It was a jam-packed spring filled with three consecutive jewelry shows, and after a ton of trial and error, we finally have the process down (mostly). Shows and festivals are a major part of the Kristen Baird® Jewelry business, and there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes. It takes tons of work to bring these events together and we’re constantly improving.
Here’s how I get ready for a jewelry show!
Research and Applications
It all starts with research. I spend a lot of time Googling shows in my general region. Over time, I’ve learned that the best shows for me are near resorts or in coastal areas where my style resonates most. I also like to find shows in areas that would be fun for the whole family, because we always travel as a crew. Never miss an opportunity for a jewelry-cation!
Once I’ve selected my target shows, I gather my application materials. At this point, I have all my standard bios, jewelry descriptions, and artist statements pre-written, so I just make a few necessary tweaks for each one. You normally have to wait a few weeks or even months before hearing back, but once I get accepted, it’s off to the races.
Jewelry Prep
It’s essential to have a full range of jewelry offerings for every show. I like to have every collection and price point represented, which means making sure I’m stocked up on all my classics like Ripple Rings and Splash Cuffs, but also all my 18K gold stacking rings, earrings, and necklaces. I also try to have as many colors and gems as possible, so prepping for shows keeps me and Abby very busy.
Inevitably, there will always be one piece (or a bunch!) left on my bench that I wasn’t able to finish in time. Naturally, I always think that’s the piece that would have sold. I guess that’s just the artist in me!
Travel and Setup
It’s always a whirlwind getting out the door on a show weekend. Between all my jewelry, our booth supplies, and everything for the boys, it feels like we pack our entire lives into the car. Once we get where we’re headed, Drew and I will split up, so he takes care of the boys and I take care of the booth. If Abby can join me, even better.
At every show, I pay close attention to what other participants are doing to see how I can make my setup more efficient for the next time around. I’m also always sure to use my tent weights, because the wind can get crazy! I’ve put a lot of effort into making sure my festival display is beautiful. My jewelry cases have a lovely, elevated look to best present the jewelry. I’m also very proud of my gorgeous banner, with a photo from the wonderful team at Paprika Southern. It always catches the attention of the crowd.
Showtime!
I always organize my cases by color story. This spring, I started out with blacks and whites into pearls, pinks, and purple stones that transitioned into reds and rose golds. Next came the yellow golds with popular blues and greens, and finally teals and earthy greens.
I always get lots of great feedback during a show, so I’m sure to keep a notebook to write down any ideas that come my way. At a recent event, several people suggested soldering three of my Sandy Breeze Bangles together into an open-back cuff. Stay tuned!
Oftentimes, festivals will offer awards and prizes to artists whose work stands out from the crowd. It was so much fun winning an award at the Honey Horn Festival! It makes all the hard work and thought I put into my jewelry designs worthwhile. (And a little extra cash doesn’t hurt either!)
No matter what, the best part of a show is meeting and talking to new people and watching them fall in love with my jewelry.
Reset and Reflect
Once we get back, it’s time to get all the jewelry back into the safe and send thank-you and follow-up emails. Then it’s sales tax, accounting, and taking inventory. I connect with Jeana and Emily on content opportunities, whether that’s Instagram Stories, Reels, or even a new blog post (like this one)!
Last but not least, Abby and I always take the time to assess our learnings. Are there any new design ideas I should tackle? How can we more efficiently handle set-up and tear-down? What were the most and least successful aspects of the weekend, and, most importantly, will we be doing this particular show again next year?
Once all this is done, it’s time for a break… just kidding! Those commission projects won’t finish themselves!
