Name of your website?Keletica: Distinctive, Artistic, Imaginative Jewelry Design
Your name?
Gayle Knapp
Your Location (city, etc)
Providence
Please give us a short summary of your website?
The Keletica website sells jewelry that is artisan-crafted using primarily natural materials. Each piece will be unique because 'Mother Nature' is full of diversity and variation. You'll find an "outside-the-box" approach to design that frequently reprises natural patterns of the focal stones in the accompanying beads forming the "chain." It also provides a place for visitors to learn about gemstones and minerals as well as proper care of their jewelry.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I needed an larger outlet for my jewelry than the local venues.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
Just launched this one a month ago (early May 2009).
How did you decide on a name for your website?
I wanted a company name that started with the same initial as my last name AND was unique on the web. I was perusing a botanical latin dictionary and came across 'keleticus', meaning charming. I femininized it and searched the web. Zero hits! And, the dot-com was available.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
My goal is that of most other dot-coms to sell my merchandise.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I'd add videos that showed the trails and scenery where I find some of my focal specimens, that allowed the potential buyer of a custom design to see the creation of that piece.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes...I'd hire young adults who wanted to learn the business of jewelry design while constructing the designs I create. I'd love to see turnover amongst them--as one steps out on her own to be replaced by another eager young adult.
What has been the most fun?
Discovering details about the various gemstones and minerals that I've been working with. I am in the process of expanding the website to include a very detailed description of the physical and metaphysical characteristics of these materials.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I've had it semi-operational for less than a month; hope for fully operational by mid-summer and will keep it up for years.
Why did you add a blog to your website?
I wanted to share my experiences with like-minded artists, rockhounds, and jewelry collectors. By calling the blog "Keletica's Dialectic" I hoped to encourage comment and interaction that enriches us all.
What is your website address?
Keletica: Distinctive, Artistic, Imaginative Jewelry Design
