Giving Love

Last week, if you read my post about my October "To Do" list, you'll know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... but rather it's been a really good, busy few weeks here.  I wanted to share with you a moment last week that just makes me glow.  My mission in life is to spread love and happiness.

For the Open House I did at a friends house last week, I always make a special little something to say "Thank you for sharing my jewelry with your friends."  Well at this particular party, there were two hostesses and they invited both of their circles of friends.  As a showing for my appreciation I made them each a bracelet - different and representing each of their personalities.  Upon opening their gifts together, I hear a squeal and "Oh my gosh - it's so beautiful... Look, I have goosebumps!" 

Just being me, those moments are what I live for.  This was of course followed with big hugs and happy dances all around.  I appreciate it so very much when people believe in me enough, and love my designs enough to want to share me with their friends.  It's a personal referral that means the most to my heart!

I'll get pictures of my open house and such posted after I get them off my camera.  I also received the most amazing two packages last week from my friends which I can't wait to share with you as well.  I've got so much to say, but first, I must get my fur babies out for a walk.  They are both giving me that look - and if you have fur babies, you know the look I'm talking about! :)  Of course they get cookies when we get back and I just might dive into a piece of leftover birthday cake from our party yesterday... just maybe!

Make it a terrific day!
Hugs!

Dawn

Putting the Service in Customer Service

Recently I had read a post on another blog about Customer Service.  (I'm sorry, I wish I could remember who's blog and where the post is... but I forgot to bookmark it.)  The author was discussing how 98% of your customers are happy with their purchase and very appreciative... but... the other 2%.  Well that's the 2% that will make or break your business.  Especially in this digital age where bad publicity travels 10x faster - and farther - than the good publicity and advertising you pay for.

I wanted to share a personal experience I just had 2 weeks ago.  I sent a package down to a brand new customer that had purchased from my Ebay store.  Through no fault of theirs or mine, the post office delivered the package looking like it had been run over by a bulldozer - and it was torn open.  The product obviously was damaged beyond use.  When I shipped, I did not get insurance because A. I hadn't had a problem before and B. The value of the items wasn't high enough to warrant it.

So upon receiving the product, the buyer e-mails me and sends photos of how the package arrived.  I immediately felt terrible, I put myself in his shoes and knew I'd be upset if I received that package.  Now on ebay, each store has a different policy.  As I sell cosmetics, I have a no returns policy for obvious reasons.  But this was the exception to that rule.

I responded immediately to the buyers e-mail, apologizing profusely and offering to ship new  products to him or give him a full refund.  He had purchased the product for his wife & daughter, so after checking with them he asked that I send new product.  I put together what they ordered and an extra little something for each of the ladies - double bubble wrapped the product - packaged it up and immediately went to the post office to BUY INSURANCE :) and ship it.  Just in case this too was damaged, which I didn't expect - but just in case, I'd now be covered.

Skip ahead 5 days and I sent a follow-up e-mail to make sure the package arrived safe & sound.  I received this e-mail back.

"Everything arrived undamaged this time, I thank you so much for help making my wife and daughter more beautiful.  We will check with you when we need more.  Thanks for treating us like customers used to be treated."

Bob

I felt so relieved, but proud too.  Proud that I could give small business owners a positive review in the eyes of this gentleman, his wife & daughter.  Yes, it was my cost to re-ship the item with insurance and yes, it was more product out the door.  BUT for me to have a happy customer that is willing to communicate with me about a problem and then be satisfied enough to offer their repeat business is priceless.

I really wanted to share this experience because I know as entrepreneurs we encounter challenging and negative situations often.  Some people snap back and then potentially lose that customer's  business forever.  Not to mention the negative reputation and remarks that the unsatisfied customer can put out there about you and your business practices.

Custom Birthday Gift Wrap

On the flip side, with my jewelry designs, my goal is to exceed customers expectations from the beginning.  If they are getting one of my custom designs as a gift for someone I am more than happy to gift wrap the jewelry and send it directly to the recipient if necessary.  From many brides in particular with their bridesmaids' jewelry, when I send them a box with each set completely gift wrapped and decorated with curly ribbon.  So many brides have 10,000 things to do before their wedding and the last thing they have time for is wrapping 5 or 10 little bitty gift boxes.  So it's just part of what I do, and I love doing it! 

Sweet Jewelry Surprise

One of the greatest joys in life for me is surprising someone with gratitude completely out of the blue.  Everybody has struggles with one thing or another in life - especially lately it seems - so if I can give someone a smile, or add a little joy to their day it completely makes my day! 

Such is the case with these adorable purple earrings.  I made 2 pairs, one to give as a surprise gift, the other to put in my store.  My friend has no idea these are coming to her.  I only wish the package had a voice recorder for when she opens the package... because girl, she is going to squeeeeeeeeel with joy. That I'm sure of!

If you haven't done something out of the blue for anybody lately, maybe this will inspire you.  My mission in life is to spread love and share smiles.  Since I took the oath of Large Hearts & Giving Spirit in an undisclosed location, a gazillion years ago... I've seen so many smiles.  And I know, smiles breed more smiles!  Woot, woot! 

I hope you give someone one of your smiles today!  Because I KNOW you've got plenty to go around!

Have a superfantastic* day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

*Superfantastic is an unlicensed trademark from my really, wonderful cousin Lexi.  It's her favorite word and just saying it puts a smile on my face.  Thanks Lexi for always making me smile!  You're a true gem sweetie!  Love ya!*

All Things Bright & Beautiful

Happy Mother's day to one & all... The moms with two-legged kids, the moms with the 4-legged furry kids, and the Mr. Moms.  All of you are so important in sharing love, teaching responsibility and helping to raise wonderful adults.  I'm so blessed to have a wonderful mom that always taught me the value of honesty, kindness and being genuine.  Our family was so rich in love, we had enough to share with all of my friends, my siblings' friends and their siblings as well. 

One thing as a child, and then as I became a young adult that you could always, ALWAYS count on was something fresh out of the oven & delicious when I came home from school, with mom waiting, asking "What did you do today?"  And then the most precious gift of all... she really listened, creating what are now wonderful memories of years gone by! 

To my mom and all of my friends that are moms, your ears are worth so much more than their proportionate size! :)  Much love, many hugs, laughter to last a lifetime.  Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Gift

Let it be known to the heavens and earth that I have officially completed the most amazing gift for my Mother-in-Law for Mother's Day!  Yes, I've been a slave to my computer and scanner all week after a brainstorm I had last Sunday... in the shower.  Don't judge, it's where I do my best thinking! :)

Chris' mom had given me a HUGE manilla envelope of recipe's from her mother (whom had passed away in 1990) and asked if I could put them in a binder or something for her for safe keeping.  This was sometime around last October/November.  "Sure Mom, no problem."  "Thanks sweetie, no rush."

So here they sat... 

Holiday's are always crazy for everybody, and I've really been focusing on building my jewelry business so low and behold, the manilla envelope was still just sitting... until last Sunday.

Over this week, I have typed and scanned in all those recipes into a cookbook... yes, 88 pages, portrait 8 1/2 x 11" with a beautiful photo of Nana for the cover and had it professionally bound.  It turned out amazing, and since I know she doesn't get on the internet but twice a year, I know this post isn't going to spoil the surprise.  :)

So this is a picture of Chris' Nana, whom I never had the blessing to meet while she was alive.  However, in compiling all her decades of recipes, I know she was here with me.  I felt a chill, and got really, really emotional on one particular day (and it was 80 outside, so I could rule out the weather).  Her spirit definitely let me know she was here and that she loved what I was doing.  It was really a special, special moment I'll cherish for my lifetime!

What are you doing for your mom and mother-in-law for Mother's Day?  Any special traditions?  I'd love to hear how your week went and what you've been up to!  Gee, I've missed you all this week!  Can't wait to give the gift of a lifetime tonight at our get together. :)

Hugs!