We've received a lot of great feedback about Marlene Richey's "Business Savvy" column in AJ. Many readers have commented on how useful and understandable the information is. That's because Marlene has lived the experience of owning and running a jewelry business. 

In her recently published book, Profiting by Design, published by the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) Press, Marlene shares many of her business insights.

If one of your new year's resolutions is to re-examine and refine your business practices, then this book is one to read and re-read as you forge ahead into 2009. Marlene speaks the artist's language. She has a way of presenting business concepts clearly, and with real life examples. She includes helpful work sheets to guide you through drafting a business plan, establishing a pricing formula, and much more. And she presents the details without losing sight of the big picture. She even interviewed professional designers who offer words of wisdom to jewelry entrepreneurs.

If you'll be in Tucson for the gem shows, you can attend presentations by Marlene, which will be held February 4-6 at the Manning House. For more information, contact Marlene: marlene.richey@comcast.net.

 Here's wishing you all a creative and abundant 2009.

Cheers, Jill