Hi everyone!
My name is Stephanie Swanson and I was a member years ago back
during the hurricane Katrina time frame. I remember everyone being so
worried about Thomas Mann and he finally wrote in to tell everyone he
was okay.
It was so nice to have a group who cared so much for one another.
Plus I was such a fan of his and thought it was great that he wrote
in. I have since decided to rejoin as I am so busy now in my store
and it would be nice to have a group of industry people to call on
for advice and friendship. I have my store front/art gallery and also
a family jewelry line ( http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ep80ay ) that
I’m really proud of. The website tells my story of being an adoptive
parent and the little boy on the front page is my son Eric. Anyway, I
have been in the industry for 21 years as a bench person/designer,
working at stores and for the last 6 1/2 years for myself. The reason
being my youngest son is special needs and my oldest son is in every
extracurricular activity known to man, so flexibility is key for me!
My store is getting really busy and I have been doing lots of repair,
designing engagement rings and selling art. I’m in Chesterton, IN
which is a great little tourist town on the dunes. I am interested in
following your conversations and questions on our industry and hoping
to throw in some of my own, but I would like to put a shout out that
I am looking for bench help too. If anyone can give me some direction
I would appreciate it. I am looking forward to getting to know you
all- thanks and bye for now, Steph