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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Introducing Sally B’s Skin Yummies
Blending nature and technology, Sally B’s is committed to making high quality, luxurious, and effective skin care products from certified organic and natural plant based ingredients. The creams, lotions, makeup, and fragrance are created in Inman Park, Atlanta, and are sold throughout the world. See for yourself what organic skin care will do for you and for the planet!
Check out all of Sally B’s great new products here, arriving just in time for spring!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Organic, Luxurious, Healthy
What are your most popular products or services?
Mineral makeup, Eye Cream, Night Cream, Eco Body Lotion and Tinted Moisturizer.
People may be surprised to know…
I’m one of eight children.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
After Cancer, I had to treat my own skin differently. Out of necessity, I created my own products.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My Dad started his own business after WWII. The company he founded is still going strong.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Don’t think small. You can’t do it all nor are you qualified to do it all.
How do you spend your free time?
Trying to catch up.
What is your indulgence?
Long Baths
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
The beach. Pawleys Island is my favorite.
Fresh Face: Claudia Mejerle
To Claudia Mejerle, makeup is an accessory to an outfit. It expresses style and personality. It is an art form. And it’s fun! This savvy makeup artist discovered her passion for makeup as a little girl playing in her mother’s makeup drawer as she was getting ready for my ballet recitals. Makeup made her feel beautiful. She realized that when you enhance your God-given external beauty, it is more than just an outer transformation. Looking and feeling more beautiful makes you feel powerful. You exude confidence and joy. Who doesn’t want that?! And it is her hope that she can show women how to enhance their natural beauty through makeup.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
creative, playful and passionate
What is your biggest goal for the future of your business?
It is really important to me that I stay true to myself and my style as I grow my business. I hope to align myself with clients that allow me to do that, but I also want to be challenged with new types of work that help me to grow as an artist. I really want to push myself to discover new, unique ways that I can share my love for makeup artistry.
What is one thing you could not live without?
There have definitely been a lot of challenges in making my dream become a reality, but having the love, support, and encouragement of my family and friends has really made this possible. My incredible support system has given me courage to take the leap and has been an unbelievable source of business leads from the beginning. It is essential to have that support in order to grow and it is so much fun to have people to share the adventure with!
What is your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
Hmmm…probably the fact that there is so much great food to eat! But I also love that this town is perfect for anyone looking to go out on their own and do something new. Atlanta may be a large city, but it amazes me how connected everyone is. There’s so much room for growth and the people are eager to support new businesses.
What inspired you to start your business?
Well, there wasn’t ever a specific moment when i said “I am starting a business.” It has just kind of evolved. I have always enjoyed doing makeup for friends and over time I started getting referrals to do makeup for weddings. My hobby just turned into a business and I figured if I could make a living doing something I love, I just had to go for it.
What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur?
Oh gosh. I love everything about being an entrepreneur! It’s so exciting. I love that there is so much flexibility and freedom to do things the way I would like. I am able to be creative in my actual art as well as in the way I develop my business. There is so much fulfillment and motivation knowing I am in control of my success.
If you could have dinner and talk about business with one person, who would it be?
There are a number of famous makeup artists I would die to have one minute with, but I think Carmindy (from What Not To Wear) is at the top of my list. She has a way of making everyone not only look gorgeous, but she makes each woman feel special and more beautiful than they’ve ever felt.
If you could give one piece advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Don’t let fear get in the way of your passion. The unknown can be scary, but going after your dream is an adventure. If you do something that you’re passionate about, you can’t help but succeed!
Want to learn more? Visit her website at http://claudiamejerle.com/
Introducing TSP Marketing
Known for constantly thinking outside of the box, TSP Marketing leverages traditional marketing, public relations and innovative social media marketing to uniquely and effectively position their clients and services, to create and maintain a strong presence in the marketplace, and grow their businesses. In 2007, Taryn also founded Women Intelligently Networking (WIN!)®, a premier online and offline community of business women headquartered in Atlanta.
Business Bootcamp for Wonder Women 2 Day Atlanta Conference on Feb 25 + 26 is for women entrepreneurs, small businesses, brick and mortar store owners, attorneys, doctors, professionals bloggers and other professionals. The BBWW Conference will be offering over 30 how-to sessions, panels and workshops on marketing, technology, social media, law and sales and development.
Women Intelligently Networking (WIN!)® is generously offering a special for the CRAVE Atlanta community through February, 15th! Use VIP code: CRAVE2011 to receive $40 off the general admission ticket.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Innovative, Magnetic, Dynamic
What are your most popular products or services?
- social media marketing workshops / lunch + learns
- public relations and marketing consulting
- business networking and referral marketing coaching
- public speaking
People may be surprised to know…
I’ve been using «social media» since 1990. At age 12, I started my first online community and am still friends with many of those members.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I made the choice to take control of my life, to not to conform to others’ rules but rather create my own game, call my own shots and surround myself with great people. My biggest fan, my husband, was instrumental in this realization.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Learning and mastering the fine art of delegation!
How do you spend your free time?
At the gym, often brainstorming on how to continue adding value to my networks and communities… I’m also a conference jetsetter and public speaker.
What is your indulgence?
I have a few! Interacting with my social networking communities (Twitter and Facebook). Sushi… And listening to really great dance music, preferably at the gym.
Fresh Face: Melanie Stewart
Melanie Stewart has been an entrepreness for almost ten of her twenty plus year career. In 2009, Melanie branched into the product industry by co-founding M&M Consumer Products, Inc., a women-owned company devoted to developing products that add both comfort and convenience to people’s everyday lives. Melanie is constantly looking at ways to make her life more comfortable and better so that she can help others live a more comfortable and better life.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, funny, loving
What is your biggest goal for the future of your business?
To be a multi-million dollar internationally recognized company for creating comfortable, convenient and creative solutions to everyday health and beauty needs.
What is one thing you could not live without?
My products of course. No, seriously, my family. They are my rock and my support. They believe in me and encourage me. I would not be where I am personally or professionally without them.
What is your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
The phenomenal business women that live in city! There are so many great women entrepreneurs in Atlanta to network with.
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to be able to be more involved in my son’s life when I co-founded my first company, Compliance Partners, Inc. in 2001. When I co-founded my second company, M&M Consumer Products, Inc. in 2009, I had been unsuccessfully searching for solutions to health and beauty issues that I was having. Since I could not find any solutions on the market, I decided to create them myself.
What is your favorite part of being an entrepreneur?
Freedom, flexibility and creativity. Being an entrepreneur allows me the freedom to do what I want, the flexibility to do it when I want and the creativity to do it how I want.
If you could have dinner and talk about business with one person, who would it be?
Mary Kay Ash. I think that she is such an inspiration for women entrepreneurs. I have a long list of questions that I would love to ask her.
If you could give one piece advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?
BELIEVE! Believe in yourself, believe in your product/service and believe in your success. Believe and you can achieve!
Introducing Radiance MedSpa
Radiance Medspa is a boutique medical spa offering the very best in personalized services such as Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, Photofacials, hair removal, Facials, Chemical peels and much more. They offer only the best medical grade skin care lines including SkinCeuticals, Obagi, IS Clinical and PCA. The staff is professionally trained to provide you with the personal care you deserve.
On February 16th, Radiance MedSpa will host an open house party to introduce their new medical director, Dr. Marc Yune. They will also be having a grand opening party for their brand new fitness studio, Oni fitness, located next door.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Tranquil, Anti-aging, Intimate
What are your most popular products or services?
Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and Chemical Peels
People may be surprised to know…
The signs of aging can be reversed and is quite affordable
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I have always had problematic skin. I wanted a business I could benefit from and help others who are self conscious about their skin.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My parents. They have always been entrepreneurs and I look up to them. They are 100% supportive of me no matter what.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Understanding the necessity of operating on a specific budget from day one. I would also better research my marketing outlets.
How do you spend your free time?
Spending time with my friends and family. Cooking, dinners, movies and traveling.
What is your indulgence?
I love buying new clothes!
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Out to Dinner
Introducing West Coast Workout
West Coast Workout was created for the pursuit of health. Tammy’s signature workouts were designed to create slim, sexy, sculpted physiques. The Live Your Healthiest Life program teaches clients how to dramatically improve their lives through powerful nutrition, mindset and fitness. You can get a custom workout and a healthy lunch to go. There are seven signature workouts eliminating boredom. Tammy wants all those who come to West Coast Workout to feel like a star! Her mission is to teach people how to live their healthiest life possible.
Get your New Years resolutions off to a rolling start this year with West Coast Workout! Check out their class schedule here.
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Inviting, Zen, Motivational
What are your most popular products or services?
Our signature classes and our exclusive method of private training
People may be surprised to know…
getting the body you desire is easier than you think, if you have the right coach
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I missed the workouts I was used to while living in California and training in Hollywood so I brought the best of LA to the ATL.
Who is your role model or mentor?
For philosophy and inspiration for a long healthy life, Jack LaLanne. For business advice, my father.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Doing something based on how much money I will make versus doing something for the pure joy of loving what I do!
How do you spend your free time?
I do not have much but when I do, I spend it outside with my children and dog.
What is your indulgence?
A sexy, sweaty workout. I love to move like a woman. Your body is defined by how you move.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
West Coast Workout and California of course!
Introducting Body Awareness Studio
Body Awareness Studio is Atlanta’s first Pilates studio. Our talented instructors love to share resources for Health, Wellness and Longevity. Benefits include breathing easier, a strong physical body, and an increased piece of mind. Some of the special tools used at Body Awareness are: Pilates, GYROTONIC, Meridian Stretching, Polarity Therapy, Qigong, Breath Empowerment, and Meditation.
Make sure to pick up a December/January Best Guide 2011 edition of Best Self Atlanta Magazine to find Body Awareness Studio featured in the article: The Power of Pilates under Real People, Real Transformations!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Peaceful, Intelligent, Friendly
What are your most popular products or services?
Pilates Private and Group sessions, Breath Empowerment, Mashing
People may be surprised to know…
Body Awareness is about inner beauty and harmony. People usually discover that after they experience our studio.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was a dancer and teacher. Pilates exercise assisted my recovery after a car accident damaged my pelvis and shoulder.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Currently Lisa Michaels, founder of the Natural Rhythms Institute.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Hiring people for the wrong reasons.
How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy walking by the river, playing with my kitty cat, and relaxing at home with my sweetie, Michael.
What is your indulgence?
Massages, soaking in an aroma filled tub, elegant & health conscious dining, and chocolate! (I am a Taurus, after all.)
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Lisa Michaels’ house for Natural Rhythms events: food, fun, and lots of laughter. (Did you notice, food is involved?)
Meet Holland Muscio of Balloonacy
For over 25 years, the balloon, floral and decor experts at Balloonacy have been decorating metro Atlanta…and beyond! From birthday parties and Bar Mitzvahs to cocktail soirees, large Galas and weddings, Balloonacy provides décor for all types of events. Give them a call today, Balloonacy wants to help make your next event POP!
Balloonacy was recently awarded third place in the tabletop centerpiece competition at FLOAT, a balloon artist convention! With a “Sweet Sixteen” theme, Balloonacy chose a Monster Truck themed Sweet Sixteen piece showing the judges just how creative they can be. Congratulations!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Fun, Colorful, Creative
What are your most popular products or services?
Our balloons! All of our decor is customized for your event!
People may be surprised to know…
I have to utilize those seemigly useless math classes from school almost daily including algebra, geometry, chemistry & physics!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
The previous Balloonacy owners! I started helping them to make extra money, then I apprenticed with them and fell in love with the world of latex!
Who is your role model or mentor?
The women who take on the role of President of the Junior League of Atlanta. An amazing undertaking. Professionally I admire Maxine Burton,owner of burton+Burton one of the largest Balloon and gift importers/distributors (and based in Athens!).
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Saying yes to a design a customer wants when in my heart I know its not going to live up to my standards.
How do you spend your free time?
What is that?
What is your indulgence?
Good glass of wine and artisan cheeses.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere theres a patio and cold adult beverages!
Fabulous Interior Designers We CRAVE
Whether you’re CRAVE-ing a complete redesign, a small change, or even just a little guidance with your home’s interior, help is on the way. We have put together a list of our favorite Atlanta abode styling specialists to help you transform your home from drab to fab.
Claire Watkins Interior Design
404-308-5685
Blog: High Gloss Blue
@ClaireatCWID
Claire Watkins was headed for law school. But after writing her law school entrance essay on the characteristics of design as an argument, she applied for her business license, declined her space and Claire Watkins Interior Design was born.
A little over a year later, Claire is in demand for both residential and commercial work as well as her popular blog, High Gloss Blue. It’s a must-read–part inspiration board, part do-it-yourself tutorial, part insiders’ guide to all that’s hip in interior design. Claire prides herself on her decisive instincts, her ability to work at any price point and her ability to find beauty in the ordinary.
Charm Home
404-550-6045
Blog: Charm Home Blog
@charmhome
Cristi Holcombe, owner of Charm Home, is every bit as charming as her moniker suggests. Founded just last year, Charm Home provides fresh, innovative, and affordable design services to clients in Atlanta. Cristi’s passion for interior design is documented daily on her Charm Home blog, and she was voted Atlanta’s favorite local blogger in the “Best of the Big A” by ajc.com readers.
Charm Home offers a wide variety of interior design services catered to each and every client. Whether you are in need of a little guidance or a complete design plan, Charm can help you out every step of the way. Charm also offers a specialized “do-it-yourself” design service called Touch of Charm.
Erika Ward Interiors
404-507-6110
@ErikaatBluLabel
Blog: Blu Label Bungalow
As the founder of Erika Ward Interiors and BluLabel Bungalow, Erika is one of Atlanta’s most celebrated design resources. She creates budget friendly interiors by cleverly merging goods from big box stores with heirlooms and other designer splurges. When styling someone’s home, she looks to their wardrobe for inspiration. She encourages all of the clients to celebrate their individuality, not someone else’s.
Lifestyle Design
@comfort_living
Blog: Comfort Living by Christine Eisner
This firm’s innovative approach reaches far beyond fabric and furniture to improve the way people experience their living and working spaces. With an emphasis on comfort, Lifestyle Design offers practical tools and uncomplicated ideas that are easy to implement. Owner of Lifestyle Design, Christine Eisner, is also the author of a back-to-basics guide book called, “Comfort Living”. Every detail of the book is geared to making the path to a balances lifestyle simple, straightforward and accessible.
We’re CRAVE-ing LAMIK Beauty
LAMIK Beauty is the 1st Eco-Chic makeup line, featuring all natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and a glamorous appeal. The LAMIK Boutique, known for celebrity sightings, is settled in the eclectic Castleberry Hill District, where the showroom boasts services like lashes, makeovers, committing women to an easy 3-step facial care regimen, and buying makeup with guidance from LAMIK Beauty Experts.
Special thanks to LAMIK Beauty for sponsoring the swag bags at last weekend’s Spark & Hustle Conference!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Natural, Glamorous, Green
What are your most popular products or services?
Products: Lipgloss, The Celebrity Brow Kit, True Mineral Powders
Services: Lash Enhancement, Luxe Makeup Party with Girlfriends, Detox your Makeup Bag
People may be surprised to know…
I was a classical pianist growing up and wish I never stopped.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
Women’s health, wanting to break the stereotypes of beauty, and a dream.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Too many fabulous ladies to name just one!
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not reading my mail.
How do you spend your free time?
Thinking about what work I could be doing during this time, Spending time with my nephews and nieces
What is your indulgence?
Cupcakes, conversation, boutique shopping, and buying my pooch too many clothes.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
On spontaneous trips to any city, we always throw a good time together at the last minute!