CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

1 project + 2 businesswomen = BBFF

May 3, 2011 by Kathy | Comments (0)

Have you ever been sitting in your office and wonder if anyone else could POSSIBLY run into the same problem you are having at this very moment as a business owner? Does it drive you crazy trying to figure out how to charge for your hard earned knowledge when someone asks for “simple advice?” Are you frustrated with trying to have a happy work/life balance, but don’t have any girlfriends who work for themselves who you can commiserate with?

It’s a risk to put yourself out there emotionally with other businesswomen because it makes you vulnerable and open to judgement. It is not easy to let your guard down and admit fear and frustration come with the territory of running your own business. We don’t need just Best Friends, we need Best Business Friends who “get” exactly what we are going through on a daily basis, 24/7, as sole proprietors of our own business. Best friends are our lifeline and give us unconditional love and support that we cannot live without. However, most often they cannot give us advice on how to navigate the world of entrepreneurs. Women who run their own business face different issues that women who work for corporations. For that, we are grateful if we can find a kindred spirit willing to open up with her struggles and solutions so we don’t feel alone when dealing with our own.

Here is the story of two women who were open to being genuine and honest about sharing the trials and tribulations of running their own business and got a Best Business Friend Forever out of that risk. We thought it would be helpful, inspiring and maybe even a bit hopeful if we had Jenn Sprinkle and Kathy Hanson share why it is so meaningful to discover how much you can lean on and count on another businesswoman if you open yourself up to the possibility.

Jenn and Kathy came from two different worlds this past winter—big blue sky warm Texas and the freezing cold tundra of Minnesota. Jenn, founder of Waxpaper Design House has southern charm coupled with an easy drawl that belies her savvy business acumen and years of hard earned experience as a world business traveler and designer, not to mention her cowboy work ethic. Kathy, founder of Backpocket Strategy is energetic and infectious with her passion to invigorate businesswomen to see all the possibilities in their work and personal life—she sometimes scares people with her enthusiasm for taking on a challenge (dare I say bossypants?).  These two women may seem vastly different on the outside—a 15 year age difference, one with teens, one not yet a mother, one with an office in a modern, clean house, one in a 110 year old  work-in-progress farmhouse… Yet they became fast friends and colleagues, confidantes and soul-sisters within a month of meeting. Kathy and Jenn instinctively understood each other and felt a common bond in how they saw the world and worked as entrepreneurs. They felt lucky to have found each other and that they are both open to the value a long distance business relationship can bring to a sole proprietors/ business owner who each work 24/7 on her own business. Those of us who don’t have a business coach or a mentor surely realize what an unexpected blessing it is to find a like-minded soul in this busy world.

Jenn and Kathy met on the CRAVE Dallas guide project (Kathy was Team Director, Jenn was Dallas City Leader) and they had no idea that what seemed like a one time collaboration would turn into a synergistic partnership that would grow both of their businesses in ways they never could have foreseen. More importantly, this experience allowed them to develop a bond as businesswomen that neither of them had experienced before.

In a world with unlimited communication possibilities and yet infrequent personal interaction, Jenn and Kathy realized that they shared a similar yet rare work ethic, working style and personal commitment to professional excellence.  Before long, they were coming up with strategies on how to work together despite the miles apart.

“When I first met Jenn I thought that she was a darling Southern belle. Within 15 minutes of working with her in the field in Dallas, I knew she had a work ethic and wisdom that was beyond her years. By lunchtime I secretly felt that she and I had more in common than either of us was letting on.”

“After working with Kathy on my CRAVE guide for only a few weeks, I began to realize that she was a great source of comfort and wisdom for the everyday frustrations that I feel as an entrepreneur running a business. It became routine for me to pick up the phone to talk with Kathy about something that I had previously not considered talking with anyone about. Kathy is authentic and caring, while also very professional. I began to count on our phone calls as a source of inspiration and positive feedback without even realizing it. I gained confidence in myself and my business model because Kathy was there to reassure me I wasn’t crazy with the expectations I had set for myself and my business.”

“Our similar work styles started to become evident throughout our project. How we treated others, our interns, the production staff, clients… it all became rather obvious that while we assumed many people operated as we did, it was considered very rare in the work place. Soon it became more and more enjoyable and less like “work” to get the project done. At some point in the first three months, I started asking Jenn questions about her work outside of CRAVE so I could get a sense of how we might work together after her book was done.”

Jenn admits, “I had a large scale project in the back of my mind that I always wanted to undertake but did not have the wherewithal or bandwidth to commit to. After working with Kathy and gleaning from her, her life philosophy and worldview—I knew I could trust her with helping me undertake this big idea of mine. Immediately, Kathy took the ball and ran with it and helped me psychologically, legally and strategically figure out the steps necessary to begin the process.”

Both agree, “What we didn’t realize is how much comfort it brings to finally find someone who validates your secret concerns. While it may seem quite scary or time consuming to open up emotionally to another businesswoman—the rewards vastly outweigh the risk if you both are willing to be genuine and authentic about how hard it is to be successful as a businesswomen, wife, mother, sister, friend, partner. ”

Jenn and Kathy are prime examples of the many benefits that comes from the most unexpected places (Texas and Minnesota!) when you open yourself up to admitting you need support and help as a business woman. Always keep an eye out for professional soulmates in the most unexpected places—you just never know where you will find a BBFF!

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Career Coaches

July 19, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (1)

Over the past few months, the number of people quitting their jobs was greater than the number of people losing their jobs. Savvy quitters build a support network before they take the plunge, and brilliant quitters enlist professional help. Enter: the Certified Career Coach. One part therapist. One part cheerleader. Two parts butt-kicking taskmaster.

Need a solid coach in your corner of the ring? Michelle Ward, Dyana Valentine and Chrissy Scivicque are at the top of their game.

Michelle Ward of When I Grow Up
whenigrowupcoach.com
I’ll admit it — I’m a tad biased in Michelle’s favor. She coached me out of my cubicle doldrums and into freelance bliss, so I owe her my firstborn child. A graduate of NYU / Tisch’s musical theater program and a certified life coach, Michelle brings theatrical flair and a “wagon full of enthusiasm” to every session. She recently raised her rates and is poised to explode, so book a free 30-minute consultation call while you still can.

For a weekly dose of self-exploration, bookmark Michelle’s ongoing blog feature: Tough Question Tuesday.

Dyana Valentine
dyanavalentine.com
Generous. Ambitious. A master of personal marketing. Dyana leads by example, and her clients feel the heat. By her own admission, Ms. Valentine’s coaching style is “not for the weak of heart.” She prides herself on helping self-starters finish what they started, using Community Psychology principles to light the way. As one client put it, “if I had to be shipwrecked on a desert island, I’d want Dyana with me.”

For a no-holds-barred explanation of the power of “no,” check out Dyana’s article on “No-gotiation.”

Chrissy Scivicque of Eat Your Career
eatyourcareer.com
Chrissy serves up a powerhouse combo platter — she’s a certified nutritionist AND an experienced career coach. Yum. As the creator of Office Arrow — a popular resource for administrative professionals — Chrissy has a firsthand grasp on the challenges of running an online business. She’s a clear communicator with a nourishing perspective on life, love and work — and all the snacks in between.

For a trio of tasty coaching treats, download Chrissy Scivicque’s free workbooks on stress management, time management and career reinvention.

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.

Q&A with Heather Peterson of Bread Art

June 18, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

Bread Art is a family owned and operated bakery that creates all of their outrageously delicious products from scratch in the store. With a bevy of goodies to tempt us, this Bayport bakery serves up handmade breads, pastries, cakes, pies, and other seasonal treats daily. Right now, Heather Peterson and her crew are taking advantage of the summer’s rhubarb selection, tossing them into perfect pies, chewy cookies, and delectable bars frosted with cream cheese. Aren’t you glad that whole ‘no-carbs’ business went out of style?

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Scrumptious, Tempting, Fresh

What are your most popular products or services?
We are best known for our amazing artisan breads and incredible pastries.

People may be surprised to know…
We have a full line of spectacular desserts and we do wedding cakes!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not asking enough questions and just assuming that the other person has my best interest at heart.

How do you spend your free time?
With my family, especially watching my boy’s sporting events.

What is your indulgence?
A good book and a quiet moment.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
We love to go to The Good Earth and just sit and talk.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I crave peace and satisfaction.  When all is said and done I want to be able to say «Life was good and I did great!

Bread Art
110 3rd St N
Bayport, MN 55003
breadart.biz

Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!

June 14, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

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.

Q&A with Amy Zaroff of Amy Zaroff Events and Design

June 11, 2010 by Karina | Comments (1)

Amy Zaroff knows how to throw a good party – in fact, she makes her living doing it! From corporate parties, to birthday bashes, wedding soirees, and everything in between, Amy and her team cover all the bases to make sure the party takes place seamlessly. No detail is every overlooked and special touches are the norm, which makes each party a truly incredible event. We were able to chat with Amy about what inspired her business and her favorite things to do when she’s not planning the next big bash!

What or who inspired you to start your business?

My family has inspired me to follow my entrepreneurial goals and stay focused to achieve my personal best.

People may be surprised to know…

I started my career in television production, went on to own a restaurant with my husband and decided to pursue event planning to combine the best of both of those worlds.

Who is your role model or mentor?

My grandfather. He always said «at the end of the day, all you have is your name.»

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?

Not being part of a business peer group early in my career.

Now that I am, I have expanded my potential in more ways than I could ever imagine. Having smart women from different backgrounds around you as you navigate your business allows you to bounce ideas off of women who have made the same decisions, choices and mistakes as you have.

How do you spend your free time?

My free time is spent enjoying life with my husband and two sons.

What is your indulgence?

The Wine Country — great food, amazing wine and the best spa treatments possible.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?

Anywhere…having free time to spend with my girlfriends is a luxury!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?

I crave the knowledge that all of my hard work will continue to make me feel fulfilled and that my family will know that everything I do, I do for them.

Amy Zaroff Events + Design
7179 Washington Avenue South
Edina, Minnesota 55439
amyzaroff.com

Bloggers To Watch Out For

June 8, 2010 by Alexandra Franzen | Comments (0)

These days, blogs are a dime a dozen. Any two-bit hack with a dial-up connection can spout nonsense into the infinite Inter-void — and they do. But here in the Twin Cities, a few talented lady-bloggers rise above the rabble. Add a trio of quality content to your blogroll with Yes & Yes, Twelve22 and The Daily Whip.

Sarah Von Bargen of Yes & Yes
yesandyes.org

Sarah Von Bargen — or “Sarah Von,” as she’s known in the blogosphere — is one sassy dame. With plucky wit, a smidge of snark and a healthy respect for girly baubles, she offers insightful tips on dirt-cheap travel, break-up survival and non-traditional career trajectories. Her “True Stories” series — first-person perspectives from people with extraordinary life experiences — is not to be missed. She’s also one of the most prolific bloggers in the Twin Cities, with new posts every single morning, a spin-off clothing and accessory shop and a gorgeous line of calendars and “karma cards.”

Anna Torborg of Twelve22
twelve22.org

Visiting Twelve22 is like sinking into your favorite auntie’s rocking chair with a mug of chamomile tea. Anna Torborg takes readers on a gentle amble through her daily activities: thrift-store shopping, sewing, baking and tending to her feline companions, Beany and Birdie. Her photographs are crisp, airy and 100% original — she never uses stock photography. Loyal readers rejoice in her gardening and running tips, as well as her craft tutorials and downloadable DIY paper house models. Skip the Xanax and settle into one of Ms. Torborg’s blissful recaps of domestic life in fair Minneapolis.

Erika Lyremark of The Daily Whip
dailywhip.com

Feisty, ferocious and unapologetic, exotic dancer-turned-career coach Erika Lyremark cracks and sizzles with daily whips of wisdom. Part traditional blog and part Twitter-esque stream of consciousness, Erika’s daily questions, quotations and commands are designed to spark rapid-fire action. Primarily a platform for her one-on-one coaching business, Erika’s blog is a destination for entrepreneurial spirits who want the straight dope — minus the hippie-dippie fluff.

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a freelance copywriter specializing in resume design, public broadcasting and corporate branding — with a kick. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

It’s World Cup Time!

June 7, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

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!

Tricks of the Trade

May 31, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

When great minds come together, amazing things can happen. When great CRAVE minds come together, amazing things DO happen! Part of our mission – along with being the go-to source for all things fab in your city – is to connect women business-owners to the resources, information, and other like-minded women that will enable their success and growth as professionals. So to offer up some advice and inspiration to all of our hard-working entreprenesses, we’ve got a handful of intelligent lady-experts opening up their book of knowledge for us. Consider it the metaphorical – and less painful form of walking a mile in their fiercely fabulous high-heeled shoes. Read on for each experts’ single most important tip for fellow entreprenesses and their favorite part about working with women in business.

Dawn McCooey- McCooey Consulting Group Inc., Woman’s Enterprise Centre
Must-do: Understand the act and the art of juggling. If you know which balls are rubber and which are glass – you can handle anything.
Love-to-do: As a business advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre, and as a consultant, I love the energy and the synergy of women business owners. I love how they are willing to collaborate and build community.

Carlie Smith- Portobello West
Must-do: Don’t write-off any idea until you’ve looked at it from various perspectives and always run the numbers.
Love-to-do: Female business owners are very supportive of one another and are great at working together to create amazing projects and businesses!

Pauline O’Malley- TheRevenueBuilder
Must-do: Without sales, you don’t have a business. As a woman, you have the natural abilities to persuade others to believe in you. Women are the best sales people in the world; they just don’t know it yet!

Heather White- 2020 Communications
Must-do: Take action!
Love-to-do: Sitting on the shoulders of my clients and watching them make their dreams come true. Female business owners have high energy and it’s a lot of fun to be around them.

Felicia Lee- Ghost CEO Advisor
Must-do: You are not an island – utilize mentors, resources and communities around you to help you build your business.
Love-to-do: Many women entrepreneurs are afraid of sales.  It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the transformation from fear to embracing to owning the sales process!

Katie Bennett- Double Black Diamond Coaching
Must-do: What separates my clients that get good results from my clients who get great results is commitment.  100% or 0%. There is no wiggle room on true commitment.
Love-to-do: The best part of my job is getting to help people achieve the lives and businesses they have always dreamed of.

Shauna Causey- Voluntweetup
Must-do: Test your limits on how generous you can be.
Love-to-do: The best part of my job is that I get to talk about dynamic ideas, inspiring people and worthwhile causes.

Maria Ross- Red Slice
Must-do: Make sure you know who your audience is! Get as close to defining your “ideal” customer vs. just your “average” customer.
Love-to-do: Seeing the light go off when they discover what their brand is really all about or who really is their ideal customer.

Andrea Baxter- Bratface Marketing
Must-do: There is nothing more beneficial to business women in a small city than to get out there, make yourself aware, and make a name for yourself.
Love-to-do: I would be lying if I didn’t say the freedom it allows me to have my own business.

Q&A with Kristi Berkvam Stratton of Hunt & Gather

May 28, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

Kristi Berkvam Stratton knows a ‘good find’ in the antique world. Her Xerxes Avenue boutique is full of them! In case images of musty smells and cobwebs come to mind at hearing the words “antique store”, don’t worry. This isn’t your grandmother’s shop. Hunt & Gather is a stylish hodgepodge of vintage magic, mixing retro and rustic, classic and mod. We had a quick chat with Kristi about the perks of being a business owner, and what an antique shop owner likes to do for fun (hint: it has something to do with antiques!)

How would you desribe your business in three adjectives?

Fresh, edited, fanci-free!

What is something people may be surprised to know about your job?

I cannot wait to walk in the door on a daily basis.

What or who inspired your business?

One hundred percent: my husband and my parents.

Who is your role model or mentor?

All of the creative peeps at Hunt & Gather…we have the best crew in town!

What business mistakes have you made that you will not repeat?

Doubling your monthly expenses, something always comes up.

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?

Antique shows/flea markets….digging anywhere…blackbird for happy hour.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?

Finding “my prize” for my home or to resell.

Hunt & Gather
4944 Xerxes Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
www.huntandgatherantiques.com

CRAVE Book Featured on the Small Screen

May 7, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (0)

Just in time for Mother’s Day, our CRAVE guides were featured on Twin Cities Live as the perfect gift for stylish moms everywhere! Watch the clip here and see our lovely books take center-stage!

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