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An Interview with Lauren St. Julian

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Jewelry is considered to be a woman’s best friend. It is there to comfort her, give her the finishing touches in making her a real beauty, and to put a smile on her face. Tanya Brown, founder and designer of Lauren St. Julian’s jewelry, created her company not only to create beautiful pieces of jewelry but to embrace femininity. Inspired by her grandmother and named after her, Lauren St. Julian created her own business during a time when women were only supposed to be housewives. Proving that women can do anything they wish, Tanya wants to spread the word through her jewelry inspiring other women to do the same.

Every women CRAVEs to be beautiful but most importantly, free to do anything she pleases. Find out more about Tanya and her business!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?

I am a big broadway musical fan. Love the line that Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame says, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death”. It’s all about enjoying life to the fullest and not sitting on the sidelines.

Who is your role model or mentor?

My role model is my grandmother. She has been an incredibly supportive person who has guided me all my life. That is why the line is dedicated to her , Lauren St. Julian. An amazing woman.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Passionate, beautiful and special like the women who wears Lauren St. Julian.

What’s a place that inspires you and why?

Inspiration can and has come from many things. I find that I can start in one direction with a specific design in mind and the piece itself speaks to me and tells me where to go. Its like it gives birth to another idea. Then I fall in love.

What are your most popular products or services?

The sexy seductress has been a winner right out of the gate.

Followed by the moonstone choker.

What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?

Beauty! The pieces speak for themselves and have been a hit with customers so far. In the beginning just wearing the pieces drew the most comments and questions  and frankly orders.

If you weren’t running this business, what would your life look like?

Frankly if i were not running this business my life would be without passion, it would be without bliss.

The name of my blog is “Single-Bliss“. I recently started using this as a way to test out moderately priced items as well as give gossip and designer sample sale info (just went to a Diane Von Furstenberg sale last week). The earrings posted have been a best seller for gifts for attendants and bridal showers. A few brides have contacted me about special orders too!

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

A cause I am most passionate about is focusing on children with alcoholic or drug dependent parents.  A long term goal that I have been working on is to find a way to connect these kids and creative mentors in both the fashion industry and show business but not with the mentors that people automatically think of. For example, getting the support and funding to take a group to a broadway show and then have a costume designer, set director, or make up artist talk about how they got started. Same with fashion industry: Instead of designers (which the public automatically thinks are the only professions in this industry), have production teams, sales, etc.. Talk about how they got into the industry and set up a way that these kids can intern and be mentored. Help them find a way out of their dark world and into a brighter one. My goal is to get this done one day and through my blog and jewelry line. Anything is possible.

Check out more pieces of jewelry at Lauren St. Julian’s website at laurenstjulian.com!

An Interview with Merci New York

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Planning a wedding in a city like New York City is hectic. From coming up with floor plans while in a crowded subway train to e-mailing vendors from your smartphone, finding time to perfect it to the tiniest  detail is going to be a tough challenge. Known for its fashion and style, a lot of brides strive to keep up with the city’s flair. Thankfully, Jacqueline Weppner created a company called Merci New York that specializes in focusing on the smallest details from perfecting the bride to styling the event that will make you and your wedding unique from all others.

Extra hands and expertise is something we always CRAVE for. Find out why Jacqueline is your go-to gal!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
“Chic and stylish inspiration for the busy city bride.”

What are your most popular products or services?
Quite simply, Merci New York focuses solely on providing chic and stylish details for the busy city bride. We have two very popular services: fashion and event detail styling.   We focus on providing our clients with highly stylized “wow factor” details that make their event positively posh and wonderfully memorable.

New York City brides face a tough struggle when planning their weddings; they’re often juggling a demanding career while organizing their big day.  They love fashion and have a keen eye for style, but they don’t necessarily have time to translate their chic aesthetic into their wedding day look, or the event details that will make for a memorable affair.

Merci New York jumps in to create these details… We work with a bride to create gorgeous accents worthy of a wedding magazine tear sheet.  Whether its a show stopping candy/dessert bar, chicly thoughtful attendant/out of town guest gifts, or fashion styling for the wedding and all the events leading up to it, we marry our client’s style with chic design sensibilities that will have guest swooning.

People may be surprised to know…
I just completed a bridal fashion editorial shoot on top of the iconic Chrysler building.  It was the only bridal shoot ever to take place at the historic location! We spent the day on the windy 61st floor mezzanine (where the famous eagle statues look over the skyline).  It was exhilarating!

What’s a place that inspires you and why?
Paris.  The art, the culture, the lifestyle of its people… Parisians live to enjoy life and then take such pleasure in little, special details.  I find that wonderfully inspiring.

In 10 years you want to be…
Continuing to grow Merci New York to new heights, and laughing with my husband about all the silly obstacles I thought would stop me.

How do you relax?
I have a hard time standing still, so ballet and yoga are wonderful ways for me to relax.  Then again, so is a nice glass of red wine!

What’s your favorite fashion must-have or must-NOT-have?
A black quilted Chanel bag and a pair of classic Christian Louboutin pumps.  I love to mix high/low pieces in my wardrobe and I ADORE a great sale, but those two items just epitomize all things polished and pretty!

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
I passionately volunteer my time and effort to charitable organizations which work to better the lives of women and children in New York City.  I have served Vice Chair of Public Relations for the New York Junior League, and work as an active New York Cares volunteer. New York City is such a magical place, but there are so many people here who need our help. I think it’s important to give back to the community.

Curious to see how detail changes everything? Check out Jacqueline’s amazing work and allow her to place finishing touches to make your wedding perfect in every way at mercinewyork.com.

Also check out her blog! Visit mercinewyork.blogspot.com.

An Interview with Bump Brooklyn

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Having a baby is the most wonderful gift anyone could ever give a woman, but who says you need to loose your sense of fashion when you’re pregnant? Just imagine a time where running pants and baggy shirts are replaced with colorful dresses and skinny jeans! It so happens that the time is now! Hannah Macdonald and SaSaDi Odunsi fought against the stereotypical image and started Bump Brooklyn, a boutique for mothers-to-be to stay stylish and embrace their pregnancy in every way possible. They believed in keeping the fashionista within no matter what life throws at you.

Who couldn’t possibly CRAVE what these gals have brought to you? Heck – your closet loves them too!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?

How can I not respond with our shop slogan, “Give up wine, coffee, sushi – not fashion”!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Contemporary. Chic. Comfortable.

What are your most popular products or services?

Beautiful dresses, nursing bras, J Brand jeans, Basq skin care, bella bands, personalized jewelry and storksak diaper bags.

People may be surprised to know…

Bump carries a number of wonderful contemporary designers like Susana Monaco, Line and Yumi Kim who feature styles that can be worn during pregnancy and long afterwards.

What’s your favorite fashion must-have or must-NOT-have?

Hannah: Anything that makes you happy when you put it on.

SaSaDi: Must have has to be handbags & great shoes – you can pair them with anything now matter what your shape or size.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

Hannah: The abuse of any life – man, woman, child or animal.  Life is so precious and we have to protect it.

SaSaDi: I don’t have a specific cause that I am passionate about but any cause that works to better people’s lives and give voice to creative expression.

If you could time travel where would you go?

Hannah: The 1920′s when women were starting to realize they had a voice that deserved to be heard and hemlines were starting to get shorter!

SaSaDi: 100 years into the future – I am curious to see where all of this is really going to take us.

Shop around and see all the wonderful clothing that Hannah and SaSaDi selected for you at bumpbrooklyn.com!

An interview with AWS Nutrition

Friday, April 30th, 2010

It’s always great to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, but sometimes all the desired things aren’t so good for you. Amy Shapiro, nutritionist and owner of AWS Nutrition, believes not in a diet, but consuming foods that have beneficial nutrition and incorporating physical exercise on a regular basis. Amy sets good habits for her family and clients, giving helpful tips on how to balance certain foods they eat. Keeping a positive attitude on life, Amy successfully improves the daily routines of those around her and makes sure they live an enjoyable life.

We absolutely CRAVE delicious foods and maintaining great health. See how Amy can inspire you!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?

Live your life, not your diet!

What are your most popular products or services?

My nutrition counseling packages, supermarket tours and pantry makeovers.

Describe your perfect last meal.

Any preparation of fresh, local veggies followed up by warm apple cobbler with a scoop of super creamy vanilla ice cream that I wouldn’t have to share!

People may be surprised to know…

I eat chocolate every day!

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

Anything having to do with children.  As a mom I can’t imagine not trying to make children everywhere happy.

What’s your favorite fashion must-have or must-NOT-have?

I am addicted jeans, expensive shoes (preferably flats since I’m a mom and because I always walk everywhere), anything camouflage and large bags so I can carry my life with me, including healthy snacks!

In 10 years you want to be…

The mom to more children who runs a successful nutrition practice, hopefully not living in the suburbs!

What’s a place that inspires you and why?

The streets of NYC!  Filled with all kinds of people, pulsing with an energetic beat, alive at all hours, how can you not be inspired!  Anything can happen here!

Check out how Amy could help you better your eating styles at awsnutrition.com!

Interview with VertNY

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

It’s National Green Week and what great way to end it with an interview with VertNY, a landscape design firm dedicating itself to going green. Kristi Stromberg Wright and Martha Desbiens founded their company and is spreading the love all throughout the city with their fine choice in design. From backyards to front porches to roofs, these gals do it all with one mission in mind – to make New York City greener than it has every been before!

It’s not everyday you find a company that is going green and that is why we absolutely CRAVE their efforts!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?

Making ‘green’ beautiful.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Modern.  Fresh.  Green.

What are your most popular products or services?

We’re most often asked to design terrace or backyard gardens, but greenroofs and living walls are really taking off.

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

We’ve been too shy about telling people how excited we are about the work we’re doing.

What’s a place that inspires you and why?

The view from the Empire State Building.  It’s inspiring to imagine the effect greening all of the roofs could have on the city’s attitude and environment.

People may be surprised to know…

New York City offers a tax credit for installing a green roof.

How do you spend your free time?

Out with family in nature.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

Supporting public parks.  They are the living room for the entire city.

Find out more on how these gals are keeping their efforts in staying green at vertny.com!

An interview with Urban Signals

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

Have you ever had that feeling like there’s a lump in your throat and you can’t speak when you see someone pass by you but too shy to say hello? Or maybe just a simple staring game that is never ending? Turns out, Aubree Nichols didn’t want anyone to have missed connections when faced with this situation. She created Urban Signals, an app that could be downloaded onto your phone, so that you could see if that person is available and interested in meeting new people.

Everyone CRAVEs a good connection with the person they’re with! Find out more about Aubree and why she started her company.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
I believe that people are meant to be with each other.  Connecting through technology is efficient and purposeful, but humans need in-person interaction and relationships to be happy.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
New Yorkers who post Missed Connections on Craigslist.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Innovative, Spontaneous, Human.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have to say Oprah, for her authenticity and accessibility and my Dad, because he raised 3 girls and is still alive to tell and laugh about it!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
My theme song is Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z with Alicia Keys.

My motto is “Urban Signals is Taking love back to the streets.”

What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?
A few freckles from summer sun, a monster afternoon nap, knowing I did my best, bear hugs from people who know how to bear hug.

What is your indulgence?
A massage, a “no work or no- think about work” day, Votivo candles, fresh flowers, and perfect sun-kissed highlights.

Check out Urban Signals’ website and download the app at urbansignals.net! In this wonderful city, you just might find the right fish in the sea.

An interview with Sweetriot

Friday, April 9th, 2010

From satisfying the CRAVE-ings of those who have a sweet tooth for chocolate to changing the world one cacao bean at a time, Sweetriot takes the concept of selling chocolate “peaces” to a whole new level. Sarah Endline, mastermind and chief rioter of Sweetriot, thought of such an amazing idea which inspired us to get to know her better.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Young. Vibrant. Natural. Sustainable. Stylish.

What are your most popular products or services?

Sweetriot’s original bite sized 100% dark chocolate ‘peaces’  (cacao nibs) dunked in 50%, 65%, or 70% dark chocolate and packaged in reusable, recyclable tins that feature original artwork by emerging artists.  Plus they are only 1 calorie per ‘peace’.

People may be surprised to know…

Dark chocolate really comes from fruit – the cacao fruit.  Due to its real origin, it is often compared with other super foods out there.  In fact, there are many antioxidant charts that show the power of cacao and it’s stronger than blueberries and red wine!

Who is your role model or mentor?

It’s interesting, as I don’t believe there is one person or beacon that has guided my life. It’s really a collection of people and experiences, which have led me to founding Sweetriot.  These range from my high school guidance counselor to an undergrad Dean to a former manager who founded a social enterprise to founders of other social mission businesses and more. There is wonderful diversity in these influences.

How do you spend your free time?

I read the New York Times religiously, and when the weather is nice, I love rollerblading through the streets of New York City, especially my Greenwich Village!  Dancing, travel, arts and culture, and especially time with my French amour are all cherished.

What’s a place that inspires you and why?

One of the many reasons I love NYC is because everywhere you look there is something creative and inspiring whether that be architecture, fashion, graffiti, museums, or food. You are surrounded by new experiences which trickle into your business and life.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

I am passionate about business for social change.  I want to continue to create a sweet movement to fix the world, and we’ve started by sourcing and producing our cacao in Latin America to support the farmers and community. Our packaging is recyclable and reusable and features original artwork by emerging artist.  Sweetriot only uses all natural, healthy ingredients to make yummy dark chocolate ‘peaces’ products.

So the next time you’re in the mood for some chocolate, stop by Sarah’s site at sweetriot.com where you can shop and indulge with a cause!

An Interview with Jodi Arnold

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

The most amazing talents come from the most unexpected places. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Jodi Arnold moved to Brooklyn, New York to further pursue her fashion designing career. Creating a successful self-named label and amazing designs, she is a perfect example of a determine woman who sets their mind to achieve their goals.

Jodi’s designs are beautifully created to flatter all and that is why we unquestionably CRAVE all she has to offer! Check out some of the things she has to say.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Challenging, rewarding, changing

What are your most popular products?

We are known for hand crafted embellished clothing and art inspired prints.  We want to make women feel modern and confident without feeling like a fashion victim.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

I have always wanted to have my own brand.  I was inspired to take the leap of faith after having jobs that were so uninspiring and that put me in a box.

What’s your favorite fashion must-have or must-NOT-have?

There is nothing anyone NEEDS right now so I would say my favorite must have is confidence!

What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?

Being mentally and physically in shape.

How do you spend your free time?

Playing with my dogs, walking in prospect park, just wandering interesting parts of the city.

What’s a place that inspires you and why?

Tulum, Mexico… Where i go to cleanse my palate and reboot.

Describe your perfect last meal.

Some fried okra, catfish, and mashed potatoes finished off with a piece of cherry pie.

See Jodi Arnold’s Spring / Summer line now at jodiarnoldnyc.com!

Interview with Jo Laurie Design

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Jo Laurie, an international phenomenon and President of Jo Laurie Design, took the United States by storm with her exceptional talents in interior design. Traveling to and from four continents, Jo attributes her amazing insights to the influences of different cultures and incorporates them throughout her work. She not only finds the time to accommodate her international clients but also finds down-time to enjoy the simple things in life!

Her sophisticated and amazing talents are what we absolutely CRAVE, bringing new innovations to the table. Find out more about Jo and get inspired!

What is your motto, slogan, or theme song?
Don’t look back in life with too many regrets..this is not a dress rehearsal!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Innovative, Bespoke, Cosmopolitan.

What are your most popular products or services?
For hospitality & commercial projects – concept origination, then implementation on all levels of interior architecture down to the website  and logo, if required. Residential – we turn you vision into a reality on time and on budget!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Seeing my mothers generation not have the financial resources to escape bad relationships. Plus I love what I do–making a living from being creative. What a blessing!

If you weren’t running this business, what would your life look like?
Money no object–Winters in Australia, NYC Spring & Fall , Summers in Europe… painting.

Describe your perfect last meal.
Part of a great day in Paris March 13th, yummy desserts and a glass of champagne in the Hotel de Crillon, after lunch at Costes.

What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?
Women’s reproductive rights. Had I not been born in the west, I could have been barefoot with ten children and no education. I think we forget how incredibly lucky we are, and what we owe to previous generations.

Check out Jo’s website and some of her work at jolauriedesign.com!

An Interview with Poppies and Posies

Friday, March 19th, 2010
Poppies and Posies is not your typical flower boutique. Co-founders, Juliet Totten and Sierra Yaun, not only know how to make amazing assortments of floral arrangements but also how to incorporate their talents with event design. To top it off, these gals are not afraid to be hands on when it comes to making sure each and every event is seen at its best. Naturally, working together also serves as inspiration to perform, create, and ultimately achieve their greatest work!
Get to know more about Juliet and Sierra, and see why we definitely CRAVE not only their talent, but also their awesome senses of humor!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Juliet: Challenging, really fulfilling, and awesome!
Sierra: Stylish, vintage, and unique.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Juliet: Squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom of the tube not the middle.
Sierra: You can manifest anything you want for yourself.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

Juliet: It’s fulfilling to be able to apply all of the ideas in my head into something tangible that people appreciate. It really propelled me to channel that energy into a company.
Sierra: My mom… she’s an entrepreneur and I grew up working in her store.

In 10 years you want to be…

We both want be mommies with a flower shop.

How do you relax?

Juliet: I really love to read
Sierra: Yoga, gym

Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?

Park picnics are the best!

What makes you feel most CRAVE – able?

We’re willing to push the envelope and try new things!  We like to keep it fresh.

Check out all of Juliet and Sierra’s wonderful creations at poppiesandposiesevents.com!