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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
America, It’s Your Birthday!
Let’s face it, we CRAVE any excuse to get together and throw a party with our best friends. What better reason than for a birthday? Happy Birthday America! Since every birthday should involved presents- why not think of some ways you and your friends can give back to your community to commemorate the occasion? Check in with local organizations who do volunteer work. Maybe you can spend the afternoon helping clean up a park, planting some trees, or participating in a food drive.
After a day of doing something good for your country, you can feel good about having a little fun at night for yourself! Get your friends together, nosh on some festive treats and try to catch a glimpse of your local fireworks show. Here are some recipes to inspire your celebration:
This first recipe is from a chef bloggess we adore, CakeSpy!
Hartford Election Day Cupcakes: This spicecake is light but flavorful; all your friends will love munching on these treats which you can decorate in red, white and blue.
Dry ingredients:
- 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
- 5 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon potato starch
- 1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
- Pinch of allspice
- Pinch of salt
- 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda
Wet ingredients:
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) butter, melted
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon rum
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Old-Fashioned Milk Buttercream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (1 cup) superfine granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sip
While you are savouring some cupcakes, it is likely you will want something to sip as well. Here is a great list we found that lists five different themed cocktails: click. Are you adventurous? You have to try the first drink on the list- it includes jalapeno or Serrano peppers to add a little fire to your night. Prefer something a little sweeter to sip? Strawberry schnapps will be a key (red) ingredient for you. To give any red drinks a patriotic vibe try garnish with blueberries, blackberries or just throw in a blue straw!
Interview with Entrepreness Jenn Louis of Lincoln Restaurant & Culinary Artistry
Entrepreness Jenn Louis and her husband David Welch are the owners of Lincoln Restaurant and Culinary Artistry catering company, located on the corner of N Williams and NE Failing. As head chef at Lincoln, Jenn treats her guests to delectable plates comprised of simple, local ingredients that are served with thought and purpose. In this interview Jenn shares some insight about the values and principles that she incorporated into her business as well as how they not only affect the food she serves, but the bottom line of her business as well.
Read our interview with Jenn!
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in Southern California, one hour East of L.A. on the base of a mountain. It was a suburban neighborhood but I could see a 10 thousand foot mountain out my back window! It was quite idyllic and beautiful. In our back yard we grew lime trees, lemons, apricots and grapes.
I started college in upstate New York but eventually went back to the West Coast to finish my studies at Pitzer College, a liberal arts school in Claremont, California. There I majored in Environmental Studies, Religion, and Women’s Studies. Afterwards I traveled – to the Middle East, Ecuador, Europe, and Africa.
At what point in your life did you know you were meant to be a chef? What was your inspiration?
When I returned to the states from my travels, I spent time between Florida, Maine and Maryland working for Outward Bound. I hadn’t thought much of cooking as a profession at the time, but while at Outward Bound I got a job cooking for the staff at base camp an hour from the nearest town. I ended up loving it! For a while I stopped cooking and began teaching kids life skills. Eventually though, I had to make a decision between doing social work and cooking. I decided that cooking was more creative and realized that I really loved it. As a kid I remember wanting to do artwork, but I couldn’t paint or draw. Luckily cooking provided me with the outlet I needed to use both my left and right brain. I get to run a business, but also implement creativity by working with ingredients based on seasonality.
In 1997 I followed my passion and went to culinary school in Portland. I spend time working at Wildwood Restaurant and started my own catering business in January of 2000, called Culinary Artistry. In July of 2008 I opened Lincoln with my husband, David Welch.
What was important to you to incorporate into the creation of your business? In what way did you hope distinguish Lincoln Restaurant from other restaurants?
Lincoln came about over a series of conversations about the values that were important to David and I to open a restaurant. It really came down to simply offering good food and good service. At Lincoln, hospitality means when a guest walks in the door they can forget about what is happening in the outside world and just relax. If something is not right, we strive to make it better. We are honest in our food and honest in our business practices. You can come to our restaurant in a suit and tie or shorts and still expect to be comfortable and at the same time enjoy nice things.
There are design principles that you incorporated into the actual building–“A balance of old and new. [...] raw charm that shines with warmth.” Can you tell our readers more about this?
Our tables are made from a tobacco house in Kentucky that was dismantled. The art is by Amy Rupple, a local artist. The metal detailing is made in SE Portland by a metal worker named Todd Littlehales, who we love.
In your opinion how important is it for restaurants to serve food based on local offerings and seasonality?
At Lincoln, what we do, we do for a reason. Everything is intentional. David and I talk a lot about the choices we make for the restaurant. We employ a great team and give importance to their voice. We believe that food is special and we also believe in simplicity. Here you will not find sauce, upon sauce, upon manipulated food. Three to five times per week we receive fresh produce from local farmers. A local forager gathers our mushrooms. We cut steaks fresh every single day. We always feature certain signature dishes, but something is always changing based on what is fresh locally. These details make for a really lovely way to eat.
Where did your inspiration for this style of food and eating come from?
Partly from growing up with fresh fruit trees in my backyard. I remember my mother squeezing fresh juice. Also from living in the Northwest and the selection of food that is available to us.
But you have to remember, I am also a business owner. At a restaurant, the profit margin is so low. If you can’t efficiently run your inventory, you can’t make it. Being sustainably minded is good for the bottom line.
For instance, we received a lamb today. I will use the whole thing. I put chops on the dinner menu and braise the shoulders for a happy hour dish called Poutine. I use the scraps to make sauce and the bones for stock. The belly gets smoked and becomes lamb bacon and the ribs are smoked and served as smoked ribs on Saturdays. Every little bit is used and is incredibly fresh. Using all the parts is good for business and it forces me to be creative how I serve it. Typically I butcher the lamb on Thursdays and serve the whole thing by Saturday!
The Wine and Beer Dinners look fun. What are they like?
We pair up with a local winery, distillery, or brewery and write a menu around what they are doing seasonally. It is really fun. We also have dinners in our prep kitchen, called Commercial, where we dim the lights and everyone sits around our huge chopping block. It sits up to 14 guests and is a really great time.
What is your drink pick at Lincoln?
David runs the bar. I know food and he knows drinks. He is very good, but also modest. One of his best drinks is the Elderflower Gimlet made with gin, St. Germain, limejuice and simple syrup. The Berlioni Cocktail is also really good. It is made with Cynar, which is an artichoke liquor, gin and sweet vermouth. It is bitter and really delicious.
What is your favorite dish on the menu?
Lincoln is about simplicity and people tend to either love it or not. The Baked Eggs typify this simplicity. For this dish, two eggs are cracked into a dish with cream, salt and pepper, and pitted, green Castelvetrano olives. The dish is baked with breadcrumbs on top. When finished the eggs are runny and soft and it is delicious and creamy.
I also love our hot fudge Sunday. We make our hot fudge, caramel, and ice cream in-house, like everything else. The only thing we purchase pre-made at Lincoln is bread. It takes a lot of labor and can be tremendous at times to make everything in-house, but it is worth it and is apparent in the quality.
Congrats on your nomination for the James Beard award for best Northwest Chef! That is quite the accomplishment – basically the Oscar equivalent for the food world. How did that feel for you and how has it affected your business?
It was a total surprise. I called a colleague to ask a question. She said “but first, congrats.” I asked what for! It was really flattering to be surrounded by so many great, successful people for the nomination. I am grateful for the press, but I still have to continue to focus on running a business.
Bikini Body for the Busy-Body
With July rapidly approaching; Portlanders seem to still be playing hide-and-go-seek with the sunshine. So while summer hasn’t truly shown itself yet, it is important to be ready when Mother Nature decides to send some rays our way. Here are some CRAVE worthy places to smooth up, shape up and sun up to ensure that you are Bikini Body ready for when the heat is finally on.
URBAN WAXX
First stop: silky-smooth skin compliments of Urban Waxx located in the alphabet district on 18th and Marshall. Whether you’re in for the first time or the fortieth time, Urban Waxx is committed to a warm environment and comfortable waxing experience. The shop caters exclusively to waxing and offers a wide menu of treatments from brow to bikini. So stop in, sip some wine, sit back and relax knowing that you’re one step closer to summer fun in the sun.
COREPOWER YOGA
Perfect for all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, yoga is a great way to strengthen and tone lean muscles. Located on NW 22nd and Quimby, Corepower has drawn on the eclectic vibe of Portland to create a wide rage of unique fitness styles and classes to please all yogis. Their knowledgeable instructors are passionate about the practice and committed to working with you to achieving your fitness goals, and get you one step closer to looking sleek in a suit. Still not sure if yoga is for you? Check out their website and print out a coupon for one free week of classes!
ORGANIC BRONZE BAR
Finally, if you CRAVE bronzed skin but can’t justify the risks associated with baking for hours on end under the harsh rays, not a problem. The new-to-Portland Organic Bronze Bar inside Portland Spa & Boutique offers a comparable solution to this age-old dilemma: organic airbrush tanning. Completely UV and paraben-free, you can achieve the look of a sunned vacationer in a matter of minutes. The solution is all natural made with organic ingredients including walnuts, anti-oxidants and botanicals. Add an anti-aging or SPF mixer for a beautiful and safe glow! Complete your bikini ready journey by paying them a visit at 0315 SW Montgomery St. Suite 380 on the Waterfront.
Hello, Summer!
How many times a year do we utter the words, “If only there were more hours in the day…”? Well, on the summer solstice, you will get your wish since today, the sun shines longer than any other day of the year. Today of course also marks the official start of summer, and with it, we celebrate all the best things about this much-anticipated season! To welcome the return of flip-flops, barbecue’s, vacations and more, we’ve compiled a list of activities to do in order to take advantage of those extra minutes of sunlight. Grab your friends and family and head out – you won’t want to miss a second of your summer solstice celebration!
A picnic is a simple no-brainer for a summer occasion, but you might decide to get a little creative for the special occasion by coordinating a late-night sunset picnic in your city’s most scenic setting. Bring a playlist of songs with the word “sun” in them to set the right mood.
If you’re an avid outdoors-woman, you’ll want to really maximize your extra minutes of rays! Head out for an evening hike, run, or bike ride and extend it a little longer than usual. You’ll get an extra boost knowing that this is the only night you’ll be able to savor the sunlight during your routine workout.
Spending your solstice doing water activities is an excellent idea if you live near a body of water. Boating, surfing, kayaking, or even just lounging beachside will give you that summer glow you’ve been missing all winter. Plus, watching the sun lower over sparkling waves is a sight that can hardly be beat, and one you’ll want to store in your memory for the next winter.
Say Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball and sends rain instead of shine, well don’t let that stop you from enjoying the spirit of the day. Curling up with a book and hot tea can be relaxing during a summer rainfall or storm especially if enjoyed from a patio or porch. If the day is more gray gloom than thrilling boom, head to your local arboretum or greenhouse to get your tropical nature fix.
Interview with Entrepreness Arwa Jumkawala of GemKitty Jewelry
Immersed in the gemstone trade since she was a child growing up in Hong Kong, Arwa Jumkawala only felt it was natural that she also ended up with her own gemstone jewelry business GemKitty Jewelry. With the support and love from her parents and friends, she took the leap of faith and moved across the country to launch GemKitty Jewelry, a unique concept where customers get to “string” their own beads onto select styles of necklaces and earrings that Arwa designer herself! Claim bragging rights by picking from colorful natural gemstone beads and adding them to your necklace to create the perfect piece. Not quite sure what you want? Click and choose from several beautiful ready-made pieces from Arwa’s Limited Edition collection. Shipped in beautiful packaging to your doorstep, the best way to shop for busy entreprenesses that still want the ultimate shopping experience.
Read our interview to learn more about the sweet Arwa and GemKitty Jewelry. We love you and thank you for supporting CRAVE Portland!
Arwa, can you tell me a little about yourself?
I grew up in Hong Kong and consider it my home town. My parents imported and exported gemstone beads there and so my childhood consisted of being at the business with them playing with rocks! It only seems natural that I ended up in my business also. Before I launched my business, I was a Pilates instructor for four years in Washington D.C.–I only recently moved to Portland last summer! I fell in love with the city when I visited and knew that I wanted to launch GemKitty in Portland. An interesting fact about my family: I am of Indian and Chinese background and when my parents got married, they had three wedding ceremonies. A traditional Indian, Chinese and white dress wedding!
GemKitty is a unique concept. How did you discover this was what you wanted it to be?
I made jewelry in D.C. in my small studio for fun and always had friends come over to collaborate and I would make them pieces. I was also really inspired by NikeID two years ago and the whole concept of personalization and mass customization. I asked, how can I take what I’m doing with friends now on a larger scale and to bring it online?
What’s a typical day in the life of Arwa?
It varies day to day, but overall I spend about 40% of my time designing and actually making jewelry or fulfilling orders. The majority of my time is spent on marketing, social media, PR efforts, networking, and getting my name out there.
What are the different ways to purchase GemKitty?
There’s two ways to get your hands on jewels from GemKitty:
- Design-Your-Own: You pick the beads and we make it to order. Simple as that!
- Limited Edition: Readymade pieces that pretty much showcase my inspiration. Another reason they are limited is because the beads are often times hard to come across or come in limited amounts. For example, there might’ve just been one rock which made only a handful of strings of beads. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!
We just launched our earrings collection, which you can design-your-own or just click and choose from pieces available and ready to ship!
Where do your gemstone beads come from?
They’re exclusively from my parents wholesale gemstone jewelry business in Hong Kong and India. Generally they’re mined in mainland China and other countries, then go to Hong Kong to be turned into gemstones. The quality tends to be better in Hong Kong and there’s also fair labor. Since I don’t get to take too many trips East, my dad is also the person that buys the limited edition beads! He’s been in the trade for 30 years, I trust him!
How do you go about designing your Limited Edition collection?
Generally the beads will come in and for the most part I will experiment and play! It’s pretty much my personal play time, and whatever inspirations I have will come out during this process. I often end up with a wall full of designs that will never make it into production, but luckily a select few make the cut and my customers then get to experiment and play with the beads they’d like to add.
Do you have any advice for beginners looking to get into jewelry making?
I believe that looking for inspiration in magazines, books or the Internet and elsewhere is a good way to practice and to get to know your hands. Jewelry making is a lot of muscle memory, so once you get it your work will become faster and better. Also, attend gem shows that are hosted several times a year. You get better deals and get a chance to see what’s out there. But if it’s super cheap, be aware because they might’ve been treated with chemicals and dyes. GemKitty gemstones are natural, untreated (undyed, no heat added, etc.) and are some of the best quality!
Do you have a national or international following?
I do have many clients on the east coast. I’ve been told that the aesthetic of my jewelry is traditional, kind of like an update to your mother’s pearls. It is also a little more “preppy” and that’s kind of what the style is like on the east coast.
What’s one thing you’re excited about, and one thing you’d love to enhance?
I’m thrilled that my earrings are now available on the website. It’s been my baby for five months and I’m super excited to see where it goes. I would love to update some of the necklace styles I have. There’s currently 7 styles to choose from, and my goal is to update them every season.
What are the rewards of having your own business, besides being your own boss?
I’ve only been launched since October of 2009, but every day I wake up excited, blessed and delighted to be doing what I’m doing.
What do customers get with their GemKitty jewelry?
They’ll get all natural gemstones and sterling silver, free repairs, 30 days satisfaction guaranteed and beautiful GemKitty branded gift packaging. Often times when you order things online it comes in an unsightly brown packaging and bubble wrap, so I wanted to make the experience of getting GemKitty like opening a gift. In addition, I’m confident in offering 30 days satisfaction guaranteed because of the quality and effort we put into making each piece. And each customer technically customizes it herself, so she knows exactly what she’s getting. Up to date, we’ve had no returns!
What are your plans for the future?
I dream of having a tiny studio with a storefront. I miss that interaction with people when I used to have friends come over to my little studio to make jewelry. It would be wonderful to have again! I’d also love to collaborate with local designers and showcase their work, maybe have it part of the Limited Edition collection.
Is there anyone you’d like to mention in this interview?
My parents, there’s no way I would’ve taken the leap without their support. I’m also grateful for the talented Gemkitty website development team and to Sara Gray for taking beautiful photos of my jewelry. And also Todd, whose been an amazing darling!
Do you have any last words for our readers?
I’d love to hear from everyone and get feedback. Find us on Facebook or Twitter!
Also, CRAVE readers get 10% off until 7/5/10 – just enter weheartcrave in the gift certificate box during checkout!
Gifts We Crave for Recent Grads
Graduation is a special time in a person’s life. Whether finishing high school or college, this exciting occasion is typically shared and commemorated with family and close friends. It is often a joyous and sentimental event for the individual that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. Show the graduate in your life how proud you are of their accomplishments by giving them something special from the following local businesses that we CRAVE. The list is diverse, offering an array of trinkets, flowers, cards, pampering, shopping and more – all with local flare.
CARDS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Oblation Papers & Press
If you are planning a party for your grad and really want to make a statement, schedule a consultation with an employee at Oblation Papers & Press. At this European-style stationary boutique, they will custom make your announcements and invitations on recycled handmade cotton paper and use one of their old-world letterpresses for printing. This method creates an original and personalized memento for friends and family members to enjoy.
516 NW 12th Ave. Portland
7243 SW Bridgeport Rd. Tigard
FLOWERS:
Geranium Lake Flowers
Geranium Lake Flowers is another great local shop to put on your list if you are throwing a graduation party. Owner Kim Foren is a master when it comes to styling events with the use of fresh flowers. Whether you need one bouquet or one hundred, she will work her magic to make your event special and beautiful. If you are planning a graduation party, make sure you give Kim a call in advance to book a consultation at 503-228-1920.
555 SW Oak St. Portland
GIFTS FOR GUYS:
Hair M
If you know your son, brother, or significant other has been working hard to finish school and could use some major relaxation, give him a gift certificate to Hair M. Here he will be treated like a king while indulging in a Hot Stone Massage or Hot Towel Straight Razor Shave.
101 SW Main St., Portland
3300 SW Hocken Ave. Beaverton
The Dapper Cap
At the Dapper Cap, choose from over 2,500 hats from which to give the (guy or gal) grad in your life and present it to them neatly wrapped in a proper hat package. If you can’t choose which one to buy, give your grad a gift certificate so they can come in on a day that The Dapper Cap is hosting one of their typical events with live DJ’s and performers.
128 NW 23rd Ave. Portland
Bridge City Comics
Now that the grad in your life has time to put down the textbooks, maybe they can reach for some more entertaining reading. Find it at Bridge City Comics where they offer thousands of graphic novels as well as a Portland-based creators section.
3725 N. Mississippi Ave. Portland
GIFTS FOR GALS:
Garnish Apparel
The best way to offer a gift from Garnish is to take your grad or give them a gift certificate, because at this local Portland shop they present each customer with individualized attention and personalized service. Your grad can pick out a dress for the big day and have it customized using ribbons, fabrics, and buttons to create a piece that truly reflects her personality and style.
1524 NE Alberta St. Portland
Stella’s on 21st
A personal favorite of mine, I turn to Stella’s for most of my small gift and card purchases. They have a great selection of local artisan jewelry, art, fun trinkets and other accessories; plus the ladies who work there are as sweet as they come. Pop in to Stella’s and you are sure to find something special for your graduate.
1108 NW 21st Ave. Portland
Blush Beauty Bar
Blush Beauty Bar is a fashionista’s paradise and sure to be a hit for the gal grad on your list. Take her on a mini shopping spree and watch her eyes light up as she looks through beautiful blush, shadows, lipsticks and more. She can even have her makeup professionally done at Blush before her commencement ceremony or graduation party.
513 NW 23rd Ave. Portland
Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!
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.
Interview with Entrepreness Grace Pae of Artemis Foods
Grace Pae, owner of Artemis Foods and its offshoot, the Artemis Café, is a chef and entrepreness who really knows how to manage a business that’s sustainable in all senses of the word. Artemis Foods provides environmentally friendly catering services to the likes of Al Gore and governor Ted Kulongoski, and the Artemis Café on SE Division provides delicious seasonal, local, and organic food for all of Portland to enjoy. Grace shares her tips on owning a sustainable business, making great food, and knowing when to walk away.
When did you know you wanted to be a chef?
Well, I actually had attended an apprenticeship alliance group meeting in San Francisco when I was in my early twenties, and they were offering apprenticeships with masters. It was started by an older German woman who was trying to recreate the apprenticeship model that was done more in the European countries, where a master would take an apprentice and teach them a trade. So, I was looking at doing, actually, a silk painting apprenticeship, and then I was really captivated by the chef that was offering an apprenticeship. I had really never thought about it before, then I started looking into it and I was accepted as one of his apprentices. Someone presented it to me and it sounded really creative.
What’s your favorite venue to work at?
This year we just got on at the Lan Su Chinese Garden, and we’ve just done an open house there, but I think that’s my new favorite venue. It’s just so beautiful. They just changed their name this year to the Lan Su Chinese Garden. It used to be called the Classical Chinese Garden.
What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?
I think it’s the direct response and the ability to just make things happen. It’s really fun and exciting– kind of being in the captain’s chair.
You opened your café a while ago. What was that like for you?
Opening the café was really a challenge. In the café, I saw more that it was a process. I had a specific model of what I wanted to organize it as, but it’s really been a work in progress. The neighborhood has really affected what we do and what we sell, and new businesses have sprung up around us. It’s been really interesting. I guess both businesses have been really organic and took on a life of their own. I really just listen and pay attention to what kind of feedback and requests we’re getting. It’s been really interesting and growing the café has been a really creative, organic kind of process.
Speaking of organic, what place do you believe that sustainability has in business in general?
Well, I think it’s interesting. I think you first have to determine the meaning of “sustainable,” and I think every business owner starts out and, of course, you want your business to have a long, healthy life and to have an active part in the community. That’s a big part of what I see in my businesses: we definitely have made great connections and have great relationships with different groups in the community. I think the sustainable idea for all businesses is to find the model that works and that you’ll be able to keep your business going with. And, of course, all the things like profitability and relationships add up to be sustainable. I think before sustainability was really defined, it was really a part of running a successful business. You know, making sure that the decisions you’re making are going to roll into being around for the following years. There’s a model that the Oregon Natural Step outlines and there’s four distinct areas of consideration in order to be sustainable. It was kind of cool when I found about it because I definitely have those four aspects that I consider in my businesses. The first one is to consider the impact of what you’re producing. How does the item you’re producing or the service you’re providing impact the greater world and the environment. There’s also how you’re impacting your community and the health of your community, which includes your employees. Then there’s the kind of waste that you’re producing, and that’s a big part of the sustainability of my businesses. The last one is degradation by physical means. That’s kind of hard to translate to food service, but if we’re, say, driving our vans, are we emitting carbon? For instance, our main delivery van is biodiesel.
What do you think is the secret to great food?
Well, that’s a very complex question. I think it’s absolutely using the best ingredients. For ingredients to be the best, there’s the freshness and the wholeness of the food. Under the definition of freshness, there’s the distance it’s traveling to get to you and whether or not its seasonal. For the wholeness, there’s how it’s raised and how it’s farmed and what kind of waste is produced by that farming practice. I think the freshness and the wholesomeness of the food make up what’s a good ingredient.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
I really don’t eat out that much. I’d say a special occasion restaurant that I like a lot is Park Kitchen. They use local and seasonal items and they’re very creative. It’s based in traditional french technique and it’s very creative and interesting presentations.
What’s one thing that you know now that you didn’t when you opened Artemis?
I didn’t know what a trend sustainable food service would become. There’s a terrible thing called greenwashing [spinning a product or service so it seems more green than it really is]. I didn’t know that.
What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ll never make again?
It think it would be rushing into making a decision. I think, on a lot of levels, that if I don’t have enough time to process a decision, I’ll walk away from it. I think that’s been a big lesson for me: always take your time and process information very thoroughly.
What do you miss most about working for someone else, if there’s anything at all?
You know what I miss most? Being able to walk away or call somebody else.
What We’re CRAVING: Goodies for Kiddies!
Children of busy entreprenesses deserve the best of everything, whether it’s the coolest clothes, fun toys, or a favorite stuff animal that they could never let go of. Portland has a wide array of children’s stores to serve the city mom, kid at heart, or local artist. Don’t fret, these specialty stores will have something that will appeal to even the most discerning of little ones. Check out where you can find the safest, most unique and inspiring products for your kids here in Portland.
Little Urbanites
Located in the Pearl District, Little Urbanites is a mother and daughter store filled with quality products that are not only functional, but very fashionable as well, for your little urbanite. Here you can find brands such as Little Paul and Joe, Petit Bateau, Ergo baby and more to supply all of your kid’s needs. Check out their online store for an even larger selection of kids goods!
916 NW 10th St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-8729
Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts
A children’s destination here in Portland, Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts have been locally owned and operated for over thirty years. As the Northwest’s largest inedependent toy store, they offer a unique selection of toys, including brands such as Playmobil, Tomy, Learning Resources and more. Locals from town and visitors alike enjoy the selection of toys for every age group, such as Sea Monkeys, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and everything else in between. Get on the max and head down to SW 9th and Yamill to enjoy the fabulous array of this magical toyland.
922 SW Yamhill St
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 221-0306
Grasshopper
Located in the Alberta District, Grasshopper is a charming boutique that specializes in providing eco-friendly toys that promote imagination and wonder. They have a great selection of organic clothing that is fun for both parents and kids. Grasshopper provides exceptional customer service to help you find exactly what you need for your kids!
1816 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 335-3131
Kids at Heart
Kids at Heart toy store has been around the Hawthorne neighborhood for more than 22 years. They provide quality toys to enhance your child’s imagination that are hand-selected by their staff. They have a great selection of Sanrio, wooden and stuffed toys that are great for kids of any age that will create a lifetime of memories.
3445 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 231-2954
Black Wagon
Black Wagon is located in the Mississippi district, providing artist-crafted merchandise for children ages from newborn to age 12. They have high-quality apparel that is a local favorite for visitors to this store. Here you’ll find brands such as Stroller Blankets, Stokke High Chairs, and Sophie the Giraffe toys. Check out their online store to create an online gift registry and to see their expansive collection great children’s merchandise!
3964 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR 97227
(866) 916-0004
Which children’s stores do you and your little ones enjoy the most?
Branding Basics for Small Business New Book By Maria Ross
Maria Ross, the brains behind marketing and branding firm, Red Slice, has just wrapped up yet another project. This time in the form of a comprehensive guide to effectively branding your business – any small business, on any budget. Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget will walk you step-by-step through solidifying your core promise, personality and reason for being. We caught up with Maria and asked her a little bit about what inspires her at work and in life! And before we forget, to purchase your copy of Branding Basics go to red-slice.com/branding-basics-book!
When and how did you discover your talent for and love of marketing and strategizing?
I majored in marketing in college, as I’d always had a love for advertising and using communication to evoke emotion. Marketing can be used for so much good in the world: encouraging people to donate time or money, showcasing a worthy cause, inspiring people to be the best they can be. I have always been impressed with a well-turned tagline or a delightful campaign that gives me goosebumps. In the book, I talk about the effect that Nike had on me in the mid-90’s when they launched the “If you let me play” campaign aimed at empowering young girls through athletics. I gained experience across all aspects of marketing over my career and really like the brainstorming and strategy phase the best.
What compelled you to write Branding Basics For Small Business?
I got sick and tired of people undervaluing what a brand could do for them, or thinking that it is just their logo. Brand is so much more than that and when small businesses understand what brand really means – that it is the core promise and value they deliver to customers – they can better connect with customers and drive sales. Brand is expressed not just visually through your logo or colors, but verbally through the messages you use and experientially in how customers (and employees) are treated. I also wrote it because putting together your brand strategy is not rocket science: it just requires answering some key questions and really putting intentional thought into how you present yourself to customers. So I wanted to spread the “brand gospel” to small businesses – many of whom have the nimbleness and passion to create a powerful brand connection with their customers because they are so close to them.
Without giving too much away (we all need to read the book!!), what is the most important step in creating a strong brand strategy?
I would say two of the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to brand strategy are not identifying their target audience in crisp detail, and not telling customers what they want to hear. For target audiences, business owners try to go too broad and end up appealing to no one because their message is so bland and generic. But your brand needs to be relevant in order to meaningfully connect. Secondly, many small businesses talk about themselves by saying “This is what we do” versus taking the customer point of view and saying, “Here’s what you get.” Many small businesses don’t see that they are talking about benefits from their own perspective, not the customer’s.
Your book discusses “how to create an irresistible brand on any budget”…will this really work on ANY budget? What is one important step in reaching out to potential clients/customers on a shoe string budget?
An effective brand is not measured by how much money you have to spend. Every company out there wishes they had more money! I’ve executed against brand strategies with $1000 and $12,000,000. The point is that, by using the process in the book, you can create a strong brand strategy that you then can execute efficiently with whatever budget you have. When you have less budget, it’s even more important to go after the right things or be more creative and a brand strategy helps you do that. Your activities align towards one clear target. Many businesses end up wasting money because they perform “random acts of marketing” that don’t get them anywhere. With a clear brand strategy, you actually save time, money and headache on only investing in the right things that get you ahead.
What is your favorite part about what you do? What keeps you going and gets your juices flowing at work?
I love when I work with a client and see the light go on in their eyes, when they “get” what brand really means and how to apply it. They seem more confident, they are able to clearly cite their elevator pitch. They say things like, “That’s exactly what I want my company to represent! It’s perfect!” Being able to help people deconstruct their brand story and then show them a perfect way to visually or verbally represent it is just amazing.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are NOT working?
I love to write: I write wine and food articles for some online publications. I also love to eat great food with friends, drink wine, hike, read, act in community theatre, watch indie films (I’ve been to Sundance about 5 years in a row!) and go for walks with my husband and our awesome Black Lab mix, Eddie, who we adopted two years ago.
Branding Basics Book Now Available! June 2010 from Maria Ross
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