January Market in Atlanta

It's a rainy day here in Atlanta, and there are flash flood warnings until 3 pm. Luckily, I'm in the AtlantaMart, staying warm and dry, and selling Freshie and Zero to retailers from around the country.
My boss, Beth Lawrence, is a great jewelry designer, an awesome employer, and has an incredible eye for design. One of the skills she really wows people with - both clients and fellow sellers - is her ability to make a creative, cohesive,  and easily navigable display. Working with Beth has made me realize how much more goes on behind the scenes when running a business than the average consumer may realize.
Below are a few photos of the newly redesigned display for this market. Enjoy, and stay inspired!

Full booth shot. It's so airy, and the punches of color are perfect.

The Best Seller Package

Beth has a keen eye for using everyday objects for her displays.

Letterpress earring cards display nicely in a tray with candle-scaping sand.

The Story Collection (on the wall)

Professional photography showcasing the jewelry helps clients get a feel for how the pieces hang on a person.

Creative use for a dessert stand.

Keeping My Inner Dialogue Positive

I've been having a week of fits and starts. I'm currently waffling between angry and hyper-motivated, and discouraged and ready to crawl into bed. Everyone goes through this, both personally and in our jobs, whether we're scientists, artists, or full-time parents.

In the midst of this self-doubt, I am trying to keep several positive thoughts in mind:

1. I have a great life and a fun job. I even have my design work published on a regular basis.

A small ad I designed for one of my clients, Frames By U, as seen in the September 2013 issue of Nashville Arts Magazine.

2. Nashville has a wonderful network of people. I sat for portraits by Deone Jahnke a few days ago. She works with countless local artists, and is making a good name for herself in Nashville. She also happens to be a total sweetheart and one of my neighbors. Occasionally, she needs someone to feed and smoosh her kitties when she's out of town, so we have a trade of photos for pet care going on. Here's one of the photos from the first session:

I am totally willing to believe I really look like this.

3. A week from today, I'll be packing to go on the road for a small tour with The One and Only Bill Davis. We'll be playing in Brookfield, IL, Manitowoc, WI, and Milwaukee, WI. My brother's band will be backing us, and we're going to (hopefully) get paid to play music! While we travel! It's another important step in both Bill's and my music career, and it's really exciting!

4. I actually have everything I need. I am fed, clothed, and have a cozy house to call my own. My husband is talented, smart, loving, and supportive. My family, though they aren't very close geographically, is totally awesome, as are my in-laws. I am healthy and continue to make improvements in my life that keep me that way. All-natural soaps, anyone?

Made On Acorn Hill soaps

The little things often make the biggest differences, and I have to keep that in mind when I feel the weight of the responsibility of making the "right" choices. In the end, even "wrong" choices teach us something.

Now, on to conquering the world, one happy client at a time!!!

Tell me, what do you do turn things around when you start to feel low?