We recently connected with TL Salisbury and have shared our conversation below.
TL , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
I made a stamped sterling silver cuff for my father-in-law that read, “Sundance with Me’’. He has a home there and loves the place so I thought it was a fun daily reminder and a clever play on words. He wore it constantly and one day while in The Sundance Store, the store manager/buyer saw it and fell in love with it. Wanting more, she requested an entire collection, giving me total creative freedom. I curated pieces that spoke me, and hoping she would love them, I nervously delivered 40 pieces. To my surprise, they sold out. I remember depositing my first official check thinking this can’t last very long; that was 8 years ago. As the production grew so did the the relationship, I’m so grateful for that day and every day since. I never take those little stamped cuffs for granted, nor will I ever. They’re still an integral part of my business success and creative story.
TL , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a jewelry maker and metalsmith working solo from my studio located in the Wasatch mountains of Utah.
I work with sterling silver, copper, American mined turquoise and vintage trade beads, I periodically offer small collections of current inspiration on my website in ‘small-releases’.
I am most known for my sterling stamped thunderbirds, Osage story cuffs and vintage trade bead necklaces.
As a proud member of the Osage Nation, I’m passionate about keeping our language alive; often incorporating Osage (and English) words with significant meaning into my pieces.
My work can be found year round at the Sundance General Store, Sundance Utah/ Big Rain Gallery, Pawhuska Oklahoma/ The Momentary Museum of American Art, Bentonville Arkansas/ Sacred Cedar Company, La Conner Washington and of course my website www.dancingbluestone.com
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
instagram is wonderful resource for new customers. You never know who you just might reach out there. If you’re true to what you do, it comes through. For instance process videos of me creating, I think they’re well received because it’s real, it’s informative and I’d like to think inspiring. I know I love watching others artist process videos.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
One of my favorite marketing stories is the giveaway. I think receiving something special for free speaks volumes! The stories I hear from giveaway winners are heartwarming and often connect us. I’ve met some awesome people by doing giveaways and the return is always tenfold.
I love the idea of putting good medicine out there and also building your business at the same time, for me it’s the ultimate in marketing. Speaking of which, I haven’t done one lately, I need to get on that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dancingbluestone.com
- Instagram: dancingbluestone
- Facebook: dancingbluestone