My crew at my jewelry studio grand opening As an emerging jewelry artist, I work hard to get better at my craft every day. It’s easy to feel so alone and like no one understands you. What an amazing feeling to begin to emerge from behind the scenes into my spotlight as a jewelry artist with all the love and support of family who love you and dear friends  - old and new. Blessed! That’s how I feel. Abundantly blessed. We had ball! This is a vision, talent, business and building that God blessed me with. There was no question about what I needed to do when preparing for my grand opening. Start things off right by putting God first. A dedication ceremony and blessing of the space was only fitting to kick off the grand opening. My friends and mentors Motivational Speaker and Minister Natalie Tracey and Custom Clothier and Intercessor Alethia Hudson of Sew Much Talent came in from Augusta to lead the studio dedication and blessing. img951459 img951462 img951467 img951446 My co-worker and friend Jill Warbington, lead the opening prayer. My co-worker Jill offered a powerful opening prayer to kick things off One of my dear friend Sharon Bryant wrote a touching occasion. Sharon came to share in the joy and delivered a touching ocassion My daughter and little angel Maishia welcomed everyone to her mom's grand opening and then closed it out with the sweetest remarks about her mom (that's me!). There wasn't a dry eye in the room when she finished. Maishia shared her love for her mom Jewelry Business Opening Food: Time to Eat, Mix and Mingle I served light refreshments. I had meatballs, which Sharon made, pepperoni and cheese tray, fruit tray, veggie tray and chips. We washed it all down with this purple drink made with Welch's grape juice, pineapple juice and 7up. It was delish! Refreshments at my jewelry design studio opening   To satisfy the sweet tooth of young and not so old, I had a purple candy buffet filled with purple jelly beans, pixie sticks, gum balls, lollipops, rock candy chocolate coins and grape mints, finished off by brownie bites on a golden platter. Guests of all ages were tickled over the purple candy buffet at my jewelry design studio opening   Jewelry Design Studio Photos, Games and Fellowship I've always wanted a step and repeat, or a big vertical banner that people can stand in front of to take pictures. I got my wish. I created this one in Photoshop and printed it at Vista Print. We put it to good use too!   [gallery ids="2839,2849,2846,2832,2833,2859,2842,2841,2845,2858,2857,2855,2847"]   Great friends, loving family, wonderful fellowship. A good time was definitely had by all.