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

Interview with Entrepreness Sandra Colton, multi-talented artist making her mark in the Northwest.

August 27, 2010 by Tina | Comments (0)

An artist, dancer, singer, publisher, author and more – this woman does it all! Sandra Colton, native of Las Vegas and current resident of Portland is a former Laker girl, finalist on the FOX show So You Think You Can Dance?, former backup dancer for Rihanna, author of Book Me!, founder and member of more companies and organizations than we can count on one hand. Did we mention she’s down-to-earth and very personable as well? Read our interview with Sandra as she talks about her multi-faceted career and about her upcoming projects to connect dancers all over Oregon.

Hey Sandra! So great to see you again! I first met you at our CRAVE business chat, Local Inspiration a few months back. What have you been up to since then?
Hey! Since then, I’ve been busy teaching and putting together Dance Track Magazine, a magazine that will debut later this fall! I just finished teaching the Thunderbird Dance Camp where kids from Alaska, Washington and Oregon attended and were taught dance skills and routines. I’ve also been teaching dance four times a week here at a local studio.

You published a magazine in 2008 called Original Girl, which highlights lifestyle, fashion and music tips for young women. What will make Dance Track different from Original Girl?
Dance Track Magazine will be more focused on the commercial dance scene and the career paths dancers can take that is influenced by dance. For example, I interviewed a dancer who became a photographer because she began assisting the photographer on set. I also interviewed a dancer that became a hair stylist because he was so great at styling hair for his friends. Dancers are so creative in many ways, and I want to encourage dancers to try on other hats and apply their creative skills in other ways. There are many opportunities for dancers to be successful and I want them to take advantage of that.

Would you say Dance Track in a way is a reflection of your career? You’re a professional dancer who has toured with Rihanna, danced for the Lakers, writing your book, Book Me!, publishing a magazine, teaching and the list continues…
Dancing has always provided a strong career foundation for me as well as open up amazing opportunities along the way. Each project has led me to another, and each dancer has such a unique story that I want to showcase in this magazine. My end goal is to inspire others to go out there and do what they want to do. Also to take advantage of every opportunity that is given to you to see where the road takes you. My background had also inspired the foundation for my book, where I discuss how to become a successful professional dancer in Hollywood.

Speaking of your background, can you tell me about where you came from and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Des Moines, Iowa and was raised in Las Vegas. My sister and I were dancers and we were on Star Search when I was 12-years-old. We won that season and that was one of my favorite moments of my career because it was my first exposure to the spotlight. Throughout high school, I was a cheerleader and was very involved with student council, and other activities as well. My sister and I would perform at hotels in Vegas as opening acts as well. I was very involved and active in my school and community, which carried on to my college career as well. I went to the University of Oregon in Eugene and made it on the cheerleading team there. That was such a great experience! I majored in Sociology and minored in Journalism instead of the arts because I wanted to try something different and challenge myself.

After college, I moved back to Vegas and landed a job in the XFL, an offseason football league founded by Vince McMahon. Here I was the Communications Coordinator where I had the opportunity to see what it was like on the other side of the business. I would coordinate events, and plan game time events and promotions to get the audience engaged. It was fun and fulfilling to learn the business aspect of what the cheerleaders, dancers, and players were doing rather than being the one performing.

After Vegas, I temporarily moved to New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle before I moved here to Portland. I lived in New York for a few months before I realized that New York wasn’t the place for me. In Los Angeles, I focused on dancing for the Lakers for one season and didn’t take advantage of networking as much as I would have liked to. Seattle was appealing to me because I love the atmosphere of the northwest. In Seattle is where I started Original Girl Magazine and heard about the show, “So You Think You Can Dance?” where I auditioned and became a finalist. From the show, I was blessed with the opportunity to tour with Rihanna among other gigs, which inspired me to write my book and led me to Portland today.

When I first met you at our CRAVE Biz Chat, you mentioned you wanted to get all of the Oregon dancers in one central location to get them networking and collaborating. Currently, Oregon dancers are scattered all over and don’t have as strong of a presence as they could. What are your ideas for changing that?
I created Oregon Dance Network to bring all of the Oregon dancers together and connect them with each other, job opportunities, and dance studios/companies around the state. Eventually I want to open a studio where all dancers are welcome to come learn, practice, and meet in a central location here in Portland. Right now, most of the dance studios are independent and I’m encouraging them to collaborate one another to get the Portland dance scene out there and exposed. I would love to plan events to get EVERYONE in Portland dancing, such as bikers or families for instance so that we ALL can have fun, whether you’re a pro dancer or not.

You have such an inspiring career, where you make your mark and in return help others do the same! As a busy entrepreness, what inspires you to keep going? What has helped you be successful?
Well, I don’t sleep! (Laughs) My boyfriend is forcing me to sleep now so that is eventually getting done. I think for me I have a drive that constantly keeps me going, keeps me fueled to work and try out new ideas. I have so many ideas in my head that my body can’t keep up with me at times. I’m constantly brainstorming and executing these ideas. It’s rewarding to see the final results and that inspires as well. The difference between people who make it and don’t is that those who make it take action while others don’t. If you have an idea you want to happen, try out for American Idol, or land that dream job, the least you have to do is try! Like I always say, “Make your mark, don’t just stand on it!”

www.sandracolton.com
http://twitter.com/sandracolton
http://www.dancetrackmagazine.com/
http://oregondancenetwork.com/

Giveaway: Hi, Friend. Customized Stationery Gift Sets

August 20, 2010 by Cecilia D. | Comments (1)

We hope that the only time you use any type of standard white envelope is for mailing off “documents.” For important snail mail duties such as sending a birthday note to a good gal pal or word of thanks to a new business connection, there are so many unique and customizable options available that reflect the sassy and sophisticated entrepreness that you are. Hi, Friend. a printed goods and gifts company based in Portland, Oregon offers adorable stationary with patterns and prints with three types of friends in mind: Modern “Liv”, Vintage “Lila”, and Classic “Bree.” Click here to find out which girl you are!

We all know that hundreds of e-mails arrive in our inboxes daily, so when a special message arrives via traditional or “old school” mail it actually means quite a lot. Here’s your chance to win one of two (although you can enter both contests!) stationery gift sets from our pals over at Hi, Friend.

You have the opportunity to win a MODERN or VINTAGE gift set! See below for collage and description.

HOW TO WIN ON FACBEOOK:

1. “Like” Hi, Friend. and CRAVE Portland on Facebook.
2. Visit CRAVE Portland’s facebook page and answer this question: If you win a stationery package from Hi, Friend. who will be the first person that you send a message to?

HOW TO WIN ON TWITTER:

1. Follow Hi, Friend. and CRAVE Portland on Twitter.
2. Tweet an answer to this question: If you win a stationery package from Hi, Friend. who will be the first person that you send a card or message to?
Be sure to @reply both @hifrienddesign & @craveportland to be qualified to win!

One winner will be chosen from each social media site on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd.

Get two chances to win by entering on both sites! We will check to make sure you’ve “liked” or “followed” both CRAVE Portland and Hi Friend!

MODERN
Anytime Stationary: Full set of Silhouette Cards (11)
Custom Stationary: CRAVE set
Set of (3) Cheeky Wine Bags
Modern Notepad (1)

VINTAGE
Anytime Stationary: Fig Cards (5)
Happy Birthday: Sound The Trumpets Cards (5)
Thank You Stationary: Merci Cards (5)
Custom Stationary: A set of of your choice
Set of (3) Getting Around Wine Bags
Vintage Notepad (1)

Go Green for Less Green: Create a Healthier Living Environment in 5 Easy Steps

August 18, 2010 by Tina | Comments (0)

Did you know that you spend about 80% of your time indoors? Here in Portland, it’s important that busy entrepreprenesses are armed with the best technology, resources, beauty products, and now sustainable interior design! Sustainable interior design is more than just a trend. It refers to products and habits that foster a healthy environment such as having products that don’t emit harmful chemicals, practicing eco-friendly production methods, and supporting local businesses. If you thought sustainable living wasn’t within your budget range, think again! Read on to find out how you can create a healthier living environment in five easy steps!

1. Eliminate Clutter.
Remove materials that emit harmful gases or chemicals. Removing clutter drastically improves indoor air quality and well being in general. Taming what goes into our home, and recycling what you can helps us save money, time, stress while preventing less junk from going into the landfill.

2. Add Plants.
Plants are very affordable and beneficial in creating a healthy living space! Plants naturally eases stress and promotes relaxation. They can also be a great way to liven up a living space as they naturally clean the air and help improve overall health. Did we mention they’re beautiful as well?

3. Adjust Lighting.
The amount of lighting in a living space can directly affect your mood. Lighting can stimulate action, increase energy, promote relaxation, and encourage intimacy. Open your windows to let some natural light in, and use it as a natural source of illumination if you can. Natural lighting makes for a more attractive entrepreness as well!

4. Save Water.
Are you turning off your water while you brush your teeth? Washing a full load in the dishwasher and laundry instead of a small one? Can you take a shower in ten minutes or less? All of these small changes heavily impact our environment and your water bill over time. Water scarcity is an issue in many countries all over the world, and safe water is a limited resource that we must take care of.

5. Consider Remodeling.
After taking the baby steps to help create a healthier living environment, you may be ready to consider remodeling your home to make it more sustainable. During this step, you may consider updating the color in your home with no or low-VOC paints (ecofriendly paints). Purchasing local furniture or products from artisans in your area is a great alternative from importing overseas. Choosing local helps support your community and help thrive business in your area. We love our local businesses!

To find out more about sustainable interior design, visit these local resources!

Relish Design
1715 NW Lovejoy St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-3779

The Joinery
4804 SE Woodstock Boulevard
Portland, OR 97206
(503) 788-8547

Hunt & Gather
1302 NW Hoyt St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-3400

Ecohaus
819 SE Taylor St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 222-3881

MetroPaint
4825 N Basin Ave
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 234-3000

Suffering from Skin Damage this Summer? Fight it with these Foods!

August 16, 2010 by Jenny P. | Comments (0)

We all want beautiful skin, especially during the “skin showing” months of summer. So how do we get it without spending a fortune at the Clinique counter? By eating antioxidant rich foods, that’s how. Your skin, just like every other organ in your body, needs antioxidant laden foods to keep it healthy and toxin free. Here are some of the most important foods to eat for beautiful skin. Try to get these delicious foods into your diet as often as possible and I promise you will love the results.

Foods for beautiful skin:

Sunflower seeds, Swiss chard, and almonds- What do they all have in common? Vitamin E! Vitamin E works to protect skin from ultra violet rays and rejuvenate the cells. SautĂŠ swiss chard with garlic and olive oil and top with a mix of toasted almonds and sunflower seeds. Vitamin E never tasted so good!

Cauliflower, walnuts, and cabbage- Did you think wild salmon was the only place to get Omega 3 fatty acids? Well get excited because they are in vegetables too! Omega 3’s are essential in creating beautiful skin for they help maintain cell membranes. It is these membranes that act as barriers for the body, letting water and nutrients in, and keeping toxins out. Make an easy cabbage slaw topped with walnuts then steam cauliflower and serve with a lemon tahini sauce (also packed with Vitamin C). After these two dishes, your skin will be good to go!

Carrots, Kale, and Apricots- Not only are these foods quick and easy to get your hands on, they also serve up a giant does of Vitamin A (aka Beta Carotene). Vitamin A is involved in the repair and growth of body tissues, which is particularly beneficial when dealing with sun damaged skin. Stir-fry carrots and kale with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a great side dish. For the apricots, try throwing them on the grill for a great summer dessert!

Bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries- Loaded with more vitamin C than an orange, these foods work to create collagen in the skin and protect your lovely epidermis from oxidative stress. Best ways to eat them? Grill the peppers and broccoli or eat them raw with hummus. As for strawberries, just pop them in your mouth (or put them in a crisp).

Shitake mushrooms, cod and shrimp- Mushrooms (both shittake and crimini), cod, and shrimp are chock full of selenium, a potent nutrient that promotes skin elasticity and quality. Broil cod with a fresh tomatoes and basil. For the shrimp and mushrooms, toss them into an easy Thai curry. So good!

*This post was written by Jamie Dougherty for the Please feel free to contact Jamie with questions or to share your health, wellness and foodie stories. Email: jamiegd@jamieliving.com Facebook: JAMIE LIVING Twitter:JAMIE LIVING

Interview with Entrepreness Sandy Varzarschi of Silkwood Boutique

August 13, 2010 by Mai T. | Comments (1)

Interview by Ashley Kronick, CRAVE Portland

Sandy Varzarschi came to the U.S. from Kazakhstan in 1994. Just a few months ago she was a soon to be mom with a landscaping business, who enjoyed making scarves and baby clothes as a hobby. When she saw that a local Lake Oswego gallery was for sale, she jumped at the chance for a huge career change, and just four weeks later opened her very own boutique. Silkwood is a fabulous and inviting store that truly has something for everyone. Whether you are shopping for a youngster, a casual lunch, or a night out on the town, you will find what you are looking for at this modern and stylish shop. With clothes from across the country and brought in from Europe, Silkwood has a ton of fabulous merchandise to offer shoppers.

You opened just over two months ago. What made you decide this is what you wanted to do and have you always done something like this professionally?
What I did was totally different. I was outdoors working rain or shine, (in Oregon it was more rain than shine), doing landscaping. I love the outdoors, I love nature, I love plants, and I love the creative aspects of creating beautiful designs around a house. I was doing that for 7 years. Then when I got pregnant, I couldn’t jump off the truck anymore. So, that’s when I was looking for something else to do, because I had to do something. I started making little clothes for what I thought was a little girl, Vivienne. Then of course little Vince came along and I had all of these clothes, which I had of course gotten carried away with and had too much of.

Eventually, I went to LA in March with my samples to promote my line. It’s fun to talk about. I actually stashed my samples in the back of my car and went shopping! I spent tons of money before I had the store! I came home with a car full of clothes and list of orders before I had the shop! It was very exciting. I bet people thought it was crazy. But, I got onto my landlord saying I need this place, you can’t lease it to anyone else, I got to have it, and I have to have it by May. So, April 15th I signed the lease, then May 15th we opened.

What would you say inspires you most and keeps you motivated in this business?
You know what, it’s the feedback that I get from people. When I get that feedback 10-20 times a day, oh my god, I get so pumped, I get so motivated. When people call me and say I wore one of your pieces last night for a big meeting, and everyone loved it, and I felt great in it. That’s what it is.

I also have support. Neighbors from the business around here are great support. They want to see me succeed because we all represent the community.

Running a boutique like this is a lot of work and long hours, but when you do have free time, how do you spend it?
Oh as much time as I can spend with my baby is so important. I actually tried to bring him to the store. Not a good idea! He just started walking and puts everything in his mouth. Any minute I get I run home and grab him. We either stay home and play or go to the park.

What do you do when you get time to de-stress and relax? Do you have an indulgence during these times?
Going to a great restaurant and not worrying about washing dishes and cleaning up.
There’s not much time relax. In the back of my head, there is always the store. Somebody said “to avoid working from 9-5 you open your own business and end up working 24 hours a day” and that’s true. It takes everything. You always think of something; something to add and something to change. It’s actually not a stressful business for me though. It’s something that I just found out I can do.

Knowing everything you know now, is there anything that you would do differently? Any advice you could give new business owners?
Have a passion for it, and a good location with the right customers is really important. I can’t think of anything that I regret. There might be a few minor things I would change, but this is my second or third business so I try to be really careful and stick to what works in order to succeed.

What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?
Having no boss!

I know you attended the Up in the Air fashion show that we hosted recently with Mabel and Zora and Popina Swimwear. Is it important in your business to stay connected to the community in that way?
Oh yes and I would have even loved the opportunity to actually participate. Great boutiques took part in it and I wanted to be a part of it. In my head, while all the girls were coming out, I was dressing them in my clothes. It was a lot of fun.

You stress that you are environmentally conscious in terms of the products you sell. Why is this important to you?
If we could all do even a little bit, every one of us, a little bit to help clean up the mess that we’ve left, it’s really important. It’s also really good for your body. It’s good for your body to wear something that wasn’t made with chemicals. Especially for babies, it’s so important because their skin is so sensitive. All of my kid’s clothes here are organic.

You make an effort to bring in new and emerging local designers. Why was this something you felt was important to do with Silkwood?
It’s all about community. Obviously they have to offer something, not just be mainstream. Whether it’s a fabric, an idea, or style, but it’s really important to support the community.

What would you say your most popular line is? Is this also your favorite?
My French line because of the uniqueness. People want to look unique. They want to have something special on, not something that just covers your body, but something that makes a statement. I have a favorite in every line.

Finally, what comes next for Silkwood?
I have great plans. I’ve already had people coming to shop here from Seattle. Maybe I’ll take it to Seattle one day when it’s established. We’ll see how it goes.

Outfit Your Wardrobe with these CRAVE-Worthy Fall Trends

August 12, 2010 by Kelly | Comments (0)

While the leaves are not yet falling, fall fashion is already calling! Here are the top 5 trends we are CRAVING to outfit our wardrobes in this season.

Neutral Outerwear
Talk about fashion and function, the neutral colored coat is all over the fall fashion scene this season! So whether you opt for a trench or a tunic, this look is great for the cool temperatures that come along with the shifting seasons, plus, it goes well with nearly every color! Pair it with jeans for a daytime look, or rock it with a nice dress for a more formal evening on the town. Probably the most versatile trend of the time, this piece of outerwear is well worth the investment. Visit Parallel Boutique for your own neutral piece.

Military Inspired Accents
Bold Buttons, chunky hardware and structured sleeves are all the rage for this pending season. These funky accents put a great twist on many of the timeless fall fashions. Mix and match military accents with softer and more romantic pieces for an edgy urban look. March on over to Narcisse 1015 SW Washington Street to find your own military-inspired piece.

Fur
Whether you opt for faux or the real deal, fur is the latest and greatest this season. Feeling bold? Try this look out as a vest. Want something a little more subdued? Add subtle hints of this look by piling on a scarf or a coat with fur accents. Either way, you will stay warm and fashion-forward. Find a furry addition for your wardrobe at Mink Boutique, located on 3418 SE Hawthorne.

Boots with Hardware
This season’s footwear is all about trading high-highs, for low-lows, which is great for the trendiest on-the-go Portland chick. You can look fashionable, without risking injury, in this season’s clunky boots. Think you’re ready to step into a pair of your own? Then visit Halo Shoes on 1425 NE Broadway Street.

Patterned Tights
A great way to lengthen the life of your summer wardrobe is to mix your looks with some cooler weather accessories. You can still work your favorite pair of shorts and even a trendy dress by pairing them with a pair of tights. You can personalize this trend by dressing for your taste. Whether you like a classic monotone, a vibrant color or a unique pattern this trend is easy to make your own, not to mention affordable! Step into Lille Boutique on 1007 E Burnside to find some of the sassier options of the season.

CRAVE-Worthy Summer Cocktails

August 4, 2010 by Kelly | Comments (0)

Whether you like them shaken, stirred, or blended there is no better way to cool off and chill out, than with a delectable drink in hand. So, embrace the fruits of the season and join us as we sip our way through the most CRAVE-worthy summer cocktails of the season!

Sangria
It’s finally that time of year when Portland produce is in full swing with fresh berries and fruits galore! So head to your local farmers market and pick up a few of the juiciest varieties. Pop a few in your mouth on your walk home, and throw the rest in a blend with wine as a choice dinner party beverage. Don’t feel like making this one yourself? Then check out Pambiche on NE Glisan for a great rendition of this sweet and savory beverage.

Margarita
A classic has never tasted better (or more refreshing) than when accompanied by the hot afternoon sun. So whether you sip this sweet and sour beverage while enjoying some chips and salsa alfresco or alongside your best girlfriends there’s a reason to keep this seasoned cocktail in mind. Try the time-tested blend, or a local variation at Oba Restauraunte located at 555 NW 12th Avenue.

Watermelon Vodka Slush
This watermelon drink is both the perfect summer treat and a refreshing cocktail option. A combination of fresh watermelon, melon liquor, simple syrup, Vodka and lemon juice this saucy drink packs a punch. Visit Saucebox on 214 SW Broadway for their version.

Mimosa
The perfect way to start your day, blend the last of your celebratory champagne bubbly with some fresh squeezed orange juice for a morning dose of delight. Pair it with a croissant and some of your favorite seasonal fruits for an ideal lazy summer morning treat. Head over to the Sapphire Hotel for bottomless mimosas, or try their ‘Allota Mimosa’ a Saturday and Sunday special, offered from 9 a.m. -2 p.m.

Bikini Martini
A savory blend of coconut rum, vodka, pineapple juice and a dash of grenadine, this summer sip is perfect for this season and not only for it’s namesake. This martini is equally satisfying whether enjoyed poolside or star side. Visit the Doug Fir Lounge on Burnside and ask them to whip you up this concoction!

Girls Retweet

August 3, 2010 by Lynn Edwards | Comments (1)

In this crazy wired-world, we all need to get away, unplug, recharge but man it’s tough to make that happen! Good thing we have those friends that make us make it a priority, they do all the planning and we just have to show up (easier said than done). Getting ready to get away is so much work, but when you get there…it’s way worth it!

I was lucky enough to be invited to a girls’ retweet recently and the goal was to get away and spend some focused time on projects that were never getting done for one reason or 50 other reasons. We went to a beach house and upon arrival realized our fancy phones didn’t have service. After a collective high-pitched horror scream heard around the world, we settled into the idea of enjoying the next 4 days being off the grid, getting things done (we had wi-fi at least whew) and connecting the old-fashioned way.

It was a rough detox, complete with shakes, the DT’s and blank stares at our phones just freaking over what was going on in the wired-world without us…OMG what WOULD we be missing?!

We quickly filled that void with chocolate, red wine and walks on the beach. We found our shoulders sinking back down from our ears (with the help of the massage therapist we brought with us) and the swelling in our thumbs going down. We were so happy to let our 10,000 words a day flow as opposed to being corralled to 140 characters in a text or tweet.

Of course the walks on the beach were still captured on our fancy phones for posting later to prove how much fun we had. It made me think of that age old questions, “If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it does it make a noise?” I wondered, “If we walk on the beach and have fun, but don’t take a pic and post it to Facebook did we actually have fun?”

Disconnecting was a challenge, we have all become so dependent on that mobile phone crack. But what a fabulous experience…we slept in, we created amazing things (yes on our laptops), we sat by a fire pit and told stories and made s’mores. We belly laughed, we talked about boys (some 4 yrs. old and some 40), we breathed in the fresh salt air and we ate…holy cow we ate and it was great! And not a #4 from the drive-thru window but homemade grandma recipes of chicken verde and snack bars…like the good old days!

Let’s be clear…I have a foot firmly planted in both camps. I love me some texting but I also love making memories in person (a dying art). I love the tools that allow you to be connected 24/7, heck Facebook allows me to attend my high school reunion, daily, without having to buy a cocktail dress or loss 20 lbs. But I worry that my kids couldn’t keep track of their shoes from day to day but they haven’t misplaced their phones in five years. Are they so wired and dependent that they won’t know how to play capture the flag without that tech appendage?

I challenge all of you to go rogue…try it, disconnect and in that space you may realize how great it is to really connect, maybe even at a fabulous girls retweet!

Interview with Entrepreness Jessica Neuman Beck of CouldBe Studios

July 30, 2010 by Megan J. | Comments (0)

Interview by Megan Jarosak, CRAVE Portland

Jessica Neuman Beck knows what it’s like to run your own small business. Her and husband Matthew Beck are a designer + developer duo who believe that good design should be within everyone’s reach. They started CouldBe Studios in 2006, which focuses on web design for very small businesses. They make the most out of services that are cost effective to keep their customers happy, because they understand! Jessica shares her experiences as an entrepreness as well as working with other small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Tell me a little about yourself and how you came to start CouldBe Studios.
Well I have a background in art and design, I have an art degree from the Art Institute Online. And when I was home with my kid right after he was born, —-I was starting to go crazy because I couldn’t use my brain! So, finally my husband and I started talking about it and we had always wanted to start a business, and I had always wanted to do design stuff and this was really a perfect time. So we started out really slow, like while he was just napping, and after a while it just grew! It turned out that I love it and it’s completely what I want to be doing.

So does CouldBe Studios mainly design websites?
In the beginning we had all these grand ideas and it ended up that web design was our main thing, and we really only work exclusively with small businesses. Things that people do out of their homes, small online shops, pretty much anyone who couldn’t normally afford big huge design studios, and that actually been really great because we’ve been able to provide this full service of designing logos, packaging [etc.] but when they get the website it’s kind of this whole things.

Sounds like you have a little niche market!
Yes, exactly. We just kind of stumbled upon it, and you know on a personal level it kind of makes me sad when people have bad or ugly websites. Especially with small businesses, people are going judge you in a second and if they go to your website and it’s bad then their just going to leave and a lot of really small businesses just don’t have a fighting chance and that’s where we come in.

What is it like owning a business with your husband? How is it working together?
What we found is that when he had his day job and I was more of the face of CouldBe Studios, it became pretty clear that when I had a project for him, I would give him the thing and he would do the thing. But when he quit his job and worked full-time, we weren’t really butting heads but we weren’t really picking stuff up the way we should be. I didn’t necessarily want to delegate to him and he didn’t want to step on my toes. So we decided to internally to split the business to where he does the development and I do the design.

Any unexpected challenges when it comes to working with your husband?
Well, we’re both really independent, we don’t need a lot of management, but I think we expected things were going to fall into place a lot easier and we wouldn’t have to set roles. But having to set roles and having a clear idea of who was doing what within the company was really necessary as it turned out, even though it’s just the two of us.

Do you have different styles?
Definitely. I do really minimal stuff and he just has a much more bold style than I do. He comes from a development background, so I’ll notice stuff more. Like sometimes I’ll notice that I want a graphic here or I want a cuter button, but he just looks at it like “it’s a button, just press it!”

What are your future plans for the business?
Sort of just going with the flow, business has been slowing down a little due to the economy. We were really busy and it’s just recently started to slow down. I’m trying to focus more on learning all that I can about the new stuff that’s going on development wise so we can incorporate that into our new websites. I think that focusing more on mobile sites, and making sure people can see the websites on their mobile phones is really important. Especially with the whole iPhone craze.

You are definitely more of an art person before you became a computer person.
Oh totally! I was almost a little opposed to stuff done on the computers for a while! And I’ve completely turned around.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Other websites, other designers. I follow hundreds of RSS feeds and every time someone does something really cool design wise I’m very inspired. That and I love looking at vintage posters and labels. I have a lot of those on my computer as well.

As a small business owner, what have you learned since opening? About yourself or about the business world in general?
I’ve learned that I’m a complete workaholic! I think my biggest challenge is figuring out how to balance my off time when I’m working. Because apparently left to my own devices, I’ll just work constantly! I’ve been making myself set hours and when emails aren’t super important to wait and answer them during my work hours.

Any advice for future business owners?
I think being willing to sort of just jump in is really necessary. It can be really scary to change the direction you’re going or finally doing that thing that you’re always thinking about. A lot of our clients are really small businesses so just committing yourself to it is really the trick. Just deciding that this is what you want to do and figuring out how to go forward, it can seem like taking little baby steps is the way to go but that didn’t really work for us. Until we said “OK this is what we we’re doing” but we [didn't have the direction we do now]. How do you want to identify yourself with your small business is really important. Jumping in is the way to do it.

Any other tips for entrepreneurs or business owners?
Setting boundaries for sure, having a clear delineation between personal life and business is so important, which I’m still not very good at! And also just remembering that you can say No to things that clients are asking for. If I can’t do something or it is just beyond the scope of the project, or out of the client budget my first reaction is to say “ well you need it so I’ll just do it” but I have to learn to say “No I can’t do that” or “ I’m going to have to charge you extra for that.” That’s very important.

On the very little off-time that you do get, how or what do you do to de-stress?
Reading, writing, I have a few unpublished novels that I work on…

Do you have any indulgences? What do you CRAVE?
SHOES! Shoes and Bags! There are so many fabulous designers in Portland! Queen Bee Studios owns my heart, I could just live there!

Splish-Splashin’ Water Activities

July 28, 2010 by Kelly | Comments (0)

Cool treats and summer sundresses are great this time of year, but nothing really says summer like making a splash. So, we have scoped out the state and have put together some of the best water and outdoor activities that we are just CRAVING to dive into.

If you’re looking for a classic swimming spot, check out the Sellwood Pool at 7951 SE 7th Ave. This historic site has been in use since 1910 and was the first structure of its kind in the city. This oval shaped swimming spot is open to the general public and has amenities to suit a broad spectrum of summer-time swimmers.

Wanting more of an adventure? Take the day off, gather a group of friends and head to Bagby Hot Springs, located in the Mt. Hood National Forest. It’s one of the most popular and well-maintained springs in the state. But just make sure you come prepared to walk- it’s a one and a half mile hike into the springs. Once you are there, however, you will be rewarded with bathtub-like water that is over 100 degrees at its source. For more information and directions to this steamy site visit, www.bagbyhotsprings.org.

Another great swimming spot, especially for those with children, is the North Clackamas Aquatic Park. Located just outside the city, this giant indoor facility has everything from wave pools to water slides to high dives. Not only will it keep you entertained, but it will also give you a break from heat the too! Head on over to 7300 SE Harmony Road 
Milwaukie, OR 97222 to ride the waves!

Escape the familiar and routine! Experience the relaxing and rejuvenating aspects of whitewater rafting with Oregon Whitewater Adventures. Oregon offers some of the most charming and exciting rivers with incredible scenery and unspoiled beauty. Oregon Whitewater Rafting Adventures chooses some of the most challenging rivers throughout Oregon for its safe, guided trips. View schedule and pricing online!

Not ready to ride the waves just yet? No problem, just take to the streets! Whether you have family visiting from out of town or just want to explore the heart of the city in a new way, try a Portland Bike Tour. The tour is easy, fun, safe and will provide you with a whole wealth of knowledge about the history of the city and what makes Portland unique. For more information, check out their website, www.pedalbiketours.com.

Next Page »