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Deep thoughts after doing a fashion trade show

Feb 252013

The Manic Trout Pooltradeshow booth at Magic, February 2013 in Las Vegas

An unexpected side from doing Magic this past week was the inspiration for doing Deep Thoughts posts! I love writing them but when all I do is work in my studio all week, the content can get a little stale. I shared my Deep Thoughts on preparing for a trade show last week, so I feel its only fitting to give you my Deep Thoughts on actually being there this week. So here goes...

1. The boy scouts are onto something...Be Prepared. Plan your booth out on graph paper, have items pre tagged and be organized when you pack. It will make life easier on the set up day to not have to be stressed out about something you could have done leisurely at home...such as tagging all of your jewelry. Knowing how you want to set up and having all the pieces ready will make your life easy and awesome and lets you relax before the real work begins.

2. Wear flats.

3. You will (need to) consume crazy amounts of water and energy drinks while exhibiting. Partly due to flying, partly due to the dryness of Vegas in the winter and partly due to talking all day long, my throat (and skin) were super dry. I was thirsty for an entire week, no joke. I had the foresight to go to Whole Foods after set up and bought water, snacks and energy drinks and they were all life savers. Especially the energy drinks as I didn't want to drink coffee all day as 1. it was $6 for a tiny cup and 2. it gives you coffee breath.

4. Wear layers and make sure to have extras to add. The set up day it was crazy hot in there and I was glad I was in a t shirt. The last two days were so chilly that I added a sweater AND a huge scarf just to stay warm...it happened to be Manic Trout pink (totally planned...I am a branding machine) and my wearing fuchsia ended up encouraging people to look into the booth...bonus!

5. Ship your goods ON TIME. If your materials weigh under 150lbs, you can ship them to a Fed Ex location off site where they will hold them free of charge until you pick them up (rent a car, take a cab...whatever). It will make life easier...and save you money even with a cab. Well, unless you miss your ship deadline by one day and then you will have to pay $700 instead of $125 to ensure it arrives in time...oops.

6. Smile until your face hurts. No joke, at the end of each of the three day the show was going on, my back teeth and face actually HURT from smiling all day.

7. At a trade show as opposed to a show with shoppers, everyone is there to buy. Maybe not today, but it could be next week, next month or even next year. Your job is to make sure that anyone who is interested in your brand has all of the information needed to buy later if they do not today. In a perfect world they would orders right then and there. In an almost perfect world, they would hand over their cards and you would be able to follow up with them. In what sometimes is the case, they stop in their tracks to look at something you offer but are being dragged along by the person they are with and in a rush. At the very least get your line sheets in their hands so later on they can get a chance to see the item again!

8. Sleep is your friend. I am in my mid 30's so still on the younger side of things, BUT I know my limits...if I am tired or hungover I am useless, grumpy and not the best version of me. Therefore I made sure to be neither of those things.

9. People watching can be pretty amazing...some of the outfits are exactly that and provide amusement during the lulls. You are at a Fashion trade show after all, and that alone brings out the crazy in some people!

10. Its not about "today" at a trade show. It's about what being seen "today" can do for you in the future. (I thought I'd end on the deepest thought possible)

Deep thoughts on preparing for a trade show

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Feb 112013

Jewelry during the "dress rehearsal", before I wrap the boards and label everything

I figured that as I have become consumed with Magic and Pooltradeshow and it occurring next week, I might as well indulge myself and compose an entire Deep Thoughts post solely about the preparation. As I knew would happen, yesterday marked the one week mark until I headed to Vegas and the stress hit the ceiling. In order for everything besides my jewelry (which is compact and the one thing I can't show without, I plan on carrying it on the plane with me) to arrive in time for the set up on Monday, I need to ship it all out by tomorrow at the absolute latest. In addition to the show prep this week, I also have a bustling normal studio routine going on, complete with wholesale and website orders, emails and ahem, blogging which all still need to happen. I also have to prepare for the time I will be out of the studio while going to the show...so you can imagine I am a bit amped up right now. Adam actually left the house this morning just so he could hide from me and my twitchy snapping.

1. Signing up for a show that costs a huge amount of money and will bring on a ton of stress is best of done super fast before one can really think about it...that way by the time you freak out with the "what have I done?" moment, you have already committed to it and now just have to deal.

2. Even if you have planned and measured and methodically laid out how you want your booth, you will immediately doubt every decision once you reach the date when change can no longer be made.

3. Ditto for all printed material.

4. Ditto for your products.

5. People telling you that it will go great and not to stress out should keep those opinions to themselves as when one is irrationally stressed out, rational thoughts are useless.

6. For every person you will be relying on to make something happen related to the show, you're stress level will increase exponentially.

7. Two weeks before a trade show is not the time to give up candy, cookies, cupcakes and all things that bring instant happiness.

8. Lists will be crucial, plentiful and across multiple mediums...on phones, computers and paper...yet they will save your sanity.

9. It is incredibly helpful when dealing with a new adventure, to have friends who have been involved with it before to help with advice and tips. Even more helpful if you know both buyers and vendors to advise you. Write down their advice and keep it on your person, it will sooth you to be literally armed with knowledge.

10. Exercise and eating well to make it through this are are no brainers but you need to remind yourself of this daily...hourly even.

Ok, the countdown continues...wish me luck!

Sum it up (aka…the week I declared I would rock this year like a hurricane)

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Jan 042013

A peek at the Spring Line debuting at Manic Trout in March!

This week contained both the last of 2012 and the first of 2013. It also was a week that I looked over 10 years of business and declared that after 1.5 years of being full time at Manic Trout that I was ready to ROAR my way into 2013 and that I wanted to push any last wisps of fear aside and jump to new heights this year. Well, on January 2nd, the news that I had three (THREE!) necklaces in a magazine I have been trying to get into to for 6 years was all the push that I needed. I immediately applied (and was accepted yesterday, yay!) at what I know as biggest ready to wear fashion and accessories trade show in the US. Kind of want to throw up as it's in 6 weeks and I have only done teeny tiny regional trade shows before...nothing like this and nothing where I have to ship my booth out ahead of me. I am however, more excited than nervous and may have already stopped sleeping in anticipation. I'll keep you posted...but until I know more...here's this weeks Sum It Up...

WORKING ON: Finishing up the Spring 2013 Line! Finally it's come together in a crashing wave of inspiration.

THINKING ABOUT: Obviously the trade show, which I realized was consuming me when I started a random conversation about the pros and cons of driving to Vegas with my bank teller this morning. (there was only one pro...I could take as much as I wanted for my booth)

ANTICIPATING: Finishing up the Spring line and seeing it al together!

LISTENING TO: I tried a few new stations on Pandora this week, but this morning ended up right back at the Bird and The Bee.

EATING: I just devoured an amazing Thundercloud Sub (Veggie Delite), they are everywhere here in Austin.

THANKFUL FOR: The support of my loving husband who has to deal with my freaking out about upcoming things that scare me (and is willing to help fund really big new ventures for Manic Trout).

PLANNING FOR: Duh.

READING: Upside Down Inside Out by Monica McInerney...at first I was having book deja vu, I kept thinking I've read it before, but it changed direction and now I'm just enjoying a nice fluffy book.

WATCHING: Last night I watched the entire 5th season of Californication while in my studio last night. I love that show so much, why are the seasons so short? It pains me when it ends.

Have a great weekend, and if you're in Austin, stop by the Manic Trout tent on S Congress tomorrow!

Sum it up

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Dec 072012

This is my Manic Trout booth...aka my home for most of this week.

WORKING ON: Inventory for my holiday sale on sneakpeeq which starts tomorrow and lasts one week. (and yes purchases will arrive in time for Christmas), the plethora of shows this week and getting orders out!

THINKING ABOUT: January...ahhhhh, January.

ANTICIPATING: The Cherrywood Art Fair which I am doing this weekend, and the great press coming in Jan/Feb. I want to share more about the press, but I don't want to jinx it!

LISTENING TO: Still hooked on the Bird and The Bee station on Pandora.

EATING: A lot of mini cupcakes from Hey Cupcake (Adam has been bringing them to me instead of flowers) and waaaaaaaaay too much candy.

THANKFUL FOR: My family coming to me for Christmas this year so I don't have to travel at the end of this crazy month.

PLANNING FOR: Our cookie/ugly sweater party next weekend and my family coming the week after.

READING: Lucky Everyday by Bapsy Jaine...completely absorbing and perfect for my current state of mind.

WATCHING: In Plain Sight on Netflix. Sadly only 3 seasons and I'm almost done. It's gotten me through a whole lot of production this week.

Sum it up

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Sep 072012

The Manic Trout booth on South Congress

WORKING ON: Both the Spring 2013 and Holiday Collections...it's BUSY here in the studio! Also getting ready to launch a new secret project that I'm doing with Renee.

THINKING ABOUT: How I will juggle a crazy amount of work, Adam coming back home, moving and a wedding over the next three months.

ANTICIPATING: The craziness of the upcoming holiday season and the results of having signed a new publicist, Carly Co PR after a year of not having one since I left NY.

LISTENING TO: At this very moment...How Do You Like Me Know by The Heavy.

EATING: My consumption of apples has gotten out of control...as in at least two a day. Only Fuji's...they're my all time fav.

THANKFUL FOR: Being able to work full time on Manic Trout.

PLANNING FOR: You would be overwhelmed if I shared the list.

READING: Candy Freak by Steve Almond, which if you know me you'd understand that it is both perfect and dangerous for me to read such a book as the author has managed to eat candy every single of his life. Jealous.

WATCHING: Grey's Anatomy season 8 on Netflix and getting ready to watch season 9 on TV at the end of the month because Manic Trout jewelry will be on it....woo hoo!! ps...how is possible that each season makes me cry harder than the last???

What is all this busy talk?

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Jun 082012

I paused for a minute to look up and this is what I saw

It makes me sad when I pop in here to say hello and "I'm so busy" and than rush off like the wind. Truthfully much of the time I am in my studio making oodles of necklaces or editing photos, but lately it's been a bit more fun! I figured, hey...I should share this fun stuff, as the blog is about the life of this designer and duh, I should talk about it! Well, if you didn't already see it, this week I had the pleasure of going to the Austin Lifestyle Magazine Preview Party on Tuesday night...and that is just the tip of the iceberg!

Monday the Manic Trout store on Amazon.com went live and even though it opened with only a small amount of the jewelry I create, meaning there is a long way to go, it's awesome to see it all happening after two months of phone calls back and forth with them after they initially contacted me. Also on Monday was the launch of a new project I am involved in with my friend Renee. She began the Craft Academy a few years ago, which is an online business class for makers. This spring she asked that I join forces with her and teach the advanced part of the class, I was of course honored and we got right to work. We are already planning the next level (and some other incredibly exciting projects) and I cannot wait to watch it grow and evolve!

Throughout the week I have been finishing up the now Fall Line as the Summer Line took sooooo long, I had to give up and redirect it to Fall. I had a very exciting deadline though as tonight I am involved in a photo shoot showcasing the new designs! Even more exciting is that I was involved in this shoot 100% by helping to come up with the concept, and being involved in selecting the photographer, models and stylist. I'm so excited and can't wait to share how it goes!

There was also a bit of planning for future events, I had to choose what to drop off as samples for Austin Fashion Week which is making me nervous as they changed the format and this year the panel is selecting only 3 local Jewelry Designers to be in the showcase. I was a featured designer in the showcase last year, and I'm not sure if that will affect my chances...so cross your fingers for me. I also booked the Austin Social Affair June Event...so if you're in Austin, mark your calendars to come on over to the Speakeasy the night of June 21st!

This weekend is chock full as well...on Saturday you will find me at the weekly Market at Snack Bar on South Congress and then Sunday I am having a meeting for the Austin chapter of the Little Black Dress Society, a service organization committed to ending the abuse of women and of which I am chair. Speaking of which, we are a new chapter and if you live in Austin and want to be involved, just get in touch with me!

Throughout all of this, I have been working on a crazy new project that is killing me because I can't talk about it yet...it involves licensing and will be launching by the end of July...that's all I can say about that.

Wow...when you write it down it's amazing how much stuff there is going on! What have you been up to this week?

The staging area…

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May 102012

Those of us who do outdoor markets chat about a certain topic often...that people try to shop/touch stuff/ask questions while we are in the middle of a very fast set up time. It's a downside of having a show outdoors where people feel there are no boundaries and a dilemma of how to handle the interruption. I more often then not gladly stop what I'm doing to pull out necklaces or help them find something so they can see what I design and make before I even have it out on the tables, as I know its hard to see part of something without wondering what it's all about. But sometimes, you know they are being nosy and are really just in your way...those are the days that you wish you had a door, with a lock. For example...last Saturday two young girls (around 12 I'd guess) cam running into my tent and grabbed at not the jewelry but a framed photo of press placements and were all excited over it. I had to explain that they were holding booth decor, not an actual product to purchase, that they were images of the press I've had, that's all. It was kind of an awkward moment for all of us, hahaha.

So when I walked into the HEB on Tuesday afternoon and saw this...

...which was just the biggest collection of balloons that I have ever seen in one place!! I looked around and saw that two women were filling them up and this was their make shift staging area. I couldn't help myself though!! I walked right over and stood in the midst of all of the ribbons...and even though I was perhaps in the way, they didn't seem to mind as it was the middle of the produce section. It made me smile thinking to myself as I gazed up at the awesome display before me that sometimes, you just can't help yourself, you just have to jump right into the staging area.

Catch up day…woo hoo!

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May 062012

Part of me wants to feel guilty for not blogging much these past few weeks, but the more logical part of me realizes that my posts would all read something like: I am sooooo tired, I'm working an unhealthy amount, what was I thinking taking on so much this month....all the shows, two huge projects and two new boards...ai ai ai ai ai. So I think we're good on a bit sporadic.

Have you noticed that I have been trying really hard to only use my own photos on the blog? Pinterest has done an excellent job of being the place where I post my inspiration and allowed me to focus on sharing what I'm actually seeing with you here...yay for that! I though that when I was really busy I could just post some snaps of what I've been seeing. However, in reviewing all of my recent photos, I realized that they are all of shows...the one above at least includes something other than my jewelry table...well something in addition to it anyway.

I am really excited abut today as I don't have to leave the house all day (the only day ever, it seems) so I plan on doing a bit of cleaning and then I have to spend the rest of the day making jewelry...ah so exciting! Who am I kidding, its the perfect day. Enjoy your Sunday!!

The morning after…

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Apr 092012

I have been really enjoying the first few month into my mission for Spring which is to do a show a week until it gets too hot to be outside (which in Texas could be any day now!). So far, the weather has been perfect and only reached the 90's one of the weekends that I had my tent under a tree...lucky me!

I started the goal with a bang by doing two huge events during South By, so I think the little outdoor markets feel so relaxing in comparison that it makes them more fun. I am also getting quicker at packing, setting up and breaking down each time too and that makes each week feel easier as well. The only downside is that the day after, I am pretty shot. Usually this falls on a Sunday, but as I was down on South Congress yesterday, today I've been pretty sluggish. My studio is filled with boxes still and every time I start to unpack them, I come up with a reason I must stop...like blogging.

Crap. My post is done...

Sum it up in 4 shots…

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Mar 142012

The past few weeks can be summed up pretty well as this: work, talk about work, learn about ways to make work better. I have been prepping my tush off for this past weekend with the Texas Style Council (TxSC) Blogger Conference and this coming weekend for Style X, the fashion component of SXSW.

TxSC was amazing. I was so proud to be a sponsor and participant in the weekend. I met amazing women who are so passionate about their blogs, their brands and what they share, be it profession or just a way to be creative at night. I am thrilled to know that so many driven women are out there living their dreams. I set up a Necklace Borrowing Booth for the party on Saturday (think How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days) and had so much fun watching everyone play dress up! The next party I set up at will def have this concept again, such a fun idea for the night!

Sunday was a day of panels speaking on a variety of subjects for bloggers and brands. I took copious notes which I am still processing all of the information from. The most important concept which I took away from that day is that my goal to have almost entirely photos which I have taken on the blog is right on target. Original content is far more important to me than curating what is already out there. My goal has also been expanded to using my camera and stop relying on my phone for all of my photos.

Monday it was time to jump right back into things and I have been spending the last two days preparing for the huge show this weekend. I have been working on my booth a bit too and am really excited to be adding 18x24 photos of models in my jewelry for the walls...oh so fancy! If you are in Austin this weekend for SXSW, stop by the convention center for Style X (its free to the public!) and make sure you say Hi!

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