Queen Bee Designs

Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Allison Brooks earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in Journalism and decided to try her hand in politics by working in the US Senate. After three years working for United States Senator Max Cleland, Allison knew her hands would be happier doing something else.With a self-acknowledged obsession for jewelry, Allison could not find the pieces she wanted to wear anywhere - at least not in her price range. ‘Most things were over $500 and anyone who works on the Hill knows those prices are out of reach,’ says Allison.

With a natural flair for fashion – especially jewelry - Allison enrolled in studio art classes at the Smithsonian and learned to make her own pieces. To her surprise, people wanted to buy her jewelry right off of her neck. Allison obliged and decided it was time to turn her passion and hobby into a business.’I wanted to create a line that would be affordable to my friends, but also look really beautiful and bold.’

Her diverse line attracts clients from high school students to grandmothers. ‘I love that interns, Congresswomen, and Lynne Cheney all wear things from my line,’ says Allison. ‘I would say I definitely have something for everyone – from bohemian chic to Park Avenue Princess.

Her favorite part about being a jewelry designer? Having beautiful jewelry to wear for every occasion (her husband has lamented more than once about running late to an event while Allison put the finishing touches on a necklace or a bracelet). ‘I also love being able to give my jewelry away as gifts and watching faces light up,’ she says. ‘Creating and the art that goes into what I do are so satisfying and fun. I meet the most amazing people and they truly love their Queen Bee pieces. That thrills me.’

As for Allison’s favorite pieces in the line, ‘My signature style is the free form – a style that goes every which way. I love that most because it describes me – FREE! You can throw it on and run out the door without having to think about it or fiddle around – instant fabulous!’

Clever Parents caught up with Allison to talk about advice she has for people who dream of designing their own jewelry, the best - and toughest - part about having her own business and, of course, thoughts on finding a balance.

Clever Parents: What advice do you have for people who dream about designing their own line of jewelry?
Allison Brooks: Prepare for the competition – jewelry is one of the most competitive things out there a person can do. You have to have thick skin and love what you are creating. Try anything and everything – see what works and what doesn’t. Trial and error is a must – what works for me – may not work for you and vice versa. Lastly – wear your own jewelry ALL OF THE TIME! Have business cards ready when you get those compliments!

CP: What is the best part about having your own business?
AB: I love the flexibility – I love being able to set my own schedule and come to work some days very causally dressed (my jewelry studio is in my home). It is great to have the buck stop here – being my own boss is quite nice in fact I even have given myself a title – Queen – as in Queen Bee!

CP: What is the hardest part about having your own business?
AB: My work NEVER ends. There is always so much to do – there is truly very little rest – my business is very much my other child. I work at all times of the day or night – I am always ON – trying to think a couple of steps ahead – luckily my two year old is in preschool and takes afternoon naps.

CP: How do you balance work and family? Any tips for other Clever Parents?
AB: My family is my priority, but my business and my earnings are important to my family. I have hired an afternoon mothers helper – she comes a couple of days a week when I am really busy. As for most retail oriented businesses my busy time of the year is September - January 1st. During this time I have to constantly stop myself and say – OK – family time and keep equal attention on my family – lucky for me there is a natural switch – I am able to give myself pretty entirely to both my family and my business. My husband helps a lot as do my parents who live ten miles away. You must surround yourself with people who will support you – either paid helpers, family, or friends.

CP: If someone wants to host a jewelry show or order custom jewelry, how do they contact you?
AB: My website is a pretty good place to start – www.QueenBeeDesigns.com – I love doing shows – public or in people’s homes. I recommend people check my show schedule frequently – I update it all the time. I hit the Raleigh area for the Junior League’s Spree and I hope to return next Fall. I also encourage people to sign up for my mailing list – I don’t send out all that often, but when I do – it is huge – like end of season Sample Sales and such. If a friendly voice is what you need give us a call 703 329-6768 or email us at Allison@QueenBeeDesigns.com

Allison Brooks currently lives with her husband Michael and daughter McClain just outside of Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia. You can buy Queen Bee pieces on Allison’s website - www.queenbeedesigns.com - most pieces are priced at a reasonable $100-$200.