Wednesday, April 18, 2007
IE Tip 2: LadiesWhoLaunch.com: Ladies Who Inspire
Read up on fellow women entrepreneurs at LadiesWhoLaunch, as they share their tips, business challenges, and success stories. Also has a schedules of Ladies Who Launch Live, one-day events in different cities featuring inspiring speakers and educational workshops.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
IE Tip 1: 411 Information for Free
You're in the car and you're lost. Where's that craft /art store again? Before you make a 411 call and spend $1.50, try 1-800-FREE-411 (800-373-3411) and get free directory assistance. Only catch is you have to listen to a short ad before receiving your requested number, but you'll get to your destination in no time.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Markets, Fairs, SkillShare 2007
Handmade Market: Event showcasing local crafters such as jewelry makers, designers, and others. Located in Chicago, IL. April 21, 2007.
Boston SkillShare 2007: Annual weekend event featuring diverse workshops on a variety of skills, such as yoga, grantwriting, and ballet. Located in Boston, MA. April 21-22, 2007.
April Showers Craft Fair: Craft fair of handmade goodies. Located in Toronto, Canada. April 21, 2007, 12-5 pm.
Spins and Needles Craft + DJ Fair: Work on your art projects and listed in DJs all night long at this funky cultural event sponsored by Spins and Needles. Located in Toronto, Canada. April 22, 2007
Boston SkillShare 2007: Annual weekend event featuring diverse workshops on a variety of skills, such as yoga, grantwriting, and ballet. Located in Boston, MA. April 21-22, 2007.
April Showers Craft Fair: Craft fair of handmade goodies. Located in Toronto, Canada. April 21, 2007, 12-5 pm.
Spins and Needles Craft + DJ Fair: Work on your art projects and listed in DJs all night long at this funky cultural event sponsored by Spins and Needles. Located in Toronto, Canada. April 22, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Baby Starlet
Meet Deborah Nolan, the designer and owner of Baby Starlet, an online boutique that sells beautiful handmade Moses baskets and other delightful baby accessories.
Launching a Business
“I launched the company in August of 2006, but had the idea of making baby bedding when my younger sister was pregnant with her first baby. I made custom curtains, added design elements to an existing crib set and made custom cushions for her glider for the nursery. I enjoyed so much that I decided to make it into a business.”
“My background is in sewing – I started sewing at 10. I also trained in a workroom setting making custom curtains with my mother. She is a big inspiration for me.”
Juggling Parenthood and Business
“I currently am working on my business full-time while also watching my two girls – who are ages three and one.”
“I balance parenthood and working by being efficient during work hours and I really try and spend quality time my girls during lunch and after dinner. We usually play games after dinner and, when the weather is warm enough, I take them to the park after lunch. It’s hard because I feel like I am being pulled in two different directions. I have found that when I focus during work, I am much more productive. During the times I am with my daughters, I really try to take off my business hat and focus on being an attentive parent.”
Building a Niche Both Online and Offline
I currently sell my products through my own website, Baby Starlet, along with several retailers such as In Style Moms and LA Baby Couture. I also sell my products through brick and mortar locations such as Bel Bambini in West Hollywood and Spanky Lane in Pacific Palisades.
Consigning and Wholesaling Products
“For my brick and mortar stores, I do mostly wholesale but also offer consignment. Consigning is a good way to get into a store as a test run and an inexpensive way for the owner to offer your products. The only trick is to make sure you are consigning with a reputable store, otherwise you may never see any money for the items you sent them to sell. I personally have never encountered this, but was made aware of the situation of one of my brick and mortar stores. You just need to be careful and make sure you get a signed contract.”
“I landed my first wholesale account by setting up a sales appointment and bringing my samples to show the store owner. The actual sales appointment is not that hard for me, but calling to set-up the appointment is hard for me. I always feel like a telemarketer. But, it is a necessary evil.”
Best Marketing
“ The best marketing was through Bust’s Craftacular. One of their producers from iVillage’s Stuff We Love saw my Moses baskets and loved them. She ended up doing a feature on my Audrey Moses basket. I am still getting hits from this feature and it was from a few months ago.”
Generating Press From Blogs to Magazines
“I am currently contacting other blogs to see if they would be interested in doing a review of my products. When I first launched I sent out my Elizabeth Moses basket to Parenting magazine and heard nothing from them. I did not follow-up with them – my bad – so now I contact magazines first and then send out samples. I did send one to Child Magazine – but they did not have an editorial that would work with it – so they sent it back. I guess it’s just as well, as the magazine is closing shop. I have also sent a press release to the local papers when I went out to LA for the Pre-Golden Globes Boom Boom Room and got a write-up in the paper and an interview with the local 24 hour news channel.”
“I also advertise with Indie Fixx which is a great website and resource for indie businesses and shoppers.”
Start Up Challenges
“The most challenging part for me is perseverance – not giving up and just pushing ahead and following my dream. Initially, I did not get any orders, which was very discouraging, but I kept submitting samples to blogs for review and paid for some advertising through Indie Finds. My orders have picked up, not to where I would like them to be, but that have picked up nonetheless.”
“Production will [also] become an issue as business picks up. Do I hire employees or send out the products to a manufacturing facility?”
Motivated By The Entrepreneurial Drive
“I really love being an entrepreneur so every little success I have really helps me to say focused. I also have a mental log of ways to help build my business through branding, so thinking up new ideas also helps me stay excited and enthusiastic about my company.”
Mentors and Inspirations
“My mother is a mentor for me especially when it comes to design questions. She has been sewing for about 30 years and really knows her stuff when it comes to technical questions. She also doesn’t let big jobs intimidate her, she takes everything one step at a time and that helps me stay focused on my day to day duties rather than just looking at the big picture – which can be quite daunting.”
“Other indie businesses inspire me, especially those that have really unique and well-made products. Heather Flottmann of Liliputians NYC is a big inspiration for me. She has the most amazing designs and really works hard to get press for herself.”
Words of Advice-No Regrets, Just Go For It
“If there is something you always wanted to do, go for it. You don’t want to regret it when you are 93 and looking back on your life. It is going to be a lot of work but will be more rewarding than you can imagine. It also helps to surround yourself with positive support from families and friends. Everyone needs a little cheering squad who believe in you because some days you may not even believe in yourself.”
“For my brick and mortar stores, I do mostly wholesale but also offer consignment. Consigning is a good way to get into a store as a test run and an inexpensive way for the owner to offer your products. The only trick is to make sure you are consigning with a reputable store, otherwise you may never see any money for the items you sent them to sell. I personally have never encountered this, but was made aware of the situation of one of my brick and mortar stores. You just need to be careful and make sure you get a signed contract.”
“I landed my first wholesale account by setting up a sales appointment and bringing my samples to show the store owner. The actual sales appointment is not that hard for me, but calling to set-up the appointment is hard for me. I always feel like a telemarketer. But, it is a necessary evil.”
Best Marketing
“ The best marketing was through Bust’s Craftacular. One of their producers from iVillage’s Stuff We Love saw my Moses baskets and loved them. She ended up doing a feature on my Audrey Moses basket. I am still getting hits from this feature and it was from a few months ago.”
Generating Press From Blogs to Magazines
“I am currently contacting other blogs to see if they would be interested in doing a review of my products. When I first launched I sent out my Elizabeth Moses basket to Parenting magazine and heard nothing from them. I did not follow-up with them – my bad – so now I contact magazines first and then send out samples. I did send one to Child Magazine – but they did not have an editorial that would work with it – so they sent it back. I guess it’s just as well, as the magazine is closing shop. I have also sent a press release to the local papers when I went out to LA for the Pre-Golden Globes Boom Boom Room and got a write-up in the paper and an interview with the local 24 hour news channel.”
“I also advertise with Indie Fixx which is a great website and resource for indie businesses and shoppers.”
Start Up Challenges
“The most challenging part for me is perseverance – not giving up and just pushing ahead and following my dream. Initially, I did not get any orders, which was very discouraging, but I kept submitting samples to blogs for review and paid for some advertising through Indie Finds. My orders have picked up, not to where I would like them to be, but that have picked up nonetheless.”
“Production will [also] become an issue as business picks up. Do I hire employees or send out the products to a manufacturing facility?”
Motivated By The Entrepreneurial Drive
“I really love being an entrepreneur so every little success I have really helps me to say focused. I also have a mental log of ways to help build my business through branding, so thinking up new ideas also helps me stay excited and enthusiastic about my company.”
Mentors and Inspirations
“My mother is a mentor for me especially when it comes to design questions. She has been sewing for about 30 years and really knows her stuff when it comes to technical questions. She also doesn’t let big jobs intimidate her, she takes everything one step at a time and that helps me stay focused on my day to day duties rather than just looking at the big picture – which can be quite daunting.”
“Other indie businesses inspire me, especially those that have really unique and well-made products. Heather Flottmann of Liliputians NYC is a big inspiration for me. She has the most amazing designs and really works hard to get press for herself.”
Words of Advice-No Regrets, Just Go For It
“If there is something you always wanted to do, go for it. You don’t want to regret it when you are 93 and looking back on your life. It is going to be a lot of work but will be more rewarding than you can imagine. It also helps to surround yourself with positive support from families and friends. Everyone needs a little cheering squad who believe in you because some days you may not even believe in yourself.”
---------------------------------------------------
Contact
Deborah Nolan
Monday, April 9, 2007
Fashion Day, Business Writing, Creative Workshops
Admit It: You’re Creative Workshops: Workshops designed to unleash your creative potential. Sponsored by Ontario College of Art and Design. April 17, 2007, 6:00-9:45 pm.
Virginia Spring Craft Market: Features 200 fine artists and craftspeople from across the nation offering fine arts, handcrafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty foods. Located in Virginia Beach, VA. April 13-15, 2007, 10 am-6 pm.
Fashion Day Soiree: Shopping event which brings 50% in designer shopping and accessories. Located in Los Angeles, CA. April 14, 2007, 10 am to 4 pm.
2007 Business Writing Conference: Workshops on strategic business writing, speechwriting, business blogs, writing for the web. Conference registration includes all conference sessions, two continental breakfasts, two luncheons with guest speakers and a three-hour writing session. Sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators. Located in Chicago, IL. April 12, 2007.
Virginia Spring Craft Market: Features 200 fine artists and craftspeople from across the nation offering fine arts, handcrafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty foods. Located in Virginia Beach, VA. April 13-15, 2007, 10 am-6 pm.
Fashion Day Soiree: Shopping event which brings 50% in designer shopping and accessories. Located in Los Angeles, CA. April 14, 2007, 10 am to 4 pm.
2007 Business Writing Conference: Workshops on strategic business writing, speechwriting, business blogs, writing for the web. Conference registration includes all conference sessions, two continental breakfasts, two luncheons with guest speakers and a three-hour writing session. Sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators. Located in Chicago, IL. April 12, 2007.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Moondrop Clothiers, LLC
Sarah Paquette established Moondrop Clothiers in 2003 to help fulfill the need for responsible commerce in today’s world. Her mission is to to encourage people to feel and look beautiful, be comfortable, and remain stylish using eco-friendly, ethically-produced, high quality, fairly-traded goods.
Where Fashion and Passion for the Environment Co-Exist
“Moondrop Clothiers LLC is an earth-friendly as well as socially-conscious business that truly cares for the consumer AND the [creator of the] products. We offer the latest fashions, home decorating trends, and practical household items at very affordable prices, provide superior customer service, while also creating an awareness of the impact our shopping choices can have on the environment and the less fortunate people of the world.”
“Our store offers Recycled, Gently-Worn, Handmade, & Brand-New Clothing, Artisan Jewelry, Accessories, Books, Home Decor, Soy Candles & Incense, Handcrafted Vegan Skin Care, Sustainable Market Bags, Hemp Products, & Fair Trade Imports where each purchase supports low income artisans & their families.”
For the Eco-Conscious
“Our website’s demographic is mainly women, although there have been quite a few eco-conscious men who have purchased items as well. Our sustainable market bags and hemp products suit just about everyone’s fancy.”
Commitment to Being Green
“We purchase 100% post-consumer recycled paper and other eco-conscious products for our office supply, minimize waste by re-using shipping cartons and other packing materials as much as possible, host our websites with a socially responsible green web hosting company who offsets 100% of their energy consumption with certified wind power, and our one-and-only full-time employee (the owner!) helps to save one of our fragile planet’s refined natural resources (gasoline!) by working directly out from home. In addition, Moondrop Clothiers LLC continues to find more ways to reduce its environmental impact in all aspects of its business.”
Persevere and Persist to Overcome
“As the website was being developed, I knew absolutely NOTHING about web design or even how to run an e-commerce business. It became financially daunting to make mistakes that always needed to be corrected, so I spent hours and hours doing research, networking with other small business owners, getting advice from family and friends. I also went to a few small business workshops at our local community college. To date, I am still in the process of learning new things.”
Niche Marketing
“Our store networks through reciprocal link exchanges with other independent and like-minded businesses. We also advertise in local newspapers and newsletters, post business cards on bulletin boards whenever possible, and keep biz cards on hand at all times (you never know when you’ll need one!). We also have a spot on myspace that generates a lot of traffic.
“Our shop has also been inducted into Co-op America's Business Network (CABN), the original socially-responsible business network, stamped with their Seal of Approval, and given a spot in their National Green Pages ™.”
Making a Difference
“In order to do my part as a concerned citizen for the well-being of our planet, I established Moondrop Clothiers with just about a dollar in my pocket, an overstuffed closet, and the firm belief that one person CAN make a difference.”
“My shop is based on two simple concepts - to help fulfill the need for socially-conscious, responsible commerce in today’s world and to educate consumers on the importance of purchasing ethically-produced fairly-traded goods. Moondrop Clothiers LLC is a unique place on the web with larger-than-life intentions to save the earth. It is a reflection of me, my ideals, and my life's work. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, "We must BE the change we wish to see in the world."”
Business Resources For the Green Business Entrepreneur
“For anyone wishing to establish or expand their eco-friendly or “green” business, refer to Co-op America for advice, resources, and direction. They are a wonderful group of individuals who operate their businesses in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems. These businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment. “
Inspired by…
“Knowing that one person CAN make a difference... Seeing the love and care that goes into hand-crafted goods… The community that seems to gather around earth-conscious living and fair trade commerce… The satisfaction of knowing that by supporting fair trade, I am helping people succeed in life and doing it consciously.”
Words of Advice
“Patience, patience, patience....It takes time and persistence to grow a successful business. Keep a firm eye on your long term goals, and remember that bumps in the road and set backs are to be expected. There is nothing more satisfying than circumventing the obstacles in your way and reaching your goals-the more difficult the path, the more satisfying the rewards. Peace.”
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Contact
Sarah Paquette
Moondrop Clothiers
Sister Site: The Conscious Child
sarah@moondropclothiers.com
Monday, April 2, 2007
Networking Events
All Media Party: Networking party for media professionals sponsored by Media Bistro. Located in Seattle, WA. April 3, 2007, 7-9 pm.
Denver Wild Women Entrepreneurs: Networking event for entrepreneurs in the Denver area. Sponsured by the Denver Wild Women Entrepreneurs. Located in Denver, CO. April 10, 2007, 6 pm.
Denver Wild Women Entrepreneurs: Networking event for entrepreneurs in the Denver area. Sponsured by the Denver Wild Women Entrepreneurs. Located in Denver, CO. April 10, 2007, 6 pm.
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