CRAVE innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in town. Soirees, gatherings and online networking—we are your guide to everything you CRAVE in your city.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NYC CRAVE Buzz Party
Get involved with CRAVE NYC!
Tue, March 9th, 7pm—whenever!
La Palapa West Village – 359 Sixth Ave, NY
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Chicago CRAVE Business Chat
Get to know Chicagoland’s entrepreness celebrities and learn their secrets!
Wed, March 17th, 6-8pm
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Bloom and Tone CRAVEparty
A fresh beauty and wellness event
Sun, March 28th, 1-6pm
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Events to help entreprenesses
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Category » Interviews
« Read the full blogInterview with Andrea Martins of Expat Women
Andrea Martins may be Australian but that certainly hasn’t defined her. From where she travels to the company she keeps, she is a world-class CRAVE gal. No matter where she goes, she finds comfort in her friends and relationships. Through her experiences, she has created a massive website full of useful tips and stories for women living abroad, ExpatWomen.com
Why did you initially go abroad?
Once upon a time, my husband followed me on a domestic move for my career. So then it was my turn to follow him. We went to Jakarta, Indonesia (3 years), the Mexico City, Mexico (4 years), and then we retreated to the beach in Australia (2.5 years), before moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (6 months ago).
What is the hardest part of living away from your home country? What is the best part?
The hardest part is always missing friends and family back home, especially when you miss special occasions—birthdays, weddings, illnesses, etc. The best part is all the new friends you meet, from all over the world, who all have so many exciting stories to share with you from their own adventures abroad!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was desperately searching for a product or business idea that excited me and that I believed in. When I shared the idea of a global website for expatriate women with a friend living in Mexico with me at the time, she loved the concept so much that we inspired each other to make this dream a reality. In doing so, together we made the business concept even bigger and it’s this later concept that you see today in ExpatWomen.com
How do you spend your free time?
Swimming, Going out with friends. Sleeping.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends? What is your favorite place to live/travel?
My favorite place to go would be the Balinese-style spa near me for that much-needed fortnightly massage! My favorite place to travel would be any beach with crystal clear water. My favorite place to live changes every week!
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
More time—for myself, to spend with my husband, to hang out with my girlfriends, to sleep, and to pursue my other fantastic business ideas!
People may be surprised to know…
That I attended the then President of Mexico’s (Vicente Fox) daughter’s wedding in Mexico in 2006
Interview with Social Media Guru Viveka von Rosen
These days we are all trying to navigate the quickly evolving world of social media. Whether you use it in your personal life or for business, it is a constant battle to stay on top of the game. Thankfully, there are experts we can turn to, such as Viveka von Rosen. Viveka is a Certified LinkedIn expert & trainer and social media speaker. She is a dynamic woman who uses her knowledge to coach her clients on using social media marketing to propel their business. Read our interview with Viveka to learn a few expert tips and get a peak into what her business entails.
What do you say to clients who are intimidated by taking theirbusiness online?
First of all, even though social media looks like it’s “online” there is a bit of a different dynamic. It’s important to remember that Social Media is about communication – there are no special codes or tricks you need to know – there is no specific sales analytic to worry about. Use social media to communicate what you know with your “tribe” of friends and connections. Let your personality and knowledge shine through – that’s the only “trick” to social media. Most women are good communicators, so social media is a natural outlet for us. Don’t let the “online” nature intimidate you – that’s only the channel. You are the content!
Is social media marketing something business owners should be trained to do, or should they hire someone to a new position?
You can certainly hire someone to do your campaign – but they must understand that social media is about communication. In this case, about communicating for your business. So whoever you have must be enthusiastic about your business, product or service. Social media is about attraction or inbound marketing – you have to attract your client by being interesting and useful. Pushing a sales message on social media NEVER works.
What are some ways to avoid blending your personal and business profiles?
I’m not sure you DON’T want to blend them – you want your personality to shine through. Having said that – Facebook – being the most social of the mediums, might blend a little too much. I.E. – you might have your friends saying something you don’t want your clients to know. In that case, make sure you have a fan PAGE that you direct your clients too – not your personal profile.
When did you become active in the social media world, and how did you become an expert?
I’ve been involved for about 5 years now – I became an expert by getting the name first. Honestly though, I am such a social media enthusiast that I probably spend way too much time on it. Not only using the tools, but learning about them. I have a very helpful fan base that shares useful info with me as well. I am not the end all and be all of social media, but I try to know as much, and use as much of it as possible. I suppose that’s what makes me one of the experts.
Your upcoming book looks at how social media becomes a tool of empowerment for women- can you give us a sneak peak?
I have training as a life and business coach, and early on I realized social media gives women a voice, gives them freedom, gives them flexibility. My book speaks to how social media empowers women – as a tool they can use. I have some amazing guest authors contributing as well. Some of the top women in their fields who have experienced great success through social media in their own careers. We are all going to share secrets!
What are some common misperceptions about Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook? How can each be used to promote a business?
I think the biggest mis-interpretation is that you have to be on it all the time. Which would be impossible. Like any tool, you need to know how to use it strategically and successfully for the best results. There is strong ROI – but you have to be very clear on your business, your message and your strategy to receive it!
What is the most common consulting question you receive?
How much time is this going to take?
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I thought I was more clever than some of the social mediums and didn’t follow their EUA (End User Agreement). That mistake has cost me dearly. But now none of my clients have to experience it! A common mistake other people make: treating social media like normal media and trying to push their sales message. Just like a commercial – people will turn you off if you do that.
Who is your role model or mentor?
I have a lot – Mari Smith, Tim Sanders, Al Lautenslager, Miles Austin, Dr. Joan King, Ava Diamond, Laurie Macomber, Pete Cashmore, Colin lewis, Zig Ziglar, I could go on and on.
People may be surprised to know…
I actually look like my picture
C’mon, Get Happy!
With the arrival of each new year, we once again have a chance to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. What is it that you want this year? So many of us seem to be constantly searching for happiness in our lives – we want to be happy in our job, our family life, our friendships – we are continually striving to reach the point in our lives where we are finally happy – with all of it. Maybe this is the year – to finally discover what it is that makes you happy, find out what brings you joy, and go after it.
Writer, wife, and mother of two, Gretchen Rubin, recently took her own journey to happiness and wrote about it all in her new book, “The Happiness Project”. Full of practical advice, humor and charm, her memoir chronicles the year that she spent learning to be happy by test-driving different studies, theories and lessons. She consulted poets, novelists, philosophers, scientists and psychologists. She drew from history, analysis, real-life experience, research and pop-culture. From Oprah to Thoreau, she used it all to gain insight into this feeling we call happiness.
What she found was that you can be happier simply by taking small, concrete steps in your daily life. The Happiness Project is an approach to changing your life.
Step One: Identify what makes you happy. Spend time to really discover what things in life bring you joy.
Step Two: Make resolutions. Just like New Year’s, put together a plan and concrete actions that you can take, that will bring you to the happiness you are searching for.
Step Three: Now this is where, as Rubin says, “it gets interesting”. You have to keep those resolutions.
Since her book arrived on shelves, groups all over the country have started their own Happiness Projects – not to mention the hundreds of blogs that have popped up of people sharing their journeys towards lives filled with more joy. So, why not start your own Happiness Project in 2010? A few tips from the woman herself to get you started:
Be You.
Let It Go.
Do it Now.
Enjoy the Process.
Lighten Up.
Act the way you want to feel.
Sounds like a good plan to us. This book and life-philosophy will definitely make you smile and think. Get to it ladies! Find out what makes YOU happy in 2010.
Methow Dog: Interview with Val
They love us unconditionally no matter what, but we still cannot seem to help doting on our favorite canine friends. Dog lover and now business owner Val Stouffer decided to create Methow Dog, launching own line of healthy dog treats. The product line is all-natural and comes in scrumptious flavors named after Val’s pets. A new business owner, Val is now doing what she enjoys and creating a product for the ones she loves.
Business Description/ What is your story?
Methow Dog manufactures a line of delicious, healthy dog treats. They’re made with high-quality, all natural, human-grade ingredients, grown and manufactured here in the Northwest. Our treats are made by hand in small batches in a commercial Seattle kitchen.
What are your most popular products or services?
Methow Dog Healthy Treats are available in four delectable flavors. Our current best-seller is “Aurelia’s Peanut Butter Carrot Kisses.” However, our newest treat, “Larry’s Wild Cherry Squares” is very popular in beta testing. Look for ‘Larry’s’ treat in stores and online in early January.
People may be surprised to know…
Our treats are named after our three greyhounds Larry, Aurelia and Ducati. “Madeleine’s Liver Peanut Butter Brownies” are named after our dear canine friend Maddie, who we love very much. She was was our yellow lab tester. Maddie is no longer with us.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
Our dogs. They are very important members of our family. We want them to enjoy long and healthy lives. That includes good nutrition and high-quality foods with no by-products, preservatives or anything artificial. We want to know where our food comes from and what’s in it, and we also want to know the same for our dog’s food. We strive to offer premium products for your pet and ours that reflect our love of animals and our values of high-quality and sustainability. We also love the Methow Valley, located on the eastern edge of the North Cascades and hope to become full-time Mazama residents in 2010.
Who is your role model or mentor?
I don’t have any one person I can claim as a role model. I find inspiration in ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I’m so new to all this I don’t yet know what I don’t know. Ask me in a year…
How do you spend your free time?
Cycling and hanging out with my dogs.
What is your indulgence?
Quitting my job in TV news last year to focus full-time on Methow Dog.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
A bike ride around the south end of Lake Washington. We’ll throw in a loop around Mercer Island if it’s a nice day.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
In business I hope to continue to make beautiful products and achieve financial success without compromising my standards. In life I hope to gain the wisdom to make good choices and the courage to act upon them.
Where to Find:
Phone: 206.619.8251
Website: www.methowdog.com
Twitter: @MethowDog
Totem – Interview with Rhodeshia Nelson
As Totem, in Hinsdale, gears-up to present its Chicago Designer Showcase this weekend (October 2nd through the 4th) featuring cutting edge designs by local emerging talent, we’d love to introduce its fabulous owner Rhodeshia Nelson.
Rho, as her friends call her, is an entrepreness that loves fashion and she’s created a spirited boutique that women of Chicagoland crave! While she will never complain about dressing herself in gorgeous clothing, Rho’s true passion has always been helping others look and feel their best in clothes that embody who they are. In 2005, Rho followed her dreams, ran with that passion, and opened Totem. CRAVE Chicago is thrilled to feature Rho in our first edition CRAVE Chicago guide, and we think you’d like to get to know her too:
People may be surprised to know…
I have a degree in Electrical Engineering. After working in Corporate America for several years, I decided to solve complex equations of a different kind.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
For years, my friends would ask me for fashion advice when putting outfits together for various occasions. I discovered that I LOVED shopping for and dressing other people, and so began the dream of Totem.
What is your indulgence?
Shoes. I have a separate closet just for my shoes, and I’m constantly adding to my collection. You can’t have the perfect dress without the perfect pair of shoes.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
After work, the girls and I like to swing by Vie for one of their yummy cocktails and appetizers. The real key for me is good company, good atmosphere and good wine and I’m happy.
Lit Shades—Interview with the Artist
Great lamps can completely invigorate an otherwise drab room, but are often impossible to find. Luckily, Dawn Bassett of LitShades is around to craftily rejuvenate, restore and transform lampshades to match your aesthetic desires. Dawn recently sat down with us to dish about her glorious work. Read her energizing interview below:
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
Have you seen the lamp shades out there? Not much to choose from, some one had to change that!
What was the biggest surprise you have had as a creative entrepreneur?
That it’s all about attitude. That people around you get as excited as you do. That a sole proprietorship involves a whole lot of people who want you to succeed.
What is your idea of fun? If given a choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?
Making a new lamp shade out of some fantastic Osbourne and Little fabric-skip work for a day? Me and my pint-sized Papillion puppy ride my scooter down to the beach in Madison Park where we swim and sunbathe till sundown, then on to Captain Black’s for a cold drink and some onion rings…anyone is invited to come along for the ride.
Share some ways you stay motivated, encouraged or brave.
A “small business” can have fairly daunting problems. But I like to remember that a “small business” revolves around the small things; a cup of tea with the shop owner next door, a lamp shade made out a woman’s wedding dress to be used in her little girls room, the feeling of knowing only I can fire myself.
Share something you are excited about right now.
Besides a perfect Seattle summer?! Okay, I am to-die-for excited about a show I am collaborating on with Russian born artist, Alexander Kirillov, who makes these amazing lithographs that we are going to turn into a light sculpture/lighting installation. The show is set for August 13th and it will be epic.
Interview with Jill Wenger from Totokaelo
Direct anyone who tries to tell you Seattle is not a fashion-forward city to Totokaelo and they will come back humbled. Check out this inspirational interview with visionary shop owner Jill Wenger.
Describe the ‘two purposes’ of Totokaelo.
“Shop and Talk” and “Clothing and People Clothing.” Our goal is to source the strongest artists and thinkers in the fashion world today. We edit the collections to represent our aesthetic, consistently choosing pieces that are timeless, versatile, and well crafted.
Totokaelo believes in building a tightly curated wardrobe by (1) learning about your frame and what silhouettes are the most flattering, and (2) being realistic about your lifestyle and what in your wardrobe you gravitate toward.
I love the Pacific Northwest practicality of the styles and aesthetic Totokaelo represents. We strive to make dressing for “circumstance” (ie. comfort, weather, reality, life, rain and more rain), sexy and cool. Fabrics are sturdy with minimal prints. We like outfits that look easy—like they were just thrown together (ah, if only it were that simple). As a buyer, I have little tolerance for superfluous details or frills. I like clothes that feel good on and have pockets. As trends come and go, quality materials and superior craftsmanship stand the test of time. Practical, right?
The people: We put our own flare on things, both in our styling and in our client service. I LOVE my team. Each person has a unique style and stand-out personality. I feel that the girls that work for me and the photographers and talent involved are real-deal great people worth knowing. In a world of endless amounts of stuff, relationships matter.
My crew is the only resource I have that can’t be copied by another business. This is something we think about at Totokaelo: if a shop opened up next door with an identical build-out and the same merchandise, why would people shop with us? Relationships. We love our clients. We go above and beyond to be authentic and honest with people. Our goal is to deliver a consistent, thoughtful, and personalized shopping experience unmatched by other retailers.
Talk about the ’story’ of your shop.
Totokaelo came about due to the success of the website (of the same name), which launched last May. The space is amazing, with 18-foot ceilings and an all-glass front. The natural light streams in and the space just feels good.
It’s all hand-done. Everything is custom and relevant. The black fixture that runs down the middle of the store is the same dimension as the black bar that runs along the bottom of the website.
Nothing is out of a box. Each piece is relevant and special, nothing superfluous.
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. In third grade I asked for an adding machine for Christmas. Along with computations, filing make-believe appointments into date books was another favorite.
I studied business management in college and left college with hopes to just learn something well enough so that I could do it myself. Looking back, I didn’t quite know retail well enough to start where I did, but I learned as I went and it worked out.
Who are your role models and/or mentors?
I’m super close to my Dad. We touch base daily, and I couldn’t have gotten this far without him. And I think Jeremy Piven’s Entourage character, Ari, is amazing. He gets so much done so quickly because he cuts out the bullshit. I like that.
People would be surprised to know…
When I started Impulse, I was 26 years old and didn’t have startup capital for inventory, so I sold handmade items on consignment from Portland and Seattle designers. This was 2003. Six years later and I have two stores and a website and represent some of the worlds most influential collections.
Interview with Hazel Grace Dircksen
Hazel Grace Dircksen is the proud owner of Socialbees, a company that supports small businesses and creatives by using social media through an online resource network, as well as crafting optimized Facebook Fan Pages and Social Ads to drive engagement from a high target audience. We caught up with Hazel to get the inside scoop on her inspirations, as well as her indulgences.
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Trusted, Positive, Approachable.
What are your most popular products or services?
Online Social Media resource/support network, optimized Facebook fan pages, optimized Facebook social ads.
People may be surprised to know…
I was a fashion designer for years before translating my creativity into technology.
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
Social media can be so confusing for many businesses & I wanted to help ensure everyone could benefit from effectively using the best new tools without being overwhelmed by the clutter.
Who is your role model or mentor?
There have been so many influences in my career, but I think greatest have come through the Awesomepreneurs I’ve surrounded myself with. A few that I truly admire are Alison Covarrubias of Hatch Network, Melody Biringer of CRAVE, Edith Yeung of BizTechDay & Angela Jia Kim of SavorTheSuccess.com.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Picking the wrong business partner.
How do you spend your free time?
I’m a born connector and my hobby is hosting social dinners that bring together amazing people over fabulous food and wine.
What is your indulgence?
Oxygen facials by Pearl Dworkin (Optimum Skin Care, SF).
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
I rarely go to the same place twice. Adventure is so much more fun!
Check out Hazel’s spread in our San Fransisco CRAVE book coming to stores July 2009!
Click here to read The Socialbees Guide to Saving Face on Facebook by Hazel Grace.
Interview with Linda Derschang of Seattle’s Oddfellows, King’s Hardware, and more.
Linda Derschang, legendary entrepreness behind Seattle hot spots like Smith, Oddfellows, King’s Hardware, Linda’s Tavern, and the Rob Roy, recently took a moment to share some of her business philosophies, secrets and inspirations with us. Read her thoughtful words below.
What was the biggest surprise you have had as an entrepreneur?
People get the impression that as the company grows, there’s less work to be done on the part of the owner. Its mind boggling. The bigger the company gets, the more work there is to be done!
What have you done to make your business more profitable and your finances more stable?
Buy low! Sell more! Keeping the businesses casual, and affordable, has always been really important. Despite the aesthetic development that happens with every new business idea, it has always been paramount that they remain accessible.
What are three top things you invest your time and resources into to grow your business?
Our employees, the design and details of the businesses’ interior space, and the daily or weekly financial analysis necessary to keep everything running smoothly.
What type of marketing efforts do you plan to increase over the next year and what things are you eliminating or decreasing investment in?
The devil is in the details. Little things like making beer cozies for King’s and throwing weekly movie nights on the patio feed the culture of the created space. Its just a matter of providing more to our customers and not necessarily using advertising in print as a means of popularizing ourselves.
Share some ways you stay motivated, encouraged or brave.
Staying motivated has never been an obstacle. There’s always so much going on, and you just can’t let it slip. There are so many employees counting on me; its just not an option. I work in an incredibly creative environment with interesting people. Its always changing which keeps it from getting boring or mundane. My encouragement comes from walking into one of my places and seeing them full of satisfied customers- that’s the applause and the pat on the back! Brave? Sometimes its a fine line between brave, and just plain crazy.
What advice do you wish someone gave you as you were getting started?
I tell people to think about whether they really want to run a business. Its great to have an idea, and fun to cultivate a project’s design, but think about the future and whether you want to do it every day.
Share something you are excited about right now.
I’m going to France this summer! I’ll be there for two weeks with my family and some dear friends.
Share a website, book or some other kind of resource you have found valuable in building your business.
I subscribe to about a dozen magazines, and pick up another 6-8 per month. Whether its food, design, or business, they’re a great source of inspiration.
Hair Styling 101 for the Modern Entrepreness
We interviewed Chris Funk , style director at blo blow dry bar in Vancouver.
For a woman who only has 10 minutes to devote to her hair, what hair styling tips do you recommend?
A perfect pony! This style is ultra-modern, sleek, pretty and easy to do at home. To make this style seamless, make sure you wrap a strand of hair around the base of the pony. The real kicker: you only need a hair elastic and bobby pin to master this style!
Check out blo’s how-to videos online to learn how you can create the perfect pony at home.
What is a Blo On The Go?
Blo offers more than just in-house styling, our creative team goes wherever flawless hair is desired or required. Blo is the top of mind creative team in Vancouver. Some recent BOTG’s include both westcoast H&M openings, Aritzia’s corporate fashion show and Vancouver Fashion Week! Other BOTG ideas include spoiling your female staff for a job well done or giving you team the edge before a big presentation – yes, we will blo at your work! More info is available at blomedry.com.
What are your top 3 must-have products for women?
Definitely a spray to hold your style – I recommend AeroGel (unlike most sprays, this is a gel-based spray that not only holds your style, it sets it for the day!) Also, make sure you have a smoothing creme like Silk (available at Blo) to tame frizz and a finishing product, like Blo’s signature Shine, which takes your style to the next level! The best part: all of these products come in mini sizes so you never have to be hair impaired.
Up-do’s- Classic vrs. Modern. How do you decide which one to do?
It definitely depends on the occasion, your outfit and your features! Blo’s Style Menu features a simple updo (think a classic French twist), but we can absolutely cater to your a la carte wishes. While classic updos will never fade, messy side buns are a super cool modern take on the classic chignon.
What is a blo-out? How long will it last? Can women drop by for a quickie on their lunch break?
Blo Out is Blo’s cute term for a wash and style – we do it in about 30 minutes for about 30 dollars. A perfect service for a busy professional on the run! Blo is open as early as 7am for the workaholic set – you may be surprised what you can do on your Blackberry while your hair gets coifed!
A blo out should last between 2-3 days. A great way to make your ‘do last longer is to use dry shampoo in the morning – it not only absorbs natural oils, it also fluffs your hair with volume. And, as we all know, perfect hair equals perfect confidence for those board-room meetings, client pitch sessions and power lunches.
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