shifts a week at her family's store. Their long-term goal is to be able to afford to work only on their jewellery.

When asked what they like most about their business, Tahirih says "We love having a flexible schedule so we can travel and find new places to exhibit our work. One of the best parts if just working on something you love and are extremely proud of!"

As for what they like least about their business, the old problem of work-life balance came up. Tahirih says that ironically, it's exactly that longed-for flexible schedule that makes it seem like neither of them ever has scheduled a day off! Apparently there's always something that could be done.

That crucial first year in business

The Solomons acknowledge that their first year in business was a gigantic learning curve. Tarhirih says that when she looks back, she’s impressed they got anywhere at all! As she puts it, "Our jewellery looked a little less polished, we couldn't find suppliers, we didn't know what stores were appropriate etc." But after sticking with it for the first year and half, they started getting their feet on the ground and things have just gotten smoother since.

I was impressed with the quality of the promotional material Solomon Woodworks had at the Filberg. Beautiful full-colour brochures and distinctive business cards showed off their work. And the models in their brochure looked so...well, gorgeously West Coast. Professional but not too slick. I was really curious about who they were so I asked Tahirih. She seemed delighted that I'd noticed and said that the models were family members. Pretty good looking family, I'd say! See the photo at left and see if you don't agree. :)

Who are their customers?

Solomon Woodworks’ customers vary from young to mature. They sell a fair amount of pieces through galleries in BC, Alberta and Washington State, but the majority of their sales are from the arts festivals they attend. There they get to meet the customers, which they love, and make future contacts. (Case in point - that’s how I met Tahirih and Gabriel.)

In addition to “bricks and mortar” gallery representation, the Solomons market through their own website and on other online galleries featuring local artists. Tahirih shared that setting up a comprehensible and attractive website was a long and arduous project that also cost a lot of money. They saved some money on the web design by designing their own site on paper, and then getting the professional web designer to put it online.

Final words of advice from Tahirih? “Have a house big enough for you and your business. And have a perfectionist like Gabriel on your team!”