Bodacious Bijous

I’ve noticed that when people talk about success, they often focus on the big moment.

The promotion.
The new house.
The business milestone.

But lately I’ve been appreciating the smaller moments more.

The signs that you’re growing.
The things you handle differently.
The obstacles that don’t stop you the way they used to.

Those moments matter too.

What’s something you’re better at today than you were a year ago?

I’m grateful to be able to go to events all over. Today’s market reminded me why I love showing up.

I had the pleasure of meeting Legislator and Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton. We had such a lovely conversation, and she was incredibly kind, approachable, and genuinely supportive. She connected with my Self Love Heart necklace, and moments like these remind me that you never know who you’ll meet or what story your jewelry will become a part of.

Every conversation, every connection, and every person who supports my small business helps keep this dream moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, it truly means more than you know. 🧡🦋

This week marks 28 years since my dad passed away.

Grief has a funny way of changing over time.

Some years bring tears. Some bring questions. This year has brought quiet reflection.

As I’ve been looking through old memories, I’ve found myself smiling, not because everything was easy or perfect, but because I’m thankful for the time we did have and for the ways he helped shape who I am.

I know Father’s Day can be complicated for so many of us. Some of us celebrate, some of us grieve, and many of us do both at the same time.

If you’ve lost your dad, stepdad, grandfather, or another father figure, I’d love to know their name and something about them that still makes you smile.

I shared a more personal reflection on my blog if you’d like to read it. ❤️

Some days, jewelry is just an accessory.

Other days, it’s confidence before a big meeting.
A reminder of your strength.

A little spark of joy when you catch your reflection.

That’s why I created Bodacious Bijous.

Because how you feel matters. 💛

It’s not just jewelry, it’s a feeling.

What piece of jewelry makes you feel the most like yourself?

Photo taken by ESERIE/ Lifestyle Photographer

Sometimes the best connections happen before you know who someone is.

At a recent event hosted by the OB-EN Chamber of Commerce, I had the chance to meet this wonderful family and spent time chatting with them. They were warm, welcoming, and genuinely fun to be around.

Only later did I learn they were related to the Chamber’s Vice President.

It was a reminder that every conversation matters. Not because of titles or connections, but because people matter. When you lead with kindness, curiosity, and authenticity, you never know where a conversation might lead, or who you’ll have the privilege of meeting.

So here’s to meeting good people, sharing a few laughs, and making meaningful connections along the way. 💛

smallbusinessjourney

One of the hardest things about pursuing a goal is not knowing when—or if—it will happen.

There’s no scoreboard.
No timeline.
No guarantee.

Just the decision to keep going.

I’ve learned that sometimes we don’t get certainty first.

We get courage first.

Then we find out where it leads.

What helps you keep going when you can’t see the finish line yet?

Every piece of Bodacious Bijous starts with an idea, but it comes to life through countless moments of learning, creating, and showing up.

This little business is built with a lot of heart, a lot of determination, and a belief that jewelry can help people express who they are.

Thank you for supporting every side of this journey. 💛

Video created by Jelly | Visual Artist

You never know who you’re going to meet when you step outside your comfort zone.

Recently, I met Dr. Mary and her team at a wellness event, and they were absolutely wonderful. We spent the day talking with people, sharing what we do, and helping others feel good about themselves in our own unique ways.

What I loved most was seeing how many women are out there building businesses with heart, purpose, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

So if you’re ever in Oyster Bay, give Dr Mary Infantino Phd, ANP, BC a follow and check out her practice. Tell her sent you.

No affiliate links.
No sponsorships.
No commission.

Just a woman-owned business supporting another woman-owned business because kindness, encouragement, and community still matter. 💛

Thank to OB-EN Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to this important event!

Video edited by Jelly | Visual Artist

Selling at markets isn’t just about selling jewelry, it’s also about meeting people and learning about them.

Recently, a customer taught me something I hadn’t thought much about before. During a conversation about earrings, she shared how certain backings can be difficult to see, hold, or put on for some people. It was such a simple moment, but it opened my eyes to a different experience and reminded me that accessibility can show up in ways we don’t always consider.

As a small business owner, I don’t know everything. In fact, some of my best lessons come from the people who stop by my table.

Every market, every conversation, and every customer teaches me something new about individuality, accessibility, and how to better serve the people who support my business.

That’s one of the reasons I love markets so much. They’re not just about selling.

They’re about connection.

And for that, I’m incredibly grateful. 💜

Sometimes the best thing we can do is listen.

Turning an empty table into a little piece of the Bodacious Bijous world. 🦋✨

There’s always a moment before every market when I look at a pile of boxes and wonder how it’s all going to come together.

Then the jewelry goes out, the colors come to life, and somehow it always feels like home.

The setup is half the adventure. What’s the first thing that catches your eye when you visit a market? What’s your favorite part of visiting a market?