We asked Georgie a few questions so you can see what’s behind the Georgie Girl business.
Georgie will be at the first Sydney show and Melbourne show
How did you come to set up your business?
I first found myself attending a bead weaving class in early 2000’s which started off only as a fun hobby. As I became familiar with bead weaving I broadened my skills even further and found that I had a real passion for Lampwork art. I focused on creating exclusive pieces of Jewellery and Lampwork beads. As I was craving to learn as much I could about this wonderful world of glass, I decided to gain as much experience as I could by joining a local bead group, working at bead shops, teaching classes on off-Loom techniques, attending shows and meeting fellow Lampwork Artists. This was when I decided that I wanted to be a Lampwork artist and to start a career out of something I truly love and feel passionate about. I started to make a name for myself and people were requesting my beads all the time, they wanted individual pieces and they also wanted to feature my beads when they made their own jewellery. I went on to show my work in local galleries and cafés; during this time and I also had my first exhibition with my new business ‘Georgie Girl Wearable Art Glass’.
What’s the best part of running your business?
The best part of running my own business is that I get to enjoy my work and what I do by fulfilling my own artistic passion, I can work within the hours that suit my family needs and that I can be my own boss.
Where do you sell? Online, shopfront or show?
Most of my work is currently being sold online and at shows.
I enjoy selling my art at shows as it gives me an easy-going and laid back environment where I can enjoy a one on one relationship with my customers. I also sell online which allows customers to shop at their leisure, it is also great for those customers who can keep in contact with me when they may not be able to attend a show and they can also see the quality of my jewellery with the numerous photos of current items I have on there.
What do you like about attending a show?
I do love the welcoming atmosphere at the shows; I thoroughly enjoy setting up my display with my new collection of Jewellery and art glass.
I love to get in amongst the people by collaborating and getting to know other talented artist’s in the industry, designing unique pieces, and making fantastic connections and friendships with some lovely customers. I love that we all share information and I get excited to see what other artists have created.
What questions do customers ask most often and what do you reply?
My customers are mostly interested in how I make my beads, what inspires my palette, if I can create specific items of jewellery for them.
I usually give them a quick explanation of the process of Lampwork. I love to talk to them about my colours. My inspiration comes from the colours I see around me every day, and of course I can create specific items for them, I don’t do the same piece twice but we usually come up with something that they love.
Which of your products which excites you the most.
That’s easy, my latest Lampwork beads!!
Do you create with your products yourself and if so what do you make. Do you have other creative pursuits?
Yes I love to create with my own products; I love to make unique items of jewellery for myself, family, and friends and of course my customers.
I also enjoy painting, drawing and making fashion accessories.