September 23, 2006.
When speaking with other business owners in my industry, whether it be bedding designers, re-sellers, artisans, boutique owners, sales reps, one common assumption is made of my business: we have flown under the radar. Four years in business come this November (though it seems like longer) and we have not had any major disturbances, i.e; no products sold on Ebay, no company in China ripping off our designs, no flea market knock-offs, no similar tile artist, nothing, nada - we have been safe.
Let me clarify what I mean....other companies have not been so lucky, I have had no one blatantly copy my concept, artwork or style. For example, take Drooz Studio (http://www.drooz.com/) artist Shelly Kennedy's company has been around for awhile. She was an innovator with putting a 'mural' on canvas and then hanging in on a decorative rod. Last count, I think she has at least 15 other companies copying her concept, her art style and some are blatantly ripping off designs she created. Now, I do not know Shelley Kennedy personally, but I have enormous respect for her company,her talent (she is a real artist to boot) and her ability not to go ape-shit crazy on these copy-cats (I don't think I could be so cool). So....if you read my blog (psst...read the one before) you know how I feel about fake-artists and copying....breathe Jamie, breathe.
Which brings me back to JPD, we have been either very lucky or very smart (I put my money on lucky). In 24 hours our products will be on a national, top rated TV show. If all goes according to plan, then some 10-17 million viewers (checked google for statistics) will see our products and hopefully catch our company name in the credits as it flys by (or more realistically check the website we hope....). I do realize that many other companies have been on EMHE before, and we are not the first. However, the ones I have tracked have already had national recognition before being on the show.
The expression "careful what you wish for" could very well be coming true. I admit nothing may happen, our products may zip by and it does not affect us at all...but it might. When I started this business I decided to go all out, and not just 'dabble' in the industry. About 1/2 way through my first year in business a friend asked me why, why would I want to continue to get bigger and bigger? She wanted to know what would compel me to do this. I merely stated, "If I am going to do something, I want to do it....otherwise what is the point? Why do something 1/2 ass?"
So....here we go!
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