Browse

our directory of women-owned businesses

Author Archive

Newer Entries »

An Interview with Ting Designs

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Angela Lim has created a solution to the issue of toting a purse everywhere we women go. Whether large or small, we set our bags in sometimes the most unsightly of places. Ting Designs has developed purse hangers that solve the problem of this germy issue. Not only is it cleaner and safer to use, Ting Designs offers a unique and chic arrangement of purse hangers to fit anyone’s style preference. They are great gifts and can be found in restaurants, hair salons, and trendy boutiques. Also on their website. We caught up with Angela Lim to ask her a few questions Ting Designs and why she’s so passionate about them!

What about Ting Designs do you love the most?
Endless possibilities.  Starting a business especially in this economy invites a roller coaster of emotions but at the end of the day, I am grateful to know that I am building my own brand with endless possibilities.

What is the best piece of advice you could give about starting a business?
Just do it!  Over the years, I have heard numerous friends and colleagues longing to start their own businesses but there were always reasons not to take the big leap.  The truth is…it really is not a big leap at all!  The hardest part is to start and then the entrepreneur engines will suddenly kick in on its own.  So I encourage everybody to take the first step, no matter how big or small it may be, and see where it goes.

How did you come up with Purse Hangers as your first business?
A few years back, I was having Sunday brunch with my girlfriends at one of those nuveau brunch spots with no room to sit let alone put down our handbags. Then, one of them whipped out a tratitional “L” shaped purse hook.It was love at first sight! Being a huge handbag fan, I knew this was must-have accessory and I would love to be designing them one day.

Why do you think not more women use purse hangers?
With more publications about germs on handbags, I think women are becoming more conscious on where they put their purses. However, I do understand that it is one more thing to remember to bring. So our goal is to create purse hangers that double as attachable accessories for your handbag so that it is visible and stays on whenever you go. 

What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself through your business experience?
Karma.  I believe that the law of cause and effect surrounds us in every second of our physical and mental state.  It could be as simple as thinking about a good thought or showing a small gesture of kindness to a stranger.  Yet somehow these actions and thoughts will transpire into reality like that stranger who became a customer.  So I try my best to do the right thing and treat people with respect.  In the end, I do not worry about my future.


Posted in Adorn, Style | No Comments »

Grad Season is Here!

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Its graduation season! Graduates from college, high school, and graduate school are about to throw their grad caps up in the air and start a new era of their life! Which means, time to start snatching up flowers, cards and grad gifts. We have scoured Chicago and have found some places we CRAVE to buy what we need for our graduates this year.

For the perfect flower arrangement for your grad…
Dilly Lily offers floral pieces that are colorful, trendy, or classic; it just depends on what you are looking for and your personal style. Their talented staff desire to exceed your expectations and love accommodate your wishes for the arrangement. They offer delightful flowers that offer unique and beautiful arrangements that will stand out from the rest. To see more information click here.

Where to get great stationary for this year’s graduates…
Elizabeth Grace offers some of Chicago’s premier paperie. She is known for her impeccable taste and design savvy with personalized service to all customers. Another plus, her store also includes an assortment of delicate and beautiful gifts that could be perfect for your grad. To find out more about their fabulous services click here.

Best gift to give your grads thats quick and easy yet still personal…
Name Your Design is a company offering a line of personalized wall art that would be perfect for your grad. They offer simple designs that can be directed towards any personal style. They will be a gift that will not be forgotten! To see for yourself everything they offer here.

Posted in Adorn, Details, Enhance, Style | No Comments »

Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Father’s Day is around the corner and every year its the same. We ponder WHAT to get our dear dads for a gift. We all know that whatever we hand them they’ll be thankful for; but we always want to push the envelope! When we are pressed for time and don’t have the effort left to make something extremely sentimental, here is some advice from your friends at CRAVE on what to do that will make him smile.

Try and remember what your dad is passionate about. Is he an outdoors-man? Cook? Tech-savvy? Music lover? With some passion he has in mind its always easier to direct your gift towards a certain theme and come out successful. It will help you avoid spending hours shopping with no clue of what to get as well as guaranteeing that he will appreciate the gift and the thought you put into it.
If still stuck on where to begin with finding a gift, maybe go in a different direction then a simple gift from the store. Does you’re dad love a certain comedian or band? Grab tickets to a concert.

Dad’s love knowing you want to spend time with them, so if time allows, do an activity that involves doing something together. Time spent is more precious than any other gift money could buy!

Remember first and foremost that its your dad’s day! All that matters truly matters is that you make sure to tell him he’s special and you love him.

Posted in Connect | No Comments »

Memories WOW!

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Let’s face it, we all enjoy taking pictures, but when it comes down to actually printing and displaying them; most of our pictures get lost in files on our computers. The effort it takes to make our digital photos come to life, takes a lot of time and effort. Something that many of us don’t have enough of at the end of the work day. But have no fear! There is finally a bright light at the end of our digital woes. Memories WOW has exactly the services you need!

Mary V. Gutowski-Hazzard is owner and founder of Memories WOW.  Her business provides high-quality photo products for people who don’t have the time, desire, or creative eye to do it themselves. They are a premier service for preserving your memories, an effortless and affordable way to preserve the priceless stories that unfold throughout your life!

Chatting with Mary I was able to ask her some incredibly great questions to not only support her work but to understand why she loves the company she started.

1. What is it about Memories WOW that you love the most?
I love seeing and hearing the responses when people see all their memories come together and they have a big smile on their face.  Not only are we in the WithOut the Work (WOW) business, but we’re also in the “WOW ! This is great” business.

2. What is the most important thing you’ve learned about yourself through starting your business?
That anything is possible with determination and perseverance.

3. What is the best piece of advice you could give about starting a business?
Plan the work and work the plan.  Don’t underestimate the time and commitment that is required to bring an idea to life.  Also, surround yourself with a positive environment and supportive people.  Positive energy brings good things!

4. Are there any new services you are providing? If so what are they?
Early next month, we will be offering a new selection of high end books called ‘lay flats’.  They have a unique binding with ultra heavy pages which will be a great offering our clients who desire cutting-edge products.

5. What are your most popular services currently?
Our most popular services are custom book design as well as converting entire family libraries of memories to digital format (DVD).

To all CRAVE readers, take some time to look over your long lost photos/videos on file in your computers and consider Memories WOW as an oasis for your memories. Not only will they lift some stress from your shoulders, but also create for you a way to save and cherish your past the way it should be!
To learn more about Memories WOW visit their site here.

Posted in Connect | No Comments »

Adorable Apparel for the Kiddies

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Kids are cute just the way they are, but isn’t it great when their outfits just make them that much cuter? We have scoured Chicago and found some cutsie children’s stores that we CRAVE. No matter how much trouble they can get into at times, at least they’ll look adorable doing it.

Peek-a-Boutique
If looking for not only an delightfully sweet new outfit but unique as well, this boutique is perfect! Their styles are hand selected by mostly local artists and have been successfully styling the children of Chicago for the last four years. Whether its simply a baby gift or a new wardrobe for your own children, they have what you’re looking for! Find their location and more information about their store here.

Chicago Kids Bookstore and More
This place does not only have adorable clothes but books and more! It will be a fun outing for you and the kids every time you visit.  They pride themselves in their amazing selection of children’s and young adult literature. They pride themselves in supporting  local people and authors! Not only does this store have everything you’re child would need to thrive, but they are also committed to a good cause! Chicago Kids Bookstore donates a portion of their earnings to various child advocacy groups with every purchase! Check out their location and hours here.

Green Genes
This boutique not only has precious and delightful outfits for your kiddies but is also organic and eco-friendly! What more could you ask for! You’ll find clothing, bath and body products, and baby gear here as well as vintage and repurposed items. They offer unique and green products that you’ll feel good about purchasing. For more information and their cutsie website, look here.

Posted in Style | No Comments »

It’s World Cup Time!

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Ladies! The World Cup is on this week, so why not throw a fabulous party to celebrate! Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and throwing a party will be just another fun reason to sit around the TV with the gals and drool over men in jerseys.

So what are the three key items necessary for throwing a great party? Friends, food, and some fun drinks. With those elements you’re bound to have fun.

First, lets start off with friends. Invite your best gal pals over (probably 8 to 10 ladies) and ask them to previously pick a team to cheer for. Then suggest they wear the colors of their team to the party. It will add a small hint of competition to the group and keep your ladies having fun screaming for their men during the game.

Second, it may be a soccer party but the snacks don’t have to be the typical game food of chicken wings and burgers. For your ladies, whip up a batch of cupcakes or if in a time crunch grab some from your local grocer and decorate them with the colors of the teams playing. As for the other snacks, everything needs to be decent at room temperature, since once the game starts the attention will be focused more on the TV. Perhaps some bruschetta and caprese salad would be yummy finger food that will leave your guests happy and satisfied. If feeling too crunched for time on the snacky goods, ask your gals to each bring something small and yummy with them when they come. It will help relieve some of the stress and you know then you’ll have plenty of food to go around.

Third, but just as important are those drinks! Decide to make some of your favorite cocktails or bubbly that will keep the girls having fun throughout the game. Perhaps a drink that includes the colors of the teams! Drinks are always fun but no one wants to bust their budget on buying alcohol that not everyone will like, so let your girlfriends know you will be providing some drinks, but suggest they bring more if they have a specific or picky preference.

So no more excuses and procrastinating! You now have all you need for a successful party! All that’s left is letting the gals know and start getting caught up on your knowledge of the teams and the gorgeous men playing. Games start June 11th so get your head in the game and get your party started!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Connect | No Comments »

Savvy Summer Shoes

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010


Ladies, are you still searching for the perfect pair of shoes that will take you through this year’s summer fashions? Fear not! CRAVE has found some fabulous shoes right in the heart of Chicago that will leave your feet happy all summer.

Gavin Evanston
This shop is a true gem to be found. It expresses effortless style that is sophisticated and sassy. Their style is not just limited to the clothing and accessories, but their shoes are also a statement that can add class to any savvy woman’s wardrobe. Be sure to check out their latest styles for summer and directions to their store here. We are CRAVEing what they have to offer!

Le Dress
Not only will this shop find you the perfect shoes for your next outing, they also provide superior styling for the rest of your outfit! Their shoes are meant to compliment a variety of styles and looks all while offering them at affordable prices with fabulous service. See what new designers are filling their store and more information about Le Dress here.

Pump Shoes and Accessories
This store is a mecca for the shoe addicts of Chicago. Filled constantly with unique footwear at fabulous prices, this store is filled with flats, stilettos, boots, and pumps to meet every occasion. From frivolous to  functional, this store has exactly what your feet are CRAVEing. To find out more information and directions click here.

Posted in Style | No Comments »

Glorious Mani-Pedi Experiences

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Being the busy women we are, doesn’t mean we can’t give our hands and feet the loving they so need after a long day of working them to death. Not only will a little pampering make them feel fabulous, but also the experience will leave you feeling relaxed, revived, and ready for what the rest of day has in store for you.
Chicago has some great places to give your hands and feet the love they so desperately deserve. Here are just a few that we CRAVE.

Chocolate For Your Body Spa.
This lovely spa is a hidden gem located in Pilsen’s Art District. Its chocolate-centric menu of energizing spa treatments offers natural products that leave you looking and feeling lovely. The atmosphere is friendly with an urban edge. We are CRAVEing having a spa day with these ladies. Click here to see their website.

Colette Salon and Spa.
 Located just steps off Michigan Ave in the Gold Coast offers top-notch stylists and spa specialists. The atmosphere and employees are fun, flirty, and fabulous. It is an urban oasis that will relieve your need for personal rejuvenation. Click here to check out all of the services that they offer.

Kaya Day Spa.
This spa is a zen retreat for anyone who needs a break from the craziness of their lives. When entering, you experience a place of serenity and relaxation. They are the perfect recipe for your next indulgence. Check out their website and special tailor-made treatments here.

Posted in Style | No Comments »

Spring Means Sunshine!

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Here in Chicago the day spring sunshine finally enters our city as we start to CRAVE finding the perfect sunshine accessories needed to enter this bright new season. These accessories include not only our sunshine staple of sunglasses but also the perfect summer dress, purse, and shoes to complete our outfit.

Eye Want
eyewanteyewear.com
Eyewear can sometimes lack luster and frames seem to slowly all look the same. At Eye Wear you will leave with a fun flirty frame that is unique and incomparable to any of your old frames. Check directions to their new location here.

Tangerine
Here is a lively boutique that offers great spring dresses and accessories that are always a successful staple to add to your wardrobe. You can call them at 773.772.0505 or check our their location at 1719 N Damen, Chicago.

Totem
shoptotem.com
This shop has a wide variety of spring apparel and accessories that are chic and edgy. Looking for the perfect handbag for spring we found a wonderful clutch that we can’t help but CRAVE. See it for yourself and the rest of their website here.

A Pied
apiedshoeboutique.blogspot.com
This store offers great selection of fun summer shoes. We especially CRAVE their new sandals for spring. Check out all of the lovely new must-haves here.

Posted in Style | No Comments »

Newer Entries »