The Jewelry Party I'm Afraid To Have Is Happening!!! (maybe)

So. A few weeks ago I wrote about how I was thinking about maybe trying to have a jewelry party sometime soon... Despite my reservations, a combination of recent slow weeks at my store and wanting to try new things has led me to decide that I should do it! However, I really, REALLY don't want it to be a Tupperware-style "sit down and buy my jewelry" type of thing. I would much rather host a cocktail party, where there also happens to be jewelry for sale. My 1st anniversary in business is coming up soon too, so the party will also be a celebration of that. In short--the timing just seems right for this kind of event.

I spent HOURS the other day designing the perfect invitation--choosing the right day, time, wording, etc. And now, I've been staring at the finished invitation for two whole days, too afraid to send it out! Which I realize is ridiculous. I mean, what's the worst that can happen?? That nobody comes? That nobody buys jewelry? Who really cares?!?? I just need to keep trying new things to see if anything actually works!

Most of what stresses me out about the jewelry party is my discomfort with "soliciting." I hate the thought of anyone feeling pressured or uncomfortable at the event, or obligated in any way to buy. When I was growing up, a friend's mother would always invite my family to her selling parties--I can't remember the company name (or I can but I don't want to embarrass her in case she's reading!), but it was all kinds of (typically useless) stuff, and I distinctly remember how uncomfortable the whole thing felt. So, I guess I just want to make sure that I don't impose that feeling on anyone else. It's just not worth it to me!

But! I'm not forcing anybody to come. And once they're at my house, I am certainly not going to be making them buy anything. I do of course hope to make some kind of sales, but I just can't have that be the focal of the party in order for me to feel comfortable. I guess I'm just going to have to feel it out and see how this first time goes. And depending on what happens, I can plan to try another party. Or not. At the worst, I will end up drinking sangria by myself in the kitchen! And at the best, I will have a fun, profitable party with my friends :)
Ok, that decides it! I am sending out the invitations by tomorrow at the latest, whether I want to or not. I am having a party, dammit!!!!!

To be continued...