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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Interview with Entrepreness Alexis Achten of Jasmine Photography
Alexis Achten is the face behind the camera lens, although her good looks and charm could undoubtedly put her in front of flashing lights and camera shutters any day. Always on the look out for new and refreshing urban scenery as backdrops for happy couples and families, Alexis has an eye for capturing the most memorable moments. She also provides brides and grooms to-be with the most well-rounded experience as the creator of The Art of Weddings, a bridal event like no other! Also, check out her blog for some stylish photos!
Read our interview with Alexis of Jasmine Photography.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from the Midwest–Wisconsin, and have lived in Portland for eight years. I have a degree in fine arts, and first worked for another photographer before starting my own photography business six years ago.
Your specialty is wedding and portrait photography – is there another type of photographer that you like to do?
Although I don’t really promote it I also do commercial work. In addition, I have done photography for small businesses and have experience with interior and food photography as well as some fashion editorial.
What unique services or products do you offer?
We do a lot of customizing for weddings, and also work with couples from start to finish to know exactly what they want on their special day and deliver it to them. We also offer clean, modern photo album design which we do in-house.
Do you have staff or team members who help you out on your shoots?
I have an assistant for weddings, but it’s usually just me. This is on purpose, because I feel like I have a vision and I want to have full control of that at all times.
Where are some of your favorite spots to shoot in Portland?
I don’t like to go to the same spots and try to personalize it according to the couple. I’m always looking for fresh and new urban backgrounds to shoot.
What is a meaningful moment you were able to capture on film that sticks out in your mind?
The most meaningful moments to me are the ones that are captured quickly, here one second and gone the next. This happens especially with families and children, when a young child finally smiles or looks in your direction just in a time frame long enough for you to get it on film.
Do you like to work most with brides, grooms, children, couples, or pets?
I love working with the couple for their wedding and being a part of their celebration.
You must be busy with your photography business as well as being the creator of Art of Weddings. Tell us more about how you started this bridal event.
I started Art of Weddings five years ago as a way to get all the best vendors and creative professionals together in one place, once a year so that they can network and show their talent and skill to newly engaged couples looking for photography, catering, wedding attire, etc. This past event we got about 35 vendors together, which was a pretty intimate group
What are some of the challenges you face having your own business?
In the beginning it was pretty rough, but over the past six years I’m working at a comfortable pace for myself now. I was super busy and felt like I was saying “yes” to everything. Now I know I don’t need to and will probably book about 20 events a year (nearly every weekend in the summer, basically!) but it keeps me busy but not in over my head.
Where do you see yourself or your business 5 years down the road?
I’m in the process of refreshing, and will limit or take on fewer events so that I can do more fine art work for myself. Although that may mean that I won’t be able to work with everyone that I want to, doing fine art will undoubtedly increase my creativity and enhance my photography.
Interview with Entrepreness Lisa Watson of Cupcake Jones
Lisa Watson loves to smile, she loves to laugh, to give back, and to share her beloved cupcakes with all her friends and her community. Lisa and her husband Peter are the owners of Cupcake Jones, a sweet cupcake shop on the corner of NW 10th & Everett in the Pearl District. A cozy little shop, as you walk in a glass display showcases some of the most beautiful confections. Depending on the day, the menu changes, but every day there are the staples: The Pearl, Downtown Cupcake Brown, and its infamous Velvet Painting: red velvet cake filled with vanilla bean pastry cream, topped with cream cheese icing and a hand candied rose petal. When I was there to meet Lisa for our interview, I was gifted with a delicious Mimosa Orange, one of February’s cocktail inspired cupcakes served only on Fridays.
I learned a lot about Cupcake Jones by talking to Lisa–that it’s not only there to serve you sweet, savory cakes made by professional pastry chefs, but also to support the community in very special ways, and to serve you and your closest friends on very special days.
We’re so happy you gave Portland a super cute cupcake shop. How did this happen?
My husband, Peter and I fell in love with the idea of it, and it just seemed like the perfect place where we could work together and spend time together. Also, my background is in the food industry so it was just so fitting.
If you could describe what Cupcake Jones is all about in three words, what would they be?
Fun, Quality, and Giving. Cupcake Jones is a fun atmosphere and we all have fun working together. It’s quality not only in the business, but also with the ingredients that are used and the integrity we hold. Lastly, it’s giving because we’ve made it that way since the beginning, and made it our mission to support the community that supports us.
Your staff always seems so happy, they seem to enjoy what they do.
Yes! All our bakers—pastry chefs, have all gone and graduated from culinary school. As professionals in the industry, I feel that makes them more committed to and empathetic of quality and high standards.
What’s a typical day at work like for you? What aspects of the business do you manage?
I manage all the sales and marketing, always thinking of new ways to try and keep Cupcake Jones on top of our customers’ minds. I also handle all the events: community outreach, wedding and catering.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the interaction with customers, especially devoted customers. I love to see all my friends and family who stop by.
You’re open 7 days a week, how to do you find time for yourself and family? What are your ways of relaxing?
[Laughs] Our friends come HERE! It’s been a difficult balancing act since we’ve opened. My husband and I haven’t taken a vacation in three years, but we’re planning our first one now. But it’s always fun working with him here.
So if you had one full day to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?
Definitely go to the beach! I also love to read, so it would be great to be able to get some time to just sit down and dive into a novel.
You are highly motivated to give back to the community through weekly donations–Blanchet house, local schools, Boys & Girls Club, animal shelters, etc. How does this work and how can we get involved?
We get a lot of requests for cupcake donations and gift certificates for auctions, amongst other things, and we try to fulfill as many as we can. Every Tuesday, we donate 5% of the sales for that day to a non-profit, which had been selected in a drawing. If you want to give back to your community and to support these organizations, all you have to do is treat yourself to a cupcake!
Your cupcakes give back too–how are they environmentally friendly?
We recycle everything that can be recycled, from packaging to paper towels. We also try to get as many ingredients locally at the Farmer’s Market. There’s low water usage for our fixtures, and we turn off all the lights in the kitchen after we’re done baking for the day.
Your cupcakes are healthier too. Does that mean I get to eat two or three more?
Yes, we never use shortening or artifical flavorings or colorings. That’s why you won’t see the greens and blues on our cakes. We use unsalted butter, natural flavors (like vanilla paste), and we make all our garnishes from scratch—no packaged sprinkles, powder, etc.
What are your most popular flavors?
Hands down, RED VELVET!
I see you’ve done a lot of events and catering. What event comes to mind, or what was the most elaborate project you did for a catered event?
We did a retirement party for a business that’s normally open 24 hours a day, so we did THREE parties in one day, during each shift and baked 160 dozen cupcakes. It was so sweet, the retired President of the company did come to all three shifts and celebrated.
Are you currently working on any new cupcake flavors?
The first year and a half we were all about trying new things, and now that we’ve gotten a better understanding of what our customers want and what sells the best, I think we’ve got our menu secured. Our menu does change every month with new flavors, but January will always have the same menu, February will always have the same menu … so you know what to expect from us and get the flavors you love most!
Lastly, do you plan on opening more locations in the future?
Yes, opening more locations is definitely part of our plan for the future. We actually hope to expand in other states—states that we’d love to visit all the time, of course!
Interview with Lifestyle Photographer, Bunn Salarzon
Bunn Salarzon is a lifestyle photographer—with emphasis on “life.” She puts her heart into photography, and through each photo she takes, she brings out the most captivating moments, emotions, and personalities of each of her subjects. One thing is to be a photographer with great technique, but another is to be able to mesh technical skill with understanding and empathy for the subject, the setting, and the mood. I remember looking at a photoset of a newborn baby and her mother, and nearly whole-heartedly cried because it was so precious, so personal. That’s the kind of photographer I want at all the most important milestones in my life—graduation, marriage, family … It is quite possible that when I’m old and forgetful, Bunn’s photos may be the only things that will refresh my memory and bring warmth into my heart. Bunn is also downright funny and totally casual and cool, so photographing with her allows you to be yourself.
Bunn courageously booted corporate worklife to the curb and embraced her own life and her own dreams. She is an inspiration to all aspiring female entrepreneurs out there!
When and how did you become interested in photography?
Photography was an elective that I took during my Sophomore year in high school. That was (ahem!) 18 years ago. The only requirement was to have a 35mm SLR camera, which is what I found collecting dust in my uncle and aunt’s room. Nope, I never got their permission. I just jacked it!
Photography went from a favorite hobby to a full-time professional job. What compelled you to quit your corporate job and start your own business?
It didn’t take much when I realized that all I think about is photography. I looked forward to every session, even when it was only a practice session. I was anxious to see how much and fast I could grow by being curious. Of course, dealing with unhappy people in the corporate world made it so easy to analyze my own life to see what makes me happy. I didn’t want to be like those unhappy people, working for years and never following their dreams and being miserable about it. Therefore, I claimed my destiny and quit on the fly without any notice. Yeah, without a backup plan or savings account. I went for it … I followed my dreams. Although, I’m not even halfway there yet I’m more happy than I’ve ever been.
Did you imagine yourself to have become this successful and this busy?
I always have small goals for myself, small steps to reach those bigger goals. I sometimes feel like I haven’t made any progress until I look back on the two years then I realize just how far I’ve really come. Even in small steps there is success!
What do you love most about having your own business, besides being your own boss? Don’t be afraid to tell people about working in your pajamas … ha!
Actually, I can brag about working in my pajamas all day, every day! Besides not having a boss or alarm clock to stress about, having my own business means freedom. Not only am I able to do what I love, but I get to spend my days with the people I love. The corporate world forced me to spend 80% of my day with miserable people, pretending to be happy. I had only 20% of my day left for my friends and family, who most of the time would get the miserable side of me after a stressful day at work. That wasn’t fair. I had to make changes, and I’m so happy that I did!
What are some of the challenges you face?
The recession is not only affecting the average working class person, but mostly small business owners like myself. I definitely chose a difficult time in our economy to start my own business. But, if I’m going to be working hard at anything then it’s going to be something that I truly love – even if it means a huge pay cut and no health insurance. There is no greater reward than working for yourself.
Honestly—how much time do you spend editing photos?
It really depends on how many images per session or wedding, and how many orders I’ve got all at once. Because I’m such a perfectionist, it can mean four to six hours on one session. Of course, that time gets broken up in days not straight hours or my back and neck would never forgive me. And, I’m older now. Ouch!
What do you do to stay motivated, happy, and maybe even stress-free?
When I feel like I’m becoming a slave to my own work, I take a break from the computer. It can mean avoiding it all for a few days so I can refresh my mind and my eyes. I’ll hang out with my friends and family, reminding myself why I do what I do. Again, being my own boss has allowed me something no other boss can ever give me: Freedom. I can do whatever I want when I want. No rules.
What’s your favorite subject to shoot?
Contrary to popular beliefs, I have no romantic bone in my body. But, I do love to shoot engagements! This is when I have personal time with my couples—chat with them on how they met and who proposed. I like to hear what led them to this point in their lives and what’s in their future together. It gives me the chance to relive my own engagement story and wedding plans by living vicariously through them.
I’m interested in your destination wedding photography. Where have you traveled and what stands out to you most about traveling for your job?
I’ve received inquiries for destination weddings in Egypt and Mexico, although, they fell through I was lucky enough to shoot a wedding in Germany last July. Then, to start the new year I just got back from shooting a wedding in Hawaii! Destination weddings have helped me fulfill two of my favorites things: traveling and photography.
Do you ever take your husband along with you?
It’s awesome when my husband gets to tag along. My husband Romie got to go with me to Hawaii, but he stayed home when I was in Germany for three weeks. It was hard because Europe is full of romantic couples and in all the romantic men I saw my husband. It made me miss him a lot. He absolutely loves to travel just as much as I do. But, we do have someone at home who depends on us, his 82-year-old mom lives with us. She has dementia and too much traveling can be hard on her body. Therefore, Romie stays home and allows me to pursue my dreams. I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding and supportive partner in life and love. I’m a lucky girl.
What do you hope to accomplish in this New Year and where do you see yourself five years down the road?
I didn’t make a list, but made “The List.” It’s my New Year’s resolution that I posted on my blogsite for all to see. But, more importantly, as a cyber-reminder to my own self. This year, I am making it all about traveling and weddings. In fact, I’m flying out in a few days to return to the Philippines and spend a few days in Indonesia because I’ve got a few sessions lined up in Bali. I can’t wait! This is my immediate future, but in five years, I see myself shooting a family session … My own family. My husband holding our son and daughter. A long overdue session. No, I haven’t completely given up on the stork. I hope he finds our doorstep soon.
Please tell us what else you’d like CRAVE readers to know about upcoming events:
I’m a fan of giveaways, I love receiving it and giving it away. I just wrapped my first contest of the year (a free boudoir session), but I do have plans for more contests. So, just stalk my blog and be ready to enter and win!
CRAVE Portland & Adorn Boutique Giveaway
CRAVE Portland and Adorn Boutique is excited to be hosting another wonderful giveaway for our fans and supporters! Adorn is offering two (2) lucky winners, each with an item from its boutique:
- Fluxus ‘Nomad’ Scarf in Oatmeal
- Fluxus Burnout Pocket Tee in White / Large
Adorn Boutique also carries street wear brands for men and women such as Cardboard Robot, WeSC, Obey, Quiksilver, Harajuku Lovers, and more from Fluxus, a line of contemporary and luxurious basics. You can shop in store (223 NE Russell Street, Portland, OR) or online at shopadornonline.com.
Please fill out this form for a chance to win. Winners will be contacted by e-mail. Contest runs 1/19/10-1/31/10.
Leave us a comment!
Interview with Annette Warnick of Swanky Tables!
Annette Warnick is the owner of an adorable boutique event design company in Portland called Swanky Tables that specializes in chic and sassy events! If you’re constantly hosting parties and events for friends and family, Annette understands that you need time and energy to be a wonderful and gracious host—so let the event designing up to Swanky Tables and enjoy your own party. Annette’s portfolio of weddings, birthday parties, holiday parties and others give us a sense of her creativity and attention to detail. We knew that she would be the perfect person to do our CRAVE Holiday Party—and a beautiful job she did! Thanks Annette and we hope to be working with you more often in this New Year!
Annette, you are the founder of an amazing company. Tell us how you began your business.
I was working on my boys 1st birthday party, and was frustrated that I couldn’t find modern party goods and ideas that weren’t commercial and unoriginal. I had previously worked at a Seattle Hotel in Private Dining and Events and had always loved the little creative details that make each event unique and personal. I was lucky enough to turn my passion for event design into a career.
How did you come up with the name Swanky Tables?
I had a shampoo bottle with the definition of “swanky” on it and I wanted a name that people could read and immediately visualize.
People can actually save time and money by hiring an event planner. In what ways is this possible?
An event planner has done the research, made the connections, found the best deals and you can enjoy your party and not worry about the details!
What are your favorite parties to design for?
I love designing parties for life events (weddings, baby showers, anniversaries) and holidays!
Do you travel for event planning and designing?
I have not had the opportunity to do so yet, but would love to!
I love reading your blog. Where are your favorite places to look for content for your blog?
There are so many great blogs out there for inspiration, as well as décor/wedding magazines, and everyday occurrences.
Do you have a mentor or role model?
My mom and my brother also run their own businesses so they are great mentors and role models for me. I also have been amazed at the support and guidance I have received from the wedding and event vendor community in the Portland area.
How do you juggle work and family?
I luckily have a very supportive husband and family, so they all pitch in when I need extra help!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Sharing in the clients’ important moments in their life as well as building long-term relationships with them.
What are some of the challenges of designing an event?
Each event can have some hiccups that you may not expect. It’s good to be prepared and have a back-up plan.
I’m having a few guests over for a Holiday dinner. What are a few simple ways to fancy-up my home for the evening?
Candles and votives—everyone looks better in candlelight. Add a few orchid plants or float single blooms in bowls/vases. Bundles of cinnamon sticks tied with twine at each place setting or cranberries and floating votives also adds to a festive atmosphere.
What were some of your ideas for this past CRAVE Holiday Party?
A modern girly holiday look with a bit of glitz and a fuchsia and red color palette.
Do you have plans for the future of Swanky Tables?
I would like to expand into more innovative designs for weddings and special events that incorporate the personal details in a unique way (ie. snowcone cocktail bars, mini dessert tables, and fancy photo backdrops). I also would like to expand the profile of the Swanky Tables blog as a major resource for event design and décor.
Swanky Tables Website | Twitter
Interview with Jessica Davis of NW Kids Magazine
Jessica Davis is the owner of NW Kids Magazine and nwkids.com, a resource guide for local parents and caregivers to find family-friendly events and kid activities in the Portland, Oregon metro area. Jessica believes that time spent with your kids should also be fun for parents as well. Since taking over the publication in 2007, Jessica has worked to transform NW Kids into a hip, modern parenting guide that’s all about Portland. With a background in media, her career path has taken her from CNN, to Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, Forbes, Inc. and now back in her native hometown with NW Kids.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Portland and I love it here, it’s a wonderful place to live. I have two small kids and I’m the owner of the media magazine publication NW Kids!
When you took over NW Kids in 2007, what were your objectives for the publication and how were you going to achieve them?
When I first took over the magazine there had been little content and hardly any design work in the magazine. This of course, has changed. My ongoing objective is to make NW Kids about parenting lifestyle, but not in the voice of an authority on parenthood. Instead, we look to provide fun, guilt-free information on parenting and activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Who is your ideal audience?
Parents and caregivers who look to find activities that are engaging for everyone in the family. Parents don’t have to be “martyrs” and do things just for the kids—they can also enjoy themselves while spending time with their little ones.
In your past career as a newsroom journalist for CNN, what was it like covering assassinations, bombings, airplane crashes, politics … and then switching over to a family-friendly publication?
My time at CNN was very high energy and high stress, there were a lot of unexpected things that were thrown at you and you’d have to cover it whenever it occurred. I was able to do it then, but I knew I couldn’t live with that news cycle forever while raising a family. With NW Kids, it is still high energy and I put in a lot of hours, but at least I know what to expect most of the time.
What were you able to take from your experiences working for such large media establishments and was able to apply to your current position?
At Forbes, everyone is really creative and there are a lot of reknown artists and designers who create amazing work. Knowing ways design can be used and working with designers are things I took from Forbes and have been useful in my work now.
If there’s one thing that would make NW Kids better, what would it be?
I see potential in web and the site’s navigation that will allow for more ways to engage our readers.
Where do you see NW kids 10 years from now?
We’ll always have new readers because there will always be new moms and new babies. But kids get older and we also want to grow with them, so we’d like to reach out to a broader range of readers. I want NW Kids to be the go-to resource for all parents at all stages of their child’s growth.
Can you share with us any memories of how you spent your childhood?
I grew up in Portland going to OMSI, the Oregon Zoo, local theaters, and reading a lot. These are all the things I’ve been able to share with my own children now. I remember Beverly Cleary, the author of the Ramona books that I read growing up. It was so exciting knowing she’s from Oregon and reading her books and having my kids read her works too.
What are your favorite activities and ways to spend time with your family?
We do a lot—we go to bouncy play houses if the kids need to release some energy, we spend time at community indoor swimming pools (great during the winter), we attend concerts together … there’s always so much to do!
What skills or traits do you feel are necessary to manage your own business?
Soft skills are very important if you have others working for you. I also believe that it’s important to know your limitations and know what your core competencies are—make sure you only bite off what you can handle.
How many copies of NW kids are distributed every month?
We distribute approximately 16-20,000 copies every month in Portland and five different counties. It is also offered online and available for download. We receive 4-5,000 views online per monthly issue.
We’re excited to have you as a premier sponsor for our Holiday Cravings shopping party on December 9th. Do you have any thoughts on the upcoming event?
CRAVE parties are one of my favorite events. It’s not just shopping, but shopping locally and supporting local brands and cute shops. And they always evoke such a fun and vibrant atmosphere!
Interview with Kami Gray, wardrobe stylist and author of The Denim Diet
Wardrobe stylist Kami Gray has worked on the set of TV medical drama House and teen mystery Veronica Mars. She’s also styled commercials for Toyota, Nickelodeon, and Blazers amongst others. In the past two years, Kami has taken on a new role, a role she is still getting used to! She’s the author of a best selling book, The Denim Diet. Spending 22 years developing healthy eating habits and being able to fit into her favorite jeans, Kami shares with readers a no-nonsense, lighthearted guide to achieve the same goals without counting carbs, hours of cardio, or restrictions from eating.
Continue reading our interview with Kami Gray while she shares with us her current projects, her thoughts on female empowerment and body image.
Can you name all of your professional roles?
TV wardrobe stylist, author, image consultant for professional women, and blogger.
What projects are you currently working on right now?
I’m working on my 2nd book, which is targeted for kids. It’s written in the tone of a mother or aunt talking to kids about health and nutrition. It’s very sincere and comforting. I am also promoting The Denim Diet right now, doing book tours and signings.
Tell us about The Denim Diet: Sixteen Simple Habits to Get You into Your Dream Pair Jeans?
It’s not really a book about dieting or restricting oneself from eating for any period of time. I mean, what happens after that 6 weeks or 6 months is up? Dieting causes a yo-yo affect where people lose and then regain because they’re not completely changing habits, they’re just restricting themselves for a short period of time. The Denim Diet helps readers assess their lifestyle, gives them the tools to change bad habits, and provides food alternatives and nutrition guidelines to avoid fat storage.
At age nineteen, your jeans were six sizes larger than they are today. What inspired you to write this book and share it with others?
In college I was heavy and it was a very difficult time for me. I poured myself into reading about health and diet, trying to understand it and trying to help myself. Two years ago in January I was traveling and was in Texas—with nothing healthy to eat. I was so frustrated and hungry I spent 5 days writing in a journal I’d used for decoration … and that’s how The Denim Diet came to be. I didn’t spend months or years writing this book. With a fresh voice, both humorous and candid, it had a lot of potential and was published soon after. Since then, it’s been on both Amazon and Powell’s Best Sellers list. This whole thing just seemed like it was supposed to happen, so I took it and ran with it.
How does your diet differ from others out there on the market?
It’s not so much a diet, rather a set of guidelines and tips for healthier eating and better habits, such as using alternative ingredients in cooking. I’m not telling anyone to exercise, count carbs, or take pills. And it’s written from a regular person’s perspective, like one girlfriend to another, not an authority or well, husband or boyfriend telling you to lose weight.
What’s a current trend that you like?
Women helping women. I’ve noticed a great deal of support amongst women lately, especially business owners. There’s no catty competition or women against each other, it’s just women helping women and empowering one another to succeed and do well.
What are your thoughts on blogging and social media?
I spend about 3 to 4 hours a day primarily on Twitter, my blog, and LinkedIn to connect and communicate with followers or fans. It’s of huge importance in my business, and I do notice a difference when I’m not on it updating regularly.
Any guidance for female entrepreneurs?
GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY. Anything is possible, so just go out there and do it. Don’t give yourself such a hard time and hinder yourself from finding success.
Any words of wisdom for women and body image?
You just have one body, see it as a huge blessing. It’s your vehicle so take good care of it. Don’t look at others and wish to look like them or be more like them. Appreciate the body you’ve been given and work towards the best “ME” I can be.
Interview with Katy Kippen of Grayling Jewelry
Formerly as the manager and buyer of the first official denim bars in Portland, she left the business to finally pursue her own passion. Emerging jewelry designer Katy Kippen of Grayling Jewelry talked to us over an intimidate sushi dinner in Northwest. We got the opportunity to look at samples of her collection and even received adorable gifts of our own! One thing’s for sure, Katy’s got an eye for design and knows what her customers’ wants and needs are. Not only that, years in retail has helped her get a sense of what businesses are looking for also when buying a line. We wish Katy success with her business and are happy she’ll be a part of our Holiday Cravings shopping party!
Katy—what is something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A lot of people didn’t know I made jewelry! I’ve been doing it since I was 15 and have been trained and have taken independent studies in metalsmithing. I spent a long time investing in someone’s business, and finally realized it was the time to pursue my passion and take it to the next level.
Can you share with us some of your current projects?
My main project right now is my bridal and bridesmaid jewelry collection, set to launch in early spring. It’s hard to find jewelry proper for brides and bridesmaids. I take part in consulting and designing the perfect piece for their special day.
Also, I am working to build a shopping cart on my website!
What are your plans for Grayling presently? Where do you want to see it in the next year?
I’m shooting for 10 wholesale accounts. Right now, I have six solid ones. But I’m not just pushing a number, rather work for relationship driven accounts with my buyers.
How do you go about finding inspiration?
I find inspiration in unusual places. When I was naming my line, I was looking through paleontology books! My family is also a huge inspiration to me. My grandfather was a stonecutter and he and my grandmother were collectors of very odd and curious items. My father loves history, especially the Civil War era and carves very elaborate and beautiful gunstocks. My mother is a musician and also a painter. She has a positive and uplifting attitude and persona. Growing up in an artistic family has definitely contributed a huge part to my own creativity. I also have a very vivid long-term memory of spending my childhood overseas and traveling because my father was in the Air Force. Like I said, I’ve found inspiration in all sorts of strange and unusual places.
Tell us a little bit about your studio workspace.
I share my studio with John, a 67 year-old gold and platinum smith who is easy going and smart. I actually found him when I was looking to design my wedding ring. It’s a great space with rolling mills and machinery, different ring sizers, custom presses and anvils, as well as standard casting equipment for gold and higher carat metal. It’s difficult to use the machinery sometimes because I primarily work with sterling silver and brass, but whatever I need, it’s available to me at this studio.
Who would you love to see wearing your jewelry?
Seeing my mom put on my jewelry are some of the best moments in my life—she gets super excited and happy. I would love to see brides in my jewelry too. Also, Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family.
Who are some of your favorite Portland designers or boutiques?
Una, Hazel Cox, and Halo Shoes. We’re very lucky in Portland to have all these great boutiques and designers.
How do you feel about the local fashion community in Portland?
There are some major personalities driving different things in the Portland fashion community. Independent designers hold fashion events their own unconventional way. They’re definitely more leader and less follower. That’s what makes Portland cool. I don’t think it’s necessarily a good idea for everyone to come together, but rather about celebrating individuality and to help each other out, forming a sense of community instead.
What is your professional background?
Marketing management and lots of years of retail! I also work as a marketing consultant by helping develop marketing strategies for start-ups and small businesses.
What experiences did you take from retail at Nolita that has benefited you in your work now?
Now that I’m on the wholesale side, I know what the key points are when buyers are looking to buy a jewelry line. Doesn’t mean I’m doing all of it yet, but I try to meet those needs. Knowing what they’re going through takes a lot of guesswork out.
What are the advantages of being your own boss?
My laundry is more under control. I’m still working as much as I was before, if not more, but I’m putting my efforts towards a dynamic cause instead of a static cause. I wanted to try something new and that’s the most exciting thing.
What challenges do you face introducing an exclusive jewelry collection into the market and how do you handle those challenges?
I am quick to disassemble and move on, or scratch an idea that doesn’t seem to work. Good thing I come up with many more new ideas all the time! I realize that if the style isn’t booking, I didn’t have to pay someone to make a sample because I made it myself. There are challenges but I’m dealing with them the best that I can. Jewelry is a lot different than clothing. It’s not as seasonal as clothing but just as trend driven. I try to stay on top of that and address the needs of different customers by keeping an assortment of lines while trying not to saturate and get too diverse.
Where can we find your jewelry in Portland?
I’ve created a capsule line for Relish, an 11-piece collection just for that boutique because we’ve established a great relationship together since the beginning. Pin Me Apparel, Lille Boutique, SOLE (they have the biggest assortment of the Glamrock collection), PDX Boutique, and Parts & Labour will have things for the holiday.
Any last words, Katy?
I’m excited to be part of the Holiday Cravings party! One thing I miss about being in retail is the interaction with customers and knowing who buys your products. It’ll be nice to have face-to-face interaction with customers at the CRAVE holiday shopping party.
Also, Portland is a great place to live and do business—it takes putting your money where your mouth is. But the beautiful thing is that Portland feels like a community, so use that for all its worth.
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Interview with Betsy Cross of Betsy & Iya Jewelry
You don’t have to buy a new outfit to look and feel brand new. Each piece from jewelry line Betsy & Iya is guaranteed to turn your everyday uniform into something sassy and stylish without breaking the bank. With collections varying from bright neons, vintage metals, to chain links and random found objects, designer Betsy Cross turns old into new and does eco-friendly in style. We join Betsy at her cozy NW studio and storefront for an interview as fun and inspiring as she is—“a person who loves everything.”
Your jewelry is 100% handmade. Do you make them all yourself? Any helpers?
I’m currently the sole designer and I make all pieces myself. I do have assistants who are quite helpful in various aspects of the business. Sometimes I’m designing so much that my fingers become swollen! Maybe one day in the future I’ll relinquish some aspects of designing to my employees, but until then, I’m happy to be designing and creating all the pieces myself.
How many pieces do you think you’ve designed so far?
Approximately 300 individual designs and I can’t stop!
What’s your most popular collection? What are your price points?
That’s the Metal Vintage line, but I’m very blessed to have all my pieces from all the different lines be consistently bought by customers. The price points are all very reasonable. Earrings start at $19 and necklaces $39. I do have unique designs from my Peruvian Opal line with necklaces that are up to $300. The opals are bought from a fair-trade source and are of the highest quality.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
Of course I love working with metals, but besides that I love to use vintage chains and parts. Also, unexpected objects (door numbers, shower curtain rings, etc.) are a favorite to work with—I like to figure out original ways to use them. This Saturday I’m showcasing my “Old Turns New” collection at the Junk to Funk fashion show at the Crystal Ballroom. It’s a great production, I recommend checking it out!
Do you have a design process or way to find inspiration?
I try not to draw inspiration from works of other jewelry designers, and it’s hard because there are so many out there. I feel it taints my vision for what I truly want in my own line. But often I will look through magazines to find new colors and textures that are inspiring.
Where and how do you find your vintage pieces?
I’m on the lookout all the time for pieces that could be incorporated into my jewelry line. I find them mainly at thrift stores and the like.
You’re currently selling your jewelry at various boutiques and on Etsy. Do you plan on having a shopping cart through your website in the future?
Yes, I do. This way I can have more styles to offer to my customers at any given time.
What’s the best part about having your own business?
The best part of owning a business is also sometimes the worst. It’s being on my own schedule, and that can be both awesome and difficult. You have to discipline yourself to work, and at the same time discipline yourself to STOP working or overworking. It’s about finding a balance!
How do you feel about receiving feedback from others?
It’s very important to listen to feedback. Take in the valuable stuff, the things you can work with, and leave out the destructive and negative feedback.
Can you describe your style?
I consider my style to be timeless, which means I don’t follow trends by any means. Sometimes, I even consider stepping on “almost ugly” boundaries or finding potential in unusual pieces and making them wearable! I also love mixing the old with the new.
Any advice to aspiring business owners and designers?
Fearlessness—a trait I would recommend for anyone wanting to start their own business. Believe in who you are and just go out there and do it. When I first started, nothing told me that people were going to like my designs, I just had to take that chance and figure it out for myself. And in tough times, keep things fresh. Keep on producing and doing what you do. It’s easy to get into a rut, but you must stay positive and be productive.
How do you find time for activities outside of work?
It’s very hard. Currently I’m in a group and we’re creating a playwright, which will showcase at the Fertile Ground Festival in January. I have rehearsal three nights a week and it’s a lot of work and energy. I guess you just have to make time and make it happen!
What has been a surprise for you as a creative entrepreneur?
I never expected my business to go as fast as it’s gone. I’ve done really well in the past two years since starting my business, and I look back at all the jewelry I’ve made, all the cities I’ve been to, all the shows I’ve done, and think, “How did that all happen?” All the bits and pieces, even the miniscule things that we don’t think matter … all the time and resources I’ve invested into the business has accumulated into something major! And of course it takes time, but when I look back I’m caught by surprise at how much I’ve been able to accomplish in those few years.
CRAVE Portland & American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”
CRAVE Portland is proud to announce that American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” is the charity we’ve chosen to benefit at our December 9th Holiday Cravings Shopping Party! We spoke to Gretchen Rosenberger and Amy Theberge from the American Cancer Society last week and are happy to have them and their organization as part of our holiday festivities!
MSABC is the premier campaign to help fundraise dollars for breast cancer research and to fund grants for awareness programs among other things. Although “fundraising isn’t all we do, all we do depends on it.” This is your opportunity to join your community to educate women, raise money to fund lifesaving research, and to celebrate breast cancer survivors. “At these events, breast cancer survivors are like celebrities on the red carpet at the Oscars,” states Amy, a community relationship manager at ACS. Last year there were more than 4,000 walkers who raised $170,000 for the charity. We encourage everyone to join the campaign and walk on May 1, 2010, create a team, and donate.
In 2009, it’s estimated that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women. Of that, there will be 40,170 deaths. The chances of women being diagnosed with breast cancer is 1 in 8 (12.1%). With this daunting statistic, we asked Gretchen and Amy several questions about how women can lower their risks of getting breast cancer, and if it is detected, what resources are available for them to get support.
What are some preventative health strategies to reduce known risk factors?
At least 60 minutes of exercise a day, a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with vitamins and nutrients, limit alcohol consumption, and definitely smoking. Smoking increases your risk not only for breast cancer but all other types of cancers.
How can one’s lifestyle affect their chances of getting breast cancer?
Although age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer, it’s important to be aware of breast cancer early on in the teen years and to learn how to develop a healthy lifestyle. You can’t change your lifestyle overnight when you reach 40 and start taking preventative measures against breast cancer. By then, it may be too late.
How can breast cancer be detected early?
First, understand that a person should not fully rely on self-examinations alone. Although you may know your body well, physicians may have a better understand of knowing what to look for. We recommend getting screenings yearly and begin getting mammograms when a woman reaches 40.
Where can someone go for patient information and support?
We have MANY outreach groups, of them, our patient services is the most visible. Help and information is available around the clock by calling ACS at 1-800-227-2345. There’s also Look Good .. Feel Better, Reach for Recovery, YourShoes, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can check out Cancer.org for additional resources.
The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) primary goals are to celebrate cancer survivors, raise awareness about early detection and prevention, and help put an end to the disease through research and development–to find cures. ACS is one of the best known and most respected health charities and has fundraised more than $3.4 billion dollars since 1946, making them the “largest contributor to cancer research behind the U.S. government.” They also invest more in breast cancer research than any other cancer type, and “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” is the campaign founded for this cause.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CRAVE PORTLAND MSABC TEAM OR TO DONATE!
There will also be opportunities for you to get involved with MSABC at our Holiday Cravings party on December 9th. For more photos and information, click here.
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