Cristy Is Going To College!
 Greetings customers! So, since my last post I’ve been working harder at the shop than I ever thought I would. I don’t really consider it my job anymore because “work” seems like a place where there’s no fun or excitement. But really, coming down to the French Quarter every day seems like a new adventure. I’ll never know who’s going to walk through the door and tell me of their trip, or a local who couldn’t wait to bring their friends over…. The stories and encounters are endless. As I meet new people the more inspired I get to create more designs. Of course, I’m always getting requests on “what the next big thing” should be, but finding a medium between what our customers want and a creative design is our challenge.
The number one inspiration of our designs is the city of New Orleans, of course. I recently designed my own version of the historic New Orleans streetcar that rolls down St. Charles Ave and Canal Blvd. I’ve helped my mom create a beautiful line of the St. Louis Cathedral, which surprised me in how much people loved it. Our goal at the end of the day is always to please our customers with beautiful designs and reasonable prices.
It’s difficult for me to explain how much joy I get out of selling a piece that I worked hard on designing. As I live my life like a typical teenager, going to the mall or watching the latest movies with my friends, I encounter people who are wearing something I designed. As I see people wearing it I just smile and the gratification I feel inside is fulfilling. To our consumers, it may just be another pair of earrings or pendants in their jewelry box, but to me, it’s a blessing. As long as I take my talents and put them to work on something that brings joy to other people’s lives, I will continue to do what I do best.
Growing up with this family business since I was very little, I have seen the hard work and commitment it takes to make it in this business. And it may not just pertain to this business, but to make any business successful. I am blessed to have such great parents with smart heads on their shoulders. Thanks to them I have the opportunity to go to a fantastic college in fall of 2008. I will not be going to Loyola or UNO like I thought last year, but instead I will be going to Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. I am, however, majoring in International Business as I have always planned on, and will minor in Journalism. Although Mobile is only 2 hours away from home, I will not be working nearly as much as I have since I started.
While I’m away, I hope to hear from my amazing returning customers and see what they have to say about my new designs. And as I always say, I hope you’ve enjoyed wearing my designs as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them for you!!!
Sincerely,
Cristy Asturias
If you wish to contact me personally with questions or comments of any kind, please feel free to email me at casturias@tmail.com.
Many people know me as Silvia’s daughter and do not know very much about me. My name is Silvia Cristina, but everyone calls me Cristy for short. I am 17 years old, and am a junior at Ursuline Academy. I’m involved in a few school activities like the National Art Honor Society, Key Club, Close Up Club, Peer Ministry, Diversity Club and Advanced Chorus. I hope to go on to a good business school in town like either UNO or Loyola.
Growing up into a world of merchandise that was so easily accessible to me, I never truly found a passion for it. I was always the low-maintenance type of girl; playing sports, and doing things that didn’t require make-up, jewelry, and cute clothes. My mother had already had her pleasure time dressing me up, but she realized I was growing up and gave me space to become independent. It was during this time, right when I got into high school that I found who I truly was and what I wanted to do.
As a freshman I spent my spare time doodling, drawing on a blank sheet of paper to turn into a beautiful piece of art. Now as a junior, I decided to give this a try and took an art class, and realized this was my passion. I took my talent a step further and spent my time creating necklaces into pieces of art that can be worn, not just hung on a wall. After the storm, my parents had no employees, and I needed to step up and help out. I never liked the business they were in and swore to myself that I would never do it… how ironic. Not only do I love working as often as I can, but I love everything about it. I get to meet amazing people from all over the world, trying to bring a little piece of New Orleans back with them, and I get to play a part in that. I hope to carry on the business to make it better.
The jewelry that I design mostly has a youthful theme. Not just because I am young, but everyone has a touch of youth in them that should be brought out. All the pearl necklaces are handmade by me. I try my best to come out with new ideas and creative designs that make people look twice at what you’re wearing. I hope everyone enjoys wearing my pieces, as I have enjoyed creating them for you. |
