Time for Some AUCTION

There is not much these days that doesn’t make me excited! I am so pumped about 2012. One of the things I am super excited about is my upcoming auction.  Besides being a wife, mama, blogger and everything else in between, I am also a jewelry designer.  I have made jewelry for years, starting To BEad Continued officially in 2006.  However, it was not really until last year I really started to run it like a business versus a hobby.  We specialize in designing jewelry in limited quantities so you can brag to your friends about your one of a kind find. 

This Friday night we are doing something really special and I promise you don’t want to miss this! We are having a live auction on our Facebook page.  This is our second time doing such an auction.  This first one was so much fun we decided to do it again and this time share the love with other small business owners.  Here is a rundown of the other businesses involved in the auction.

Saturday HanDBags: Features handmade totes, bags, coupon binders, organizers and more.  Jetahri De Belen, owner/designer has sewed since she was 14 years-old.  Why Saturday HanDBags?  Jetahri says she feels like Saturday is the best day out of the entire week! I would agree.

The Accessorized Woman: Features women’s scarves, fabric handbags and jewelry.  Tameka P. Marsh, owner/operator started T.A.W. out of her love for great finds at reasonable prices.  Check out The Accessorized Woman on Facebook.

So here’s the skinny on the auction.  If you want to take part of the action on Friday night, first we are asking you to do a few things.  Please go “Like” these shops Facebook page if you have not already done so. Leave the following comment on their page: new fan from@tobeadcontinued.  When you do please go to my Facebook page, To BEad Continued and leave a comment letting me know you have “Liked” both pages.  Of course, this is an honor system however, the shop owners would really appreciate the Facebook love!  Now you are ready to shop ’til you drop!

The auction begins Friday, January 13th at 8pm and ends Saturday, January 14th at 8pm on To BEad Continued’s Fan page on Facebook.  All items are in a photo album with specific instructions on bidding. It is a win-win! So get your game face on and get ready to have a good time.  Please share with friends as we really want to support these local small business women.

In His Super Grace,

Ro 🙂

Why Shop Small?

Support Small Business

Today is the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday®, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of  the busiest shopping weekends of the year.  Millions are asked to shop small at their favorite local business to help fuel the economy ultimately creating a huge impact.  I have been a “real” business owner for almost a year.  I use the word “real” because before I started taking myself seriously I ran my business like a hobby, thus, it produced like a hobby.  But when I seriously invested my time and resources things changed.  I don’t have all of it perfect but I am learning a lot and I like it.

Growing up I never owned as much as a lemonade stand. Anything that had to do with my business really intimidated me.  Seriously, I cringe just balancing the checkbook. But my Pastor who is an entrepreneur and my husband encouraged me when I left my life as a television news producer to start my business.  I have always loved creating.  It actually is one of the reasons I stayed in television so long. I enjoy taking a blank slate, transforming it into something beautiful. Hence, To BEad Continued. A handmade jewelry company that never duplicates but creates unique pieces and custom accessories.

So why should you support small businesses today and everyday? Simple: Legacy.  If you believe in creating a better future for the next generation, passing on wealth and not debt, financial freedom and self-esteem, then YES you should support small business.  Afterall, business ownership is really the American Dream not homeownership! 

My goal with running my small business is to support my small business; my children. My husband and I have a dream our children will be better off financially that we ever were.  They will never be consumed by the thought of owing anyone. Can you imagine how much freedom it would be pay cash for a car and use the extra money to bless your family, friends or even your church? Wow, the thought makes me giddy.

So if you already made your major purchases at the “Big” stores consider today picking up a few handmade items or go to a local store in your community and show your gratitude.  Remember that small business brings tourism into your community, employs people and offer a unique service.

The Mom entrepreneur offers the following tips for shopping small.

• Take precautions with any purchase. See what the return policy is and whether or not there is any warranty.
• Don’t assume something is better quality because it is handmade. There are varying levels of skill, so read reviews if possible.
• Understand that other small business owners may be struggling with the economy, so pay in advance for a product being shipped to you.  
• For today, don’t try to barter or negotiate. Pay what the merchant is asking for.  
• Don’t buy something you don’t want or need, to support a friend. Be honest. (This is one of my personal favs)

Happy Shopping and Go Small Business!