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

CRAVE Toronto Featured on The Urbanite!

March 17, 2011 by Andrea | Comments (0)

Chelsea Conway of Chelsea Video Vibe has launched her latest venture – The Urbanite with Chelsea Conway.

Described as cultainment (“cultural entertainment”) The Urbanite features the many individuals- artists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, restauranteurs, event planners and distinctive retailers who create the vibe and ideas that define the city of Toronto.

CRAVE Toronto was graced with Chelsea’s presence at our Fall Shopping Sunday and has been featured in one of her webisodes!  A number of other CRAVE entreprenesses will be featured on The Urbanite as well including Sonja den Elzen (Thieves Boutique), Kealen Sullivan (69 Vintage), Carlyl Jansen (Good For Her) and Laura Furtado (DivaGirl Inc.).

Check out our webisode and the newly launched The Urbanite here!

Don’t forget to follow The Urbanite on Facebook and Twitter!

Interview with Nicolette Beasley of Healthy Gourmet Gifts

January 21, 2011 by Andrea | Comments (1)

HealthyGourmetGifts.com takes a fresh approach to gourmet gift baskets, offering premium quality foods and treats selected for decadent, guilt-free indulgence.  Unique selections include organics, kosher, allergen-free and low GI items, supporting wellness for those with special dietary needs.  Healthy Gourmet Gifts are elegantly presented in modern, re-usable and eco-friendly totes, bags, boxes, baskets and trays.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Decadent. Wholesome. Modern

What are your most popular products or services?
The Ultimate Italian Feast, the Gluten-Free Party, all of the chocolate gift baskets, and our gift customization service.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
While caring for relatives dealing with severe illness and then finding myself challenged with health and food allergy issues, I realized the need for gift baskets with delicious health and diet appropriate foods and treats.

People may be surprised to know….
People are at their best when choosing a gift basket.  They are in the act of kindness and caring.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I hesitated to ask for help and advice but I have come to find that people are more than willing to share their expertise.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My mother is my role model. A woman of strength, perseverance and humor who believes in me no matter what I decide to take on.  My mentors are my great circle of incredible women friends who are intelligent, supportive and generous in every way.

How do you spend your free time?
Working with friends on creative projects and spending time with my charming nephew, Thomas.

What is your indulgence?
Cheese, chocolate and deciding to watch a movie at 11pm.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
In business and in life, I CRAVE challenge, interaction, balance and a good laugh.

Contact Healthy Gourmet Gifts at:

416-918-1072

Twitter: @hgourmetgifts

Interview with Sylvia Gamble of Sugarplum Sweet Creations

December 10, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

Sugarplum Sweet Creations, a little gem in Kingston Road Village, features freshly baked cupcakes and cakes hand decorated with delicious buttercream frosting.  They have distinctly beautiful sweet creations ready to go or custom designed.  The cupcakes are almost too pretty to eat – although that didn’t stop us from finishing four in record time!

Sylvia has also put together a special selection of unique gifts and greeting cards sure to match the importance of your special occasion and pretty treasures to give or to keep for yourself.  There is always a sweet find at Sugarplum.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Sweet. Unique.  Friendly.

What are your most popular products or services?
Buttercream Cupcakes, Blossom Cakes and The Perfect Hostess Gift.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
My independent spirit.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Trying to do everything by myself.

How do you spend your free time?
Walking by the water, cooking and gardening.

What is your indulgence?
A day off.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
Each other’s homes for good food, wine and company.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Happiness and Balance.

Contact Sugarplum Sweet Creations at:

1028 Kingston Road, Toronto, ON

416-693-4747

Interview with Patricia Pinkney of Pangea Collection

December 3, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

Pangea-Collection.com features distinctive artisan jewellery, fair trade jewelry and eco jewelry from around the world.

The jewelry pieces are mainly from small, independent artisans, many of whom are women, and those living in developing countries.  By purchasing their handicrafts you are contributing not only to preserving deep cultural traditions, but also to providing artisans with an opportunity to earn a living and achieve the art of self-reliance.

The perfect Christmas gift for the giver with a conscience!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Ethical.  Cultural.  Fashionable.

What are your most popular products or services?
Our Harmony Balls (earrings and pendants). They are the jewellery piece that started the business and everyone loves them.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
For two years I worked in Paris, France in an international capacity so I was fortunate to travel to many countries around the world. While I was abroad I always made time to explore the local culture. I could never leave without a piece of that place-usually a piece of jewelry. That’s where the idea for Pangea-Collection.com came from. When I wore the jewelry they drew compliments from friends. I would then tell the story about the place it came from or even the artisan who handcrafted it. I loved that! To me these jewelry pieces represent some of the most beautiful people and places I have ever known. I’m proud to be able to share their stories with you, and even happier for you to pass them on to your friends. Wearing these jewelry pieces exhibits the beauty of their origins. You become part of a living culture.

How do you spend your free time?
Traveling, traveling, traveling.

What is your indulgence?
Travel of course but also Champagne- a little habit I picked up in France!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
My personal aim is to do my part to enable artisans, particularly women and those living in emerging markets, to earn an income through the practice of their craft. In my own small way I want my business to support the livelihoods of these skilled artisans. In many cases their crafts are the living expression of deep cultural traditions and I, along with the Fair Trade organisations with whom I work, believe in the importance of the preservation of these cultures.

Contact Pangea Collection at:

416-498-1331

Interview with Chelsea Conway of Chelsea Video Vibe

November 26, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (1)

Chelsea Conway is one of the most driven entreprenesses out there.  After her huge success with Chelsea Video Vibe, she is using her incredible talent to expand her business even further, with soon-to-be-launched The Urbanite.

Chelsea Video Vibe is a video production company that celebrates the best of urban life with energy, originality and professionalism.  They specialize in all things urban from weddings and corporate functions to features on trendy and cultural happenings (she recently filmed the CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday), and sizzling charity events. Creating innovative and memorable accounts of life’s special moments is her passion.

Coming soon is The Urbanite. The Urbanite is cultainment, a combination of culture and entertainment; bite-sized webisodes of live conversations with exciting Urbanites set within the dynamic environment in which they create.

The Urbanite will feature the many individuals- artists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, restauranteurs, event planners and distinctive retailers who create the vibe and ideas that define our city.  The Urbanite will seek out and introduce the urban superstars, the understated and the newly discovered through stimulating conversation and commentary.  These conversations accompanied by exciting video footage will be posted to The Urbanite website frequently with the goal of creating continually new and relevant cultainment.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Edgy. Vibrant. Intuitive.

What are your most popular products or services?
CVV’s most popular service is video production of trendy, cultural features, memorable charity events and life’s milestones.

People may be surprised to know…
That I qualified to race at The Whistler Cup, an international ski competition, and sang solo at my high-school graduation.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
The women co-founders of The Society Global and courses and professors in my Ryerson Radio and Television Degree Program.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
While gaining experience, I underestimated the time and workload of projects, therefore vastly undervaluing my skill-set.

What is your indulgence?
Tea and scones at unique, hidden gems in the city, vintage finds and a new Chanel make-up product.

How do you spend your free time?
Balancing fitness and sports with exploring the city, cooking and reading.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Family for support, wisdom and confidence, Bruce Zinger and Colin Burwell for professional guidance and Ivanka Trump for finesse.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I CRAVE success, respect, passion and money in business; love, happiness and freedom in life.

Contact Chelsea Video Vibe at:

416-546-7539
chelsea@chelseavideovibe.com

Twitter: @chelseavideo

Interview with Jordan de Ruiter of Sui Generis

November 19, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

We’ve been searching for the perfect party dress for the numerous Holiday Parties that are about to begin, and we’ve found it with Sui Generis!  Jordan de Ruiter describes her line as “clothing for feminine, confident females who are adventurous and unique.” Sui Generis by Jordan de Ruiter focuses on mostly dresses, tops and rompers that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion!

Join Jordan de Ruiter the evening of December 3rd at the Coal Miner’s Daughter (587 Markham Street, Toronto) for her Sui Generis Trunk Show.  If you can’t make it Friday night, stop by anytime on Saturday December 4th to meet Jordan in person and view her amazing collection!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Feminine. Unique. Classic.

When did you know that you were going to pursue a career in fashion and design?
I always felt like it was something I wanted to do but was nervous to take that step, fashion is a competitive industry! I was asked to start making items for a boutique when I was 16, 4 years ago, and haven’t ever looked back.

What inspired your latest collection?
I did a 6 piece mini collection for Spring 2011, it is very much inspired by gardens and fairy tale stories. It is a very dreamy, girly collection. However the Holiday 2011 collection I am currently designing is inspired by a couple of my favourite Salvador Dali paintings and the styles of the 1920′s. I am really loving where that inspiration is taking me so far and excited to put it into production.

What are your must-have fashion items this fall?
Rompers! Especially with pleating or beading, anything that dresses it up a little bit. Replace your favorite dress with a romper and some tights for a party!

People may be surprised to know…
That although I focus on party dresses I mostly work with cottons, linens, and other natural fibers. People are also surprised when they find out I also don’t use silk. As a vegetarian, it is important to me to keep my line is completely cruelty-free.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have the best parents in the world who have taught me to do what I am passionate about, and always stay motivated. They inspire me every day! I also wouldn’t be anywhere I am today without the owner of the first boutique I ever sold at, Butter in Collingwood, Ontario. She saw something in me that I didn’t know I could do – thank you Andrea!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Underselling my product. It is my advice to everyone starting a business to know your worth! I was shocked to realize I was underselling myself for years and not actually making money!

Where is your favourite place to go with girlfriends?
I love going to a great restaurant or coffee shop! Somewhere we can talk and have fun but still be away from the house!

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
To always have passion and love what I do.

Contact Sui Generis at:

suigenerisclothing@yahoo.ca

or visit

Coal Miners Daughter – 587 Markham Street, Toronto
Haute Par Periwinkle – 382 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto

Interview with Marcia Livingstone of Co-ordiKnits

November 12, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

If you’re looking to add a little colour and warmth to your wardrobe this winter, look no further than Co-ordiKnits.  Owner Marcia Livingstone founded the company in 2002 and has been designing her fully accessorized, co-ordinated ladies knitwear line ever since.  Her classically silhouetted pieces, each have a modern twist that will brighten any woman’s wardrobe!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Colourful.  Classic.  Modern.

What inspires your designs?
Inspiration for my designs come from many sources.  I look to vintage patterns for classic silhouettes.  I update traditional, ethnic needlework motifs with my choice of colour and modern fibres.  I see patterns in architecture and antique carved furniture.   A stepped gable on a house in Ghent inspired an unusual shaped v-neck sweater. A floral pattern carved in wood becomes a template for a handmade lace applique.

We love your use of colour – what colour item do you think every woman should own?
Every woman should have a selection of accessories (hat, bag, scarf, gloves) to add a splash of colour to a classic black  wardrobe.  Depending on my mood, I’ll wear a scarlet red or muted rose topper (mid-thigh length sweater) over a classic black column (top and pants/skirt).

People may be surprised to know…
My study of languages led to a desire to travel, which in turn led to my love of traditional, ethnic motifs.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I will never again give up creative control to a partner.

How do you spend your free time?
I love to walk through Toronto’s many neighbourhoods looking for patterns in brickwork, fret work, iron work, etc.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I CRAVE a balance between creative fulfillment in business and  a contented family life.

Contact Co-ordiKnits at:

co-ordiknits@rogers.com

Interview with Cathy Bull, Martha Bull and Michelle Richardson of Feather Factory

November 5, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

The chilly weather is finally here and we’re sure you have your lovely new camel coat to keep you warm, but what is going to keep you cozy and toasty on those frigid winter nights?  We’ll be heading over to Feather Factory to have Martha, Cathy and Michelle create a custom duvet made to our specific sleeping needs, that we can curl up under all winter long.

Inside Feather Factory you are greeted with light, colour and texture. Customers compliment on the Parisian feel. On offer: rows of quilts, colourful duvet covers, cushions and sumptuous high thread count linens. Their combined 85 years linen experience is at your service. They have sourced top, unique brands in bedlinens, towels, fabrics and wallpaper and they make their own superior down products.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Eco-friendly.  Creative.  Dishy.

What or Who inspired you to start your business?
Duvets which are innovative, eco freindly and luxurious were the beginning (Martha pioneered duvets in Ontario) and a fabulous sisterhood inspired us to work together. Michelle is our adopted sister (she started working with Martha in the Eiderdown Shop 20 years ago).

People may be surprised to know…
We make our duvets, pillows and featherbeds on the premises. We made a pillow for Pope John Paul.  All three of us are artists and feel that good bedroom design can often start with the art on your walls.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Locating in a major mall.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Cathy: Margaret Lawrence, canadian author.

Michelle: Queen Elizabeth 1.

Martha: Debbie Field, executive director of Food Share and political dynamo.

Where is your favourite place to go with girlfriends?
Michelle: McSorleys (Bayview hot spot).

Cathy: Poor John’s (best cafe in Parkdale).

Martha: Hugh’s Room.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Business success would include satellite Feather Factory boutiques across Canada and in life, joy every day.

Contact Feather Factory at:

1606 Queen St. W
Toronto, ON 416-536-3708

Thanks for Coming Out to Our Fall Shopping Sunday!

November 1, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

Thanks to everyone who came out to the CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday!  We had a fantastic time and are still drooling over all of the amazing items that our vendors had for sale.  We spied a number of items that we will be adding to our Christmas list this year, or giving to friends!   You can check out our Vendor List HERE with links to our vendors websites where you can find out where you can purchase their products in the future.

It may have been wet and dreary outside, but the CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday was the bright spot to our day.  We had a lot of fun and received great feedback from shoppers, who just like us, are so impressed with what the entreprenesses of Toronto are doing.  Take a look at some of the fun and the beautiful items captured by Lemon Fresh Designs Photography in our Photo Booth, by clicking HERE.

Interview with Shannon Doyle of The Mercantile

October 29, 2010 by Andrea | Comments (0)

A specialty food and treats shop, The Mercantile is chock-a-block with unique and delicious foods.  When you enter the store you feel inspired, indulged and nurtured.  The Mercantile is also a gift basket company without compare that has been creating unique gift baskets since 1999.  Their gift baskets are personally designed with an idiosyncratic recipient’s needs in mind.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Gourmet. Unique. Urban.

What or Who inspired you to start your business?
As an actor I was looking for another creative outlet.

What are your most popular products or services?
Our fabulous selection of chocolate, The Mercantile Spice Kits and our personalized gift baskets.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Always secure a long lease or purchase the building, if possible.  It gives you time to build your business.

What is your indulgence?
Dark chocolate with sea salt and red wine.

How do you spend your free time?
Doing Hot yoga and hosting dinner parties with my husband when we are not renovating homes.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Jenny Barato, owner of Trattoria Giancarlo.  I admire her food knowledge and great taste.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
The ocean.  More free time with my husband.  Balance.

Contact The Mercantile at:

297 Roncesvalles Ave.
Toronto, ON 416 – 531- 7563

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