Hi!
I'm Shelly. I am so glad you stopped by.
About the blog
I started writing this blog because I thought it was what I was supposed to do as a jewelry designer, and business owner.
I started writing this blog because I thought it was what I was supposed to do as a jewelry designer, and business owner.
Friend, tweet,
blog...that's what you do, right??
At first I would throw stuff up on my blog randomly, and I really wasn't sure what I was supposed to be doing. As I started reading more and more blogs, I found that I was drawn to certain aspects of different blogs, so I started posting about the things I liked to read about myself, and I started loving my own blog. I certainly don't have all the answers, but I love what I am doing and that is really the only answer I need.
I love to make pretty things and I'm inspired by the world around me. While I should probably be writing a lot about my jewelry, sometimes other things are inspiring me at the moment, and that's what I'll probably be talking about.
I am truly grateful for many things, and I want to share what I know with you. It might be something I’ve added to my jewelry collection, an inspiring quote, a great deal, or just a cute skirt.
At first I would throw stuff up on my blog randomly, and I really wasn't sure what I was supposed to be doing. As I started reading more and more blogs, I found that I was drawn to certain aspects of different blogs, so I started posting about the things I liked to read about myself, and I started loving my own blog. I certainly don't have all the answers, but I love what I am doing and that is really the only answer I need.
I love to make pretty things and I'm inspired by the world around me. While I should probably be writing a lot about my jewelry, sometimes other things are inspiring me at the moment, and that's what I'll probably be talking about.
I am truly grateful for many things, and I want to share what I know with you. It might be something I’ve added to my jewelry collection, an inspiring quote, a great deal, or just a cute skirt.
A
little more about me
I grew up in Dallas Texas, and for as long as I could remember, I wanted to live in New York City.
After way too many years of internal debate, I finally came to the realization that I would forever regret not giving it a shot, and in the summer of 2002, I decided to stop wondering what it was like, and found out for myself.
Was it the best ever? Ehh…
I can only describe it as the best and worst ever (I have a story (or ten) to tell). I don't, however, regret a minute because it inspired a completely new career path that I never could have imagined.
I always had an interest and curiosity about fashion. However, I had never considered designing myself, let alone running a business. When I moved to the city I was working as a special ed teacher, and as necessity is the mother of invention, I soon found that my salary didn't go as far in NYC as it did in Texas, and I soon began making accessories (and some clothing) for myself.
I had no idea what I was doing, and just started wandering around the nearby fashion district, and playing with materials I found there. Once I started wearing what I made, I was often approached by not only friends, but strangers, inquiring about what I was wearing.
It wasn't long before a light bulb went off in my head, and on a whim, I decided to set up a small table at The Market NYC and started selling jewelry and small handbags that I had made.
That's where things really got started.
I was quickly selling out of everything I brought, and was often approached by store buyers and magazine editors who wanted to feature my products. Orders started rolling in, and after staying up until the wee hours of the morning making thousands of pairs of earrings for Anthropologie, I quickly found that I no longer had time to both teach and run a business.
I grew up in Dallas Texas, and for as long as I could remember, I wanted to live in New York City.
After way too many years of internal debate, I finally came to the realization that I would forever regret not giving it a shot, and in the summer of 2002, I decided to stop wondering what it was like, and found out for myself.
Was it the best ever? Ehh…
I can only describe it as the best and worst ever (I have a story (or ten) to tell). I don't, however, regret a minute because it inspired a completely new career path that I never could have imagined.
I always had an interest and curiosity about fashion. However, I had never considered designing myself, let alone running a business. When I moved to the city I was working as a special ed teacher, and as necessity is the mother of invention, I soon found that my salary didn't go as far in NYC as it did in Texas, and I soon began making accessories (and some clothing) for myself.
I had no idea what I was doing, and just started wandering around the nearby fashion district, and playing with materials I found there. Once I started wearing what I made, I was often approached by not only friends, but strangers, inquiring about what I was wearing.
It wasn't long before a light bulb went off in my head, and on a whim, I decided to set up a small table at The Market NYC and started selling jewelry and small handbags that I had made.
That's where things really got started.
I was quickly selling out of everything I brought, and was often approached by store buyers and magazine editors who wanted to feature my products. Orders started rolling in, and after staying up until the wee hours of the morning making thousands of pairs of earrings for Anthropologie, I quickly found that I no longer had time to both teach and run a business.
I took a
leap of faith, decided to quit my job, dedicated running my business.
I'm still in a bit of disbelief about where my life has taken me, but mostly just grateful to do something challenging, inspired, and fun.
I'm still in a bit of disbelief about where my life has taken me, but mostly just grateful to do something challenging, inspired, and fun.
Most of
the time.
About GS Lillian
I am so excited to have sold products to major retailers (gap, urban outfitters, target), and I am over the moon proud of the extensive media coverage (In Style, Marie Claire, O Magazine, etc) I have received. I have even worked it Rachel Zoe and been asked to help with the casting of Project Runway. GSL has even been spotted at the Oscars! What..?!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to collaborate on business, creative, and blog projects, so please don't hesitate in contacting me if you have an idea.
Need to know more? Want to know how I did it? Just want to say "hi"?
Contact me, I'd love to hear from you!
