Defeating the Imposter Syndrome

I get a great sense of pride and joy from announcing to people that I am a jewelry Artisan. Sometimes I can’t believe that I have built a great business pursuing my passion for jewelry design and networking with artists and entrepreneurs. I talk about taking my business to the next level all the time. I know there are plenty of multi-million dollar handmade jewelry design businesses and I am certain that my business could reach that level. So what am I waiting for? When I was still a slave to Corporate America, I would never remain on a job for longer than 6 months before boredom would set in and I was expecting a raise and a promotion for all my hard work. So why am I content to slow crawl my way to success when I am in control? I guess it’s because I don’t consider myself an expert in the jewelry making industry. I know I’m great at what I do, I receive requests for my creations, and I have customers all over the world. So, what is missing from my portfolio to classify me as an expert? If I’m not an expert, I guess I’m an imposter, pretending to be an artist until someone else says yes, Michelle you are an artist.

In a recent post to her blog Ali Brown, millionaire entrepreneur and mentor to thousands of other women entrepreneurs, states that “entrepreneurs should position themselves from the start of their business as experts in their field.” This is the attitude that will propel a business to where we want it to grow. So instead of impersonating a Jewelry Artisan, it’s time to make my vision for All-Earz Jewelry a reality.

About a week ago I offered people the opportunity to take jewelry making classes with me. I would like to open up that offer again but this time I want to invite any of my local followers to take jewelry making classes with an expert in the field of jewelry creation and design and the owner of a successful international, handmade jewelry design business whose designs appear in popular fashion magazines and have been worn by celebrities. It will also be my pleasure to share some of my design techniques here on my blog for those who may not be able to attend a traditional class.

So, what are you doing today to break out of the Imposter Syndrome? Do you believe in yourself? Are you setting goals for your business and are you putting forth the effort that is necessary for you to achieve those goals? Are you really an artist, an entrepreneur, teacher, writer, etc., or are you just impersonating one until you’re told otherwise.

See you at the top!

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About Vintage Costume Jewelry Designers

This a very interesting video on the history of costume jewelry. It also provides some great information on vintage jewelry designers . You may be surprised to find out that you are the owner of some great vintage pieces. Which designer is your favorite?

What's your Creative Process?

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Wow. I can't believe a whole year and a half has gone by since I wrote my last blog. As they say, time flies when you're having fun and I have had a great time creating beautiful jewelry, defining my brand, and promoting All Earz Jewelry as a business. I think I'm off to a pretty good start and now I would like to open up some dialog about the business of creating handmade jewelry. The creative process can be quite isolating and when I am in the creative zone, I do not pay attention to trends or industry news. So writing this Blog will allow me to stay connected to the business side of my craft. Being a Jewelry Artisan is my passion but it doesn't hurt to make some money while pursuing your passion. But I digress...back to the art.

What is your creative process? Do you look at a picture? Do you design to a particular style? Oddly enough my creative process starts with the material. When I purchase my supplies I have no idea what I am going to make. I am drawn to the colors, textures, and shapes and I just buy whatever catches my eye. I touch the stones and gems and arrange them and rearrange them until I think of a design. Touching the material allows thoughts to formulate in my mind and those thoughts eventually become art or jewelry. All of the components of the stones (shape, color, texture) determine whether the design will be crazy runway material or elegant dinner party accessories. I surprise myself every time. I look forward to hearing from my fellow artisans about what inspires you to create.

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