Jewelry Show at a Retirement Home
by Monique Fowler.
What an odd co-incidence it was to receive Rena’s wonderful newsletter with the feature article on doing a holiday show at a retirement home, the very afternoon I was about to set off to do exactly the same thing!
Midnight cuff bracelet by Monique Fowler.
The experience I had meeting with the residents, chatting and laughing didn’t feel much like hard work.
Having said that, it was one of my most profitable shows so far, making four times my last market stall earnings, and in two hours rather than six!
Profit of course isn’t the only reason we are in the jewellery business, and I was happy to know that I was providing a valuable service to the ladies, meaning that they could do their Christmas shopping without even having to go out!
I can’t recommend this niche market enough to other jewellery artists out there.
Mermaid’s Treasure hand-knitted wire and bead bracelet
by Monique Fowler.
After my experience, I have some advice that I hope will be useful if you decide to try this type of show:
Tips for Jewelry Shows
at Retirement Homes
- Be patient.Make the time to chat. In a retirement village no one is in a hurry, and it can be refreshing to catch onto this vibe!
- Speak up.You may have to speak a lot louder than usual, but remember not to come across as yelling or shouting.
- Be ready for non-pierced ears.Have a ready supply of clip-on earring findings that you can use on the spot to changeover to from pierced findings if a customer would like.A lot of older people don’t have pierced ears, and they aren’t all shopping for presents for younger people!I made the mistake of not thinking about this, but have luckily had several custom orders for clip-on changeovers!
- Decorate for the season.This type of show is popular around Christmas, so it looks great to add some extra decoration to your stall, even if it’s just some tinsel.I like to use all green to match my branding.
- Get involved!Chat to other vendors and the care staff. You never know what valuable information, opportunities or networking you may come across!In fact, I was asked to draw the raffle that another vendor was holding for the residents, with a large Christmas cake as the prize.After hearing I had drawn the raffle, a lot of the residents came back over to my stall for a bit more of a chat and browse.
- Lastly, get on with it!Christmas is fast approaching, so if you’re planning to try out this type of stall, don’t waste anytime in contacting your local retirement homes and finding out who is interested.They may even have an existing Christmas fair – I was lucky to come across one through a family member’s work connection.
Dangles charm necklace by Monique Fowler.
Best of luck and I hope you enjoy getting into this wonderful niche as much as I have. For me, it’s on to planning additions and improvements for the Easter show I have been invited back to!
Author Monique Fowler’s Mishimon Designs offers something unique and special to suit all tastes. She says, “We are a mother and daughter team with a shared passion for all things shiny and fun to wear!”
Mishimon Designs include a gorgeous range of handmade one-of-a-kind jewellery, as well as a large choice of beautifully handcrafted gift items. Be sure to visit Mishimon Designs etsy shop to see more!
