Plant Seeds that Matter!

I remember, when I first started glamjulz, I was pretty fixated on the idea of global domination!

Oh yeah, I wanted to be in every province, every state and then take it across the pond and conquer Europe, then Asia, on and on.

Over the years my ambitions and priorities have changed.  Not because I have given up or I don’t think it’s eventually possible.  I just settled down a little and realized how much love and support there is right here in my very own backyard.

This year especially has been such a game changer.  Our studio has been open for shopping every Tuesday for over a year now.  Women and men from all over the GTA have been popping in to visit and not only enjoy making purchases but are fascinated to see how we hand make each and every piece of glamjulz.

The ripple effect of what we like to call, “Treat Yourself Tuesdays” has been incredible.  Our on-line sales have increased, my personal connections to fellow entrepreneurs in the community has grown tenfold.  Smart, intelligent, inspirational people are coming forward to collaborate with glamjulz and make big things happen in the community.

This coming week will again be filled with this kind of excitement.  Tuesday morning at 7:20AM I will be on CH Morning Live with Annette Hamm talking about great gift ideas for Mom!  Tuesday afternoon/evening we will be opening the doors to our studio for our annual Mother’s Day Sale and then I’m off to attend a series of trunk shows and events for the remainder of the week.

I honestly have to pinch myself some days.  Everyone who meets us wants to see glamjulz thrive and succeed in the community! From Snap’d Burlington to CH Morning Live generously giving us print and air time, to fellow entrepreneurs collaborating with us and tagging us in their social media, to all of you who come back time and time again to see what we are creating and share your glamjulz experience with all of your friends!

I feel incredibly lucky and grateful!  This amazing community of like-minded caring people is beyond what I ever imagined when I picked up my first bead in the spring of 1992 and thought, hmmmmm….could this be a business?

If you’re looking for me in the next little while, I’ll be right here planting, nurturing and growing more sparkly seeds, right here in my own glamjulz backyard.  Won’t you join me?

Monica XO

  1. How has your community shown you support? Please share in the comments below! If you have your own business, we would LOVE to hear from you and make a special connection!

20 Comments

Jacqueline Court

Love this and the idea of planting and growing aligns so well with how we should all view our own personal growth. Keep the blogs and the beautiful julz coming. I love how you help me to show my sparkle – even on the days when I barely have energy to function.
we live on a street with a zillion kids and parents. Whenever anyone needs help – we rally together to get each other through. We love to support our local businesses. We know that charity begins at home and fosters a tight knit and trusted community.
Keep on sparkling!
xo

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Monica Graves

Jacqueline! You are one of the most sparkly girls I know! I especially admire how you are never afraid to re-invent yourself!! You rock! XO

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Rita

I love glamjulz and have a few amazing pieces from Monica! I experienced how Monica can take a challenge any time with smile and glamorously tackle it! So lucky to meet you 🙂
I also started creating seashell art few years ago as a hobby, making a Christmas gifts for friends and family and right away they started encouraging me to go bold and start making business and selling my artwork . I was scared but took a challenge. Couldn’t done without support of the friends and community.

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Monica Graves

Rita!!!! You are amazing!! Thank you for including me in the Florida Keys community on my last visit! I felt like I was a Southern Belle just like you and all of your beautiful and supportive friends! <3

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Lucy Santoro

What a great blog! It’s true, oftentimes we think our global impact has to be large scale. But truthfully, the small impact you make; to perfectly accessorize that special outfit, to create a gift that is unique and beautiful, to donate your proceeds to many meaningful causes/charities, and to network with local entrepreneurs makes a BIG difference in the lives you touch every single day! There’s something to be said with being in a community where you can’t necessarily change all the things that need improvement, but that you do ONE thing to create the ripple. Monica, you and your team of fabulous women do that every day – in your posts, in your creativity, in your genuine JOY of sharing and connecting with people. I’ve seen it first hand as you’ve become a recent member of H.U.B Inc Hamilton/Burlington. I love having you attend our events and sharing your energy and experience. Your seeds are growing…I’m thrilled for you and I’m thrilled to have connected with you. Keep planting….Europe will be calling you in no time at all! xo

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Monica Graves

Lucy!!! Thank you so much and thank you for all of your support as a new friend!! I’m so lucky to know you and have your support!!! Can’t wait for more adventures ahead with you and HUB!!! XO

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Elizabeth Plouffe

I’ve often used the sleep, creep and then leap analogy of gardening to describe how a business grows. The first year is spent making connections, growing your network and figuring out what the heck you’re doing. The 2nd year you see your efforts creep across the community with collaboration on events, giving back, more people getting in touch and your reputation growing. 3rd year? Well all the hard work, sweat and nurturing you’ve put in to your business pays off and things blossom in ways you’d never imagine. And you get to treat yourself to some amazing glamjulz as a reward for all your hard work 🙂

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Monica Graves

Elizabeth!! Thank you for this wonderful comment and for inviting me to be a guest several times on your podcast! You sure know how to promote community! You’re a star! XO

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Joanne

Always love your blogs, Monica, and always admire how you pay it forward in everything you do!! As an entrepreneur for many years, I love watching how you collaborate, connect with and support other small business owners to give back to the community – it’s a win for everyone!

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Monica Graves

Thanks Joanne!!! I also admire how you are empowering women in your business!! Keep going girl! You’re awesome!!! XO

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Ljuba

You’re a great entrepreneur and as a small business operator as well I admire and can relate to your wonderful statement of planting seeds that matter. Your beautiful jewelery keeps me coming back! I can even recal a couple of years ago my husband stopped in to pick up a surprise Mother’s Day gift for me and and it was a great surprise!

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Monica Graves

Ljuba!!! Thank you for all of the years you have supported me and my dream! One day I will hire you to design and build my Jetson’s inspired studio with Xanadu accents of course! You are an incredible business woman! XO

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Tammy

You have done amazing things with glamjulz Mon and I am so proud to say I know you!! You are an inspiration for the many women entrepreneurs in our amazing B-town And you know I have my share of glamjulz
Like you mention, it truly matters to plant those seeds… that grow into relationships, friendships and support systems. It’s all about connections and as you know it takes a village to succeed in any small business! Word of mouth, tags and shares on social media, and involvement in community events are the only way to build your rapport and presence within a community and you’ve done it all!
I’m grateful to say that the many connections I’ve made over many years have helped my new business “thrive” too. Likeminded people will share and support each other and of course recognize and promote any service/product that speaks to them. I’m so glad to say my clients are like family to me and have supported me through this first year in business and it’s fellow entrepreneurs like you Mon, who provide encouragement to those starting out looking for some love ❤️
I’m thrilled for the journey glamjulz has taken you on and I look forward to watching your evolve!
Thank you for your support of our growth at Thrive.
It takes a village and I’m proud to say you are a part of mine!!

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Monica Graves

Oh Tammy!!! This is amazing! We are long overdue for a coffee, tea or glass of vino! I’m so flippin’ proud of you!!! Lucky to know you!!! You are fabulous! XO

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Natasha

I’m so glad I’m a flower in your garden!! Let’s keep on planting and growing together!!
Love you XO

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Monica Graves

You got is sister! Love you too! Team glamjulz is like no other! We ROCK! XO

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Brigitte

It has been an absolute pleasure meeting you Monica and your jewellery makes such a beautiful statement… in looks and meaning! Each unique handmade piece is a true work of art and heart, and I love and appreciate every piece❤
Starting a business can be tough, but keeping it growing and going is where you dig deep to make it happen. When your heart is in it, anything is possible. After 21 years in a business now, I can still remember that first day when I made the decision to try it on my own, and all that it took to get where I am today. It was worth every bead of sweat!
Your “Mom lesson” touched my heart as I lost my Mom in 2008 but remember going through the same catalogue with my Mutti and saving up to buy a few pieces. I miss her so much but am so thankful for all she taught me as well, and for being the most amazing single Mom on the planet!
You go girl!☺

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Monica Graves

Oh Brigitte, this comment really touches my heart! The next time I see you I want to hear more about your fabulous Mutti! Thank you so much for sharing and appreciating glamjulz! We are so happy to have you as part of our tribe! XO

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Monique Percival

We were out for dinner this evening and as usual, received a compliment on my glamjulz necklace. Happens every time I wear one of my necklaces and I’m always sure to tell them where they can get them.

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Monica

Monique! That’s fantastic! You are such a beautiful glamjulz model! I’m very proud to have you out there representing us so well! XO

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