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Put A Twi$t On Your Business Model

August 3, 2011 by CRAVE Blogger | Comments (0)

As a business owner I know you are working very hard in your business, serving clients and staying on top over everything else that needs to be managed.

But what if all the hard work you are currently doing is not necessarily the most effective way to grow your business?

A solid business is built around a business model that works. If you think you have a great business model in place then it will only take a few minutes to confirm that this is the case.

If you aren’t quite sure if your business model is functioning optimally, now is the perfect time to give it a quick check-up and find out.

When I talk about your business model I simply mean the way your business makes money. Think about these basic components:

* Your business offer products and services

* You sell them for a certain price

* A certain number of people buy them (once or even better, repeatedly)

* You deliver them in a certain way (in person, electronically, third party, etc.)

Why not revisit your business model to see if there are a few ways you can change it. This doesn’t have to be complicated, simply take a piece of paper and a pen or open a new file on your computer.

Write down all the products and services your business currently offers, the price for each, how many clients you have who purchase each offer and how frequently. Total this up, subtract your costs, and see if this structure is going to bring you the financial results you want.

Now imagine how many different ways you can upgrade your business model to attract more business and leverage what you already have.

Get creative and try out several combinations of products and services. Here are some ideas:

- Perhaps you can add something new, additional revenue streams.

- You can also think about increasing the amount of what you already deliver.

- Or maybe at this point it’s even best to remove a part that isn’t profitable.

- Consider changing the way you deliver your products and services.

- What if you didn’t change a thing except to increase the prices (speaking or pricing, when is that last time you increased the prices for your products and services)?

Let’s use the business model of a consultant as an example.

CURRENT BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting services delivered by the consultant alone

Price: Per hour

Clients: One at a time full time or two to three part-time

Delivery: In person

UPDATED BUSINESS MODEL

Product/Service: Consulting in person delivered by the consultant, additional consultants working for you, speaking, selling intellectual property (an ebook, audio, or other information product)

Price: Consulting per project (and part of the fee for consultants working on behalf of the consultant), speaking per event, intellectual property per item

Clients: Many at one time

Delivery: In person, automated (via the internet)

Are you starting to see the possibilities for your business? Renewing your business model can re-inspire your enthusiasm for what you do as well as increase your desire for marketing your business.

A healthy business model is the foundation for a successful business. Take time to examine your business model and make sure it is the strongest it can be.

With a few simple changes, you will probably make more money and you may even find that you don’t have to work as hard to do so. Now who doesn’t want that!

Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire! Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: fireflycoaching.com.

Inspire to Spread Kindness with Judy Tan of tanQ

February 15, 2011 by Sarah Clise | Comments (0)

Judy Tan is a Portland native graphic designer who began her career as a color/graphic designer for apparel and footwear at Nike as well as a branding designer in Columbia Sportswear. After many years working under a corporate lifestyle, she felt her life wasn’t quite fulfilled yet. Judy believed that her talented graphic designs skills could be used in a positive way to impact others. And she did just that, this past September she took a leap of faith and launched her first business, tanQ. Each month, Judy designs a t-shirt for a non-profit organization and donates 100% of profits from the sale of the shirts directly to the organization. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with Judy Tan and learn about the positive impact tanQ is having on the Portland community. Read on and learn more about her business and how you can spread a simple act of kindness every month!

tanQ is obviously the start of something great for the Portland community, but what are some of the core values behind tanQ?

We want to make a positive impact on the world by fostering hope and encouragement through the use of creative graphic design. Through the use of stimulating graphics, we allow people to promote the causes that are important to them and support them financially. Our goal is to bring people closer together by creating common threads and encouraging individuals to become involved in their communities.

How do you choose which non-profits to support each month?

Each month, tanQ selects a deserving charity to support, combining our efforts with each group’s major fundraising effort whenever possible. For example, last September during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we supported the ‘Candlelighters for Children with Cancer’. During November, the month of Thanksgiving, we worked with the Oregon Food Bank. We partner with each non-profit to promote the sale of their shirt to their community database as well as at art shows and other public events throughout the Portland area. Our shirts are also available online at our website and hope to be in local stores and boutiques very soon. We continue to build our brand awareness through Twitter, Facebook and our blog.

So tell me a little bit about the creative process for you t-shirts designs. What goes into the design of each t-shirt?

We want people to wear the shirt. It’s not just a branded shirt; it’s an expression of the core message of that month’s non-profit organization. So we research to discover the core essence and mission of each non-profit. We then conceptualize a design and a direction to communicate their core message in an eye-catching and appealing way. Each limited edition tanQ t-shirt comes with a greeting card that displays that month’s design, a mini button, and a tag indicating its edition number.

Since the start of TanQ, have you noticed more non-profit organizations wanting to be the t-shirt of the month?

Yes! A lot of local non-profits are now starting to reach out to be a part of tanQ. A lot of the non-profits that I work with don’t have the budget to support creative services. TanQ is a great opportunity to garner more money for their organization in a creative way.

What are some of the setbacks and challenges you’ve had to face with owning your own business?

One of the hardest things I have had to learn since the launch of tanQ is learning how to be the conductor of every aspect of the business. I love to design and would love for that to take up most of my day, but over the past 5 months I have learned the art of time management to keep tanQ running and successful.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

There are so many! I think one rewarding aspect would have to be seeing the successful results of each month’s shirt. It feels good to know that I designed a t-shirt that just helped support a great organization and a good cause. Also, bringing people closer together and encouraging more individuals to be involved in the community and become aware of local organizations is very fulfilling!

Why do you think Portland is a great place for women to start their own business?

Portland is a great place to start your own business because everyone is so supportive of creative new ideas. That support system and energy helps inspire others to start something unique and flavorful on their own.

What advice would you give other women seeking to start their own business?

There are a lot of people that say women can’t do this or can’t do that, but just do it anyways. Ignore the naysayers, do what you believe in and don’t give up!

What does the future hold for tanQ?

We are founded on the belief that kindness is contagious, and that even small, humble acts such as buying and wearing a t-shirt can inspire others to take charitable actions of their own. It is my hope that the humble acts of generosity of tanQ will travel like a wave, washing over thousands of people, nudging them toward happiness and charity, like a ripple effect of kindness.

Contact info

Website: http://tanQ.us
Twitter: @_tanQ
Facebook: tanQ
Email: contact@tanq.us

This post was written for the CRAVE company by Katie Watson.

Holiday CRAVE-ings 12-Days-of-Giveaways

November 15, 2010 by Cecilia D. | Comments (9)

CRAVE Portland teams up with local businesses to give 12 amazing prizes to gear up for our premier holiday event, Holiday CRAVE-ings! Follow us on twitter @CRAVEportland and fan us on Facebook for opportunities to win!

Contest Rules:

1. Completely fill out our online entry form. This entry qualifies you for all 12 giveaways so you only have to fill out this form once!

2. Necessary for every giveaway: Follow @CRAVEportland and Retweet (RT) any of our messages regarding the giveaway of the day.

If you don’t have Twitter, visit our Facebook and leave a comment saying why you’d like to win the giveaway of the day.

The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of each day and announced the following morning. Winners also receive (2) VIP tickets to the Holiday CRAVE-ings shopping party on Tuesday, November 30th, valued at $40. Only one internet entry per person/per email address is permitted. Must be 18 and older to enter and in Portland Metro area to win. You can tweet as much as you like and for every giveaway. One prize per person. Questions or concerns, contact cecilia@craveportland.com.

12 Days of Giveaways:

DAY 1 – November 18, 2010: BRENNA B.
Giveaway: Philosophy “Look Good, Feel Good and Smell Good” Pampering Basket! ($230)
Purity Cleansing Cloths, Anti-aging serum, Anti-aging Moisturizer, Microdelivery Peel Pads, Makeup Primer, Supernatural, Eyeshadow duo, Supernatural Lip Gloss, Amazing Grace Body Lotion, and Amazing Grace Shampoo/Shower Gel/Bubble Bath. Donated by Laurie Adams of Philosophy Cosmetics.

DAY 2 – November 19, 2010: LAUREN H.
Giveaway: Ellington “Hannah” Clutch ($99) + 2 Tickets to Girls, Inc. Power of the Purse Event
This petite handbag features luxuriously soft Italian leather and a comfortable wrist strap for easy carrying! Store your essentials and your tickets to Girls, Inc. Power of the Purse event in March!

DAY 3 – November 20, 2010: HEATHER N.
Giveaway: Fluxus Cargo Rider Pants from Shop Adorn! ($88)
The Fluxus Cargo Riders are sweatpants with a military twist. Designed by Jeffery Sebelia (Project Runway winner) these slouchy fit pants have cargo pockets and banded ankles that you can push up or down to your liking. As seen on Jessica Alba and Drew Barrymore!

DAY 4 – November 21, 2010: JULIE F.
Giveaway: DoriMara “Go Lightly” Lunch Bag ($45)
The Go-Lightly bag is the one item any high-fashion, highly busy woman must have in order to save her day (and her sanity)! The perfect accessory for the health-conscious fashionista who just needs a little more room. Each bag comes with a DoriMara ice pack that fits securely into the Velcro base, and each includes a zipper pocket and elastic holder to keep your water bottle/ coffee cup securely in place.

DAY 5: November 22, 2010: JESSICA S.
Giveaway: One Full Set of Knockout Natural Silk Lashes by Miss Knockout ($175)
Placed individually over each lash, A U.S. Patented Multi-layered Long Mi Lash Process. They are super soft synthetic silk hairs and light on the eyes. Hand crafted lashes that are light in density and made to last!

DAY 6: Novmber 23, 2010: MONIKA R.
Giveaway: One month unlimited classes + 3 friend passes to Bar Method Portland ($266)
The Bar Method is a fitness concept that combines the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training. This hour long, action packed class shapes and elongates every major muscle group, burns away fat around these muscles, and then stretches them. The result is a clearly visible change in body shape!

DAY 7: November 24, 2010: TARA D.
Giveaway: Sahlia Michelle Jewelry “Blade of Grass” Necklace ($76)
Sahlia combines traditional metal smith techniques with modern designs and materials. Each piece in the collection is entirely handmade in her Portland, Oregon studio. The Blade of Grass necklace is a single hand-pounded silver bar that hangs from 2 sterling silver chains.

DAY 8: November 25, 2010: JEANETTE M.
Giveaway: $50 Gift Certificate to Popina Swimwwear
Popina (Poppi) Swimwear is a woman owned, Designer Swimwear line based in Portland, Oregon. You don’t have to “show it all” to be Sexy! Conservative, Vintage 1950′s Inspired Women’s Swimsuit line, MADE IN THE USA, provides Modest Swimwear designs which are fun, flattering and fashionable, drawing Retro Swimsuit inspiration from Vintage Swimwear styles of the past. Now with 2 locations in Portland!

DAY 9: November 26, 2010: ARWA J.
Giveaway: 60-Minute Massage at Blossom Clinic ($75)
Liz Richards created Blossom Clinic with the intention of providing excellent care for the whole family. She’s been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine and treating fertility and pregnant patients for 7+ years in Portland. Blossom Clinic offers over 8 types of massage for your body’s needs!

DAY 10: November 27, 2010: CATHY K.
Giveaway: $50 Gift Card + (2) Movie Tickets + Complimentary Valet parking to Bridgeport Village ($75+)
Spend a relaxing evening this holiday season at Bridgeport Village! Shop the variety of big names as well as local shops such as Saks Off Fifth Avenue, Silverado, Eye Stylez, Lulu Lemon and more! Then head on over to Regal Cinemas & IMAX for a fantastic movie date after an enjoyable meal at any of Bridgeport’s restaurants and eateries!

DAY 11: November 28, 2010: AMY J.
Giveaway: Reese Li Lexington Baby Bag from Little Urbanites ($150)
With a waterproof interior and 12 organizing pockets, this is a mommy’s dream bag. Large size also fits a laptop, so you can go from baby to boardroom with ease!

DAY 12: November 29, 2010:
Giveaway: $50 Gift Certificate to Oh Baby Lingerie!
Oh Baby is an award winning lingerie boutique with a sultry boudoir feel, offering an exceptional customer experience and a handpicked selection of the very best intimate apparel from around the world!

Giveaway: Love, Margaux Stylish Laptop Bag!

September 26, 2010 by Cecilia D. | Comments (9)

We teamed up with a fab entrepreness, AeSoon Benson Fergeson, owner of Love, Margaux laptop bags to offer our friends another giveaway! This time, it’s a laptop sleeve that’s functionally skinny but BIG on style! Laptop bags by Love, Margaux are designed and hand-sewn in Portland with stylish and sophisticated entreprenesses in mind. Enter our giveaway to win the Skinny Sleeve in Scarborough Express (image below). The Skinny Sleeve is a slim carrier that fits your laptop, cable storage, folders, smaller personal items, and has a detachable strap that allows it to be stowed in a bigger bag or luggage. Now that’s a carryall!

There are two (2) ways you can win this gorgeous bag:

1. Add Love, Margaux as a friend on Facebook and/or Twitter – add us too if you haven’t already!
2. Visit www.lovemargaux.com and check out the complete collection.
3. Answer this question:

“Where would you take your new Love, Margaux laptop sleeve?”

Two chances to win:
- Leave a comment on CRAVE Portland’s Facebook answering the question.
- Send one tweet to both @craveportland + @lovemargauxbags answering the question above.

This contest ends on Wednesday, October 13th. You get 2 chances to win and must follow/fan both CRAVE Portland and Love, Margaux bags on Facebook and Twitter. Winner chosen randomly. Good luck!

About AeSoon + Love, Margaux:
Molecular biologist by day, designer by night, AeSoon Bensen Fergeson brings together function and fashion as the designer and owner of Love, Margaux. After receiving a degree in Cellular-Molecular Biology and minor in Chemistry, she moved to Portland, Oregon to start a career in neuroscience–investigating molecules that regulate new brain cell growth at OHSU. Wowsa! Though the job was intellectually stimulating, she soon felt something was missing— she had a longing to create. AeSoon has always had an eye for beautiful fabrics, a love of fashion, and she wondered how this would translate into something fulfilling.

Love, Margaux was created with the intent to design better laptop bags–bags that are a unique alternative to the everyday. Love, Margaux makes stylish cargo for working women traveling and on the go. The laptop bags are hand made with eye-catching fabrics and inventive detailing that creates a fashionable and functional bag. All bags are also designed and hand sewn locally In Portland, Oregon.

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)

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. Sauté 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

Sizzling Summer Make-Up Trends

July 21, 2010 by Kelly | Comments (0)

Are you looking for a way to stay current and up-to-date with the latest fashions without breaking the bank? Look no further friends, we have found the trick to keeping up a chic aesthetic sans supplementing your closet with the latest shoes, sweaters, skirts and everything else. So what’s our secret? Make-up of course! Whether you’re feeling sassy or want to look classy, we have hunted down the most crave-worthy summer make-up trends that will keep your look sizzling long after the sun goes down.

The Silver Eye

For all you fans of the smoky eye, put a twist on the sultry go-to look by substituting your browns for a touch of silver. The silver eye make-up trend has been spotted on countless runways and fashionistas this season and you can get this look yourself. If you’re going for a more bold evening style line the entire crease of your eye with a metallic silver shade. Feeling a little more subdued? That works too. Simply dab a touch of silver on your inner eye for just a little added spark. Head over to Fez Studio on NW 10th & Everett to pick up this silver hue.

Old Hollywood Glam

Nothing is more timeless than this old Hollywood throw back. So channel your inner movie star, pair a nude face with bright red lips and get ready to say hello to a glam new you and a look that can take you from the workplace to happy hour without a complete face-overhaul. Pick up a lip smacking (organic!) shade at Camellia Pure Beauty on 4759 NE Fremont.

Bold Brights

Remember that entire eye palette you bought to complete your crazy Halloween look? Well don’t count it out yet. That funky costume make up can be put to new uses this summer season. Bold and bright colors are all the rage this season, especially paired with your newly sun kissed skin. So whether you dab a bubble gum pink shade on your lips or swipe a lavender hue on your nails you will surely be looking bright and cheery all day long! In the event that you did in fact throw away that Halloween eye palette, you can find other fun and trendy options at Blush Beauty Bar on 513 NW 23rd Ave.

Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle

July 12, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Besides being a high level personal stylist, Pia Jacobsen can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Pia’s style is classic and chic, and she helps her clients create a coordinated wardrobe that reflects their personal tastes with a refined touch. Her new book “pia…me” is Pia’s answer to some of the “questionable choices” made by women she has seen, and is aimed at helping women to develop their own personal style. At CRAVE we respect any woman who isn’t afraid to call it like shes sees it. Read our interview with Pia for an inside fashion scoop. Click here to find Pia’s book!

What are your wardrobe staples?
I’m pretty classic, personally. I have a uniform that is primarily black in the winter, white in the summer. It’s calming to me.

What do you think is the worst fashion trend right now?
I don’t know if it is so much a trend as a mistake. Bra straps, particularly the industrial strength ones are not meant to be seen. Check the rear view, choose the right kind of bra, or have lingerie straps sewn into your clothes. This trend is like a recurring nightmare.

Trends are best when they become ….
Not trendy. When a trend lasts more than a season or two, and becomes part of the fashion vernacular, it means it works, or at least appeals to a lot of women. I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in a trendy item. However, when it has proven itself after a season or two, and it works for you, buy the best quality you can afford.

What is an easy piece of style advice you wish more women would follow?
After you are completely dressed and accessorized, look in the mirror and take one thing off. A little goes a long way.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?
Letting it go.

What do you want your readers to get out of reading “pia….me”?
I want my readers to understand that while it is important to care about how you look, and to put your best foot forward, it is just a means to becoming all you can be. It is infinitely more important to learn to like yourself, to live with confidence, to establish boundaries, to live your dreams and to become self sufficient. As I say in my lectures, “walk the goddess walk”.

As a fashion stylist, how do you separate your personal taste when you are dressing a client?
That is relatively easy, actually. I know my personal taste, and am very confident about it, so I am not swayed easily by trends or other influences. But because I love fashion, I can appreciate a wide variety of looks even though they may not work for me personally. I pay close attention to what my client loves in her existing wardrobe, and what her needs are in terms of travel, events, and lifestyle. Fashion, like art, should conjure up an emotional response. Her clothing should make her feel fabulous, and serve to enhance her experiences. That’s my job.

If you weren’t working in the fashion world you would be_______?
A floral designer. Hopefully, a very avant-garde floral designer living in Paris, or possibly a landscape designer on Capri.

What do you CRAVE?
Nothing material at this point in my life. I CRAVE love, friendship, honesty, Fran’s sea salt caramels, and my body at age 19.

Keep tabs on Pia’s latest fashion updates online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

*This publication was sent to the CRAVE company for review.

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

What We’re CRAVING: Goodies for Kiddies!

June 9, 2010 by Tina | Comments (1)

Children of busy entreprenesses deserve the best of everything, whether it’s the coolest clothes, fun toys, or a favorite stuff animal that they could never let go of. Portland has a wide array of children’s stores to serve the city mom, kid at heart, or local artist. Don’t fret, these specialty stores will have something that will appeal to even the most discerning of little ones. Check out where you can find the safest, most unique and inspiring products for your kids here in Portland.

Little Urbanites
Located in the Pearl District, Little Urbanites is a mother and daughter store filled with quality products that are not only functional, but very fashionable as well, for your little urbanite. Here you can find brands such as Little Paul and Joe, Petit Bateau, Ergo baby and more to supply all of your kid’s needs. Check out their online store for an even larger selection of kids goods!

916 NW 10th St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-8729

Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts
A children’s destination here in Portland, Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts have been locally owned and operated for over thirty years. As the Northwest’s largest inedependent toy store, they offer a unique selection of toys, including brands such as Playmobil, Tomy, Learning Resources and more. Locals from town and visitors alike enjoy the selection of toys for every age group, such as Sea Monkeys, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and everything else in between. Get on the max and head down to SW 9th and Yamill to enjoy the fabulous array of this magical toyland.

922 SW Yamhill St
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 221-0306

Grasshopper
Located in the Alberta District, Grasshopper is a charming boutique that specializes in providing eco-friendly toys that promote imagination and wonder. They have a great selection of organic clothing that is fun for both parents and kids. Grasshopper provides exceptional customer service to help you find exactly what you need for your kids!

1816 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 335-3131

Kids at Heart
Kids at Heart toy store has been around the Hawthorne neighborhood for more than 22 years. They provide quality toys to enhance your child’s imagination that are hand-selected by their staff. They have a great selection of Sanrio, wooden and stuffed toys that are great for kids of any age that will create a lifetime of memories.

3445 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 231-2954

Black Wagon
Black Wagon is located in the Mississippi district, providing artist-crafted merchandise for children ages from newborn to age 12. They have high-quality apparel that is a local favorite for visitors to this store. Here you’ll find brands such as Stroller Blankets, Stokke High Chairs, and Sophie the Giraffe toys. Check out their online store to create an online gift registry and to see their expansive collection great children’s merchandise!

3964 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR 97227
(866) 916-0004

Which children’s stores do you and your little ones enjoy the most?

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