Browse

our directory of women-owned businesses

Archive for the ‘Style’ Category

Put A Twi$t On Your Business Model

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

As a business owner I know you are working very hard in your business, serving clients and staying on top over everything else that needs to be managed.

But what if all the hard work you are currently doing is not necessarily the most effective way to grow your business?

A solid business is built around a business model that works. If you think you have a great business model in place then it will only take a few minutes to confirm that this is the case.

If you aren’t quite sure if your business model is functioning optimally, now is the perfect time to give it a quick check-up and find out.

When I talk about your business model I simply mean the way your business makes money. Think about these basic components:

* Your business offer products and services

* You sell them for a certain price

* A certain number of people buy them (once or even better, repeatedly)

* You deliver them in a certain way (in person, electronically, third party, etc.)

Why not revisit your business model to see if there are a few ways you can change it. This doesn’t have to be complicated, simply take a piece of paper and a pen or open a new file on your computer.

Write down all the products and services your business currently offers, the price for each, how many clients you have who purchase each offer and how frequently. Total this up, subtract your costs, and see if this structure is going to bring you the financial results you want.

Now imagine how many different ways you can upgrade your business model to attract more business and leverage what you already have.

Get creative and try out several combinations of products and services. Here are some ideas:

- Perhaps you can add something new, additional revenue streams.

- You can also think about increasing the amount of what you already deliver.

- Or maybe at this point it’s even best to remove a part that isn’t profitable.

- Consider changing the way you deliver your products and services.

- What if you didn’t change a thing except to increase the prices (speaking or pricing, when is that last time you increased the prices for your products and services)?

Let’s use the business model of a consultant as an example.

CURRENT BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting services delivered by the consultant alone

Price: Per hour

Clients: One at a time full time or two to three part-time

Delivery: In person

UPDATED BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting in person delivered by the consultant, additional consultants working for you, speaking, selling intellectual property (an ebook, audio, or other information product)

Price: Consulting per project (and part of the fee for consultants working on behalf of the consultant), speaking per event, intellectual property per item

Clients: Many at one time

Delivery: In person, automated (via the internet)

Are you starting to see the possibilities for your business? Renewing your business model can re-inspire your enthusiasm for what you do as well as increase your desire for marketing your business.

A healthy business model is the foundation for a successful business. Take time to examine your business model and make sure it is the strongest it can be.

With a few simple changes, you will probably make more money and you may even find that you don’t have to work as hard to do so. Now who doesn’t want that!

Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire! Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: fireflycoaching.com.

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

CRAVE Holiday Shopping Guide

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

However long your holiday lists may be, let CRAVE be your source for finding the best deals in Fort Worth’s most unique shops. Listed below are current holiday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials at several of our favorite stores. For other ideas, visit our Where to Buy page.

Black Friday Specials

Spoiled Pink: 25% off Miss Me, Muse and Free People items. Additional discounts may be found around the store (Friday and Saturday only).

Snug as a Bug: 30% off entire store (2749 S. Hulen St.).

A. Hooper & Co.: All sale merchandise will be 30% off the original price. All regular priced sweaters are Buy One, Get One (of equal or lesser value) at half price, Friday and Saturday only. (4601 West Fwy, #216).

Nezhoni: 30% off all Sterling inlay jewelry.

The Soap Addict: $5 flat-rate shipping on any order, 15% off everything through 11/30/10 (with coupon code CRAVE15)

Live Laugh Shop: Fort Worth’s premier “New Consignment” store is having 25% off merchandise, excluding jewelry (Friday and Saturday only).

There’s No Place Like Home:  Abby Slayton has deals around her entire store this Friday and Saturday. Here are a few of her specials that may peak your interest:

13-in-1 Game Table, $699 (Regularly $1,088)

Set of three Top Grain leather media recliners, $999 (Regularly $1,868)

Solid Wood Bunk beds (Maple or Walnut), $185 (Regular $319)

Pillowtop mattress sets (includes mattress and foundation): Queen set $377 (Regularly $699), King Set $488 (Regularly $799)

HKAY Travel: Save $1,000 per couple on air-inclusive travel deals to Europe when you reserve/pay in full by 11/30/10.

One-Week Holland America Cruise Sale: November 29-December 6
New Bookings made during the sale will receive: One OnBoard value booklet, a reduced booking deposit of $100 per guest on cruises of 7 days or less, $200 on cruises 8-14 days and CruiseTours, and $300 per guest on cruises 15 days and or longer (excluding Grand Voyages).

Flight and hotel packages to Las Vegas: from $46 per person, per night. Book by 12/2, Travel by 2/28/11.

Flight and hotel packages to Orlando: from $72 per person, per night. Book by 12/2, Travel by 2/28/11.

Flight and hotel packages to Anaheim: from $72 per person, per night. Book by 12/2, Travel by 2/28/11.

Flight and hotel packages to select ski destinations: $91 per person, per night. Book by 12/2, Travel by 2/28/11.

Cyber Monday

Giggle Snort Greetings: Carrie Dils will have her greeting cards for sale on her website (Monday, 11/29)

Ongoing Holiday Specials

Uncommon Angles: Open House on December 3 (from 6-9 p.m.)

The Soap Addict: Ongoing specials the week of 11/29-12/4. Visit website for more information.

Posted in Style | No Comments »

Shop ’til you drop

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Here at CRAVE, we’re passionate about local businesses – and we support the women that own them. More importantly, though, we want you to love them as much as we do.

Black Friday is quickly approaching, and with it comes the onslaught of advertisements from department stores and online retailers. While we love a good sale as much as the next girl, we urge you to stop into Fort Worth’s local shops to see what these fashion-forward ladies have to offer.

For those of you that have yet to jump on the holiday shopping bandwagon, here are a few ideas to get you started:

If you’re looking for stocking stuffers, look no further than The Soap Addict. Karla Suarez makes an array of all-natural body products that will do wonders for your skin during the harsh winter months (and the rest of the year, too!).

If you’re looking for a truly unique gift, stop into Uncommon Angles in Montgomery Plaza or Artful Hand on Camp Bowie. These ladies have an amazing assortment of gifts to fit any budget – and any home!

If you’re looking for something fabulous and sparkly, contact Lisa McConnell or stop by her new studio on Camp Bowie.

Need more ideas? Check out our Where to Buy page for a full list of Fort Worth women we CRAVE!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Abode, Business, Connect, Enhance, Style | No Comments »

On the Road

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Fort Worth’s own Halo Salon & Color Lab will be taking over New York come December!

Owner Jenna Rabideau and her stylish staff were selected to participate in a “pop-up salon” concept in Manhattan that will run December 14-18, 2010. The concept is sponsored by PHYTO, an international line of botanical hair care products.  Halo Salon & Color Lab is one of ten salons in the country to be selected for this event. They will have the opportunity to set up shop at PHYTO Universe and offer their fabulous, fashion-forward services to New York residents.

“We are so honored to have been selected to participate in this amazing opportunity and excited that Halo will expand its client base to New  York,” Jenna said.

- And we’re so honored to have them in our CRAVE book! Congratulations, Jenna!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Events, Style | No Comments »

Everything’s Bigger in Texas

Monday, November 1st, 2010

When Lesleigh Smith was a little girl, she wanted to be a doctor – so she followed that path and studied Pre-Med in college. But after deciding that she didn’t want to spend eight more years in school, then another eight years paying off student loans, Lesleigh decided to take the road less traveled and follow her passion for events and traveling. Now with over 10 years of corporate meeting, incentive and event experience under her belt, she’s following her dream of taking her passion and making it her business – literally her own business!

Rustic style events and weddings are her specialty. She loves the task of major transformation, like taking a working horse barn and turning it into a luxurious space for dinner and dancing. The major transformations are quite an undertaking and are definitely not for everyone – just those that love the adventure of the big reveal! She also works with many other planners to help organize events and weddings, and has supplied some of the most prestigious planners with their event linens and decor.  If you are looking for unique, upscale and chic – you’ve got the right girl!

Lesleigh holds experience in events of all sizes and locations. From Australia to New York City, Lesleigh and her team of dedicated event specialists have the knowledge, creativity and spunk to handle any event – large or small. Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Lux Event Design holds true to that by making every event as big as Texas. Lesleigh loves being able to personally dedicate her creativity and unique sense of style to every event; That’s what sets her company apart.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Enhance, Events, Style | No Comments »

Natural Beauty

Friday, October 29th, 2010


Jo McKay has an eye for beauty. As owner and operator of Nezhoni, Jo gives patrons the chance to own one-of-a-kind, Native American jewelry and art. Traveling across the American Southwest, Jo and her husband, John, hand select the pieces that are carried in the store. Nezhoni offers pieces made of several types of natural stones – not just turquoise! You will find beautiful pieces made of coral, jade and tiger’s eye. Jo will even help you create a custom piece if you don’t find the perfect one in the store.

In addition to finding great Native American jewelry, you’ll also find that Nezhoni carries pottery from award-winning, Native American artisans and high-end cosmetics. Jo has even worked to establish a line of her own cosmetics, which includes custom-blended foundations and lipsticks with rich tones for Fall. From the moment you walk in the door, you know that you’re going to walk away with a great experience – and an incredible piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime.

Nezhoni opened in November of 2007 and is located at 4319 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Hours: Tues-Friday (10-6), Sat (10-4), Mon (appointments only)

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

Accidental Artistry

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Elizabeth Gore Rasmussen never sought out to be one of Fort Worth’s funkiest fashionistas, but that’s exactly where she’s landed.

Designing clutches and belt buckles was a therapeutic exercise for Elizabeth. Looking for anything and everything to keep herself from worrying about her upcoming third craniotomy in the spring of 2010, she started blinging out a belt buckle and earrings for St. Patrick’s Day. Finding that the projects took her mind off her worries, she dove in and made more than 40 belt buckles in 30 days – and Crickett’s Creations was born. She posted photos on Facebook to show her friends and family what she had been up to – and the rest, as they say, is history.

What’s been the most interesting moment in starting this business?
It was by sheer accident! I posted a few photos on Facebook to show people what I had been up to, and before I knew it I had friends calling me and telling me they wanted to show my “art.” It just built from there and has been a fabulous ride ever since! I am very blessed and have many people to thank.

What do you love most about your Fort Worth clientele?
Their taste in fashion. We are more inclined to wear what we want, despite what others might think. I’ve always subscribed to the “If you don’t like it, don’t look at it!” theory.

How do you balance your business with your home life?
Sporadically! There are times when my family doesn’t see so much of me…then there are times when they wish they didn’t see me SO much.

Where are your products sold?
Parkhill gifts, Reata Restaurant downtown, Aledo Grafix and Teskey’s Uptown.

If you could offer a piece of advice to future female entrepreneurs, what would it be?
To research everything possible about owning and running a business so you can plan and make all the right moves PROACTIVELY rather than REACTIVELY!

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

It’s A Woman’s World

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Fort Worth For Women (FOWO) is an organization created to provide networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs in the greater Fort Worth area. Established in 2009 by co-founders Lisa McConnell and Jo McKay, FOWO empowers local business owners by relaying tips and trends, encouraging friendship and educating the community on the effects that the economy can have on local businesses.

Working alongside FOWO, CRAVE Fort Worth has begun to take root in Tarrant County. Present at the first Buzz Party, these artistic, beautifully independent women have helped expose the challenges that many female entrepreneurs face as they battle an unstable economy, shifting budgets and expanding cities. These women don’t face obstacles with worry or disdain, they face them with smiles – and truly are an inspiration to business owners in and out of Tarrant County.

CRAVE is lucky to have some of these fabulous, fearless women gracing the pages of the Fort Worth CRAVE guide.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Business, Connect, Style | 5 Comments »

Color Me Gorgeous

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Halo Salon & Color Lab takes hair care to a new level. From the moment you walk in the door, you know you’re going to be pampered and perfected. Whether you’re there for a color or a cut, fear not; these aren’t your ordinary stylists. These are hair professionals.

Opened in 2007, this award-winning salon prides itself on providing state-of-the-art products and services that are not only good for you, but good for the environment. Read on as CRAVE asks owner and master colorist Jenna Rabideau how she established this fabulous Fort Worth hot spot that has been featured in local and national publications.

What sets your salon apart from others in the area?
My salon is staffed by stylists and colorists who have worked all over the U.S. and in Europe. These are people who would dress hair if it took ten years of education in order to obtain licensing. I am looking for particular people – those with innate talent, love of beauty as art, mixed with a positive attitude and the ability to love the process of growth. We truly are born to do what we do.

What do you love most about your Fort Worth clientele?
They are so diverse! It’s not uncommon to see a pageant winner, tattooed Harley rider, socialite, lawyer, doctor and stay-at-home mom in the salon all at the same time. The thing they all have in common is good taste.

Why did you decide to offer diagnostics to your clients?
There were many reasons. My background is in science, so I have always been fascinated with the biology and chemical makeup of hair and what effects different products and treatments have on it. My staff has been trained to look for common (and not so common) problems of the hair and scalp and how to treat them naturally. With our diagnostic machine, we can see the problem for what it is and fix it. There’s no guessing – it’s that easy.

What inspired you to open your own shop?
My husband was in the homebuilding industry and a few years ago it took a tumble. I knew we needed something to provide for our two beautiful kiddos and I had always loved hair and beauty in every capacity. I had been in the industry for about 12 years at that point. My husband and I prayed about it and decided to take the plunge – it’s been a wild ride ever since.

What advice would you give to women looking to open their own businesses?
I can’t narrow it down to just one thing, so I’m going to have to give two:

First – You have to remember that your employees are your business – pay them well and treat them fairly. I would rather drive a PT Cruiser and have a staff that would stay until 1:00 a.m. working on a shoot with me than drive a Lexus and know that my staff had no respect for me. I give them all a salary (which is pretty unheard of in this industry), insurance and paid time off. I can never ever pay them what they are worth to me.

Second – Leave your emotions at the door. It will be your greatest downfall. Countless times I have gone into meetings and wanted to throw up or cry (or  both). You have to be in control of yourself, even when it’s hard. If you are not in control of yourself, you can’t possibly control your employees, vendors, competition, the person you are trying to negotiate a lease with, etc. Keep your cards to your chest and don’t blur the line.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Style | 1 Comment »

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Fashionistas

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

From runway show recaps to laid-back street looks, the world of fashion blogging is a vibrant virtual scene. It’s not necessarily about the newest, hottest, or spendiest trend — it’s about the textiles, color palettes and silhouettes that make us feel gorgeous.

For a jolt of wardrobe inspiration to pull you through the dog days of summer, bookmark Jazzi McGilbert, Sally McGraw and “Miss” James Kicinski. While their personal styles may diverge, their message is the same: get dressed, and get going!

Jazzi McGilbert of JazziMcG.com

Thrift store scenester? Or haute couture hound? Jazzi McGilbert (aka Jazzi McG) confidently struts straight down the center of the spectrum. Her blog traipses through the world of high fashion, throws the spotlight on intimate “intern confessionals” and shares a few DIY treasures (Alexander Wang sock garters, anyone?). As Jazzi puts it, her mission is to “let everyone know that the fashion industry can be tackled without a trust fund”. Can I get an amen, sister?

Sally McGraw of Already Pretty
Can one personal stylist change the way women view their bodies, and themselves? Sally McGraw thinks so. The lovely McGraw elevates her passion for chic clothing with an outspoken commitment to body acceptance. Blog posts like “What IS Flattering?” provide commonsense insights into topics that have frustrated shoppers since the dawn of time. And her weekly contests and giveaways — which range from cotton scarves to summer frocks to hefty gift cards — are not to be missed.

“Miss” James Kicinski of Bleubird Vintage
Chic baby mama. Vinyl record collector. Frilly knicker designer. Miss James is a retro inspiration — and a drop-dead gorgeous one, at that. In addition to writing about her latest Etsy obsessions and selling dreamy vintage-inspired collections through her online shop, James also blogs over at N.E.E.T. magazine. Best of luck as she stylishly feathers the nest for her new baby (due in July). What a busy little bird!

*This post was written by Alexandra Franzen for the CRAVE company:

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

Posted in Style | No Comments »