The Journey Is Life

When I began my jewelry journey, I was going through a rough period in my life. I had just spent several weeks in the hospital and family life was not going well. It was one of those tests our Creator sends out.

It all started as a stress relief; a way to get away from it all. Little did I know that It would turn into an obsession that would become my dream business.

Self-Discovery Journey

I call this my journey because I haven’t reached my destination. I know I am not where I am going to be, say in five years. It is a journey of self discovery. In my moments of creativity, I venture to learn a new technique. With it comes a new insight into me. …Who I am. What I stand for. My desires, hopes, and dreams…

Things sometimes just pop out of nowhere. Sometimes, things I have suspected become cemented. Other time, things I have tried to keep hidden burst to the surface and smack me in the face! Here, look at me!!!

Many things have transpired and many more will continue to open my eyes. It is a Godsend. I welcome these discoveries! Not to sound grim, but I do not want to be that person who realizes everything when they have no time to do anything about it.

Business Journey

With the personal realizations come business ideas. I don’t like the word business, but let’s call it that. I guess this is my business,, but to me it is still my obsessive hobby. I have learned a lot in this journey. I have improved my skills and learned that I cannot do it all. I have become selective in my use of materials and chosen those that represent me best.

Another thing that took me a long time to learn is that I cannot make things that fit everyone. I learned that it is okay that my pieces are not for everyone. They are laid-back and bohemian. They are for that part in all of us who is unashamed and a free-spirit. Not everyone has come to this point in their life. It is a process for some; others are born this way.

Gone are the popular trends that I sought to imitate, although with my own twist. Quick and easy findings were replaced by my own handmade findings. I do use them, now and then. It all depends on the materials I use for the piece.

I chose to focus on my preferred materials: copper, silver, and gemstones. They are natural. That tells me something!

Now, that’s the manual side. Along with it comes the attraction side. To me that’s the come look at me aspect of the business. You know, presentation, photography,,, I’m horrible, style, theme.. It also includes the brand.

Journey of a Brand

Getting a brand that suits me has been very, very hard! I have renamed my brand several times. First it was Creations by Norma and variations of this. Then came Your Treasured Designs which eventually was shortened to Treasured Designs.

When I came back again this year, I thought I had finally found it. It was still along the lines of treasured and it was shorter. Also, it was Spanish. To me this would represent me a lot better. Tesoros was born!

Well, it seems like I will be putting Tesoros to rest. I was so sure that this was it. I spent a lot of money on the brand the first time around, so I was iffy this time! But when I finally did, I was all in. I purchased brand jewelry tags, stickers, business cards, boxes, bags, t-shirts,,, you name it! I even created my own logo!

I surveyed coworkers, friends, and family on this. I took polls! On Facebook, I asked for opinions! I was so sure… Or so I thought. Deep inside there was something that just didn’t feel right and it gnawed at me all the time.

Journey Continues

Every other day, it seemed, I would interrogate my coworker Melissa. She has a business of her own so she was someone who I felt understood. In the beginning, she lent her opinion and her experience. I would eventually agree with her that It wasn’t a good idea to change the name. But, it just kept coming up!

It finally, I think, exasperated her. Some of her answers were filled with humor and a bit of sarcastic undertones: Again!.. Seriously?.. I thought you said you were keeping Tesoros?

Well, like I said, it was gnawing at me, a lot more than I thought.`

Yesterday, I went at it again. I woke up and ran to the computer. I began searching. And, searching… I finally, almost, came up with one. Well, three… And yes, I texted Melissa! And she answered, I don’t know! Maybe I…eg…s

I then texted my very good friend, Debbie and she is as sweet as pie so she didn’t yell. Yes, you can hear a person yelling through text. You can hear their tone. lol

Debbie said, One and three.

Now I had three different answers! What is a girl to do?

Well, exactly what I did. I bought all three!

Paused Journey

I’m at a place I’ve been before. It’s an uncomfortable place. And, not for the obvious reason. Picking a name, I think, is like picking your child’s name. Choose the wrong name and he or she will be scarred forever! I gave birth to two beautiful girls. Choosing their name was the most important thing for me. It was so important that I had given it thought way before the babies were ever a figment of my imagination. Your brand is your baby. It is your creation!

A brand name is the first impression of a business. I think it can make it or break it. Not to mention, if you use it as part of your URL, it is the address, the destination. Changing the name early in the business might not be too detrimental. Waiting around and thinking it over, however will affect your SEO rankings. If you’ve spent time and as some do, money, you will be jeopardizing your search rank. That’s lost followers.

This name brand thing is teaching me something. Am I afraid? If so, of what? Am I insecure?

Am I indecisive? I could be a bit, sometimes, especially when it is important and I want to get it just right!

I don’t know what it is just yet. Writing helps! That is why I love this blog and have had several throughout the years. I come back and read them and sometimes it is right there. Other times I just need to read between the lines.

I really hope that my posts are helping someone. That is why I put everything out there! Things might resonate with someone.

So, What Do You Think?

Tell me your experience!