Cindy Wimmer's studio - www.sweetbeadstudio.com

Hello + and welcome to my studio!

I’m participating in the weekly photo challenge, Focus on Life.  For Week #9, our photo prompt is Knock, Knock!  Here you see the doors that open into my studio.  This room is my little slice of heaven.  Along one wall, my collection of Victorian albums are stacked on the book case.  On the opposite side of the room,  tools lie in wait on my “work bench”.  Dainty figurines and several vintage dress forms keep me company.  This is the only pastel room in my house of 5 guys! Stepping into this room, I am inspired to create and dream.

This year I’m taking a new outlook on creating jewelry.  My guiding word for 2013 is Intentional.  I have taken an intentional path in the past years with my jewelry –  and I’m hoping to achieve one of my biggest goals with my wire jewelry book that is due out in the Fall.  Now I am turning my attention to the business of creating jewelry.  I’ve been taking an amazing online class with Flourish & Thrive Academy that has opened doors for me…and I am looking at what I do in a fresh new way.  Through this program, I have learned a great deal from two knowledgeable instructors (and realize I have so much more to learn!).   I’ve also enjoyed the support and sharing of information through our very active class FB group.  Next up is the famed B-School by Marie Forleo…. this course was a Valentine’s gift from my husband and I’m looking forward to jumping in.

Speaking of jewelry + business, I’ve gathered up a list of resources for jewelry designers…. some are new to me, and some are long-time favorites.  I’ve chosen to focus primarily on women entrepreneurs that are experts in their fields.  Visit these sites to find all kinds of free articles and information, as well as an incredible number of virtual courses.  You may find just the  inspiration to help you open the door to growth for your jewelry business.

A great list of business resources for jewelry designers by Cindy Wimmer - www.sweetbeadstudio.com

Resources for Jewelry Designers:

Flourish & Thrive Academy – Robin Kramer and Tracy Matthews really are a dynamic duo, and they have combined their extensive experience to create a one-of-a-kind online jewelry business school.  Designer interviews, coaching, webinars and niche programs can be found at F&TA.

Marie Forleo – Marie is a business and marketing genius, and runs the incredibly popular B-School (an online business school for modern entrepreneurs).  You can receive Marie’s newsletter to up your business game weekly.

Cassera Communication – Melissa offers a wealth of knowledge on PR through her posts, coaching and online programs.  Learn how to build recognition, visibility, and press!

LKR Social Media –  Laura Roeder shares information and programs for small businesses focusing on social media and online marketing.

Amy Porterfield – Amy is an incredibly successful social media expert, author, and trainer.

Launch Grow Joy – Andreea Ayers shares great information, webinars, media & store lists, and eCourses to support your business.

Blacksburg Belle – April offers programs and loads of inspiration to help you with your creative business.

Danielle Laport – Danielle is a business strategist, inspirational speaker and author.

Heidi Cohen – Heidi is an actionable marketing expert (her site has loads of resources – you could be reading for hours).

Designing an MBA – Megan Auman is a jewelry designer whose informational site is full of resources and programs for fellow designers and makers.

Marketing Creativity  –  learn how to market your hobby into a handmade business success.

Stephenie Zamora – Stepheni offers a mix of life-purpose development, marketing, and branding all in one place.

Laura Garnett  –  Laura helps finding one’s “Zone of Genius” –  the foundation of successful branding and business strategy.

Just ask Kim (Kim Castlebury) – Kim’s site offers great information on marketing for online businesses.

Alyson B. Stanfield /Art Biz Coach – Alyson provides everything from regular business tips to art business bootcamp.

More Resources:

Oh My! Handmade Goodness – a supportive community of creative entreprenuers.   Fresh stories and resources are shared daily.

Successful Business Talk.Com – Sheila Butler provides fantastic interviews with successful entrepreurs – learn about business practices, social media, and everything in between.

Scoutie Girl– a digital zine and community.  Tara Gentile (editor of SG) is a well-known blogger and business coach.

Arts Business Institute – a nonprofit organization providing business education for creative entrepreneurs. Workshops and individual consulting available.

* If you have a favorite business resource not listed, please share!

 – Cindy xoxo

 

10-New-Years-Resolutions-for-Entrepreneurs-3

 by Stephanie Chandler of  Business Info. Guide

 

{ 33 comments }

Focus on Life – Week 8 {monochromatic}

by Cindy on February 23, 2013

Hello!

This week’s Focus on Life challenge is all about monochromatic pictures. I happen to love classic black and white pictures, and vintage sepia tones.  I decided to share a very recent picture, one take this evening as a matter of fact.

There are a bunch of jewelry designers living right here in northern VA and we’ve been trying to get together for a good old-fashioned cookie swap since the holidays.  Even though not  everyone could make it, we forged ahead and finally met for an evening of great talk and yummy cookies.  Kathleen’s husband was so sweet and made us freshly ground coffee, his specialty.

Focus on Life_Monochromatic_opt

(L to R) Jeanette, Kathleen, Nancy (no blog – yet), Sandi, Me and Julie Anne

 

Focus on Life_Monochromatic_cookies_opt

Four hours flies by when you’re among friends, especially when you have a love of beads in common.  The best coffee and plenty of cookies right smack in the middle of table sealed the deal.

Focus on Life_Monochromatic beads_opt

Oh my, and then there were beads.  Beads like we have never seen before.  An exclusive look in to Kathleen’s studio, and we all thought we died and went to heaven. 🙂  Fun was had by all.

Please visit Sally Russick’s blog and see what other monochromatic goodies are being shared!

– Cindy, xoxo

{ 25 comments }

Focus on Life – Week 6 {feel the love}

by Cindy on February 9, 2013

Here it is, week 6 of Sally Russick’s Focus on Life 2013 photo challenge.   The prompt this week – “feel the love”.

One way I feel the love, is when I am making things.   Another way – when I’m spending crafting time with my little buddy.  Oh how he loves to make things with his little hands too.  And that sure makes me happy!

Focus on Life_Week 6 - Paper Hearts by Cindy Wimmer

Focus on Life_Week6 - Painting with watercolors

Focus on Life_ Week 7 - Painting 2

To see the many ways others in the Focus on Life community are “feeling love”,  please stop by here.

– Cindy xoxo

{ 31 comments }