So one of the chapters in my “Jewelry Selling Secrets” course is about charitable contributions, charity events, finding a cause etc.

Well a perfect example of the is the World Fair that I attended this Labor Day Weekend. I was on my daily walk to Starbucks with my dog Webber when I noticed the large sign promoting a street bazaar. Of course being a female and into fashion and jewelry, I had to take a quick peek

It was loaded with booths mainly promoting empowerment and independence to women in third world countries. I had a chat with a few key charities who really affected me, and wanted to share their stories.

NUINTENTIONS

The first booth that caught my eye was hosted by www.NuIntentions.com whose goal is to “Empower Women Worldwide.” The beautiful Peacock feather inspired neon necklace was not only hip and trendy to wear but it supported the Women in Uganda effort. The necklace I chose was handmade by “Sarah” in Kapelebyong, Uganda. The really cool thing is that you can go to the NuIntentions website and read each individual story whose design you chose.

I really LOVED this organization and can’t wait to wear my Peacock Necklace!

AFGHAN JEWELRY PROJECT

The second booth I was drawn to was called Inside Afghanistan where I met with the founder of “Afghan Jewelry Project” Bonita Chamberlin. She traveled to Afghanistan and began teaching the woman how to mine for precious stones. Then it turned into a full time mission raising over 3/4 of a million dollars since 2003. Her goal is to provide a sustainable income for Afghans for the future.

The bracelet I purchased is a fabulous silver cuff with Lapis Lazuli and is awesome!

INTERNATIONAL PRINCESS PROJECT

So as I’m writing this, I’m wearing my adorable red Balamani Capri “Punjammies.” Punjammies are pajama bottoms handmade out of Indian Sari fabric by talented women who have been rescued from a life of forced prostitution. All the proceeds of these pajamas go towards supporting and sustaining another valuable life!

You can read more about “International Princess Project” at http://intlprincess.org/

I am so excited that I was given the opportunity to meet such amazing women at the World Fair this weekend and am truly inspired by all the charitable efforts that are being made around the world to empower women. You go girls!

Cheers,
Kameron

PS – A few other awesome charities that were involved at the World Fair include:

www.nightlightbangkok.com
www.HopeWithoutBoundaries.com
www.pantstopoverty.com

So I was testing keywords for my google adwords account this morning (if you sell online, you will know what this means…) I came across this jewelry business and I thought it was so clever that I had to share it!

This is EXACTLY what I talk about in my course Jewelry Selling Secrets and interview with Jordan McAuley about “Finding Your Uniqueness.”

Smart Mom was developed by a dentist (and mother) who came up with an invention for babies who are teething and like to pull on their mother’s jewelry.  “Teething Bling” are baby safe and fashionable -  Brilliant!  Not to mention they look great so the celeb following is huge.

So when you are sitting at home thinking about what it is you want to do with your jewelry.  Sit back, take a moment, and think about what it is in life that you enjoy and love.  What hobby interests you?  What is your work experience?

Take your skill, passion and knowledge and turn it into profits   It’s a win win!  Smart Mom did it and so can you.

Cheers and Happy Beading!
Kameron

So I just read in the headline that Heidi Klum’s jewelry biz is going bankrupt. Why?

Because she apparently does not have the rights to use the four leaf clover design and has been sued by Van Cleef and Arples.

Wow! A four leaf clover.  And what about a heart?  Are we not allowed to design with that?  Hmmm.  What about religious symbols?  Who owns the right to crosses? This is very sticky,,,,

Any thoughts?

Side note – I received an e-mail this morning from David Weiman (if you are not on his newsletter list, you should at Marketing Jewelry)

The e-mail was an announcement about  “Copyright and Legal Issues” being held by Sarah Feingold at Beadfest, Philidelphia August 20th from 5-8pm. If you are a local, I’d check her out for sure!

You don’t want to end up like poor Heidi Klum   But then again, she’s beautiful and is married to Seal – So we don’t feel too bad!

Cheers and Happy Beading

Kameron

So I was recently in Lake Arrowhead for the 4th of July and I filled an order at one of my boutiques called “The Wishing Well.”  The owner there is an amazing Irish woman named Mary Kelly whom I absolutely adore as she is one of my very first clients (about 10 years ago now).

Anyway I decided to make a short video to show my work and then the thought dawned on me -

“Why not make personalized collection videos for each shop that carries your jewelry?”

Ok you may be thinking….this seems tedious and is over my head.  But if you own a Mac, it will take you about a half hour to make a short 2 minute video.  And believe me – I am NOT computer savvy.  I didn’t even own a digital camera until last year.  Having said that, Imovie is a Mac based program and it is FABULOUS for making short little demonstration videos to showcase your work.

So here is an example of one that I just made this morning from some photographs over the past year for a shop in Ireland called “Mount Gable Gifts.”  Now that the video is uploaded onto youtube, it will increase rankings for my personal jewelry website and send customers to my client as well.  So it is a WIN WIN for both parties and it takes a minimal amount of time.

Check it out – (Production time 30 minutes)

So go ahead – Make a video

Cheers.

Kameron

If you haven’t heard of Foxy Findings already, they have some awesome jewelry supplies!
I wanted to share this special opportunity with you.

Foxy Findings is currently offering a Facebook contest at:
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/foxyfindings?v=app_2344061033&amp…

All you need to do is
1. Join FB (if you haven’t already) and become a fan of Foxy Findings.
2. Go to their “Events” section and find the $50 Shopping Spree Contest!
3. Upload your latest jewelry design and you will be eligible to win!

Good luck!
The contest is only through end of July (Friday, July 31st) so enter now to win.

http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/foxyfindings?v=app_2344061033&amp…
Cheers.
Kameron

If you’re sick of trying to sell your jewelry,
I’ve got a Dr. in the house with a cure!

So if you aren’t already familiar with Dr. David Weiman,
let me give you a quick rundown.

He is a psychologist and marketing expert with a
concentration on selling jewelry.

David was the Marketing Director for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist,
the oldest gem, bead and jewelry arts magazine for over 20 years!

Although he is not personally a jewelry designer,
David grew up in a family of jewelers and uses his expertise
in psychology and marketing to teach artists how to SELL their work!

David has a slew of amazing products and courses that
will help you become profitable in your jewelry business.

David gave me the pleasure of an audio interview where he
revealed some real insider nuggets and tips!

Listen to the interview here :
http://www.kameronkay.com/blog/audio-interviews/

David ALSO was generous enough to give me a special promotional
discount through the month of July of $5 OFF ANY of his marketing products!

All you need to do to receive the discount is enter the code KAM5 in the
coupon code section at checkout!

http://www.webmarketingmagic.com/app/?Clk=2900041

Cheers and Happy Beading!

Kameron Kay
http://www.kameronkay.com

So I received a product for review in the mail from a inventor and entrepreneur in the jewelry industry.

Her name is Joey Stevens and she has released a cool product called “Earring-Aid,” a wrap around reinforcement strip to help hold heavy earrings.

Check out my quick video review

I give her a FIVE stars and I think everyone should invest in this product if they design heavy earrings as you always want your jewelry to look its best!

The earring aid website is : http://www.earring-aid.com

Cheers and Happy Beading!

Kameron

PS – Joey also has been featured at the 2009 Golden Globe Gift Suite.  I HIGHLY recommend that ALL jewelry designers use this type of event to propel their business to the next level.  Great job Joey

For more information on PR and celebrity events, check out my interview with Jordan McAuley “King of Celebrity Contacts” at http://www.kameronkay.com/celebrity

Tammy Powley has a fabulous demonstration of a Peyote Stitch American Flag that would be
a perfect Memorial Day project!

American Flag Peyote Stitch Project

So in between playing at the beach, BBQing on the deck or chilling poolside – Why don’t you give this a whirl?

Or if you need an excuse to get away from the Memorial chaos for a few minutes in the comfort
of your studio or bedroom – This is the perfect excuse…

Cheers and Happy Beading.

http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa091501.htm

I was recently approached to do a trunk show for a cute little boutique in Pacific Palisades called “The Cottage Shop” on Swarthmore (for those of you from Southern Cali you may be familiar with this upscale and trendy thorough fair) off Sunset Boulevard.

The owners name is Virginia Plumb and she is absolutely adorable.  Her shop has a children’s section,  run by her daughter, and they carry all sorts of wonderful clothing, Italian handbags, jewelry and accessories.

So for those of you in that neck of the woods, swing by and show your support!

Here is a link to the children’s shop to take a peak.
http://www.little-cottage.net

Tip 1
Trunk Shows offer a great way to get noticed.  People LOVE to meet the designer and hear about the pieces first hand.  Make sure to meet and speak with everyone at the show.  Step out of your shell and be the belle of the ball.

Tip 2
Customize pieces for clients.  I charge an additional fee for custom work.

Tip 3
Pair up with other designers in the shop that compliment your line.  For instance “The Cottage Shop’s” trunk show is also including the Italian handbag designer.

Tip 4
Serve alcohol if permitted.  Champagne or Bellinis are always a nice summer drink (Pimms if you are in the UK) as the customers tend to be more relaxed and in turn spend more $$$$

Tip 5
Make sure to take PLENTY of business cards.  You do not want to run low.

Tip 6
Negotiate the fees with the owner upfront.  If the pieces are not purchased outright, make sure you take a higher percentage.  I do a 60/40 split if on consignment.

Tip 7
Promote your show at least a week in advance.  Make sure the shop includes your name and logo on any brochure, mailer, postcard or flier.  Send to all your online social networking lists (e-mail, Facebook, Blog, Twitter).  Work with the store on creating a fun press release and submit it to all the local media outlets.  Create that buzz!

Tip 8
If you can, offer something for FREE.  Make 50 inexpensive toe rings or stretch bracelets.  If it doesn’t sway the customer to a purchase, they will remember your generosity every time they see your piece.  And they will pass your name along to friends and family.

Cheers!
Kameron