Fall schedule is sure packed

This week we sat down and outlined our marketing events for the rest of the year and, indeed, it is quite a schedule. Already, even in our first year of operations, we have been invited to major international events in LA, NY and Toronto and events are scheduled for the same day. Hmmm! Clearly I either have to clone myself, or get others out there meeting the fashion industry, media and customers.

This weekend saw the London Panorama and also the Yokohama Pan Festival in Japan. We heard everyone had a wonderful, fantastic time. We made some connections with a few steelband folks in both countries, and thought about visiting one of the events, but opted just to send good wishes. We will have a presence by this time next year as we move outside the familiar USA into Europe and Asia where the steel band community is large and as vibrant as those who play "steel drums" in America.

We're putting the final touches on our stainless steel line this week and finalizing the samples. They look lovely and so we should have our big launch of that collection by the end of September, just in time for the Caribbean Cruise season and our LA show. Those who sign up on our website for our newsletter, will be the first to view the Collection and even pre-order at special prices. Already there quite a number of pannists and steelband folks have been asking about the lines. Stay tuned.

I try to wait until we have pictures to back up our publicity before letting the word out, but I am so excited because both Jessica Simpson and Ashlee Simpson received Liz Mannette pieces of steel pan jewelry last month and loved them. Also Pink and Natalie Cole now own Liz Mannette pieces. This was at the Style LA: Swim and Resortwear Charity Event where our items hit the runway with the swimsuit line from Miki Nembhard. This is great publicity for us as we are aiming to get into mainstream retailers so that all those who love steelpan music, who like ethnic jewelry or just new designs can see and experience the fashion behind the rhythm of the Caribbean. Look out for our first major retailer coming soon.