More Ramblings of an Overly Tired Mind...

In the past, I have run businesses for other people.  Worked in commission-based environments where it imperative to manage/develop a clientele. Maintain relationships with people.

BUT...

As I approach the end of my First full year of running DeAndreaDesigns as an actual brick and mortar store, I wonder why it has been so difficult for me to call myself a “Business Owner”?

I have finally gotten used to referring to myself as an “Artist”-that one took a very long time.  “Jewelry Designer” came along a little more easily. It was easy-very easy- to say I made Jewelry in my spare time, as a hobby.  It was said with Pride, almost boastful, I am ashamed to say.

But why the problem with identifying as “Business Owner” or “Artist”?  Even though I know that is what I am.

No lack of Confidence here...
Ruby Pendant and RubyQuartz Earrings

“Artist” sounded pretentious to my ear.  But, honestly, it was a lack of confidence in My Art...Was.


“Business Owner” sounds like I am putting on airs when I know that I have to continue to wait tables to make sure all the bills are paid on time.  I guess I get tired of answering the question of “why I am waiting tables if I own a store?”

In the past I was a waiter full-time who played with making jewelry. Mostly just as a hobby.  TODAY, I am a Business Owner trying to get established in a hostile economy while waiting tables on the side.

Sparkle Between a Rock and a Hard Place

In everyone’s Life there are days that make us look back to see how far we have come. To look inside to see how much we have Grown. To look around and see where we are going.

Today is one of those days. It is my Birthday. I am 44 today.  How it happened that I am suddenly in my mid 40’s, I have no idea. Honestly, I would not trade it for anything-well, I might trade away waking up without all the creaks and cracks.

A lot has happened in the last 2 years that have brought to this point in my Life.  Some of them devastating at the time, but each and every event exactly what I needed to be sitting right here where I am.   In my own Store, surrounded by my Creations and New Inspiration Daily

I will start with the best.  I have to go back a little over 3 years for this one. I met my Partner-a Wonderfully Supportive person that allows me to be more than a little controlling, more than a little neurotic.  I would not have survived this well without Him.

New Home of DeAndreaDesigns and Me

Now for the two Biggies that could have destroyed me if I had not fought and looked for the Silver Lining...
In order...
First, a year and a half ago, our Home was broken into, ransacked, burglarized. Not just once, but 3 times in the space of a Month...This got us to move to Mt Washington and see potential of such a Vibrant Neighborhood. Creating a Home in an area of the City that I would never have looked at before
Secondly, I lost my job unexpectedly-it happens to everyone. I always put off opening my Store because I did not want to give up the Security of a steady paycheck.  Guess what?  I did not have one anymore.  With the help of a Friend in the Community Development Corporation of Mt Washington, I found this Perfect abandoned space and made it all my own.

I could have sat and wallowed “Woe is me” and just moved into another apartment, in a neighborhood that I was comfortable in...Nope, we made a Home again.

I could have gone and found another well paying Retail Management Job and put off my Dream until I had what I thought was enough money to open the Store...Nope, I listened to the Universe and CREATED my Dream.

Now, with a new year dawning, I have the opportunity to bring together my HomeLife and My Art. The Construction has begun on the New Home of DeAndreaDesigns and myself. A gorgeous Live/Work space perfect for the Store and Entertaining. Perfect for me to Chill, Relax, and be surrounded by all that makes me Happy.

Although I still have to wait tables at night to make ends meet, and I still cannot travel to all those Exotic Locales that you, my readers, live.  I would not change the Struggles, the Catastrophes, and ultimately the Triumphs...

I am truly able to “Sparkle Between a Rock and a Hard Place”.