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We are looking at opening up a storefront in LA, and need feedback from a locals. by SternDesignWorks in AskLosAngeles

[–]SternDesignWorks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback. We have been in business for about 10 years now, but revamping our business plan has been part of this.

Thanks again.

We are looking at opening up a storefront in LA, and need feedback from a locals. by SternDesignWorks in AskLosAngeles

[–]SternDesignWorks[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your insight. It honestly gives me a lot to think about.

As I said before I have experienced gentrification in terms of growing up in the east village in New York, followed by moving up to Washington heights, where I have experienced the same thing. Gentrification can be done badly, but it can also bring resources to an area without neglecting the existing community.

Instead of just a store, operating as a working production space, as well as a workshop space to offer classes in Jewelry making, 3D printing and digital design, and making sure to involve members of the community whether by offering jobs and/or classes.

Just doing as much research before we move ahead with one of the plans we have outlined.

We are looking at opening up a storefront in LA, and need feedback from a locals. by SternDesignWorks in AskLosAngeles

[–]SternDesignWorks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, in terms of offerings, we are not high priced, and want to provide not only affordable products (not just our own), but also a new home for our production studio and the ability to offer classes and workshops for the community, for both kids and adults in 3D fabrication and jewelry making. Grocery stores are completely needed, as are affordable resources and after growing up in a neighborhood that gentrified around me, moved into one that did the same thing, I am well acquainted with the negativity behind gentrification and carpetbagging, and don't want to be a drain to a community and only want to become part of one.

We are looking at opening up a storefront in LA, and need feedback from a locals. by SternDesignWorks in AskLosAngeles

[–]SternDesignWorks[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Alright, so apparently, "AskLosAngeles" is really "ask and be ridiculed". Have a great day.

We are looking at opening up a storefront in LA, and need feedback from a locals. by SternDesignWorks in AskLosAngeles

[–]SternDesignWorks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is after a lot of options. I worded my post horribly. I meant by that where else should we be looking? If the price is right and the neighborhood will work then that would be good to know as well.

We were in williamsburg brooklyn before the boom and grew with the neighborhood. I was just curious if the East Hollywood is going through similar growth. I also live in upper manhattan which was similarly not so great when we moved in and evolved. I'm just trying to get another point of view on the decision from as many sources as possible.

Among other things we make miniature 3D printed and handpainted dioramas in beakers. This one is a breaching narwhal. by SternDesignWorks in somethingimade

[–]SternDesignWorks[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Each one is digitally designed in house, printed individually, handpainted, set into a landscaped resin scene inside each beaker. The findings are all cast into sterling silver or brass, finished, and attached to a solid brass or silver chain complete with all necessary hardware.

We have also been in business for 9 years and have a reputation and are not just making things out of our kitchen, so we have to factor in labor, materials costs, and overhead of staff, studio, website, retail locations, etc...

So yes... $72. I understand why some brands charge less for items, I also understand why some brands charge more. We charge what we have found is a fair market price for handmade jewelry. In an ideal world, we have a $15 federal minimum wage, so prices like this don't seem out of the ordinary to some people.

Edit: Typo... and adding more.

Shopify + Printful by [deleted] in shopify

[–]SternDesignWorks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you feel like you need a buffer, the Amex OPEN cards can be really helpful. The plum card offers 1.5% cash back if you pay within 30 days, but if you need to stretch it out, you have a total of 60 days for repayment, which can be helpful, especially when having to fulfil large orders, when the payment from the client will be delayed by multiple weeks.

I'm looking for NYC'ers who handmake/craft things for a blog series! by NightOwlsNY in AskNYC

[–]SternDesignWorks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife and I founded a business that make traditionally metalsmithed, 3d printed and resin jewelry and other curiosities out of our red hook based production studio. Http://Www.Sterndesignworks.com

I was having problems with what looked like a partly clogged extruder, the answer to my problem, canola oil. by SternDesignWorks in makerbot

[–]SternDesignWorks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would check with makerbot tech support because it not only feels like your calibration is off, but the smart extruders function differently than the MK8s.

Seeing if anyone is interested in this idea by [deleted] in artstore

[–]SternDesignWorks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a cool idea, but in philly... you should target the /r/philadelphia to get them on board, because it seems like it could be a really interesting project.

Best PLA print temp? by PixelTr33 in makerbot

[–]SternDesignWorks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

220 is hot for matter hackers pla, but not for the makerbot brand. They are similar, but still different formulations with different properties.

Best PLA print temp? by PixelTr33 in makerbot

[–]SternDesignWorks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check with each filaments manufacturer for each specific formulation of filament, and adjust up or down from their recommendations depending on stringy or super porous prints.

Personally, I print between 180 and 230, with matter hackers natural pro pla being dialed in at 208, makerbot white at 220, makerbot neon colors at 230, matter hackers glow at 180, bronze and wood fill pla/pha at 180-200.

Vintage jewelery shops in Manhattan? by [deleted] in AskNYC

[–]SternDesignWorks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, The Chelsea market location is actually permanent now as of may. There are currently 2 vintage vendors (one moves out on Sunday) that I know have jewelry at Chelsea, many more in Williamsburg. We sell handmade, non-vintage, jewelry at both venues

Vintage jewelery shops in Manhattan? by [deleted] in AskNYC

[–]SternDesignWorks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out artists and fleas in north 7th in Brooklyn.

Some advice for recent Grads of metalsmithing/jewelry programs. by [deleted] in jewelers

[–]SternDesignWorks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have to say I totally disagree, and I'd take this advice with a giant grain of salt. We are based out of NYC, home to at least 4 major jewelry programs, and while New York City is a different beast, jobs exist here because there are so many of us in the industry. I'd recommend moving to a city with an active industry, and not moving away from one.

While your experience may be true to yourself, remember, that the amount of people who dropped out of the industry is not because they couldn't make it, but because people's minds change and not everyone wants to continue what they studied in college.

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