Luxe Jewels

using kits to teach jewelry making parties

© by Lanie Ketcherside; all rights reserved

Luxe Jewels was the business partner I had been looking for to support me in starting my own creative, work-from-home business. It's a company that offers easy to follow jewelry kits for teaching "make your own jewelry" home parties - and allows you to sell your handcrafted jewelry at the same parties.

I never considered myself as one who would do direct sales, but I liked the idea of providing a service while selling a product. Luxe Jewels adds a great venue for me to appeal to more people and create a customer base for my own creations. At every party I can set up a trunk show of jewelry I've made, combining it with Luxe Jewels, and sell them together. I'm not required to have a Luxe inventory - it's up to me how much money and time I want to invest into it.

I have found these jewelry making parties to be really fun. They focus on creativity and learning to make stylish jewelry in a fun and relaxed setting. There's no high pressure sales pitch, and I welcome guests who just want to come and watch, without having to buy or make anything.

My hostesses earn free and discounted jewelry based on their party sales and future parties booked from their party. The idea is to keep the party simple and fun, so other guests feel like they can easily host a party as well.

I bring specific jewelry making tools and supplies to each party, depending on what type of party the hostess has selected. When doing kit parties the design, supplies and instructions are all included, and the guests can go online to select their kit before the party.

It's a good idea as a consultant to have some extra kits on hand for those who bring friends, or if a guest decides to do more than one. I have done several parties where I've brought strands of beads along with pendants and spacer beads, and the guests create their own custom piece from my inventory.

My job at the parties is to help guide the guests in making their own jewelry while they enjoy visiting with their friends. I'm creating an opportunity for them to try something new with friends, and they get the satisfaction of making something with their own hands.

Some guests will want a lot of instruction and want to attempt to finish their own designs by learning to crimp. Other guests will enjoy choosing what to make, but will be there more to socialize and want me to finish their piece for them.

Each party focuses on one jewelry technique such as wire-wrapping, but guests will have many style options to create jewelry of their own at every type of party. The kits have professional quality materials and jewelry findings, so I feel confident in what my guests are purchasing.

I think it's very important to follow up with my guests after each party. I've received good feedback from my guests, and some were surprised they were able to make their own jewelry.

Many guests have other hobbies that they have invested time and money in. They enjoy trying a new creative activity without having to invest any more time and money into it - and have a completed project at the end of the night.

Some of my past hostesses weren't open to hosting other direct sales parties, but they enjoyed themselves so much at a Luxe jewelry making party that they viewed it as a different type of event and knew their friends would enjoy it as well.

I also send updates to my previous customers on new Luxe Jewels kits, and offer different incentives to encourage party bookings. I've done little girl birthday parties and bridal parties using Luxe kits, and I will be using their products when I teach jewelry making classes through my local parks and recreation services.

I learn from each of my parties, and I always enjoy seeing the satisfaction on my guests' faces when they are pleased with the jewelry they created!

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