Jacqueline is interested in designing practical pieces of art that can be worn and enjoyed every day. She is also interested in merging the best of both worlds – using her knowledge of marketing to approach the world of design and retail from a new perspective – perhaps breaking some rules along the way. She is also a strong believer in relationships as the key to longevity in business and would like her partner relationships to transcend whatever business is conducted.

Jacqueline is married to a master craftsman for whom she has a great deal of respect. Through her husband’s eyes, she has witnessed the devolution of the trades and through her own experience; she has seen the challenges facing the average artisan trying to sell their work in a society that requires things to happen faster and cheaper. Fundamentally, Cape Ann Designs partners need to respect and appreciate a loftier set of principles that look to preserve our precious indigenous talent pool.

Cape Ann Designs today is already different than a year ago and in another year, may evolve further with the addition of a new piece of the puzzle. The goal is to be present in the right geographies and environments to sell hand-made accessories. To date, these opportunities include high end hand made jewelry shops, salons, and spas, private exhibits at events, women’s conferences, and galleries or craft centers. Cape Ann’s growing Sea Glass Festival is also a unique venue where Cape Ann Designs will continue to collaborate with other sea glass enthusiasts. Geographically, Cape Ann Designs will follow a seaside growth plan north and south from Boston and then in key west coast communities.

The answer is “yes.” Although it is gratifying to sell direct, Jacqueline would like to have a small network of strategically placed retail partners that she can support through the website, public relations, and other marketing opportunities. Since all the work is “one of a kind” customers are encouraged to buy it when they see it. The ideal retail partner will help represent me in a larger area and work together to promote in that region.