Karen Landis is planning to make a name for herself in the world of jewelry, despite the trying times. Her gorgeous wire-wrapped gemstones and 3-in-1 necklaces offer stunning, timeless, and affordable options for ladies who still want to look and feel special even without a lot of cash to spare. Her dive into retail may have been more than she imagined, but one thing is for sure: Seeing people enjoying her jewelry makes it all worth it.
Creative Loafing: What got you started in jewelry design?
Karen Landis: I was on a corporate management career track working 60-70 hours a week. I realized that I didn't have the personality for it. I wanted to make jewelry. Last August, I accepted a position that was a step down and a cut in pay because it allowed me to work from home. Working from home meant I no longer had to spend time commuting or attending business functions. That gave me the time to focus on jewelry. This year, I've opened two stores online (http://karenlandis.etsy.com and http://karenlandis.artfire.com), started a jewelry blog and began using Twitter. I'm also interested in selling my jewelry at art fairs and doing trunk shows at boutiques. You can't do everything overnight so I'm taking a stepped approach. For instance, I recently purchased a used, high-end artist's booth on Ebay. I wasn't expecting to make that investment this year. I knew I needed it eventually but the price was right (even though I had to drive to Ohio to pick it up). Sometimes, things just fall in your lap. Now I can check that off my list.
Take 10 percent to 75 percent off select items at Green With Envy through the end of July.
1111 Central Ave.
704-344-8774
With this video, "Geek Fashion with Diana Eng." I know you've always wanted to learn how to sew with LEDs and conductive thread with the Project Runway alum!
Thinking about getting a scooter? Go to Vespa of Charlotte from now through July 31 and get $500 off any new scooter in stock. ($500 off meaning $300 discount at register and $200 free accessories). Sounds like a good deal to me!
128 West Worthington Ave.
704-373-7400
Now through the end of July, lots of summer items have been marked down (clothing, scarves, bathing suits, etc.)
1232 East Blvd.
704-375-1888
Charlotte Fashion Week is having its final model casting on Tuesday, July 14.
The casting will be at 6 p.m. at the Blake Hotel. Male and female models of all ethnicities are welcome. All models need to bring comp cards or photos. Female models should bring two piece bathing suits and be 5'7" in height or taller. Male models should bring swim trunks and be 6' in height or taller. The final red
carpet event will take place September 10-12 at the Mint Museum.
Charlotte Fashion Week: Final Model Casting
Tuesday, July 14th at 6:00pm
The Blake Hotel
555 S. McDowell Street
2nd Floor Cardinal Ballroom
Via Veneto is having a 40-50% off sale on clothes, shoes, and handbags. Select shoes are marked down to $50 a pair. Clothing brands include Michael Kors, Muse, Isda, and Donna Morgan. Shoe brands include Donald Pliner, Cole Haan, Delman, and Taryn Rose. Handbag brands include Francesco Biasia and Cole Haan.
6815-F Phillips Place Court
704-556-0710
Finding the perfect running shoe is as simple as turning on a computer. The employees at Charlotte Running Company use technology and knowledge to ensure an ideal running, walking, and shopping experience for each customer.
Scott Dvorak, store owner and running enthusiast, opened Charlotte Running Company in 2000 with hopes to give runners and walkers the opportunity to go where there is a knowledge base. Dvoraks store uses video gait analysis, a motion software, to observe the movement of each customers feet while on a treadmill. If customers need orthotics, Aetrex foot scanning is used in order to accurately measure feet. His approach is detailed and effective, emphasizing the amount of time spent with customers in order to satisfy their running and walking needs.
Dvorak ran track and field and cross country while at NC State University, continued on to a post-collegiate career in running for Reebok, then tried out for the 1996 Olympics. Now, he is using his experience and knowledge to benefit other athletes through his business. My employees love running, says Dvorak, whose store also carries running clothing and accessories.
All summer long, select fashion sunglasses at Sunglass Charlotte are 30 percent to 50 percent off! This sale includes Valentino, Blinde, and other high end sunglasses!
6809-C Phillips Place Court
704-552-7861