We have finally moved in to our new premises in Unit 3, Lock Up Yard, Cornmarket, Derby DE1 2DQ. Tel no 01332 209666. If you thought moving house was stressful, then try opening a shop before Xmas, after months of running around and relying on other people we finally managed to open on Sat 13th Dec. It was a hard slog with many a knock back, but we managed it. Phew!!!
We managed a number of sales which has covered our outgoings for December. (Bearing in mind it was Xmas) The real test is in the coming months (economic downturn) However, we intend to work hard at pushing this business, and will not rely on footfall. Mohammed and mountains spring to mind!
We will continue to contact prospective customers, and show them our range of products which, are very hard to find in the East Midlands.
More Blogs coming soon, but in the meantime, I am busy sorting out our Marketing Plan for 09.
Blesss!
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Wednesday 10 September 2008
Costume jewellery at the Autumn Fair
I attended the fabulous Autumn Fair which was held at the NEC in Birmingham. Of course I went with a view to source beautiful pieces of costume jewellery to sell in our shop. However, I managed to drift towards the volume and furniture halls where, I was distracted by a number of gadgets. But anyway, Imanaged to talk to a number of suppliers, including Jackie Brazil. For those of you who are fans of this innovative jewellery designer, we are hoping to stock their fantastic designs in the near future. Lookout for the Liqourice Allsorts design!
We also managed to speak with the following:
SimStars
Addison Ross of London
S.T.A.M.P.S.
Suzie Blue
I would also like to make a special mention to C.H.I.Q. a Do it Yourself jewellery company based in Sweden.
Have to go now. See you soon at Monkey Shirley's Emporium. (Currently in the process of opening our shop in Derby City Centre)
We also managed to speak with the following:
SimStars
Addison Ross of London
S.T.A.M.P.S.
Suzie Blue
I would also like to make a special mention to C.H.I.Q. a Do it Yourself jewellery company based in Sweden.
Have to go now. See you soon at Monkey Shirley's Emporium. (Currently in the process of opening our shop in Derby City Centre)
Tuesday 19 August 2008
I am back! with Dominican Amber and Larimar
Just had a wonderful holiday in the Dominican Republic with the family. I tried my best to avoid jewellery, but failed miserably. We stayed within the Playa Darado resort after arriving at the the airport at Puerta Plata. On our third day we were given a guided tour of Puerta Plata which included a visit to a local Amber and Larimar jewellery factory. Amber we all know about. However, we were given an introduction to the one and only Larimar jewellery. Larimar Stone (Blue Pectolite) is a rare form of pectolite with a blue green appearance similar to the colour of the Caribbean Sea.
Larimar is mined at 'Las Chupaderos' int he section of 'Los Cheseses' This is 10 Kilometres Southwest of Barahona in the South Western region of the Dominican Republic.
Discovered by Norman Rilling and Miguel Mendez, the name was given to this stone by Senor Mendez. It is a combination of 'Larissa' (his daughter's name) and Mar, the Spanish word for sea.
I could not resist the seduction of this stone which, I understand has metaphysical powers. Legend has it that the Dominican Republic is part of the lost city of Atlantis. In the future I hope to research this further. But in the meantime I will be posing in my beautiful Dominican Amber and Larimar bracelet and ring.
Larimar is mined at 'Las Chupaderos' int he section of 'Los Cheseses' This is 10 Kilometres Southwest of Barahona in the South Western region of the Dominican Republic.
Discovered by Norman Rilling and Miguel Mendez, the name was given to this stone by Senor Mendez. It is a combination of 'Larissa' (his daughter's name) and Mar, the Spanish word for sea.
I could not resist the seduction of this stone which, I understand has metaphysical powers. Legend has it that the Dominican Republic is part of the lost city of Atlantis. In the future I hope to research this further. But in the meantime I will be posing in my beautiful Dominican Amber and Larimar bracelet and ring.
Thursday 31 July 2008
Holiday
Will be taking a holiday for two weeks to the Dominican Republic. Well earned rest!
Just managed to locate the British Jewellery Association. Very useful site with many membership benefits. Also has interesting articles on trends in the jewellery industry, and also has tips and recommendations on selling costume jewellery online. Will definitely consider when I return from hols. When I am back I will be researching a number of topics including Tagua or Vegetable Ivory to some!. Baltic Amber, and Murano Glass Jewellery. Will also be exploring the development of the African Jewellery market, in particular that of Ghana.
I also forgot to mention allergies (nickel blah blah)
Well, Off to the DR I go. (Blue Amber!)
Just managed to locate the British Jewellery Association. Very useful site with many membership benefits. Also has interesting articles on trends in the jewellery industry, and also has tips and recommendations on selling costume jewellery online. Will definitely consider when I return from hols. When I am back I will be researching a number of topics including Tagua or Vegetable Ivory to some!. Baltic Amber, and Murano Glass Jewellery. Will also be exploring the development of the African Jewellery market, in particular that of Ghana.
I also forgot to mention allergies (nickel blah blah)
Well, Off to the DR I go. (Blue Amber!)
Tuesday 22 July 2008
Costume Jewellery Online
We hope to provide our customers with a new range of costume jewellery pieces from around the world. We are also in the process of negotiating with Derby City Council with a view to opening the first Monkey Shirley's Emporium. Our aim is to provide our customers with unique pieces which, allows them to be unique. Some of our jewellery and bags cater for the needs of those who are less subtle, and wish to stand out in a crowd. There are a number of manufacturers who, cater for such individuals. ie Kelevra, Vendula, etc
Our bottom line is simple. 'Monkey Shirley makes you feel good'
When people ask us what we do for a living? Our answer is: 'We make people feel good' In addition to making people look good on the outside, we also make them feel good on the inside by letting them know that we promote fair trade as well as being proactive in reducing our Carbon Footprint.
In our blogs we will covering a number of subjects around costume jewellery. We have the opportunity to place these articles online and receive feedback on anumber of issues pertaining to jewellery and other fashion accessories.
Our bottom line is simple. 'Monkey Shirley makes you feel good'
When people ask us what we do for a living? Our answer is: 'We make people feel good' In addition to making people look good on the outside, we also make them feel good on the inside by letting them know that we promote fair trade as well as being proactive in reducing our Carbon Footprint.
In our blogs we will covering a number of subjects around costume jewellery. We have the opportunity to place these articles online and receive feedback on anumber of issues pertaining to jewellery and other fashion accessories.
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