Oh no you didn't.

So, the seller from whom I've been getting my herbs got first crack at a wholesale contract for my magical intent necklaces. She declined, as my wholesale price was out of her price range, due to the gemstones and metals I use. That's fine. I cheerfully thanked her for her willingness to supply me and placed another order.

When I went to check the status of my order, what do I see? Her version of a necklace prototype I'd discussed with her-- down to the name and bottle used! The only difference is that the chain was brass, and it was not studded with gemstones.

DUDE. JUST. Okay, I understand that I am not the first person to create an intent necklace with herbs and gems. But she used the NAME I am using right after turning down a wholesale contract. And had her version up within two weeks of mine!

So, I sent her this:

Hi there. I am sending you this convo not with the intent of making any trouble, but I do want to air a concern with you. I understand that my prototypes, given that the gems and materials are more expensive, are out of your price range, and that is fine. However, when I saw your "{Fortuna}" bottle this morning, I was a little taken aback, especially as I had discussed with you my plans to make a {Fortuna}/{Employment/money magic} magical intent pendant necklace in this very thread [ed: Etsy convo].

To be honest, that does not sound coincidental to me. With the exception of gems & fine metals which would raise your materials price, this necklace is quite similar to the prototypes I'd discussed with you, down to the bottle used, and does seem to me to be too close for comfort when I take into account that you also used the same name I am using in my line.

I cannot very well tell you to do anything, but I can ask that you use a little more consideration in your future products.

Warmly,
Christina
Sihaya Designs

Oh, lordy.