Kim Connelly, owner Some businesses begin with MBA's and business plans. Mine started on a vacation. My husband and I celebrated our tenth anniversary with a trip to California. When we were in the artist's community of Carmel, I saw some beautiful hand made jewelry. I thought about that jewelry on the flight home and wished I purchased it when I had the chance. I wondered, "Is there a way to make something like it when I get home?" I had never made jewelry before, but I gave it a try a few days after our vacation. It was fun. It came naturally. I kept having inspiration, so I made more pieces. When I wore them, friends asked "where did you find those earrings?" I offered to make some things for them, and they offered to pay me for my time. I exhibited in craft fairs, school fundraisers, and conducted dozens of home parties over a two year period. It was a terrific opportunity to test my design styles, materials, and fabrication techniques (and make a little money along the way). The home party days are done and now I am focused on retail. My pieces are found in retail boutiques in the Midwest. I am always looking for more retail partners, so please contact me for more information if you are interested! We also offer available items through this ecommerce-enabled web site and an Etsy store. My husband provides marketing and business management support, and I concentrate on designing and building new pieces. I hope this gives you a better understanding of where Ludowise Jewelry comes from and where we are going (by the way, "Ludowise" is my maiden name). Thank you for visiting ludowise.com today.