Passion...The Secret of Design Longevity

I subscribe to an email newsletter about selling handmade jewelry. I have learned much from this experienced jeweler, who also happens to be educated and experienced in the psychology of selling. However, I did have a difference of opinion when he posted an answer to a question from one of his readers. The question was "should a jewelry maker create a lower priced line to capture the lower end of the jewelry buying market?"

His answer was NO. His reason was because the best designs come from the passion a designer has for designing and making jewelry. Huh? And that passion "sweet spot" occurs only at the higher end of the cost spectrum? I disagree.

I believe true passion for designing expresses itself at every end of that spectrum. One of the designs I am the most passionate about is a line of small earrings I've been making since almost day one of my venture into selling my designs. My "Itty Bitty Earrings" have been selling for $2 a pair since 2007, and I have not lost my passion for looking for tiny beads, dreaming up tiny designs, and providing these designs to customers who prefer subtle touches of shine to the oversized beads that are much easier to find. I am just as interested in the customers who buy these "low end" earrings, as I am the customers purchasing $50 or $60 necklaces. It never ceases to thrill me when young girls look through my designs and excitedly point out their favorites to their little friends, knowing that they will be able to buy something they can continue to be excited about. My hope is that I will be designing for these customers for years to come.

I have passion for every aspect of designing and selling jewelry. Remember that feeling on Christmas morning of being completely overwhelmed with excitement and happiness at the sight of all of the wonderful Christmas things? That is the feeling I get when I buy beads. First when I order them, then when they come, then when I unpack, sort and organize them. The proccess of designing and making jewelry is a bit like the "Christmas shopping" feeling. It's like putting together a gift that you hope the intended recipient will love. It's a surprise, it's a secret, it's put together with excitement and love. And when that recipient finds that design, and they gasp, squeal, or even just smile, it's an instant connection between me and that person. A stranger becomes a friend and that piece of jewelry is the connection that remains indefinitely.

Passion is the fire that permeates every design. If a designer's passion only sparks with the big things, that fire will not last. If the passion is only about the money, it's not true passion. My passion is to reach as many people with this powerful interesting medium as possible. So to all my friends and family...forgive my zeal for spreading the gospel of beads and wire. Passion.