Wow 2018, where did you go?!? Time sure seems to be flying by faster than ever these days. I am not sure if it is an age thing, or being a Dad thing, but whatever it is......whoosh, another year in the blink of an eye. On a personal note, this year started off rough. My family and my parents were still displaced from Hurricane Harvey. The damage and rebuilding had an emotional, psychological, financial, and physical impact on us all. We tried to remain positive and remind ourselves that we had our health and safety...of course flood insurance sure did help. We heard stories of many whom were not as fortunate. Nearly a year after Harvey, in August of 2018 my family moved into a new home and my parents moved into their newly remolded home. This marked a new chapter in my life; a new beginning with my young family. Shortly after this beautiful new beginning, we got news that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. But thankfully it was caught VERY early and treated very quickly. I am happy to report that roughly three months after her diagnosis she is cancer-free. Her spirit and strength through it all was incredible to watch. She did not miss a beat, a day of work, or a moment with her her family throughout.
From a business view, 2018 was different. Coming off a catastrophic flood at the end of 2017 through the tumultuous runs of oil and Wall Street, to the always uncertain political climate, 2018 threw its best challenges at us. However, once again we stood our ground and fought back. Jewelry designs and trends change ever more quickly nowadays; especially in our "right now" society and us all wanting (or itching) for something new. However, the roots of jewelry are (and will remain) forever unchanged. Jewelry unlike almost any other tangible item, strikes a nerve that fills us with joy and happiness. Yes, a bit because of its beauty, awe, and mystique; but more so because of the emotional and sentimental aspects that are attached. Jewelry is also a gift that we remember....forever! Look right now at that ring on your hand or that necklace in the mirror. I would bet that you could tell me who gave it to you and when (or at least) why they gave it to you. See, you'll always remember that. Now all those other gifts throughout the years (the iPads, cars, purses, perfumes, spas, and such) those are given, celebrated at the time, enjoyed shortly, but then forgotten. Jewelry is not; it is and will forever be tugging at our heartstrings playing a beautiful song of love and happiness that we will always recognize.
2019 will be no different than the years before it. We will have new things to distract and consume us; new challenges. Perhaps (if even possible) a faster world of knowledge and wanting things even more quickly. Online shopping hit an all time high this year, even before Christmas. I'm not a fortune teller, but my bet is that trend continues to break records for many years to come. Here at DFJ, we are privileged to be able to be nimble with an ever changing shopping experience. Be on the lookout for some exciting new products, features, and services in 2019 and beyond.
We would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year.
May the year ahead be filled with and brilliance and sparkle!