Bonded Forever will be celebrating its company launch at Spirit of the Artist (SOTA) this upcoming First Friday (September 7th) from 5-8 pm. The store is located on Philadelphia’s historic Antique Row at 1022 Pine St. Sponsored yummy snacks will be provided by Varga Bar. All of the other shops along the street will also be serving up lots of good food, alcoholic refreshments, music, and merriment. If you live, work, or play in Center City, I highly suggest that you stop in on your way to Old City.
SOTA holds a very special place in my heart. I lived in an apartment above SOTA for two years and I still consider SOTA as a home away from home. I resided there while my mother was battling cancer and the apartment truly was a great refuge during that frightful time. Pennsylvania Hospital and the Joan Karnell Cancer Center were luckily located only several blocks away from my old apartment. I was able to conveniently attend all of my mother’s doctor’s appointments, surgeries, and chemo treatments and hang out with her and my father as much as I could whenever they visited. We always made all of her doctor’s visits fun too. After my mother’s very long chemo infusions, she fearlessly wanted to walk all over the city (even when she had neuropathy in both of her feet) and eat a good meal before her nausea and exhaustion set in. I will always cherish those times that we had together, despite the horrible circumstances.
Jonathan Kerr, the manager and design consultant at SOTA, also was such a great friend to me during that time period. He always knew how to cheer me up and was there for me when I needed someone to talk to. After I received the grant from the Creative Incubator to start Bonded Forever, Jonathan became my jewelry consultant/mentor. He provided wonderful advice and guidance and taught me so much. He also always believed in me and knocked me to my senses whenever I had any self doubt. He believed in my company’s vision from the start and promised me that he would sell my jewelry at SOTA the minute that I was ready to. I am honored and appreciative that he kept to his word. SOTA is literally stuffed to the ceiling with amazing handmade gifts and works of art. I am thankful to have my work surrounded by so much beauty.
