Bella Wish: thanking you*

double-sided joy + peace charm (click photo for larger image)

The thing about dreams is that there is no way to ever know how they will ultimately look when they transition into day-to-day reality. We can visualize each little detail while in the baby stages, but there will always be surprises in store - things we couldn't possibly have known without having lived it ourselves.

Something I never imagined with my tiny dream of Bella Wish is the high percentage of customers who return every few months to purchase a new necklace from my shop. Whether it be a new gift for themselves, their best friend or their four daughters nothing warms me more than to see a familar name placing their trust in me whether it be once, twice or multiple times to create something for those close to them.

The connection that often transpires with these transactions just validates how lovely it is to support local, handmade businesses. I have connected with the most incredible individuals who open up and share their stories, art and lives with me. I have a folder on my laptop simply titled yummy which holds emails of gratitude, stories and photographs of what your Bella Wish necklaces mean to those of you who have purchased them. On those days when I feel like I am failing and should just close up shop I go to that folder to be reminded of why I am doing this.

All of this has motivated me to dream bigger dreams for myself and to create ways to make connection an even larger part of my job description. I love to support indie businesses as much as I appreciate being supported as an indie business.

Each and every person that purchases something from Bella Wish is special to me but I thought it time to extend a special token of gratitude to those patrons who keep me in mind when they have a gift they would like to give and choose to come back to me.

Starting today, October 1st through the end of November, there will be a small token of gratitude included in the packages of those who have purchased something from Bella Wish since it's opening.

The charm pictured above is a double-sided 1/2" sterling disc. One side is stamped with the word joy, the other with peace - two words I strive to connect with as much as possible. Each charm is brushed and lightly oxidized. It comes with a jump ring ready for you to either add to a necklace or bracelet you already wear or on a chain, ribbon, cord or string of your choice. Whether you decide to keep it for yourself of give as a gift, this is a small way for me to say Thank You to those who have come back.

I always get a a tingly, zingy rush of excitement when I see an order come through my Etsy shop and I get double tingly when I see that it is someone who has purchased from Bella Wish before. You are the reason I am able to stay in business and I thank and appreciate each of you.