Thank you!

Hello there! I hope everyone is staying cool this summer. That's been my goal for sure. 

My "Cherche Anniversary" is coming up in August, as well as the birth of my baby! This August it will be three years since I came up with the little idea of buying and selling old jewelry. I have grown in knowledge and skill tremendously since August 2009, and I hope the trend continues.

I have made many friends along the way. It has been a rewarding and special journey, and I want to say "thank you!" I hope to do this indefinitely. 

It warmed my heart last week when I got a thank you note from a customer saying how pleased she was with her purchase. Along with the note, she sent me a baby gift for my son. How thoughtful! 

It's the little things that keep me going. I may be in and out these next few weeks as I adjust to motherhood, but please know that I am certainly here to continue running a business. Please email me if you're in need of anything jewelry-wise.

My meeting that was invaluable

As I mentioned a few days ago, I was scheduled to meet with someone who is one of the best in the antique jewelry business.

I met with her. Y'all, it was wonderful.

To sit and talk to someone who has 30+ years experience in the field that you want to really dig deep into was incredible. It was invaluable.

Not only does she have the knowledge and wisdom, but she also has kindness. She shared some information with me that's taken her years to develop. We shared a few laughs, a cup of coffee, and talked antique jewelry. It was one of the best days I've had since starting this business.

I was even given a few leads, so I'm meeting with someone else on Saturday. I hope this becomes a trend.

I hope and pray this it's me in 30 years having coffee with some naive young woman who wants to learn more about the antique jewelry business. She'll probably tell me that she's figuring it all out as she goes, pregnant and scared, made some mistakes, but is eager to learn.

I'll tell her that I've been there.

Let someone who admires you treat you to a cup of coffee and just share your knowledge. You just might make their day. Or their year.

Just a little tip

Alright. I feel as if I hoard all of my secrets of my digging and diving. So, I'll share a secret. And it's free.

I always pick up one of these when I'm out antiquing.

The antiquing magazine. 

It's free, and it gives great info on antique shows coming up and facts about history and antiques in general. 

The main point here is this: always stay curious, interested, and read a lot. Antiques are a subject of never-ending knowledge.

That's another reason why I love antiques! So there ya go. Happy hunting!

A new business venture

It's so awesome to see progress occur at the very time you need it. I'm speaking of a business prospect. 

I got asked to put my inventory in a local home decor section in a store here in Baton Rouge. I'm so proud to be working with someone you Baton Rouge girls know: Shannon Barksdale Mahon. She's got the best style, so it's fitting that she's an interior decorator. Many of you may know her sister, Lauren. If you don't know Lauren, you probably know her work, her art work, to be exact. Her art will also be in this store!

We're having a grand opening party and all are welcome to attend! This should be lots of fun, so please come and join us on October 6! 

I hope that many people are blessed by this endeavor, including me! 

Hope to see you on October 6!

Celebrate

Today is a cause for celebration!

It's the second anniversary of Cherche'! 

Although these pictures are a beautiful representation of a great celebration, I will not be doing anything of the sort. 

Maybe just a glass of wine with the hubs. 

When I reach a loftier goal in my business, then we'll celebrate. For now, this is just a small achievement that I will enjoy on the small scale. 

Am I disloyal?

Today, I'm meeting with a jeweler here in Baton Rouge, and I feel like I'm cheating on my other jewelers in Anderson. I just need some help is all.

I hope to get my creative juices flowing with someone who can execute what I have in mind. This really could be a match made in heaven: I come up with the ideas, then someone does the work. This is excellent. Except I have to pay, which is not excellent.

I have to say, one thing I'll miss about Anderson forever is the cheaper than cheap prices.

I'll keep you posted on my time with my new jeweler. He says he likes people with different ideas! I think we'll be fast friends.

Exciting things coming to Cherche'! Will post jewelry soon!

Packing up

We apologize for any delay with posts. Please note there is always new jewelry joining the Cherche' collection.

Cherche' Vintage and Antique Jewelry is moving!

This train is moving with The Lee's to Baton Rouge, La. See y'all there!

I'm dedicated

Yesterday morning, I woke up at 4:30 am. I woke up on purpose because I wanted to go to a market in The Most Random City, SC.

The market opens at 4 am and closes around 2 pm. I had to work at the jewelry store yesterday, so I had to get there early, then truck it to work.

I had the best time. I listened to old hymns on those old country roads. There wasn't too much fog. My GPS got me there just fine. I parked and as I got out of my car, I heard crickets. I realized how early it really was. And the weather was so cool! Almost cold for me. Right away wished I had an oversized sweatshirt on. Maybe like the LSU one that I want for my birthday. I started to walk in my black patent leather flip flops, and I immediately realized that I was overdressed. The {6 am} dew was too wet for flip flops, anyway. You needed tennis shoes! Rule #1 when going to markets, antique shows, antique malls: underdress; you don't want them marking up the price because you look like you can afford more.

While trekking through the wet grass, I found some stuff. I found 2 orange lamps with bulbs and shades for a price you wouldn't believe. I told the man that I really liked them; they were unexpected. Really unexpected for me. I said, "My husband won't believe what I'm coming home with; I'm not exactly the orange-lamp-buying-kinda- girl."

Those huge orange lamps came home with me along with a few other steals. On my drive out of the parking lot, I saw a burly, old man. He had a thick, white beard and was wearing overalls. He had a leash and was walking his black cat. A cat. Another man was literally walking in one direction with his eyes starring back at the scene in the opposite direction. I got a little chuckle...by myself, of course. You'd be crazy to think that A.Lee would get up at 4:30 for anything but hunting or a flight.

I enjoyed my time by myself. I hope this becomes sort of a Wednesday {early} morning ritual. I just have to remember how early.

These days

I've been doing a lot of reading.

Antiques: a never-ending field of which to learn. 

Churchee

My husband reminded me last night of the way his brother pronounced the name of my business:

"CHURCH-EE"

Just to be clear, it's:

"Cher - {like the singer} - shay."

And just so you know, I got a whole lotta' Churchee jewelry on today...and I'm lovin' it! 

Happy Thursday!

Another show

I've been asking Andrew to take some pictures of my new finds, but he's just so busy writing on our other blog and getting ready to leave for The Masters. {Well excuse me.}

If you're interested in our personal lives, click on the icon at the top right. I'm going to spare you my personal happenings (or mishaps) on this site; this will be dedicated to all things vintage and all things jewelry!

We have a jewelry show coming up in Anderson on April 29, so if you're in the area for some strange reason, stop by the adorable cafe, "Ooh La Lolly" at 7 o'clock. (Lolly's an Auburn grad!)

Andrew did not design this ad; like I said, he's too busy. I bet you tell he didn't create this if you've seen any of his previous designs. This a good ad and all, but I can spot an Andrew Lee ad like nobody's business! 

Let me know if you'd like to host a show in your area. My dates are filling up quickly, but hopefully we can work something out! I'll have to get Andrew to help me with those spread sheet things so you can see my availability. 

Yet another thing to put on his "honey do" list....Poor thing.

Come on over!

Men: where y'at?

"Where y'at" : cajun. the traditional New Orleans equivalent to "what's up" or "how are you." The only appropriate response unless something is wrong is "aright."

Reasons why you should bring your husband/boyfriend to the Birmingham show on Friday:

1. We'll have beer.

2. We'll have Cajun food.

3. He might buy you a Valentine in the form of jewelry.

4. Since you never know what to get the guy for Vday, you could buy him a Valentine. A.Lee's photographs will be for purchase. Here's what you can expect:

5. We're gonna pass a good time, yea.

Laissez les bon temps

...ROULEZ!

That's right. Let the good times roll! It's Carnival time, y'all.

Sweet Lindsey Westbrook offered to host a Cherche' jewelry party at her home in Birmingham. I couldn't let the Mardi Gras season escape without doing something to honor the season. So a Mardi Gras themed Cherche show it is!

I'm pleased to be showcasing some of Andrew's photography, as well! He'll have photos from The Plains, NYC, and maybe a bayou pic in there. (I'll feature a sneak peak before the show next week.)

Of course we'll have Mardi Gras music, king cake, light cajun appetizers, beer and wine!

I know what some of you are thinking. Do I have to show my ta-ta's to get jewelry? The answer to that is "no." Just bring cash or check.

See y'all there.

Always Do Right

"Always do right- this will gratify some and astonish the rest."

Mark Twain

So Andrew suggested that I take down my previous post because it sounded "mean." I was just pointing out that it's endearing to copy your momma's, Ms. Glenda's of the world, or the great Coco Chanel, but I don't think it's very classy to copy someone's business plan. It's just not right.

Oh whatever, it's a free country, but just know that I won't be outdone by anyone trying to excel with my idea.

Having said that, I had a wonderfully successful show in Thibodaux thanks to my best friend, Beth! Many of you spoke of how you couldn't make it to Sugar Boutique that night but really were interested in joining us for a fun party. Good news! Beth and I talked about having another show in a few months. I will certainly inform you of a date if we decide to set one.

My set up at Sugar Boutique

Whit and Beth :: Friends since 4th grade

Thank you so much, Beth, for being such a great, generous friend! I had an amazing time!

Home for the holidays...and a party

I am now home from a wonderful Thanksgiving in the mountains! Glad to be home, but it's a short stay because I'm headed to my real home of Louisiana tomorrow!

My sweet friend, Beth, offered to have a Christmas party featuring my vintage findings at her store, Sugar Boutique. If you are in the Thibodaux area, stop by on Thursday from 5-7 pm. I'd love to see all of you! We'll have some treats, wine, jewelry, and of course, precious clothing at Beth's store.

Hope to see you there!

Thankful {My cup runneth over}

Photographed by Andrew Lee

During this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for God's promises and His beautiful blessings! What a great God that I serve. He has poured out His blessings so much that my cup can not contain it! Just like His Word says! When God makes a promise, you can be sure that He keeps it.

My business is going so well, and I have even given the most amazing opportunity to join as a sales rep and a writer in the Anderson newspaper! This is a dream for me. God has allowed this new job to be conducive with my business that I'm working so hard to see flourish.

All my life, I've been average, status quo, and I've gotten by. So many times, I've tried with all my might to accomplish things that I just couldn't achieve. Over the years, little by little, I gave it to God. I said, "Lord, do something great in me that everyone would know it's You working in me. Make You big and make me small." So simple. So child-like. But that was my prayer.

I just love how the Lord uses the weak to lead the strong. I love our God of irony! He has used the most unlikely vessel {me} to make His name big.

As always, to GOD be the glory.

"My cup runneth over, surely goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23:6

Show #2 :: Complete

I just glued my fingers together. Seriously. It hurts. Bad.

On that note, I decided to stop torturing my myself with repairs and type on my blog using my sandpapered finger tips.

Last night I had the Anderson Holiday Market, and it went quite well! I enjoyed the fact that my "booth" was different from all the rest. Customers seemed to like my niche. (I say "booth" because I was given a 5 x 2 table as my "booth." That's it. Please note when viewing the photos.)

I made tons of contacts and realized that Anderson isn't quite as bad as I perceived. I never see any of those "cute" people at Wal-Mart, Target, Dillard's, or the dry cleaners! I wondered if they existed, and come to find out, they do! Lucky for me, those "cute" people invited me to host a Cherche' show in December at their home!

Here are some of the photo's from last night's show:

Cherche' was on the projector! (Really not a big deal; everyone was!)

Me and Mom in our "Cherche" aprons she made.

The final display.

So I'm having a great day so far; I booked two shows in one day! I'll post the flier for the other exciting show as soon as we get the design finalized.

Now I have to go "cherche" for more jewelry! Off to the mountains tomorrow!

Contradicting Christmas Stance

I wanted to take a minute and finish telling you about my birthday...

JUST KIDDING! I'm officially over my birthday and ready for the holidays ahead- Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm not one of those strange people that starts listening to Christmas music in August. I think we all need to take everything in stride and celebrate the holidays as they come. I will start celebrating Christmas at the appropriate time: the day after Thanksgiving.

This weekend, though, I am preparing for my {pre-mature} Christmas event. Next Tuesday is the Anderson Holiday show, and I am participating as a vendor! The best part is that my mom is coming up to help (and bringing frozen Cajun food for Andrew and me. Dat's nice.)

So if you see something on my website that you had your eye on, please let me know before Tuesday so I can set it aside for you. (No obligation to buy.) Because when something is gone, it's G.O.N.E. That's the great thing about antiques: ONE OF A KIND!

Okay since I had a qualified reason to talk about Christmas, I'll leave you with my {hasty} holiday spirit. Here are some photos that are sure to inspire my 2009 holiday theme: Country Christmas!

http://blissfullydomestic.com/

http://www.potterybarn.com/

And Christmas wouldn't be complete without my Cajun crooner, Aaron Neville...

You must hear Andrew's impression of Aaron Neville. That is sure to get you in the spirit!

Sugar and Spice

"Little girls are precious gifts like birds and brooks and streams...Their hair is tied up with ribbons and bows....Their hearts are tied up with dreams..." Pasty Gaut

Gorgeous baby girl's room.

I must preface this post with a definitive "No. I am not expecting a baby."

Having said that, I have a lot of friends who are expecting! I can imagine what an exciting time that must be. In my family, we are bombarded with little boys lately! I'm not sure what's in the water, but we love having them and their dirty-selves around.

If you have a baby boy or not, you may need a little girl gift sooner or later. Baby jewelry would be the perfect keepsake. Can you believe I still have mine and actually still wear it?!

1. My gold baby bangle no longer fits, but I'll hopefully give it to my little girl one day.

2. The back of the charm on this necklace has a "W" with teeth marks from when I was teething. So sweet.

3. My baby ring- I still wear it on a necklace!

I also still have my sterling baby cup and rattle! Why do I tell you about this? Because they meant so much to me, and I still have them! I kept the things that meant something; these meant something.

I am currently searching for baby jewelry for people, so if you'd like for me to pick something out for your baby girl, I'd be delighted.