A Little Clarity for the Soul
The Sealed in Ice Collection has been live for a little over a week, and I am so ecstatic at all the support and love so far!!! Thank you all so much!
Since the shop opened, November 5th, 2015, I have been asked to share insight on materials, care, and pricing. I am a one woman shop. I am running a business, marketing, production, and distributing (plus whatever else comes with the gig) all by myself. I turned from the artist/maker to the CEO, in what seems to have happened overnight.
As CEO, I want my brand to keep a consistent and transparent tradition, so I am happy to share where I gather my materials, how to care for the Sealed in Ice Collection, and why you want to pay for quality!
Since the shop opened, November 5th, 2015, I have been asked to share insight on materials, care, and pricing. I am a one woman shop. I am running a business, marketing, production, and distributing (plus whatever else comes with the gig) all by myself. I turned from the artist/maker to the CEO, in what seems to have happened overnight.
As CEO, I want my brand to keep a consistent and transparent tradition, so I am happy to share where I gather my materials, how to care for the Sealed in Ice Collection, and why you want to pay for quality!
WHERE I GATHER MY MATERIALS
Every piece of work I create is a one-of-a-kind statement! I source all my materials and supplies responsibly to maintain ethical standards. I source directly from local businesses from my Rez to Online Indigenous Crafting Sites to United States Jewelry Companies. I go out of my way to ensure the materials I use to sell in the right way. I was taught to bring enough energy into every step of my process and production, from the sketch pad to the work bench to your hands.
I collect the quills in a few ways: the natural life process of a deceased animal (roadkill), donations (others finding a deceased animal), and most likely from other Native-supporting/Native-owned businesses.
The Shells are collected either from other Native-supporting/Native-owned businesses or through online stores specializing in shells for jewelry.
The metal earring and jump-rings are Sterling Silver assembled in the USA.
Where I Shop:
I collect the quills in a few ways: the natural life process of a deceased animal (roadkill), donations (others finding a deceased animal), and most likely from other Native-supporting/Native-owned businesses.
The Shells are collected either from other Native-supporting/Native-owned businesses or through online stores specializing in shells for jewelry.
The metal earring and jump-rings are Sterling Silver assembled in the USA.
Where I Shop:
- Rio Grande (For the Love of Jewelers)
- Fire Mountain Gems and Beads (Supplies Jewelers, Artists, Designers)
- Noc Bay (Native Trading Company)
- Crazy Crow (American Indian Crafts)
CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY
First step, be sure to treat it kindly!
Simply Wipe Clean, Keep Dry, Store in Safe Place! Super easy.
It's recommended to remove earrings and jewelry before showering, swimming, etc. Store earrings and necklaces in the box they arrived in or other enclosed jewelry box to avoid tarnish. My Jewelry is surprisingly lightweight, but also robust enough to fancy dance at any Pow Wow's Grand Entry!
And that is strong!
Simply Wipe Clean, Keep Dry, Store in Safe Place! Super easy.
It's recommended to remove earrings and jewelry before showering, swimming, etc. Store earrings and necklaces in the box they arrived in or other enclosed jewelry box to avoid tarnish. My Jewelry is surprisingly lightweight, but also robust enough to fancy dance at any Pow Wow's Grand Entry!
And that is strong!
WHY YOU WANT TO PAY FOR QUALITY
To put it straightforward and blunt, because I am the boss, the artist, the investor, the employee, the quality control, the marketing agent, the purchasing service, the product designer, the graphic designer, the photographer, the publicist, and the packer. Doing all the above for free and I ONLY charge you the actual time, materials, and packaging it takes to fabricate your product, so you're getting a fantastic deal!
More Reasons
Manitobah Mukluks, an amazing Aboriginal-owned shoe wear company, states it perfectly what it means to be a business that is Aboriginally owned?
More Reasons
- You are supporting a local artist.
- You are preserving a one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. (Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses)
- You are investing in a Native-made business, and reversing cultural appropriation. "Friends don't let friends shop at chain stores" (Pinterest).
- You are aiding in CULTURAL APPRECIATION.
- You are supporting Native-Made work and promoting a local Native Artist.
- You are assisting in cultural awareness and empowering contemporary Native life and communities.
- You are creating an overall standard and much a deserving value for Native American Jewelry and Art. There needs to a higher economic value for such fine art! Native-made is not just a craft, but a tradition, a teaching, a history, and culture.
Manitobah Mukluks, an amazing Aboriginal-owned shoe wear company, states it perfectly what it means to be a business that is Aboriginally owned?
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I am following those principles strongly and will continue to do so. It is a cycle and I will remain to buy wisely, sell wisely, and take care of authentication.
