one year later

Here's the inside of my new space at the Olympic Mills Building. I feel spoiled rotten to be in the same building as Olympic Provisions, Citrus, Parliament Design, and other high-falutin' businesses.

Of course, this means I'll be moving out of my Multnomah Village studio, which I've shared with local jewelry legend and dear friend John Rink for the past year. I'll miss the days filled with a rare mix of tasteless jokes and sparkling diamonds.

I supposed it was time to leave my little jewelry incubator to move into a larger space. Seven new stores picked up my jewelry line in the past month or so, and I needed more room.

Of course, I'm no stranger to change. Today marks the one-year anniversary of my departure from my former job. Many of you knew me in my previous profession in the retail clothing world, before I was "reincarnated" back to a jewelry designer (I use the phrase back to because jewelry is what originally led to my 7-year stint at the boutique).

Do I miss it? Yes, sometimes I do. But, a lot of times I don't. Life moves you through stages, and I believe you have to see what's in front of you with new eyes sometimes.

One year ago, I was really confused about what the future held, but at the same time, I knew what I had been doing wasn't right for me anymore. Fortunately, I was able to take all the things (good and bad) I learned with me.

I couldn't be more fortunate than I am today. In 12 months time, I started a viable business, got back to my roots as a designer, and I hope to hire my first employee later this year. I'm headed to a trade show in a few weeks, where, for the first time, I will be the rep, no longer there as a buyer.

Wish me luck,

Katy