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Interview with Entrepreness Monika Reed of Favor Jewelry

October 15, 2010 by Cecilia D. | Comments (1)

Interview by Emily Carlyle.

Favor is a jewelry design and production studio founded by Monika Reed as a way to offer delicate, timeless, and sentimental jewelry, inspired by the shapes, stones, and metals found in the natural world.

Lets begin with the basics; tell me about your love for jewelry.
Well, I’ve always been pretty creative and jewelry is just something I’ve always done. I remember making bead bracelets when I was little, so I don’t know where it actually started but I’ve always been interested in it and I worked in bead stores throughout high school and after that I worked with jewelry designers. That’s where I became really interested in the business aspect of it. I had never really thought about going into business for myself before that. I kept thinking that it was something that was really accessible. When I moved to Portland it was originally to go to school and the business was what I did on the side. Over time it grew and I had to make a choice. I chose Favor.

How did you decide to start your own business? Was it something you had always planned or did you have an “aha” moment somewhere along the road?
It was sort of an ‘aha’ moment, not one exact moment but just working with the other designers, seeing what the process was and thinking, “that’s what I want to do”.

Sustainability and ethical business practices are something you are extremely passionate about, how big a part does this play in your business?
Definitely. I was studying cultural anthropology and I was really interested in the actually applied aspect of it, so looking at the big issue and then finding little things you can do to make everything just work better and to make people happier and just more fair towards everybody and everything. When I really started thinking about how it actually was applied to my life, ethical business just seemed really like the next step.

Does your commitment to following these guidelines make your job harder?
Yes. I mean, you do have to think about it a lot more and really analyze all the pieces. Every time I find a new supplier, I need to research them and ask all the necessary questions, so it does get more complicated. But, I can sleep better at night.

What is the hardest thing about owning your own business? What’s the most rewarding?
The hardest thing would be time management. I work at home, so it’s really difficult to separate my time. To have that feeling that you are home and relaxed doesn’t really exist anymore. The best part would be owning the vision. I can really make sure that everything is how I want it to be and well, the buck stops here. So it’s just really fulfilling to see it fall into place the way you want it to.

What’s the biggest mistake that you’ll never make again?
I really don’t think there have been any yet. I have only been full time since April 2010, so I am relatively new. There have been setbacks but I think that I have been able to learn my lesson and just move on. I really try and focus on all the good parts! Optimism has been the cure.

When choosing jewelry for yourself, what do you look for?
I like it wearable and not fussy. It has to be something you can put on and kind of forget about but you know its still going to be there at the end of the day, like it won’t just slip off. I also really like clean and minimalist and I like things to feel good too, even just in your hand. I spent a lot of time just trying to find the right chain to use, I use the same chain in all of my designs and that just took forever. Some would feel too heavy, too light, and too bendable. I really just like the weight in your hand.

Have you ever had ‘designer’s block’? How do you overcome that?
Not yet! I keep a sketchbook going. I don’t design as I go; I come up with a collection and then just edit it down. I will have like a week where I just design and make things. If I have any problems during that time I will just go back through all my sketches and get back on the right track.

Where do you pull inspiration from when you are having that period of design and creativity?
I really like just kind of balanced positive and negative space. So, I am drawn to shadows and handwriting. I read once that when men doodle they make really hard lines and corners, sharp shapes and when women doodle they are more soft and flowy, like spirals and things like that. That’s what I do. I translate those soft, spiral shapes into jewelry.

What is a valuable piece of advice that you were given that you think others should also receive?
To be optimistic! Betsy Cross, from Betsy & Iya told me once to “float on the good stuff, and let the bad stuff disappear”. It has been excellent advice.

What does the future hold for you and Favor?
Well, I want to continue to expand wholesale accounts and I want to be all over North America and maybe even expand to Europe after that. In the short term, I am really looking forward to doing some trade shows and retail shows.

Discount code: Enter ‘CRAVE’ to get 10% off until the end of October at FavorJewelry.com

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.

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!

Bloggers To Watch Out For: Career Coaches

July 19, 2010 by Lilla | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALEXANDRA FRANZEN is a writer + editor + organization freak. She designs rockstar resumes, leads personal branding jam sessions, writes marketing copy and teaches wallflowers how to hustle like a gangsta’. You can find her blogging up a storm at Unicorns for Socialism and tweeting away @alex_franzen.

Summer Entertainment for the Family

July 14, 2010 by Cecilia D. | Comments (0)

Summertime in Portland brings the most enjoyable weather for outdoor activities and entertainment. We’ve compiled a short list of upcoming summer events guaranteed to bring a good time for everyone in the family. From movies in the park to music festivals, join your fellow Portlanders to celebrate history, art and culture!

PORTLAND BRIDGE FESTIVAL
Join PDX Bridge Festival as it kicks-off two weeks of art, music, culture, and fun celebrating the bridges that connect us all in Portland. From July 23rd to August 8th, experience Portland bridges in a whole new way. The opening event of the Bridge Festival will showcase the 2-D, 3-D and performance art works of over 50 Portlanders. From Lift 100 “Hit The Lights” on the Hawthorne Bridge as the opening celebration to Brunch on the Bridge as the finale event, come celebrate history and art in the open-air!

2010 PDX POP NOW!
PDX Pop Now! festivals which have provided the public with the opportunity to see up to 50 of Portland’s finest bands in one safe venue, have drawn audiences in the thousands! This is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and enhancing Portland’s vital and diverse music community. Join them from July 30th to August 1st at Roturre (320 SE 2nd) for a free, all ages music festival!

MOVIES IN THE PARK
Why go to a dark and stuffy mall movie theater when you can relax on fresh green with friends and family for a picnic and free movie in the park? Hosted at parks in various communities throughout Portland such as Irving Park, Laurelhurst Park and Mt. Scott, pre-movie entertainment begins at 6:30PM and showtime begins when the sun sets and the evening gets dark. Don’t forget to bring your blankets!

TUESDAYS BY TWILIGHT CONCERTS presented by LAN SU CHINESE GARDEN
The Northwest’s loveliest and most intimate outdoor summer music series is back for its ninth season until Auguest 3rd. Always diverse and dynamic, highlights of this season include the classical/pop fusion Portland Cello Project, infectious jump blues from the chart-topping Insomniacs and bohemian cabaret from Vagabond Opera. This after-hours concert series brings a selection of music for every taste and delivers it to relaxed audiences sitting around the lake and among the flowers. Get your tickets as they’re going fast!

McMENAMINS PUBS & BREWERIES
McMenamins Pubs & Breweries are a great place for family and friends. Shown both indoors and outdoors (starting end of July), have a refreshing beer and some popcorn while enjoying both old-school and recent releases on the big screen. Don’t forget Two Dollar Tuesdays and specials for the whole family as well as concerts at McMenamins Edgefield on the Lawn!

Photos via Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland Bridge Festival and PDX Pop Now!

Interview with Entrepreness Nicole Whitesell of Shop Adorn

July 9, 2010 by Cecilia D. | Comments (3)

I recently sat down with Nicole Whitesell, the owner of Shop Adorn boutique who I first met “online” when she was promoting her online shopping business, www.shopadornonline.com. Hosting product giveaways and offering free shipping isn’t a thing of the past for Nicole with her new storefront on NE 47th & Fremont in the Beaumont neighborhood. Now she can leverage her online retail while also offering customers face-to-face style consulting, in-store trunk shows and neighborhood parties! Entrepreneurial-minded indeed, maximizing and stabilizing her online business was what she said allowed her to open up a store. Her online customers also receive benefits from her retail storefront, which opened its doors several months ago. They can call Shop Adorn without jumping through loops to speak to a real person who can help guide them through fit and style. With comfy and casual lines such as Fluxus, LnA, Quiksilver, and Siwy, a person can’t help but look and feel good when shopping with Nicole and her team at Shop Adorn!

Read on to read my interview with Nicole …

Can you tell me a little bit about your background and how you started your business.
I studied international business in college. When I graduated I landed in construction, which is the industry my dad’s been in for a very long time. I wanted to work for myself, so I began testing for my contractor’s license and started building houses! This was between 2004-2009. When I became pregnant with my daughter Lily a year and a half ago, I decided I wanted to just focus on the store. My husband took over our construction business and I began to work at stabilizing the online store. Looking back, at first we started out only selling jewelry and watches online. From then we expanded and got more accounts, including clothing. It’s also very hard to get in with new vendors and most require that you have a storefront. Our 200 square foot space was this storefront, and we shipped items out of the back warehouse. Up until four months ago before we opened up our new retail location, our business operated 90% online and 10% in the old store. Just this past October we decided to change, basically relaunch, and hired a professional to update and implement SEO, create a friendlier shopping cart, etc. And can you believe that just within 60 days after, we had a 500% growth because of how search-engine friendly our site had become?

That’s great that all these changes allowed for growth in your business. Do you have a mentor or support system that helped you in your business also?
Yes, her name is Cindy Park and she’s the director of Project Hope, an organization that helps at-risk youth in Portland. My old store was in the same building as hers and she’s become one of my best friends. Cindy has tons of business experience and she helped me formulate plans and processes for my business. She’s full of optimism and always encouraged me. You should always have someone like that in your life.

What kind of style describes the lines you carry at Shop Adorn?
You know, this is something we’re still working on–formalizing who we are. Many of the lines we started out with were pretty much streetwear. When we moved to this storefront, we had to edit some of those lines out to fit in with our demographic and our customers here. It’s a different customer-base. And although we don’t specifically target this group, I get a lot of moms, stay-at-home moms in here looking for something new or a change to their wardrobe. Many of the lines we have right now I like to believe is comfortable, casual, and makes the person wearing it feel good about themselves.

Streetwear can be pretty controversial with their messaging and style. How do you feel about this?
I agree, and I have found that we started to change direction with some of the lines we were carrying because of this. We want to be transparent in our business and to be honest with ourselves and with our customers. I don’t want to carry a product that I don’t absolutely love and wouldn’t see myself wearing also.

What’s your favorite line or item you’re carrying right now?
I have a couple. I’m in love with the Quiksilver Limited brand. There’s amazing detailing, lots of great dresses and the pricing is very good also. Of course Fluxus is also one of my favorites. We’ve been carrying it since the beginning and with its new head designer, has boosted its designs and styles. It’s also a celebrity favorite and so it sells really well online. And everything is made and produced in the USA.

How are you liking your new storefront?
I love it! It’s light, airy and I absolutely love the neighborhood. It feels like a real community here and I really like that. There are a few things I would change about the store, but I know that every day it’ll get more and more to what I want it to be.

What are some of the rewards of being your own boss and having your own business?
Feeling good about what I do, like I never “have” to go to work. I also never have to answer to anyone but myself, and I’ll get as much out of it as as I put into it. I also have a wonderful employee who I can leave in charge if I ever need to go out of town or spend more time with my kids. And one of the best rewards is that being an entrepreneur, it’s pretty much a legacy–something my husband and I can pass down to our kids, to teach them and show them what they can have and earn with hard work.

What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now?
When we moved we had to change and edit our selection while also keeping our brand consistent. That’s what I lay awake in bed thinking about … how to keep both my online and storefront consistent, and to keep both my online streetwear customers as well as my customers in Portland and in this neighborhood. Another challenge is figuring out how to let men know we’re here and that we cater to them too!

What are your plans for the future?
I’m happy where we are and being able to manage what we have. It’s a good place to be but I definitely want to expand our selection and have a larger space in the near future. I also like being in smaller communities and how you’re able to get to know your neighbors. And I don’t want any future plans to take away from my kids. It probably took me the last four years to find a good balance in my life, and I really want to maintain that!

Do you have any advice you’d like to leave with aspiring entrepreneurs or business owners?
It’s important to stay connected, meet as many people as you can. And don’t allow yourself to think that you know everything … I love to pick the brains of others and am not afraid to ask for help. There are tons of free resources out there, and it’s also good to collaborate with others to reach your goal.

Photography by Amy Sexton of Thursday Morning Memories

America, It’s Your Birthday!

June 28, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

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
• Âź 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 (Âź 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!

Daddy’s Day is Almost Here!

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

Father’s Day is around the corner and every year its the same. We ponder WHAT to get our dear dads for a gift. We all know that whatever we hand them they’ll be thankful for; but we always want to push the envelope! When we are pressed for time and don’t have the effort left to make something extremely sentimental, here is some advice from your friends at CRAVE on what to do that will make him smile.

Try and remember what your dad is passionate about. Is he an outdoors-man? Cook? Tech-savvy? Music lover? With some passion he has in mind its always easier to direct your gift towards a certain theme and come out successful. It will help you avoid spending hours shopping with no clue of what to get as well as guaranteeing that he will appreciate the gift and the thought you put into it.
If still stuck on where to begin with finding a gift, maybe go in a different direction then a simple gift from the store. Does you’re dad love a certain comedian or band? Grab tickets to a concert.

Dad’s love knowing you want to spend time with them, so if time allows, do an activity that involves doing something together. Time spent is more precious than any other gift money could buy!

Remember first and foremost that its your dad’s day! All that matters truly matters is that you make sure to tell him he’s special and you love him.

It’s World Cup Time!

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

Ladies! The World Cup is on this week, so why not throw a fabulous party to celebrate! Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and throwing a party will be just another fun reason to sit around the TV with the gals and drool over men in jerseys.

So what are the three key items necessary for throwing a great party? Friends, food, and some fun drinks. With those elements you’re bound to have fun.

First, lets start off with friends. Invite your best gal pals over (probably 8 to 10 ladies) and ask them to previously pick a team to cheer for. Then suggest they wear the colors of their team to the party. It will add a small hint of competition to the group and keep your ladies having fun screaming for their men during the game.

Second, it may be a soccer party but the snacks don’t have to be the typical game food of chicken wings and burgers. For your ladies, whip up a batch of cupcakes or if in a time crunch grab some from your local grocer and decorate them with the colors of the teams playing. As for the other snacks, everything needs to be decent at room temperature, since once the game starts the attention will be focused more on the TV. Perhaps some bruschetta and caprese salad would be yummy finger food that will leave your guests happy and satisfied. If feeling too crunched for time on the snacky goods, ask your gals to each bring something small and yummy with them when they come. It will help relieve some of the stress and you know then you’ll have plenty of food to go around.

Third, but just as important are those drinks! Decide to make some of your favorite cocktails or bubbly that will keep the girls having fun throughout the game. Perhaps a drink that includes the colors of the teams! Drinks are always fun but no one wants to bust their budget on buying alcohol that not everyone will like, so let your girlfriends know you will be providing some drinks, but suggest they bring more if they have a specific or picky preference.

So no more excuses and procrastinating! You now have all you need for a successful party! All that’s left is letting the gals know and start getting caught up on your knowledge of the teams and the gorgeous men playing. Games start June 11th so get your head in the game and get your party started!

Tricks of the Trade

May 31, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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