Thoughts.....

Darby and I moved our booth to Antiques Emporium at Cameron Village back in February and we are very pleased with our sales thus far. After running lots of numbers and having lots of conversations we realized that, at our old location, I was doing the equivalent of what we call "schlepping loans" in the banking world. It is NOT a desirable position to be in. As a banker, you do not want to "schlepp loans". It means "churning". And churning can be good in many situations, but this type of churning is bad. It is the churning of undesirables. And while some dealers like to "churn", I was completely worn out. I was drained. Not just physically drained, but emotionally. Something that used to bring me joy had become a drain on my life. Churning and I just don't mix. Several dealer friends made sure I was aware that sales were much slower at our new location. I admit, I was a little scared about that. I was used to quick turnover and the thrill of the sale. But a tiny voice kept urging me forward. After a rather devastating theft to the tune of $4000.00 at our old location (ummm...yeah...someone just walked in, picked up a case, broke into it, casually selected their pick of fine gold and gemstone jewels, filled their grubby pockets up and walked on out) I listened to that tiny voice and signed a contract. Three months later, I am finding pleasure in arranging my jewelry displays again. Why? Because I am able to take time and select high quality merchandise that I find appealing rather than grab what I can find at cheap, cheap prices whether I like it or not. And you know what? The funniest thing has occurred. My sales, dollar-wise are greater...and I am selling FAR fewer items. For example. On any given month at my old location, I sold, on average, 50-60 items per month. This past month at Emporium I sold less than 20 items. Whoa, there doggie...slow down! But, JOY OH JOY! I can breathe again! I can enjoy what I do! This slower pace produces the same results with nowhere near the amount of stress! YES! Finally! A match! Dare I hope! Dare I dream! Could it be? That tiny voice is quivering with excitement, totally repressed...rather like a cocooned butterfly. My little wings are just all aflutter this evening as I type. Plus, the clients I have met seem very interested in developing a relationship with a knowledgeable dealer. I was in the other day and met the cutest lady who collected "Miriam Haskell." I about fell out. She was only too happy to take 2 lovely pieces off my hands...including the hand painted bone bracelet I pictured 2 posts previously! I also met a lady a few weeks ago who was looking for just the right touch for her evening gown for a benefit that evening. I had a fabulous 1950's "Regency" converted fur clip. She was thrilled to pieces, and I guarantee no one else had one on. These are the interactions I have been craving. I am pleased thus far, and really hope things continue to go well. The slower pace also works well with a baby. Excuse the rambling...this is supposed to be a journal after all...every now and then I may just have to do a "real" journal entry. :)