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Love, Lulu Mae – Interview with Agnes

January 29, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

When you’re one of seven sisters, you learn how to be unique and create a style all your own. Love, Lulu Mae designer Agnes B. Miles understood this from the get-go and, as an adult, created Love, Lulu Mae in order to assist savvy ladies accomplish the goal of always feeling special & having a unique look! From stylish clips to more elaborate headbands and bridal creations, Love, Lulu Mae joins fine femininity and fierce fashion for the modern woman. Agnes is inspired by the elegant styles of the women of the 1930’s/1940’s, of whom Agnes models every piece she creates and most pieces are one-of-a-kind.

Love, Lulu Mae is gaining recognition worldwide as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Paris Hilton, Gwen Stefani and Drew Barrymore have become fans! Love, Lulu Mae was invited to participate in the 2009 “Emmy Awards”, “Latin Grammy Awards” and “Christmas In Hollywood” and these delectable head-pieces can be viewed in the 2009 December issue of Latin American VOGUE as well as the 2009 “Lily of France” advertisements seen in Vanity Fair, People and InStyle Magazines! Let’s congratulate and learn more about Love, Lulu Mae founder Agnes…

What are your most popular products or services?
Most popular product includes “The Viva La Frida” headband, composed of various textured flowers in assorted colors.

People may be surprised to know…
People would be surprised to know that I majored in Musical Theatre Performance.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Friends and family inspired me to start my own business. Most notably, my grandmother Gigi.

How do you spend your free time?
In my free time I take my two Boston Terriers on a walk with my husband. As well as taking mini-getaways with them too!

What is your indulgence?
I absolutely love Vosges Chocolates. They are my favorite indulgence!

Meet Agnes at Love, Lulu Mae’s next appearance during Indie Wed on January 30th!

Follow Love, Lulu Mae on Twitter

Beauty on Call and Glossed & Found: Interview with Stacey

January 22, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (1)

Stacey Roney is the girl to know. After spending five minutes with her you’ll realize if you want to feel hip, look amazing and be a part of everything that is going on in and around the city, you need to add Stacey to your rolodex. Stacey broke away from the typical corporate day when she began Beauty on Call, a freelance company offering on-location beauty & spa services. Beauty on Call is every girl’s dream source to magnificent make-up, spa parties and seminars.

Once you’re beautified, it’s time to make use of lookin’ good! Stacey developed Glossed & Found as a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog {and vlog} that can’t be missed! Glossed & Found offers insight into spectacular events, exclusive celebrity interviews and spotlights on emerging Chicago designers. The Glossed & Found weekly e-newsletter is one of our favorites!

Let’s learn more about Stacey, founder of these two amazing companies…

People may be surprised to know…
Although I am considered a beauty expert in the industry, I am the worst makeup artist!  I am great at finding and managing top artists and have extensive product knowledge, but you don’t want me doing your makeup!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was previously a cosmetic buyer for Nordstrom and saw a void in the industry, so I started the first staffing agency in the country focused on beauty.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Trying to do everything myself!  I’ve since hired amazing people who help handle the day to day responsiblities so that I can focus on the bigger picture.

What is your indulgence?
Taking a nap.  With 3 kids under 3, it doesn’t happen very often.  Come to think of it, it never happens!

We are excited to announce Beauty on Call and Glossed & Found are partnering with CRAVE on our Beauty & Wellness event in April 2010!

Bellybum Boutique: Interview with Ellen

January 15, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (1)

New moms {and moms-to-be} are rejoicing across Chicagoland! If they’ve discovered Bellybum Boutique, that is. Bellybum Boutique is one of the newest and freshest additions to Chicago’s ‘green baby scene.’ A unique celebration of mamma bellies and baby butts, Bellybum carries designer maternal transition and nursing wear, cloth diapers, organic children’s wear, baby gear, gifts and accessories. More importantly, it is a support center dedicated to providing families with healthy lifestyle options, expert pre and postnatal advice and parenting education & resources. We at CRAVE also dig Bellybum’s enviable calendar of events which includes everything from toddler dance sessions to childbirth classes to potty training, and everything in between! It takes an extremely savvy business lady & mom to develop a unique boutique like this and we’d love to introduce you to one of our favorite entreprenesses, the owner of Bellybum Boutique, Ellen Sternweiler:

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Green, Stylish, Nurturing

What are your most popular products or services?
Designer women’s transition, nursing and children’s wear; cloth diapers, eco-friendly baby gear and accessories; parenting resources, support and classes.

People may be surprised to know…
My degree is in Fine Arts and my favorite past job was working in the scene shop at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Anywhere we can be together! Though any place with great sushi and martinis is always a good choice.

Follow Bellybum Boutique on Twitter

A Bright Star has Gone Dim

January 11, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (1)

It is with deep sadness and such shock that I bring you this news tonight…

Last week we lost a treasured member of the CRAVE Chicago community. Meghan Hormann, owner of Backbeat Music Instruction, passed away on January 7, 2010 after a month-long battle for her life. I would like to share with you some thoughts regarding Meghan and the amazing work she believed in… Meghan and I met on Facebook and become fast friends. Her shining personality and radiant warmth added a smile to anyone’s face that knew or met her. The passion she held for her work and bringing music into the lives of every soul was touching and real; Meghan was amazing.

I had the pleasure of spending time with Meghan most recently at the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty on 12/9 where she had a booth, coordinated a performance with two associates and donated gorgeous glass ornaments for the goody bags. All evening, despite the chilly air, Meghan had a huge smile on her face and a spring in her step.

We are extremely sad to have lost such a bright star in our entrepreneurial community.

Harmony Haus: Interview with Nichole

January 8, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

A new year and a new you, right? Of course! But if you’re like me, it’s the ‘new you’ part that’s hard to set into motion. I look for other things to make anew. Like my home decor! That said, I’m not a billionaire and I can’t go spending thousands of dollars on new furniture at my every whim. That’s why we at CRAVE love Harmony Haus. Harmony Haus specializes in environmentally conscious painting services with the utmost attention given to efficiency and minimizing waste in all aspects of business. Nichole Lovett, owner of Harmony Haus, arrives in a superwoman cape {by way of bicycle} and whips your home into a refreshed, beautiful splendor with her unmatched painting skills. We love including Nichole in the unique grouping of CRAVE featured entreprenesses, and after you get to know her you’ll see why…

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
scintillating, efficient, restorative

People may be surprised to know…
that I commute by bike and trailer with all materials in tow to the majority of job sites.  People are often amazed that I do nearly all of the work myself.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Oddly enough, when I was unable to obtain a job painting for another company after deciding to change careers, I decided to make it happen for myself.

Now that’s creating your own Harmony!

Be dazzling and watch your man CRAVE your inner model!

January 5, 2010 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

Two featured CRAVE entreprenesses are teaming up with one of Chicago’s favorite event planners for a couple of days of fun, sassy photoshoots! After a photoshoot like this, you’ll feel dazzling!!

Spicy, Sexy, Sassy… you choose your style in your “Private Rendezvous” Boudoir Session.

Treat yourself to a glass of bubbly and fine chocolates while a Senior Stylist from Beauty on Call transforms your daily look into a sultry temptress. You will then have a private space for your personal photography session with PrĂȘt a Poser, known for their editorial fashion and wedding photography. Once all the cameras have flashed away, you will be left with a fabulous selection of sexy, romantic images for your special Valentine.

Wednesday, January 20th & Sunday, January 24th
at the Raffaello Hotel
201 E. Delaware Place
Chicago, Illinois 60611
in the Executive Grand Suite
Appointments begin at 2:15pm
Only $525 per girl

Spaces are limited

This great price includes:

* Complete beauty styling, including hair, make-up and false lashes, by a Senior Stylist from Beauty on Call.
* 45 minute photo shoot with Pret a Poser Photography
* Private online gallery of all your images
* Your choice of 1 edited 11×14 professional print, 17×22 pin-up style poster, or $75 credit toward a photography product of your choice.
* Champagne and wine with light accompaniments

Use this link to book your appointment.

Pret a Poser: Interview with April

December 18, 2009 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

April Wilson of PrĂȘt a Poser Photography knows a good look when she sees one. April has a natural eye for a great shot, and knows how to create it! From the moment she first picked up a camera to assist husband Mark at a wedding until today, when she runs PrĂȘt a Poser Photography’s staff of fabulous talent, April creates smiles across every photo shoot. The passion she has for her art and the beauty around her emanates into every photograph. We’d love to introduce you to April…

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Stylish, Artistic, Friendly

What are your most popular products or services?
Our new photo engagement signature book is our most popular new product.  We offer La-Vie and Graphi albums – the best in the industry.

People may be surprised to know…
That we are more affordable than they would think given our Gold Coast Location.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My role model is Joni Mitchell … a totally inspired, creative and self-assured woman.  My mentors have been all of many wonderful personal friends and dedicated listeners.

April and PrĂȘt a Poser Photography hosted this month’s CRAVEchat; thanks, April! It was wonderful!

PUMP Shoes and Accessories: Interview with Maureen

December 11, 2009 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

Looking for a special shoe that is not on the foot of every other Chicago fashionista? PUMP Shoes and Accessories in Wicker Park is your best bet for a successful shopping trip! Owner and buyer Maureen Longua Bueltmann ensures her boutique is always packed with unique footwear and trendsetting handbags, keeping Pump a stomping ground for urban sophisticates. Maureen showcased her favorite pieces at our recent Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty, and her booth was a hit! Every lady was enamored by everything from sparkly headbands to gorgeous pumps! Let’s learn what makes Maureen so fabulous and unique…

People may be surprised to know…
I quit my job in Marketing to sell shoes at Marshall Field’s so I could learn as much as I could before I opened my shop

What or who inspired you to start your business?
At the time I opened, Wicker Park was void of a fun and feminine shoe store where a girl could take her shoes off and play.  So, 6 years later they are still coming to play.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Playing it too safe.  Our gals count on Pump for fun and fabulous – there’s no room for boring feet here!

What is your indulgence?
I put every display shoe out in my size!

First Look at the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty!

December 10, 2009 by Michele K. | Comments (2)

Thanks to Nancy Loo for contributing these first looks at last night’s Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty! Stay tuned for a heck of a lot more photography from our fabulous event. Kudos to all who came out, despite the real winter wonderland that was coming down upon us!

Last chance to get tickets to tomorrow’s Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty

December 8, 2009 by Michele K. | Comments (0)

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