We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Kamajian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.

Alright, Linda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I was on a trip to Italy in 2001 with my family and we had a few days to spend in Venice. As we stopped on the island of Murano in Venice, where Murano glass (also known as Venetian glass) is created, I was inspired by the overwhelming amount and beauty of production from the island. Years before, as a study abroad student from the states to Italy, I had been impressed and was taken by the uniqueness of Murano glass. I had purchased quite a bit of Murano glass jewelry for myself, enjoyed it, and was always complimented on it. I had also purchased small glass home decor pieces as well and have loved them for many years.
As I returned home, I was haunted by the magic of Murano, its historic and dramatic glass industry of about 1000 years, the prodigious production, and the pride of the Murano artisans. I loved the fact that so much of Venetian glass production is, after centuries, still produced on the original island in many of the ancient studios. The island is just all about its glass (and a few good restaurants, of course!) I had become enchanted, I guess.
I returned to Venice later that year and found a few small producers who would work with me. They were very open and welcoming to my idea of creating my own line available for distribution in the U.S. I was excited about the possibilities at that point. I had earned a graduate degree in international marketing so I was familiar with some of the procedures, but starting one’s own operation is a whole different pursuit!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Having spent six months in Italy as a U.S college student Italian minor, I really was impressed at a young age by the time and the pride that Italian producers of just about anything put into their products, designs, or service. That was decades ago, before the world had become more homogenized with the internet, so the individuality and uniqueness of Italian culture was a very strong experience for me.
I loved the production of Murano glass especially when I had visited Venice – the special nature of this artisan product, the ancient processes producing sparkling, gleaming glass designs was unique to me. Over the years, I had noted that there was really not anything quite like Murano glass products in the U.S. marketplace. Availability in the U.S. was rather scarce because import accessibility was more prohibitive before widespread digital processing of orders.
I am most proud of having created my curated brand, Dreamy Venice, which offers unique, quality, Italian styling in Murano jewelry and gift items. I pride myself in giving personal service and attention to each order. Color and style preferences are very specific for most women and I take great care in satisfying each request.
My offerings in tastes span from statement to more casual looks, but each one’s quality is guaranteed.
My website, dreamy-venice.com has evolved into a Top Quality Google Site and I work at keeping it safe and up-to-date with inventory. I love to connect in person as well and try to do as many quality event shows as I can.
So really what are my followers’ issues? That special gift, that unique look for an outfit, that need for an item which isn’t in every store, that desire to have a special look made from special creators. It isn’t an everyday need or a consumable product, but Dreamy Venice plays a part in elevating the look and therefore the feeling of anyone who wears it.
I have been working at Dreamy Venice since 2004, not always full-time, but I never felt as though I wanted to give it up. Now I am full time at it, getting my brand noticed.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I remember that it was very demoralizing to me when Chinese had been doing a very good job at imitating the look of Murano glass. It was disheartening to see the market flooded with Chinese knockoffs of styles and looks at cheap prices. These were not often even glass, but materials that simulated a look and clearly machine created. I remember competing with them at wholesale gift shows and directly in the consumer marketplace.
I realized that although difficult, this was a call to action to define myself, my vision and my product as clearly as I could to differentiate myself. Pricing is not the only factor in a customer’s purchase – product quality, packaging, and excellent service are part of your offering.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There is lots of pivoting in real life scenarios – raising children, caring for elders, economic downturns. I have worked part-time at my business, barely keeping it breathing, until I could get through some personal issues or slow times in the economy. I have changed product offerings, for example during covid; I have limited event/shows I when I could not afford them; I have taken “sebbaticals’ when family members were in need and taken part-time or temporary jobs. You do what you must if you are not ready to give up your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dreamy-venice.com
• Instagram: dreamyvenice
• Facebook: dreamyvenice
• Linkedin: Linda Kamajian
• Twitter: dreamyvenice15

Image Credits

Michael Jamison