Unexpected Surprise

by Suzan Evans
(Lakefield, Ontario, Canada)

Double-stranded necklace by Suzan Evans

In May of 2008, I became quite ill. I was in an extremely stressful job and was forced to take a medical leave.

I decided to go to a gem and mineral show in my home town.

The strange thing is that I had never been interested in attending one before. I was looking for activities to do to get me out of my box.

I was impressed and delighted with everything I saw. It opened my eyes to a whole new world.

As I was leaving, I saw a pair of earrings that caught my attention.
I read on the card that they were Russian Jade and they were a lovely shade of green.

I bought the earrings and for some unknown reason, I asked the artisan if she gave workshops on making earrings.

She said yes and I set up a time with her.

I cannot explain why I asked her to show me how to make earrings as I had not worn any for at least fifteen years.

I spent an hour and half with her making two pairs of sterling silver earrings, hand-making the ear loops.

Little did I know she had studied jewellery making for two years.

She told me once you start, you will be hooked.

She was totally correct. I loved it and have the spent the past year learning the art which has been mostly self taught.

I discovered that I have eye for detail and color, and finally found my passion.

I strive for excellence and am working very hard at learning about online selling as well as selling on my own website.

It is never too late to find your passion but you must believe in yourself and never give up.

Suzan Evans
Zhea's Creations

Comments for
Unexpected Surprise

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Good for you!
by: Laura Teague

hi - your story is great! i'm so glad you have found something you love so much - & what's not to love about making jewelry & fondling those beautiful stones??!!

i went to you website & have a couple of comments. first, it is really slow to load - maybe the pictures need to be resized in a resizing program like pixresizer? it's free. i don't know much about that but i do know that when i was building my site, i was told to carefully resize the pics using a good program, otherwise it would load slowly.

also, your link at the very bottom to go to the gallery (can't remember if that's exactly what it says but it's the link at the very bottom of the first page) - anyway, that link wasn't working when i tried.

bead on!
laura
laurateague.com

Regarding my website
by: suzan

Laura

Thank you so much for the comments regarding my website. I really appreciate it. As I have no experience with websites, I will be able to share these comments with the guy who made my site so that we can fix it.

thanks again

suzan

Congratulations!!
by: Lisa

Hey Suzan,

Congratulations on finding your passion. Isn't it a lovely feeling, finally realizing what you want to do when you grow up? (I discovered this when I was 43, so almost grown up).
Your jewellery is beautiful, and I'm really glad to see realistic pricing. I see too many amazing creations at giveaway prices, and think it can really send the wrong message to shoppers.
I don't think it does the industry of jewellery design/crafting any favours when prices are too low, and anyway, people expect to pay a decent price for good workmanship.
OK, I'll just get down off my soapbox now.

Again, good on you for producing a great product.

Lisa Lee
www.zendesigns.com.au

Congratulations
by: Duchess

Suzan, I am so happy for you that you have found a new passion. I pray that your health is better. The website looks great, it loaded quickly, the link to your store worked and the pictures are great. I retired on disability in 2002, then pursued both of my passions (jewelry and sewing). Since I can no longer do outside shows, I started online selling (etsy). I pray that your business is very profitable and that you continue to enjoy the entire experience.

Great Sales,

Demetra Rowan (Duchess)
www.duchessdesigns.com

Duchess
by: Suzan

Hi Duchess

Thank you so much for the supportive comments. I am doing really well, and I am working very hard to build this business.
Finding Rena's sight is teaching me so much and getting feedback from creative people like yourself who take the time to send in your comments, is humbling and rewarding.

I as well wish you the very best in your work, and keep in mind that anything is possible when you believe in what you are doing.

Sincerely
Suzan Evans

Lisa
by: Suzan

Hi Lisa

I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to send me your comments.

I really appreciate the feedback, it just made my day. I struggled with pricing, but I feel it is fair and the prices can always be adjusted.

Best of luck. I found my passion at 53, so I am just starting to grow up(LOL)

suzan