemeteryClub.com?

When people visit my site, they'll learn about how important our cemeteries are. There's information on cemetery symbolism and other areas of research, news, an extensive links library, book reviews (for old and new books) and, of course, my shop. I sell my books through my site and have links to the ones I don't personally have in stock. Aside from my books, I sell tote bags, T-shirts and one-of-a-kind, handmade cemetery-related gifts.

4. Would you tell us a little more about some of your books about cemeteries? Which of your titles have been most popular over the years--and what are some of your most recent titles?

Cemetery Walk is a book filled with interviews with people who are connected to cemeteries in some way or whose work is inspired by them. It's also part memoir, as it has a lot of personal stuff in it. I self-published it through a small company because I wanted to do the book on my own terms (it took two years to research and write). Right after it was sent off for the first printing, I talked with an agent who told me she would have taken it! Due to my contract with the small company, I wouldn't be able to do so for a couple years. Such is life. It's okay because the experience taught me a lot.

I've also published my book Images of America: Chippiannock Cemetery through Arcadia Publishing. Chippiannock is a cemetery near me in Rock Island, Illinois. It's absolutely gorgeous and one of my favorite places. We plan to feature it in Tomb Trippin'.

My most popular book is Translating Tombstones, which is a handy guide on gravestone symbolism. I originally put it together for myself, but people in my Facebook group said they wanted copies, too, so I decided I'd publish it. This time I published through Lulu.com. I have a few other books and some issues of the magazine I used to do (Epitaphs Magazine). The magazine was great but overwhelming. Aside from contributions from writers or photographers, I did the whole thing on my own. I even did the design/layout for a while. I stopped producing it in 2008, but people still tell me they miss it.

5. Who is a taphophile, and what is a Pocket Cemetery (and why might it be the perfect gift for such a person)?

A taphophile is someone with a great interest in cemeteries. A cemetery lover. It's a name a lot of us have adopted. It's like we're in a special club! Being a taphophile means you get it--that you understand how amazing cemeteries are and want to share that with others.

What is a Pocket Cemetery? I'm glad you asked! LOL... A Pocket Cemetery is a miniature cemetery that I make by hand. They can be up to 4 or 5 inches long. I hand-paint the boxes and include miniature gravestones. Each one is unique. I can make them to order or with themes. One I've done (that's still available, BTW) was inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night and other works. Inside there's a painting of his grave and his brother's. I recently sold a Day of the Dead one and one with a little skeleton hand reaching out of the grave. Taphophiles can have a macabre sense of humor while still respecting the dead.

I also make Cemeteries in a Jar. Same basic concept at the Pocket Cemeteries just in a little jar. My newest items include even smaller necklace pendants that have a cemetery in a jar. I have so much fun making them. More people need to buy them so I can keep making new ones! Otherwise I'll fill up my house with them!

You can see a number of these items on my site right now. And if someone mentions your blog, I'll give them 20% off their order of anything I have in stock! They can email me at minda.epitaphsmag@gmail.com for details.

Thanks so much, Mandy!

Thanks, Minda!

Meet Naina Vaish, CEO of Green N Brown

Green N Brown offers eco-friendly and organic products that let you make better choices for yourself, your community, and the planet. They believe that for a better and sustainable future, conventional products have to give way to "Green" (eco-friendly) and "Brown" (organic) alternatives.

Naina Vaish, Evangelist N CEO, drives this company. She has been an active environmental steward herself and now wants to not only encourage individuals to adopt a Green lifestyle but also excite and expose them to this lifestyle through her blog. Naina is a strong believer that "Change needs to happen bottoms up--it is the individuals who need to drive the Green Revolution in their everyday lives."

1. What inspired you to start Green N Brown?

We are a firm believer that change has to happen from the bottom up--it is the individuals who have to make little/subtle changes to their everyday lives to make this world a greener place to live. With this in mind, we created Green N Brown with a conscious decision to present a ubiquitous online store that offers Green i.e. eco-friendly and Brown i.e. natural alternatives (hence Green N Brown) to people across several product categories that they can access from the comforts of their homes.

2. How do you choose the suppliers and products to feature on your site?

Each of our products undergoes a rigorous process before selection. All the products available on site have been hand-picked and thoroughly analyzed by our in-house research team for its eco footprint.

  3. Could you tell us a little more about the fair trade, artisan created, handmade jewelry available on your site?

The wide range of fair-trade jewelry and hand made décor on our store are sourced from across nations: Haiti, Kenya, Africa, and Asia. Fair trade provides under- and unemployed artisans with an opportunity to earn vital income and improve their quality of life by establishing a sustainable market for their handcrafted products. We bring the best from several countries to the American consumers when it comes to Green. People can access all these products which were not accessible to them before from all these countries right from their homes.

4. Your hemp backpacks are also a popular item. What makes hemp a good material for book bags, laptop bags, and similar products?

Yes our hemp bags and backpack are one of the best sellers. What makes hemp bags so popular amongst the customers is that hemp grows well without the use of herbicides or pesticides making it environmentally sustainable.

1. It is one of the most durable natural fibers that exists and has very high tensile strength.
2. Hemp softens with use and yet remains hard-wearing.
3. Hemp fabrics dye very effectively and retain color well over time.
4. Hemp has good resistance to mold and is fire-retardant.

With a huge range of hemp bags for every walk of life, you are sure to find the style and color you want. 

5. What else would you like readers to know about your business?

While people are aware of the benefits of green lifestyle and are willing to adopt it, they are often short of alternative products that are greener than the conventional options. At Green N Brown, we carry a diverse range of green products across several product categories in a bid to offer enough green options for consumers to pick and choose from. We are a one stop shop for green products for a healthy lifestyle

Thanks!

Meet Anakiz, Artist, Craftsperson, and Etsy Seller

With her two friends Zeynep and Meltem, Anakiz runs the Etsy shop Nakkashe. They make and sell a variety of crochet jewelry and accessories for ladies. The Etsy shop allows them to make money while doing what they love. Anakiz and her friends live in Turkey.

1. How did you decide to start an Etsy shop?

Four or five years ago, I resigned from my day job. It was very stressful, and I was working late hours. Then we moved to another city where my husband's family live (Mersin). Being alone in a new city pushed me to do something. In the past, I had always earned my own money, and just being a housewife did not make me happy. I took sewing and needle lace classes and developed my crocheting skills. Then I started to design and make crocheted jewelry. While searching the internet to find out "handmade" bazaars, I found Etsy and opened a shop, with limited items at first.

2. How do you choose the designs, yarns, and fabrics to make for your shop?

Crocheting is an art in my culture, and there are many supplies made specially for this. I buy lots of "oya crochet" threads in almost every color, and I buy any fabric I like if it is suitable to make a scarf or neck scarf. Regarding designs, I'm inspired by cultural motifs and nature (especially flowers).

3. What is your process when it comes to working collaboratively with your friends to create items for your shop?

I was alone when I started my Etsy shop. Then Zeynep , my best friend, joined me. Finally Meltem joined the team and we are now three crochet-loving ladies. Sometimes we all together make a design and choose the colors, materials, etc. Other times we do our own pieces. We are a nice team and good friends.

4. What have been some of your best-selling items so far, and how do you hope to grow your shop in the future?

Thread crochet necklaces are our best seller. We hope to open a small brick and mortar shop and take wholesale orders from different countries.

5. Is your work influenced by traditional Turkish arts and crafts?

Absolutely yes! Thread crochet and needle (sewing needle) crochet and scarves are very famous in our country. And our moms taught us crocheting at very early ages.

Thanks, Anakiz!

Introducing the Love & Pieces Jewelry Blog

More and more people are enjoying the convenience of buying jewelry online. You can have a boutique experience and find an impressive selection of pieces without leaving the comfort of your couch. If you want to keep up with new jewelry trends and other jewelry-related information, check out the jewelry blog created by Love & Pieces.

Love & Pieces is a curated online jewelry boutique based in Miami Beach and featuring an eclectic collection of pieces, from designer items to bohemian style and more. The site includes items at a variety of price points and has a nice selection of pieces meant for children as well as jewelry for women. The site's founder, Elissa, has an extensive background in fashion and has worked as a buyer for department stores.

The Love & Pieces blog presents useful info on a friendly tone without any sales pressure. A recent post, for example, gives a jewelry shopping guide for men who are looking to buy jewelry for the women in their lives over the holidays, and the post balances photos and links from other sites which depict current trends with links to similar items for sale on Love & Pieces. There's a nice balance between descriptions of products sold on the site and a larger context of jewelry and fashion as a whole.

The blog also includes a regular interview post where you can get to know the "featured designer of the month." I found a lot of info about jewelry trends while looking at back posts. There are some humorous posts, too, such as a Thanksgiving post which highlighted the ugliest Thanksgiving-themed jewelry. I never knew anyone had created earrings in the shape of roasted turkeys, but I learn something every day!

In short, if you like jewelry and want to keep up with current trends, designers, and more, check out the Love & Pieces blog. It's a pleasant read from writers who know their stuff!

Introducing ChronoStore, An Online Watch Retailer Based in New York

A leading online retailer for watches and jewelry, ChronoStore is based in Manhattan, New York. The jewelers at ChronoStore have decades of experience in customizing and selling watches, and they also offer a full-service repair center. Whether you're looking for a watch that will last many years, or you're wanting to restore a watch by having it professionally repaired, ChronoStore is a great resource to check out. They also sell a large collection of professionally inspected preowned watches. Learn more about Chronostore's services by clicking here.

1. How and when did Chronostore get started?

We first started selling jewelry in 1992, with only two employees. In 2000, we added watches to our inventory, and our business grew from there. Now we have over eleven employees, from salespeople to photographers to website administrators--and of course, several watchmakers.

2. What services do you offer for online customers?

We strive to offer competitive pricing and a solid return policy. We have low prices every day, including a special deal of the day that gives customers even more of a discount on our already discounted prices.

We have a 100% 14-day hassle free return policy, with no restocking fee for returned merchandise.

To meet our customers' needs when it comes to quality, selection, and pricing, we sell a variety of preowned watches. We also sell customized watches, which can include custom diamonds on face of the watches and/or the bands. We work with customers to create a unique watch by customizing dials and bands in many different ways.

3. What are some of the benefits for customers when it comes to choosing preowned watches instead of brand new ones?

All of the preowned watches we sell have been professionally inspected, so customers know they are getting a product that works well and isn't a cheap knock-off. Our watches are 100% authenticity guaranteed. With a preowned watch, you can get an expensive, high-quality watch for a fraction of the price.

4. When it comes to buying a watch for someone else as a gift, what are some tips you would offer?

Be sure to keep the receipt for 14 days, giving the recipient time to decide if they might need to return the watch for any reason. You should also keep the box and all the papers or manuals that came with the purchase. If any of items that came bundled with the item are missing, it makes it difficult for the item to be resold. Although there is no restocking fee, if you have to return an item and are missing any of the packaging, etc, ChronoStore will charge for the missing part which is usually more expensive because it's very hard to replace.

5. What are some good criteria for deciding when it's wise to have a watch repaired and when it might be time to buy a new watch?

We find that generally people buy a new watch because they want to own something new or stylish.

On the other hand, many people have a much-loved watch that they've owned for many years--or they might inherit a watch from a family member. Please bear in mind that all watches are repairable. Although watches can't always be repaired with their original parts, their parts can be replaced with after market parts which last the same amount of time--if not longer. In fact, after market parts sometimes function better than the original ones. When it comes to having a watch repaired, the labor and the parts are also very affordable.

Introducing JewelryBund, an Online Jewelry Wholesaler

Are you looking for jewelry at wholesale prices? JewelryBund manufactures and sells jewelry items to customers around the globe. The company aims to follow the latest trends from both Western countries and Korea in order to provide clients with a variety of fashionable products. The company owns three factories in China to produce their designs.

In browsing the site, I noticed a wide selection of pieces available for low prices. There are necklaces, rings, earrings, hair accessories, and more. The site offers selections of crystal jewelry items, rose gold jewelery, and silver jewelry. Wristwatches are available, too.

Some of the pieces are quite unique and striking, such as this silver ring with a colorful stone and nice-looking setting...

I could see how JewelryBund would be a fun site for entrepreneurs looking to sell fashion jewelry as well as for individuals who want to buy jewelry and other accessories for themselves and/or to share as gifts. These could be fun items for parties, showers, etc.

The Launch of Mizpah.com

A friend of this blog, Helena Lind, is getting ready to launch a new website for her company, MIZPAH® Jewels. Helena is a creative artist and professional who has taken a great deal of time and care in creating her line of jewels and gifts. The line is named after a word from the Holy Scriptures which is translated to mean "hopeful expectation" and to symbolize peace and wisdom.

The jewels are made in Britain and the European Union from solid, natural metals. The designs are detailed and have been created by artisans to meet Helena's high standards. There are pendants, charms, and other pieces as well. Truly, the project is a labor of love. In Helena's words, ""The mysterious word MIZPAH spoke to me since I was little. To me it was a magical spell of goodness, not knowing then that it would be exactly that for my life one far away day."

Keep up with the launch of this beautiful jewelry line by following Mizpah on Facebook.

Introducing My Fashion HQ

Did you know that I have another blog where I write about online selling on sites like eBay? I recently posted on that blog about My Fashion HQ, an auction website focusing on fashion, jewelry, and more.

My Fashion HQ entices buyers with no reserve auctions and affordable, often wholesale prices. Shoppers can keep up with fashion trends not only in clothing but also in accessories. The site has scarves, purses, and a big selection of jewelry. I noticed a particular emphasis on gemstone jewelry.

If you're interested in fashion and looking to explore a new marketplace as a buyer and/or as a seller, My Fashion HQ is part of an established network of websites with a screening process for sellers. It feels like a large marketplace at the same time that it feels like a small, trusted business--and I think this is a hard combo to pull off!

I'll be watching the site to see how it grows. Check out myfashionhq.com to see more for yourself.

Introducing Treasures Auctions, a Group of Auction Websites

Treasures Auctions was founded in 2004 by Wayne and Estela Sedawie, a couple with many years of experience of cutting gemstones. From their home in Australia, they wanted to make quality gemstones, jewelry, and other items available to customers all over the world. The Treasures Auctions website brings together a collective of six specialized international auction websites.

Each day, there are thousands of auctions on these sites, allowing customers find what they're looking for, often at wholesale prices. The site has sold over 350,000 items online to people in more than 64 countries worldwide. The six sites featured at Treasures Auctions are...

Opal Auctions, featuring a wide selection of opals from verified wholesalers from around the world

Gem Rock Auctions, a site with auctions for colored gemstones, minerals, jewelry, and other unique items

Jewelry Auctioned, with auctions from a collective of international jewelry wholesalers

Gemstones Auctions, a site specializing in synthetic / man-made gemstones

Coins Auctioned, featuring coins from around the world in gold, silver, and other precious metals

MyFashionHQ, the newest site in the collective which offers unique fashion clothing and accessories.

The Sedawies have built up a lot of industry connections during the years they have spent cutting and selling rare gemstones, and they put their knowledge and experience to work for the customer in setting up their auction sites. Their sellers go through an approval process, too.

Treasures Auctions also features an interesting blog with information about a variety of different collectibles, and it's a useful resource for those who want to learn more about gemstones, coins, jewelry, or other investments.

Meet Kate, Founder of Wonder Wander

Wonder Wander is an online custom jewelry and accessory store based in New York City. The shop sells a curated selection of jewelry, scarves, bags, and other fashion accessories.

Our interview below is with Kate, the site's founder. She earned a bachelor's in Statistics and Applied Math, then pursued an MBA degree in Marketing. Her education helps Kate to develop and evaluate business activities in both quantitative and qualitative aspects. After school she started her career in a designer clothing company and then a high-end fashion jewelry company, and these jobs got her involved in fashion's business world. After spending time researching the jewelry industry, Kate decided to build her own jewelry label, featuring stunning trendy custom jewelry with affordable price for everyone.

1. How did Wonder Wander first get started?

Years ago, when I was still in school, I started to shop for custom jewelry items for matching my daily outfits and for special occasions. Years later, after my graduation, many things have changed, but my interest in adorable jewelry was always growing. I started my career in a designer clothing company and then a high-end fashion jewelry company, in New York City. The jobs got me involved in the fashion business world, and in the meantime, I developed a stronger passion in looking for more jewelry pieces with great design and quality.

However, I was frequently astonished by the price points. A small chain necklace may sell for more than $60 to $80, and a large statement necklace with many jewels may be even up to $100 to $200 per piece. But there is no way to wear them all the time. After one to two seasons, they will be locked in my jewelry box forever. The price points were way over my budget. Then I started to think of a solution to solve this, and I believed there must be a large number of females who were encountering the same issue and looking for beautiful, stunning jewelry at an affordable price, so that they were able to constantly update their style. Then, I started to research the custom jewelry industry, and tried to find out the factors that made various costs so high, and the ways to manage that.

And with the non-stop effort, we eventually made it. Our delicate necklaces are only $30 on average, with very nice plating and handcraft. And some of them even have cubic zirconia stone. Cubic zirconia is a kind of man-made jewel which is more expensive and beautiful than crystals. It is durable and has a close visual likeness to diamonds. Also, our statement necklaces are only around $38, and earrings $28.

2. Where do you find the designers to feature on your site?

Thanks to our partner factories' strong support, we do not need to have an in-house designing team for now. As a new startup, there are many challenges. However, our partner factories have more than 50 designers in total, who may be sent to monitor new trends and travel around the world for inspiration. As I constantly research the US market, the team can also develop my findings and make them into various designs. As we grow, we also plan to have our own in-house team in two to three years in NYC, in order to better serve the US market.

3. What are the advantages that an online jewelry shop has over a brick-and-mortar store?

Fashion jewelry is a fast-paced, dynamic world. People's tastes and preferences for different styles are always changing. What is the most convenient and efficient way to get updates? The answer is definitely going on the internet and checking out our site.

Our goal is to make wwander.com a destination where people may not only get updates, but also find a paradise where they can spend their leisure time for fun. We also offer free shipping on orders over $36. After a few clicks on our site, their jewelry will be sent to them. If they would like to exchange an order and try something else on, no problem--just send them back and we are happy to help and even provide style advice. By joining our loyalty program, customers will also get free secret jewelry gifts from us. There are many easy ways to collect points.

However, we do not want to limit our products only to e-commerce. We also welcome local retailers to carry our adorable jewelry so that more people are able to enjoy the fun that jewelry can bring to us. For information about wholesale, please contact us at http://wwander.com/pages/wholesale.

4. Why is jewelry so pricey, and how are you able to offer more affordable pieces?

Jewelry is usually very pricey. There are many factors that cause this to happen, including labor cost, material cost, middle-man agency cost, operating cost, etc. We strive hard to manage our operating and labor costs by seeking advanced ways to improve efficiency. Nowadays, there are still plenty of jewelry companies that are performing in the old fashioned style to conduct business. In order to better meet the need of the market, businesses should always challenge themselves and bring real benefit to their customers. All pieces are directly from our partner factories, no middle-man agencies. In addition, our partner factories are leading jewelry manufacturers in the industry, and they are able to obtain quality material with an incomparable price.

We believe adorable jewelry should be for everyone. It also should be affordable and easy to find. A lower price point does not mean lowering your expectation on quality and design. We strive hard to cut down various cost burdens in order to achieve high quality and trendy jewelry design while offering an affordable price point!

5. In your personal opinion, what makes jewelry so important to fashion?

Clothing and accessories are two major elements and categories in fashion. Due to high gross margin, so many fashion labels are competing in the clothing sector. Yet only a few companies would like to position themselves in the jewelry niche.

Jewelry and clothing are both important to fashion. However, accessories are a little different from clothing, which is necessary for human beings such as food and shelter. Jewelry is an additional complement. It's more entertaining and spiritual, representing each individual's lifestyle and appreciation toward beautiful objects. We hope to make Wonder Wander a style shop for people to collect their favorite pieces. We believe fashion will change people's exterior "look" and interior emotion with their personal lifestyle and attitude.

Thanks, Kate!

Introducing JewelJam, Designer Jewelry from Around the World

JewelJam is a website which features designer jewelry from all around the world. The company was founded by a designer who had a dream of opening a marketplace to share with other women from countries all over the world who want to sell their unique creations online.

New designers often find it difficult to break into large marketplaces like Etsy and find an audience for their individual work. There are simply so many products on sites like Etsy and Opensky that it can be hard for customers to find the work of a new jewelry designer. JewelJam specializes in selling only handcrafted jewelry with high-end designs and designers.

The idea of the site is that you can feel like you're shopping in one of a kind New York boutiques--but from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are in the world. You get the high-end shopping experience without traveling anywhere but on the internet.

If you or someone you know loves to find the latest and most creative jewelry pieces, you might just enjoy the convenience and selection of JewelJam. The founder says that she strives to connect jewelry lovers with carefully selected pieces from the best new designers. In essence, you are getting a specially curated shopping experience.

To learn more, check out the latest in fashion jewelry from JewelJam and see what's out there!

Bashford Jewelry, an Eco Friendly and Fair Trade Company

There's always more to say about a unique independent business, so after interviewing Mildred Stephens, the CEO and founder of Bashford Jewelry, I decided to do a follow up post with more info about this fair-trade company--and share more photos of their jewelry.

Bashford Jewelry has worked to establish a reputation as an eco-friendly company. In addition to selling only conflict-free diamonds, they use recycled golds. The process of gold mining produces a lot of toxic waste and pollution, so it's great news for the environment to find a jeweler who is using recycled gold instead.

The mission of Bashford Jewelry is to create timeless and stunning jewelry using ethical labor and environmentally responsible sourcing. The company does research on the origins of all of the diamonds they use, in order to protect and preserve the environment and improve the livelihoods of the people who participate in mining--and live in areas where mining occurs. The diamonds used by Bashford Jewelry all come from Canada and Russia.

The company has a very nice line of engagement rings. They have a variety of classic and modern designs, many with diamonds but others with different stones for those who like sapphires and other stones. There's a nice selection of both white and yellow gold as well.

Finally, the company gives back to the community in other ways. With each purchase, they donate money to charity, and their website includes information on the different charities they support. The scope of their community support ranges from local (such as a rehabilitation center for adults in need of therapy and housing) to international (such as efforts to prevent human trafficking).

I think we'll be seeing more from Bashford Jewelry as their reputation both online and offline continues to grow. From my perspective, it's great to see a move toward eco-green practices in the jewelry industry!

Meet Alan and Elizabeth Hill, Makers of Wooden Rings

When Alan Hill married Elizabeth Hill, a metal allergy prevented her from wearing her beloved wedding ring for over a year. Inspired by Eizabeth's childhood home--a farm by the name of Lots-of-Oaks--Alan was inspired to create a ring out of wood for his wife. As time went on, Alan perfected his craft, and they soon found themselves being approached by people for rings of their own, and Northwood Rings was born.

Our interview below is with Elizabeth.

1. I was impressed at the variety of different looks of the rings on your site. What are some of the materials you use to create different designs for your rings?

The materials we use are constantly growing. We source most of the woods and stones from other artists that have small amounts left over, too little for any work they're doing. We're always taking in new materials to experiment with. Our common woods include Ebony, English oak, Walnut, Mahogany, Santos, and Indian rosewoods, just to name a few. We'll also be adding some really gorgeous patterned woods in early 2014. Some of my new favorites are Tulipwood, a rich red and pink striped wood, and a Mediterranean Olivewood.

Customers are also a big contributor to our materials list. They send sand, a shell they picked up on a beach, or even wood from their own property. The Birds Eye Birch that we display on our site was sent in from a customer in Quebec. It was such a beautiful piece of wood that we automatically added it to our site. Other materials we commonly use are crushed turquoise, crushed malachite (which has a beautiful rich green tone), and sands that we've picked up or collected along our own travels. We received a large paua shell from a New Zealand friend of ours, which creates striking inlays. We also offer gold and silver inlays to add an extra touch of beauty to our rings. We love the contrast between the smooth look of the metal and the grainy woods.

2. How do you work with customers at a distance to help them design their own unique rings?

Most of it comes from learning to listen. When designing wedding or engagement rings we'll start by getting to know the story. We'll ask where they met, their backgrounds, where they're heading, the best experiences they've had together, or what their relationship means to one another. We listen to what is important to them. For some, it's the experiences they've shared, and we'll base their rings off of those experiences. We've made rings from popular guitar woods and inlays for a couple that fell in love over music at acoustical concerts. For others, the symbolism found in the meanings of the wood and materials used are the most important part. We try to draw out their story and create from there. It's different from person to person, but I'll always tell my customers that they can't get it wrong. As long as the love and story is in the ring, it will never turn out badly.

3. How is the fit and feel of a wooden ring similar to--and different from--a metal ring, and what can customers do if their ring size changes and their wooden ring no longer fits?

The first reaction we always get when someone tries on one of our rings is that they can't believe how light they are. There's no weight like with a metal ring. The second thing they mention is the thinness and delicate appearance of the ring. Most people expect a wooden ring to be a bit chunky but the profile is similar to that of a metal ring and remains comfortable to wear, while the bentwood process ensures that it is durable and strong. The wooden rings also stay warm against your skin, even out in the cold, which is something I've always loved about them. The acrylic finish we apply makes them smooth to touch, which isn't very different from metal, but the grain and texture of the wood underneath creates a beautiful ring to look at.

Wooden rings do require a small amount of care. While our rings can be worn in water, keeping them away from harsh chemicals that can eat away at the coating, like chlorine or nail polish remover, and having to send them in for the occasional refinish adds a little bit more to the experience. A lot of our customers like the care they need to give to their rings. I've even had a customer mention that the care he needs to show his ring reminds him of the care he needs to put into his relationship with his bride to keep their marriage looking beautiful and like new. I loved that, and it added to the experience I have with my own ring, and with my husband.

As for size, we promise our customers rings that fit, and that includes over the lifetime of their wooden rings. Even though wooden rings can't be re-sized, it was important to me to create a wooden ring that could be worn for as long as a traditional metal ring could be. After all, most of these rings are going out as wedding rings and no one wants to choose a ring that won't last. We have a Care-For-Life Guarantee that ensures that if our customers are taking good care of their rings, we'll take care of them, too. The acrylic coating I mentioned keeps the wood sealed in and protected from water damage, chips, and other harm. When it wears down, we offer free refinishing so that the ring can be kept looking fantastic. As long as a customer is following our advice and sending their ring in for refinishing as that coating wears down, the ring will always look great. When they need a new size, we'll take back the old ring and replace it with one that fits at no charge.

To make sure we're not wasting a perfectly good ring, the old ring is then sanded down to the wood and given a fresh coat of finish. These rings are sold separately from our site to people who know they've had a past life and want to take them anyway.

4. Could you tell us a little bit about the bentwood process you use to make your rings?

The bentwood process is where our rings get their strength. When we make our rings, we use a long thin strip of wood going along with the grain. If you take a moment to picture a tree swaying in the breeze, bending with the wind, you'll get an idea of the bending that is possible. The grains that run up the tree allow for flexibility, and it's by manipulating this that we can create strong, lasting rings.

We take these long strips and steam them in a steam box. The heat and moisture adds more elasticity to the wood. Each variety takes a certain amount of time, and some woods have more flex than others. Once properly steamed, the strip is taken from the box and wrapped around a form. This part needs to be done quickly and carefully to make sure no cracking happens. The wood cools very quickly and will hold its new spiralled form.

When it's completely dry, we then take our spiral of wood and use an adhesive to glue the spiral into the right circumference for the ring we're creating. Each ring is made to order when our customer requests it, and nothing is done ahead of time. There is usually twelve inches or more in each ring and around five to seven layers of wood. The wood overlapping itself creates strength, sort of the way that staggered building blocks create strength, and the end result is a very durable, solid looking ring. From here the ring is shaped, sanded, and finished over a three day period of time and carefully inspected before being sent out.

5. For people who were unfamiliar with wooden rings before reading this interview, what do you most want to share with them about your rings?

I think most people hear of wooden rings and think that they will break easily or succumb to water damage within a few months. That's largely because wooden rings are nothing new and most have only experienced the cut-out variety that can be bought at the checkout counter for a few dollars. The difference between a bentwood wooden ring and one of these is not even comparable; they are very different rings. If anyone is interested in a wooden ring, they should talk to someone who has worn one, or give it a try for themselves. Even though they do require a slight amount of care, wooden rings can offer a beauty and uniqueness that can't be found in a traditional jewelry store. The whole idea of taking something that was once alive and had a story of its own and making it a part of your own story is the best part of wearing a wooden ring, in my opinion.

Thanks, Elizabeth!

Meet Mildred Stephens of Bashford Jewelry

Bashford Jewelry is a company dedicated to creating and selling beautiful one of a kind jewelry which is sourced and produced in ethical and environmentally responsible ways. Our interview below is with Mildred Stephens, CEO & Founder.

1. How did Bashford Jewelry get started, and what do you sell?

Through research, we became impassioned with the idea that responsibly-sourced jewelry could be an effective tool for social change in developing countries--and also create a better environment and help preserve it.

We offer eco-friendly, organic, and conflict free diamond engagement rings, men's wedding rings, women's wedding rings, and fashion and fine jewelry.


2. What processes does your company use to make sure that your diamonds are conflict-free?

Many of the world's diamonds are mined using practices that exploit workers, children, and communities. A million diamond diggers in Africa earn less than a dollar a day. Miners are dying in accidents, child labor is widespread, and corrupt leaders are depriving diamond mining communities of funds badly needed for economic development. Our beyond conflict free diamonds originate from Canada, Russia, and Botswana; the diamonds meet rigorous environmental standards, and producers are held strictly accountable to independent environmental monitoring agencies.

3. What is your company's mission?

Our mission is to make jewelry as beautiful and timeless as it can be, using ethical labor, eco-friendly materials, and environmentally responsible sources. We use only conflict free diamonds and research all our diamonds' origins, to protect and preserve the environment and improve livelihoods.

We work toward creating a greener diamond future, allowing us to fulfill our mission as the world leader in modern-day, ethically produced fine jewelry.



4. Would you tell us a little bit more about your commitment to ethical labor practices?



Our commitment to ethical labor practices is to ensure fair labor practices and safe, humane working conditions. All of our diamonds are mined in accordance with fair trade principles, providing local jobs and safe and progressive working conditions. Diamond miners receive fair wages, education, and skilled job training.

5. Do you design your own jewelry? If so, can a couple come in and design a ring with you?

Yes, we also specialize in affordable custom jewelry. We can create your memorable piece for you. The sky is the limit. Please send us your ideas or vision at create@bashfordjewelry.com.

Thanks, Mildred!