Featured Seller: kbschmelzer

Who are you?

Karen Schmelzer of kbschmelzer

Where are you located?

Durham

What do you create?

I make jewelry and will be selling a few beads.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?

American Tobacco Campus, downtown Durham

When did you start creating?

I think I was 6 or 7 when I got a dime store potholder loom as a gift. That is the first time I can remember creating anything without crayons. I immediately asked my father to build a stand next to the road so I could begin to sell them right away. He didn’t, of course. The rest, as they say, is history. No matter what else was going on in my life, I always had handmade projects going on and for many years, I have had a business selling them.

What inspires you?

Color, texture, light, nature as a whole, art

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?

I love the photography needed to list something online. Finding props and backgrounds that will enhance a piece, and creating light situations, etc. I enjoy creating everything that will be presented with my jewelry, such as tags, cards, gift boxes, thank you notes and brochures.

What types of things do you do to turn first-time buyers into repeat clients?

I make sure the first thing they buy from me is of excellent quality and is presented in a very professional manner. Then I remind them of other services, such as gift certificates, direct shipping for gifts, etc. Then I stand by my work and make sure they are happy with their purchase.

What do you do when you’re not creating?

Since my work is sedentary, I do a lot of exercising. I love to travel and try to do at least one great trip a year. In the past two years, I have spent a month In Italy, and been to St. John in the Virgin Islands, Santa Fe, San Diego and the Door County area of Wisconsin. I like to spend time with family, friends and my brown dog. I also really love a great movie.