Recap

It has been a long time since I have updated anyone on what's been going on with me.  Since I am cleaning out my studio space, I thought I would take the opportunity to give everyone the 411. After an amazing showing at Renegade, I decide to take a hiatus from crafting.

I have been on auto-plot for the past three years so I am going to switch to manual and take of some things I have been neglecting. Mainly myself. I have lost who I am in the mix of being a wife, mother, and entrepreneur.  So, currently I am just Jameka, on a journey to be a healthier, better person that has interests in music, books, and the art world. So, if anyone out there has a good book, let me know.

Now what happens to Prince Chicago? Prince Chicago will still be around in the future with a different direction and focus. The range of products will be selling will be downsized. In the next few weeks, I will be uploading all my jewelry and stationery products at an extra discount on Etsy.

This blog will become my personal outlet to show where my journey takes me.... Hopefully its somewhere fun!

Obsession

I know I may be late but I love these Cartier Love Bracelets. I don't wear a lot of jewelry but when I do its often understated. Someday I will be sporting one of these baby's on my wrist, I think sooner rather than later!

*Update so I guess I am obsessing over bracelets in general. Look at these awesome bracelets from Tiffany's!

Love the gold 

Platinum and diamonds

Love the weaving on this sterling silver braclet

Rose gold and classic, I would rock this everyday

Ball and Chain

Milwaukee Ave. Arts Festival

This weekend I spent another three days in the hot sun pushing my wares to the visitors of the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival. I had an amazing time sitting between Mr. Walters of Nerfect and Sarah of Bonnie. The traffic came in waves and I made a little more than my money back so I was excited. Plus, I scored some awesome things from Bonnie and Nerfect. I got Dominic some stickers and a diabolical hotdog pin and scored a lovely candle gift set for a friend.

Awesome stickers from Nerfect

Gift Set from Bonnie

Perspective

This weekend I had good, serious, crying conversation with a friend about what I would like to be when I grow up. I know this sounds like a funny statement because I am 31 years old but I am still developing and evolving into the person I would like to be. I have been slowly developing my business for the past year, keyword slowy. After much discussion and thought I have finally decided to push hard with promoting myself and cut over half of my product line.

I was feeling extremely happy and excited about the new developments until last night around 10pm when I heard the water filling my basement from the thunderstorms outside. Its almost been a year since our last flood. We thought we had taken care of the problem but we were wrong. I lost some important items that help my business and I was really upset. But, after crying and being very angry, I decided I wasn't going to let negativity get to me. Things can always be worse and I am grateful I didn't have more items downstairs. So, I am going to push on and make it work so I can be what I would like to be when I grow up.

Poor Yudu, I hope you are okay:(

Pitchfork

This past weekend I participated in Pitchfork Music Festival with Coterie Chicago. It was my first show of the year. I was excited to test out my new displays and get back into the groove. But, that feeling soon changed when the rain, heat, and lack of customers broke me down.

I salvaged the weekend by meeting some awesome people and some retail therapy. I highly enjoyed the artwork and cards by Laura Berger and Essimar. Margie from Red-Belly hooked me up with an awesome belt pouch. I got my hubby really nice iphone case from Bare Tree too! There was so much talent at the show I was honored to be in their company.

As for the displays, they are currently undergoing a major overhaul. I am glad I was able to test them out to see what worked and what didn't. I decided I needed a table and a clothes rack. I will transform the frames from the displays into those items. I also want a new logo sign. I found an amazing shop on Etsy called Oh Dier that make the most amazing signs so I will be contacting them to do something for me.

So. Even with the heat, rain and lack of sales, I had an awesome time at Pitchfork. It was an amazing experience.

Artwork for Dominic's room from Laura Berger

My awesome pouch from Red-Belly

Work

I am currently preparing for a show but this is what I have been up to. I have redesigned my products to be more high end so I have created new everything. New displays and packaging! Plus, a new look for me. I have a long way to go but everything is turnout nicely:)

June Madness

I have decided update all my stationery and cards to give them a nicer look. Here are some samples. I have a lot more work to do but I will be overly prepared for my first show in July. I am so excited! I have built new displays and signs, I'll post pics next week when everything is complete. Plus, I am breathing new life into all my old stationery and products!

Let the application season begin...

The summer season makes me feel like I'm a senior in high school filling out college applications. Once again its craft show time and I have revamped my website and products to appear as awesome as I am.

Currently, I have so much going on I haven't been able to keep my head on straight. My bestie's wedding is less than two weeks away and I have been planning a bachelorette party as well as doing any that needs to be done.

Here are some cute pictures of somethings I have been working on....

Continuing with home improvements

We have been working hard to decrease the to-do list. This weekend we focused on the yard. I think it looks a ton better, the only thing we have left to do is repaint the porch.

Its been along time...

April was a very interesting month for me. I became very overwhelmed with all the things I need to do. Adding to my stress, I accidentally deleted my website. So, after two weeks my site is back. Go visit Prince Chicago! I am still adding information and photos but its almost done. With that being said, I am a month behind. So, I have to go back and redesign and cut some things I had planned for this year.Tear, but there is always next year. Below is a photo timeline of my April. I have been improving my home and decorating but now its back to business.

If its not one things its another

Well, I have been busy preparing and revising my products while playing the role of a full-time mom. I was excited to announce my new website but I accidentally lost it. I'm serious, I have no idea where the site went and I've been trying to figure it out for the last week. Hopefully I will be able to show it to you soon. But you can visit my new Big Cartel store, www.princechicagodesign.bigcartel.com and my etsy shop for sale items. So, that's where I am now. Photographing new products and getting ready for show season.

Building Momentum

Last week was extremely hectic and this week is going to be more of the same. I am finishing my website and updating everything by the end of this week. Above are some shots I took of the new stationery line and the kids t-shirt line, everything be available starting next week (oh, and adults your clothing line is on the books, designing now). Its almost here people!