Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category
Friday, January 29th, 2010
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
Tags: agnes, bridal, chicago, hair, hairpiece, headband, lulu mae
Posted in Interviews | No Comments »
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
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!
Tags: beauty, bridal, celebrity, chicago, events, famous, fashion, glamour, interview, makeup, mom, Style, video
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 15th, 2010
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
Posted in Interviews, Moms | 1 Comment »
Friday, January 8th, 2010
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!
Tags: decor, Enhance, home, house, new, paint, painter, renew
Posted in Abode, Interviews | No Comments »
Friday, December 18th, 2009
April Wilson of Prêt 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 Prêt 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 Prêt a Poser Photography hosted this month’s CRAVEchat; thanks, April! It was wonderful!
Posted in Interviews | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
|
Registration closes 12/9 at 10AM!
|
| CRAVE Chicago Winter Wonderland Party
WHAT: Join your girlfriends for a captivating evening of opulence and magical events!
WHEN: Wednesday, December 9th, 7-10pm
WHERE: The Historic Stan Mansion at 2408 N Kedzie in Chicago – Click here for directions.
BUY TICKETS
{Must be 21 and over to attend. Ticket non-transferable.}
{Tickets will NOT be sold at the door; please purchase online.}
With one ticket, you are treated to:
- 2 premium cocktails during the event
- 3 fashion shows
- 1 Second City act
- 2 dance performances
- cupcakes & goodies by Luscious Layers & Chocolate Gourmet
- music by Toast & Jam DJ Company
- fabulous shopping with local businesses (see the CRAVE website to find out who’s in!)
- a chance to win many amazing raffle prizes for restaurants, clothing and more; all valued over $50
- FREE PARKING
- 1 after-party cocktail at Jbar
All registered guests of the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty are invited to join us at the after-party hosted by Jbar where you will be treated to a complimentary CRAVE cocktail and a special performance by KeysNKrates!
Baby, it’s cold outside! Join the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty on December 9th to find your perfect holiday ensemble from one of Chicago’s most fabulous boutiques, all of which will be under one roof!
No need to travel from boutique-to-boutique, we have them all here! A CRAVEparty is an exclusive, festive, glam-gal gathering of fun, entertainment, personal pampering, and sippin’ and noshin’ on great food.
FASHION & SIPS
Take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to view the season’s chicest fashions from Chicagoland’s favorite boutiques, while enjoying gratis treats & sips!
SPA & SOOTHE
Indulge in complimentary mini-spa services to soothe your holiday-time stresses!
GIFTS GALORE
Don’t be greedy! Shop for some fabulous gifts for those special people in your life!
AND MORE…
- Enjoy yourself by sipping something delicious, getting a mini-manicure courtesy of Aniko Salon & Spa, and shopping for your glamorous holidaytime ensemble, all while viewing a fab fashion show and other entertaining acts, including a dance performance by Intrigue and a musical performance by Backbeat Music Instruction.
- Our Hostesses with the Mostess are Nancy Loo and Felicia Joy!
- Be dazzled by the most gorgeous jewelry this city’s designers have to offer.
- Dance to tunes via Toast & Jam while sipping sparkling beverages from Solixir and Dry Soda.
- Bring your girlfriends to this one-of-a-kind event and we’ll see you off in high spirits… with a great goody bag in tow!
- Discover yourself with intuitive card readings by Nourhy.
- Nosh on amazing treats, including Chocolate Gourmet’s Chocolate Gourmet‘s delish cookies!
- Be enthralled by the endless holiday gift options for kids, pets, and everyone else on your list!
- Indulge in intuitive Toe Readings offered by Rhanda; an Indian tradition for emotional healing.
- Enter in one of many great raffles throughout the night, including gift certificates to some of our fave local restaurants, and a chance to win a tour and tasting for 10 at The Lynfred Winery!
|
SPONSORS
|
| Let’s see how many tweets we can create; please use the hashtag #craveparty when tweeting about this event. Thank you! |
|
Tags: christmas, fashion, friends, fun, gifts, girlfriends, holiday, party, shopping, treats
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | No Comments »
Friday, December 4th, 2009
For women that love to shop – yes, you! This is the perfect adventure! You Just Shop is Chicago’s premier limo-driven, custom shopping excursion company, designed to deliver you and your friends to the doorsteps of the City’s best boutiques. Started by Nancy Harris, a customer service extraordinaire, You Just Shop is the ideal way to enjoy a fabulous day of shopping with girlfriends whether it be to complete your holiday gift list in a stress-free environment, a bachelorette party excursion, a visit to the Windy City with friends or to celebrate your grandmother’s birthday; You Just Shop offers a specialized shopping excursion {complete with limo service and bubby!} to fit your needs. If that isn’t enough, just having Nancy at your side will inspire you and allow for unique finds to be made throughout Chicago!
Nancy understands that each woman has a desire to be unique and that we all dream about the ‘ideal & perfect’ purchase. She can help you find it! Nancy knows everyone who is anyone in this great City of shopping opportunities and can tailor your shopping excursion to match your every dream ‘find’! Let’s learn more about Nancy…
People may be surprised to know…
that once you venture off Michigan Ave, Chicago has some of the best neighborhood shopping.
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
My love of shopping and fashion were the inspiration behind my business. I wanted to integrate fashion, fun and friends.
How do you spend your free time?
Listening to music, doing yoga, shopping, travel, spending time with family and friends.
What is your indulgence?
Indulging in a massage, pedicure and lounging with a good book at the Peninsula Spa.
Follow Nancy on Twitter and Fan You Just Shop on Facebook
Tags: buying, chicago, gifts, help, shopping, Travel
Posted in Connect, Interviews, Style, Travel | 1 Comment »
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
The long-awaited CRAVE Chicago guide has arrived!
The CRAVE Chicago guide is a savvy, quality-of-lifestyle book devoted entirely to the best local businesses, owned by women. Featuring over 100 women you need to know, CRAVE Chicago directs you to top boutiques, spas, cafes, stylists, fitness studios, and more, and will introduce you to the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises. At these locales, creativity, quality, innovation, and customer service are paramount. Not only is CRAVE Chicago an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s a directory for those who recognize, and value the contributions that spirited businesswomen make to our city.
Pick up your guide at any of these featured retailers, at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.com.
Tags: book, chicago, guide, shopping
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | 3 Comments »
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
On Monday, November 16th CRAVE Chicago celebrated the upcoming arrival of it’s 1st edition CRAVE Manifesto!
Some photos from the book launch party
The CRAVE Chicago Manifesto is a savvy, quality-of-lifestyle book devoted entirely to the best local businesses, owned by women. Featuring over 100 women you need to know, CRAVE Chicago directs you to top boutiques, spas, cafes, stylists, fitness studios, and more, and will introduce you to the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises. At these locales, creativity, quality, innovation, and customer service are paramount. Not only is CRAVE Chicago an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s a directory for those who recognize, and value the contributions that spirited businesswomen make to our city.
• Profiles of more than 125 businesswomen you need to know in the Chicagoland area
• Features independent businesses unique to Chicagoland and some that have expanded internationally
Reading each CRAVE manifesto {we’re international, by the way!} is like opening a door to your very own party and fashion show. A CRAVE manifesto is an intelligent guidebook for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town and celebrate the contributions that spirited business women make to our community, introducing you to the 100+ insightful, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises.
You can pick one up at any of these woman-owned businesses! {Arriving in stores this week!}
Tags: book, guides, manifesto, need to know, shopping, women
Posted in Abode, Adorn, Business, Connect, Details, Enhance, Interviews, Moms, Pets, Sip / Savor, Style, Travel | No Comments »
Friday, November 20th, 2009
This week Kate Leydon, owner of Ruby Room, was the gracious hostess of our monthly CRAVEchat. It was a fabulous event, as dictated by the peaceful & inspiring surrounding that is Ruby Room. Kate began Ruby Room as a healing sanctuary in 2002 and it now is composed of a salon, spa, two distinctive boutiques, overnight guest rooms, a product line and e-store. Ruby Room is known to positively affect the energy and spirit of those who know it by providing & recommending quality services and products that promote healing & beauty from the inside out. Some people call Ruby Room magical, Kate calls it The Style of Wellness™. Let’s learn what else Kate finds enchanting…
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
To leave a beauty mark on the face of the wellness industry through our commitment to healing, energy and all things positive.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Horst Rechelbacher
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Trying to do and be all things to all people.
How do you spend your free time?
Enjoying my family, yoga, rest.
What is your indulgence?
Dining out, crystals, jewelry & purses.
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Janes Restaurant
Follow Ruby Room on Twitter.
Tags: Enhance, friendly, mentor, salon, spa, wellness
Posted in Enhance, Interviews | No Comments »
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
CRAVE Blog