New York International Gift Shows

TuaregJewelry.com made its first appearance at the New York International Gift Fair in August. It was a success in several ways. Sales at the show to new wholesale customers were good and there have been orders since from people who saw the jewelry there. We had a chance to talk to many people about the project and to create interest for future sales. One of the unexpected benefits was the opportunity to talk with both government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) about possible assistance in training the Tuaregs in management of their business, alternative ways to ship things from Niger as well as help with the design of leather handbags and other items.

Customers at the show suggested new products, belt buckles, cufflinks, clip earrings and ebony and silver serving pieces such as salad sets, cake servers and large spoons and meat forks. As I write this newsletter I am sitting in the workshop and store in Niamey, Niger watching the men making these pieces which are loosely based on the stainless steel samples I brought from the United States. I will have the samples at the January gift show and will take orders for these exciting new products. (See the October 2008 Newsletter for more on the flatware as well as photos.)

We will be participating in the New York show from January 25 to 29. We have been moved to booth 5021 in the main hall of the Handmade section on the lower level of the Javits Convention Center. If you are attending the wholesale fair please look for us there.

After a mysterious six month delay Elhadji Koumama was given a one year multiple entry visa by the United States government. He plans to be at the show to talk about the work and the people who make the lovely jewelry. He will also be appearing at some trunk shows on the East Coast. Please contact me if you are interested in hosting a show. He is available in New York for evening shows during the gift fair and in the northeast during the week following the fair.

Special thanks to Mike Lindgren who has loaned us his apartment in Queens during the shows. Without this free lodging it would not be financially feasible to attend the shows.

Elhadji and I look forward to seeing our customers in January and early February. Look for the very tall handsome African in flowing robes. That will be Elhadji.

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