Hello 2021!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Wow…2021 is a welcomed sight! It seems like 2020 held on forever. But, you know what?!?…we have the gift of hindsight being 2020 (LOL!!!! I saw that on a Facebook post recently, and thought it was hilarious!)
While, 2020 definitely had it’s challenges, it was a really exciting year for me and Chrissi Harmon Jewelry. This past year, I decided to put a more serious focus on turning my hobby of jewelry making into a full-fledged business. While I didn’t expect a pandemic to occur…it did offer me some much needed time to focus on what I wanted, and gave me more time than I’ve ever had to create new work. For that, I’m grateful.
This year, my jewelry was noticed by Conde Nast publications, and for the first time ever, I advertised my jewelry…and in such a big way!! We were in 6 British publications!! (Tatler magazine, Vanity Fair, British GQ, House & Garden, Conde Nast Traveller and Glamour magazine!) To say the least…I am so proud of this accomplishment! Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of having my jewelry in a magazine, and to have them featured in major international publications has been nothing short of an amazing experience!!!!!
I completed the first set of qualifications for my Graduate Gemology Degree through the Gemological Institute of America. I’m now an Applied Jewelry Professional through the GIA.
I also continued my commitment to give back to charity and community organizations. 2020 saw me donate jewelry to Vizavance of Oklahoma for their Sip for Sight Gala, The Griffin Center for Autism, GYNCA and we supported the Teen Challenge of Oklahoma by participating in their Annual Brush Creek Bazaar. Sadly, many of the events we wanted to support through donations were canceled due to the pandemic, but my commitment to support our community will continue for 2021. I hope to extend this reach in 2021, by doubling the number of donations this coming year.
When I look back at all that was accomplished in 2020, I’m nothing short of excited for 2021! I have renewed energy going into the New Year, and I’m really excited for the opportunities that are on the horizon!
So…what do I have in store for 2021?
I’m continuing my commitment to education. I am making metalsmithing and gemology classes a priority this year. I feel very strongly that in order to implement the designs that I have in mind, I need more education to improve my skills! My first class for the new year, is set to take place on January 8th! (nothing like getting right to it!!!).
I will be communicating more through email than I have in the past. I want all of you, my friends, to know what’s going on first! As much as I love social media…it moves very quickly, and I feel that I don’t have the opportunity to share with you the personal side of what makes my jewelry so special. I want to share my love of gems, my struggles, and my vision. I love sharing what I learn…so look for educational emails on gem knowledge or jewelry making techniques. I want to make this fun and inspiring. If you have any ideas or suggestions on what you would like to learn more about, please leave me a comment below. I would love to hear your suggestions!
Finally…I am working on a new Youtube channel that will highlight some jewelry making videos, fun facts, inspirations, videos featuring snippets of my life outside of jewelry and much more. The details are still in the works. I’m a one-woman show…so this will be a work in progress as I try to manage this around my other projects.
Most of all….I’m grateful for all of YOU!!! The support and the love all of you have shown me this year, has been amazing! I’m honored you’re here. THANK YOU! I can’t wait to travel into 2021 with all of you by my side. Let’s make it the best year ever!!
Much love!
Chrissi