It's a Metal Etching Time of Year at Creative Studios NC

For the next few weeks, I'll be focusing on etching solid copper and brass.  The very thought that we're able to permanently capture each other's handwriting in metal for posterity is magical, and so sentimental.

Imagine the possibilities.  Children's writing for Mom and Dad, words of encouragement for friends and family, love notes to our significant others, and so much more!  Words, sayings, song lyrics, bible verses, drawings, doodles, and stamped designs; the sky is the limit!  These pieces are so near and dear to my heart.What will we create?  

Cuff Bracelets?  Yes!  

Necklaces?  Absolutely!

Earrings?  Will do!

Key Rings?  Them too!

Please join us.  Class prices start at just $29 for one finished necklace, cuff bracelet, or earrings.  A reduced price will also be offered if you'd care to make additional pieces.

Registrations are suggested, and may be made by calling 910-245-4129.  Drop-ins are also welcome.  I'll be in the studio and available at the times that follow: 

Tuesday, April 19th, (Today!) 10:30 - 1:30
Wednesday, April 20th, 1:00 - 4:00
Thursday, April 21st, 1:00 - 4:00
Tuesday, April 26th, 10:30 - 1:30

Other days and evenings by chance, or please call to schedule a time that's convenient for you.

This gorgeous patina graced me with its presence yesterday in The Studio..

Marketing Magic at The Magic Bean

I just returned from the most invigorating trip to Ocracoke Island.  I was there to lead a series of sessions called, Business Marketing For Creative Entrepreneurs.  We were the  best kind of business community!  Among our ranks there were visual artists, musicians, performers, photographers, and business owners.  We represented arts organizations, non-profits, news outlets, spas, salons, galleries, a book store, a tackle shop, and more!

For the first two days of our time together, we met in small groups at The Magic Bean Coffee Bazaar.  This warm wonderful location was the perfect place for us.  In addition to great coffee and other refreshments, owner Katy Mitchell and her staff welcomed us with open arms.

The story of The Magic Bean is probably best told in a personal visit; you must experience it for yourself!  For now, these pictures will have to do, and I encourage you to treat yourself to a stop at this gem anytime you're on Ocracoke.

Leave your mark.

Holy Creativity!  Inviting you to dive right in and play.

Something for everyone!

A few pieces by the talented Kitty Mitchell.

This was my view throughut the day.
The Magic continues outside...on the porch,
and in the yard and garden!

Thanks again to Katy Mitchell for extending her hospitality, and also to Kim Robinson Meacham of Milk Street Soaps, The Ocracoke Open Source Community, Hyde County, North Carolina, and Lentz Stowe of Beaufort Community College Small Business Center for facilitating such a wonderful opportunity for all involved!  I'll be providing additional details about all of you and the fabulous services that you provide soon on this blog.

Business Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs with Jean Skipper

I'm beyond excited to be traveling to Ocracoke Island next week! 

Thanks to Beaufort Community College's Small Business Center, Hyde County North Carolina, and Open Source Ocracoke, I'll have the pleasure of working with a group of Creative Entrepreneurs there.  

The fliers shown below provide basic information.  This post will provide more details about our time together, and a description of my business background. 

Part I - Small Group Sessions

Part I of our program will consist of a series of small group work sessions.  These will be held at The Magic Bean; each participant will select one session to attend; and a maximum of eight participants will participate in each session.  

In this part of our program, we'll begin with the basics, asses each business' current level of expertise, and set realistic measurable goals for each participant.  We've strive to identify ways in which participants can support each other in achieving success, and an underlying theme of increasing year-round income will be woven throughout our time together..

Please Note: Because we've had an unexpected interest in meeting in the evenings, we'll be adding one additional small work group on either Monday or Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00.  If you're interested in attending this session, please contact Kim Meacham at 252-588-2205 or milkstreetsoap@gmail.com with your preference.

Part II - Collaborative Group Session For All Participants

On Thursday, from 12:30 until 3:00, all of those who participated in the Small Group Sessions will gather at The Ocracoke Community Center.  Lunch will be provided, and newly developed marketing plans will be discussed, as will the the manner in which collaborations can be developed for the benefit of all involved.  

Cost

The all inclusive cost for attending one Small Group Session AND The Collaborative Group Session For All Participants is just $35, and this includes lunch on Thursday!  

Registration

To register, please call Kim Meacham at 252-588-2205 or email her at milkstreetsoap@gmail.com with your preferences.  Space will be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis, and several of the Small Group Sessions have already reached capacity.

Personally- A Bit About Me

Beginning at thirteen years old, I held one to three jobs at a time at various restaurants and retail establishments.  At the ripe old age of twenty-three, I applied for a job as a bank teller.  My biggest goal at the time was to be off from my job on weekends.  This single step led to that and so much more,

I was hired by a community bank on a part time basis, which led to a full time teller position, and then a customer service position.  Simultaneously, as a benefit of my employment, I began to attend Westminster College in pursuit of an accounting degree.  

I entered the banking industry at exactly the right time; I worked hard; and my hard work was rewarded.  As the years progressed, the bank was acquired numerous times, and my career developed and grew along with it.  This led to positions as a Product Development Manager, Marketing Manager, and eventually a Corporate Cash Management Officer.  

When I moved to North Carolina in 2004, I worked for a single year in the financial service industry.  Then I jumped into a career as an Entrepreneur and Artist.  It was the single best career decision of my life, and I'm grateful for it every day.

As an artist and entrepreneur, I owned and operated a teaching studio.  I've sold the work of my hands online, at retail shows, on a consignment basis at galleries, and as a wholesale provider to boutiques and stores.  For five years I owned and managed Artist Alley, voted to be Moore County North Carolina's Top Art Gallery.  Today I market my work as Jean Skipper Originals.  My studio is located at Creative Studios, NC, and I also co-own and operate ReMe Retreats.    

My career has taken many twists and turns through the years to bring me to exactly this place.  My background is unique in its combination of Business, Art, Entrepreneurship, and Community.  I've learned from the best and the worst of my experiences, and some of my greatest joy comes in sharing all of this with others to help them further their own businesses and careers.  

I'm passionate about what I do.

I love to help others.

And I hope that you'll consider joining us on Ocracoke.