In 2008, I accomplished my goal to see "Die Walkure" at the Met! This was to be a once in a lifetime experience as there was a significant cost for the trip to New York City for this memorable event (including flights, hotel and the astounding price of the middle tier seats at Lincoln Center).
Of course, the performance itself was well worth the money! Being at The Met to see my favorite opera was heart soaring and soul stirring, the sort of experience that makes you want to drop hundreds of dollars in the gift shop in an effort to “Remember the Moment”.
The Met Shop had many lovely things for sale, but most were Met-specific or various opera CD's or DVD's. Unfortunately, there was nothing in the shop that I felt would be just right to remember this particular special and personal moment. Being an artist, I began to mentally design a memento that represented the opera itself: what would eventually become the first Opera Bracelet.
I was already an entrepreneur with my business Dyzines, painting murals and decorating furniture. After my trip to the Met, I started to visit local bead shops in my spare time, learning the basics of jewelry making to design and build my own Die Walkure Opera Bracelet.
In 2009, the economy began to noticeably suffer, and my husband became unemployed. Simultaneously, painting jobs in Rochester dried up as my customers began to feel the financial strain affecting the country. I knew I to do something different to bring in income. Logic dictated that I should go back to clerical work, but I knew this choice would be unfulfilling for me personally, so I continued to think of other options to remain self-employed.
It occurred to me that the style of story bracelet I created for Die Walkure could be applied to any opera. So, I did a great deal of research into opera: the business side, the demographics of opera audiences, the legalities, the finances, etc. Furthermore, I found very few products that focused on individual operas as did the Opera Bracelets prototypes. Finally, I discovered that the fans of opera are extremely passionate and dedicated to this art form. Based on my research, I knew these enthusiasts were finding nothing that visibly expressed love for their particular favorite heart touching and heart wrenching beloved stories. At every turn, the facts indicated that developing this idea into a new business venture was a good idea.
My family and friends, while not unsupportive, continued to encourage me to stay with the painting business. To people who did not know about opera fans and the potential of this niche market, starting this new business understandably made no sense. But, I knew in my heart that I finally had a creative business idea that was going to be successful with hard work and dedication. I remembered a famous quote by Joseph Campbell, "Follow your bliss and doors will open where there were only walls; and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else." For the first time in my life, I knew that this door was open and close it was the last thing I should do.
Step by step, my husband (a marketing and technical expert) and I put the pieces in place to launch Opera Bracelets in conjunction with the 2010 Los Angeles Ring Cycle performances with products based on The Ring. Since our launch, our sales and product lines have significantly increased. In addition, our use of social media has allowed Opera Bracelets to connect with thousands of opera fans from around the world, who often provide us with ideas and insights for future products. Our gamble was worthwhile; opera fans are thrilled to find unique products made just for them. We look forward to creating many new opera products and allowing many more opera fans to "Remember the Moment" in the years to come.