There was a buzz in the office today. Well, when I say office, I mean myself and a team of two others. As Founder and Creative Director of a growing jewellery label, my staff included a 20-Something Sales/Marketing Manager who guided our expansion into retail and online stores nationally and an even younger Office Manager who ran the business like it was hers -- leaving me to create, experiment and play.
Today I needed to come out of my creative zone to meet, greet and woo a mix of media and retailers for the launch of our new range. The showroom had been set up immaculately, the jewels sparkling, champagne and canapΓ©s ready to be served, giftbags packed to the brim with goodies, our lookbook printed and music pumping through the overhead speakers, all with hours to spare. The butterflies in my stomach could not even begin to describe the nerves I felt. Shifting the focus with this range towards an edgier and darker market was a step out of my safety space and a step towards a higher price point. The results, however, spoke for themselves. I truly hoped our guests today would see our vision and the potential in delivering the range to market.
"There is no need to be so nervous," Nelly, my Office Manager, came up behind me taking in the room. "We have thought through every detail, invited the right people and we will secure the right accounts."
"It's just such a departure for the label..." I trailed off.
"An evolution not a departure, my little Lucy," with a glint in her eye she took my hand. Guiding me around the room Nelly described each piece in detail, before pulling me in close. "I have a magical technique that will guarantee that you will not only relax but glow for the entire night. But not here," as she took in the room before her, "perhaps the office would be more comfortable."