Andrea • CRAVE Toronto • Connect. Inspire. Succeed.

Author Archive

Interview with Leigh Clements of Shot In The Dark Mysteries

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

We love Halloween and are always looking for new spook-tacular ways to spend the holiday. Throwing a murder mystery is a uniquely terrifying way to spend this year’s Halloween Party with friends!

Shot In The Dark Mysteries‘ murder mystery and family-friendly mystery party games are the perfect solution for busy hosts, handing them the key to an unforgettable party their guests will rave about for years to come! Shot In The Dark Mysteries also offers Mysterious Marketing, which helps business owners connect with clients in a unique and unforgettable way!

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Mysterious. Sassy. Unforgettable.

What are your most popular products or services?
Custom games – we work in the client’s inside jokes and intimate details right into the mystery plot!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
Over 40 jobs before the age of 25! Nothing taught me the importance of doing what I love better than being forced to do things I despised.

People may be surprised to know…
I’m not as dark as some people expect someone who plots murder for a living to be.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not creating a business plan from the start. I had to go back and establish the fundamentals when I realized how important a business plan is.

What is your indulgence?
I have a great appreciation for a really good cup of coffee, and even the thought of shopping makes my heartbeat quicken!

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
For a hot stone massage and/or martinis and wine.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Grace Kelly. She was class through and through, and made her decisions for no one but herself.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Unforgettable experiences and incredible memories.

Contact Shot In The Dark Mysteries at:

mysterymaiden@shotinthedarkmysteries.com

Tags: Connect, Halloween, Murder Mystery, Party Games, Shot In The Dark Mysteries
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Top 10 Reasons Why YOU Need to Attend CRAVE Toronto’s Fall Shopping Sunday

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Top 10 Reasons Why YOU Need to Attend CRAVE Toronto’s Fall Shopping Sunday

Letterman and Leno do it, so why can’t we? We’ve put together a list of the Top 10 Reasons why YOU need to attend our Fall Shopping Sunday. You don’t want to miss out and here is why…

10 ) Fabulous women, fabulous women and more fabulous women. Where else will you find an entire market packed with some of the most innovative and unique businesses in Toronto that are ALL female owned?

9 ) Christmas is only 2 months away. Save yourself the stress of procrastination and the holiday madness at malls, and get your Christmas shopping done early.

8 ) Have a hair out of place? The ladies from Blo Blow Dry Bar will be on hand to do on-site hair touch-ups at their booth.

7 ) Cupcakes. ‘Nuff said. Head over to Sugar Plum Sweet Creations for your cupcake fix.

6 ) Is your back killing you from shopping in cute stilettos? Dr. Stephanie and The Health Loft are to the rescue. They will be doing 15 minute massages, analyzing walking patterns, demonstrating acupuncture, and they will also have their naturopath on hand to answer questions. Just don’t mention the cupcake you ate at the booth next door.

5 ) Feeling tired of the same old look? Pay a visit to the ladies at Mobile Makeover and Beauty In Motion. They’ll be selling makeovers complete with a mini-makeup application lesson!

4 ) Become a part of CRAVE documented history. Chelsea Video Vibe will be on location filming and interviewing, and Lemon Fresh Designs will be photographing the entire event.

3 ) Haven’t had a chance to pick up the CRAVE Toronto Guide Book? We will be selling them all day long. It’s the perfect Christmas or “no reason at all” gift.

2 ) Everyone loves FREE STUFF and that’s why we’ll be having draws all day for a number of great prizes and giftcards!

1 ) Can you really think of a more fabulous way to spend your Sunday than quality shopping time with your GAL-PALS!?

To RSVP Click HERE!

To find out how to become a Vendor at this event email: andrea@craveparty.com

Tags: CRAVE Toronto, Events, Fall Shopping Sunday, Market, shopping
Posted in Events, Style | No Comments »

Who’s In – CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday

Monday, October 18th, 2010

It’s almost here and we couldn’t be more excited to put on our shopping shoes and head over to the CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday on Sunday October 24th in the Fermenting Cellar!

Discover fabulous clothing and accessories created by some of Toronto’s most talented designers, the most unique beauty products in the city, delicious treats, and much much more.

To see Who’s In, click HERE!

WHAT: CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday
WHEN: Sunday October 24th, 2010, 11am – 5pm
WHERE: Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District – 55 Mill St (map)
ADMISSION: Free to the public

To find out how to become a vendor at this event, email:andrea@craveparty.com

Tags: CRAVE Toronto, Events, Fall Shopping Sunday, Fashion, Market
Posted in Events | No Comments »

Interview with Dr. Stephanie of Dr | Stephanie and The Health Loft

Friday, October 15th, 2010

Dr. Stephanie is a big-hearted, energetic, and passionate healer. With a background in neuroscience and psychology, she understands how physical injury can, if left untreated, fully integrate into the body. Dr. Stephanie specializes in whole body wellness, including chiropractic treatments, cosmetic, cellulite, traditional acupuncture, orthotic therapy and fitness.

Dr. Stephanie and The Health Loft crew will be joining CRAVE at our Fall Shopping Sunday. They will be analysing walking and standing patterns, their massage therapist will be doing 15 minute massages, and they will also have their naturopath on hand to answer any questions about nutrition. They will also be demonstrating acupuncture for anyone who is interested. They had us at “massage”.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Passionate. Focused. Effective.

What are your most popular products or services?
Chiropractic and acupuncture treatments, custom orthotics for shoes, including stilettos and heels, and weight-loss supplements.

People may be surprised to know…
I am trained in cosmetic and cellulite acupuncture, and, yes, you can get great support in your stilettos with my orthotics!

What or who inspired you to start your business?
The over-arching desire to help fabulous people live their best lives and to promote health, fitness, and healing from the inside out.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Michelle Obama. She is the perfect blend of career woman, wife, and loving mother: simultaneously feminine and strong.

Contact Dr | Stephanie at:

47 Stewart Street
Toronto, ON 647-346-2281

Tags: Acupuncture, Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie, Enhance, The Health Loft
Posted in Enhance | No Comments »

CRAVE toronto Fall Shopping Sunday

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday

WHEN: Sunday October 24th, 2010, 11am – 5pm
WHERE: Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District – 55 Mill St
ADMISSION: Free to the public

It’s finally here!!! Our FIRST-ever CRAVEparty!!! We decided the perfect way to celebrate Autumn was with a market, which will be the format for this party. Join CRAVE Toronto and more than 50 of the coolest female-owned businesses in Toronto at the CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday on Sunday October 24th in the Fermenting Cellar!

The CRAVE Toronto Fall Shopping Sunday will be modeled after a market—and this is no ordinary market! There is something for everyone at this event. Discover fabulous clothing and accessories created by some of Toronto’s most talented designers, the most unique beauty products in the city, delicious treats, and much much more.

Start your Christmas shopping early, or stay true to the CRAVE lady’s love of shopping, and treat yourself! There really is no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than shopping and mingling with some of the finest femmes in Toronto! We look forward to seeing you all there!

Click here to RSVP as a SHOPPER

Email: andrea@craveparty.com to become a VENDOR

Tags: CRAVEparty, shopping
Posted in Events | No Comments »

Interview with Alison Currie of the Cashmere Shop

Friday, October 8th, 2010

What better way to celebrate autumn and fight against the dropping temperatures than with a lovely new piece of cashmere? The Cashmere Shop is Toronto’s original specialty shop for Cashmere. In business for over 17 years, they knit their items using only the highest quality of Cashmere yarn. Their garments are exclusively designed and knitted for their boutique.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Elegant. Cozy. Authentic.

What are your most popular products or services?
Wraps are our most popular and versatile item. Every woman should own one!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
My biggest mistakes were not listening to my intuition and not taking risks.

What is your indulgence?
Chocolate chip cookies from Wagamama, a bakery close to my house. They are the most delicious cookies ever!

How do you spend your free time?
I love spending time with my family – my husband, son and cat Coco.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
Family-run brunch spots.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Retail Maven, Shirley Dawe. She has taught me to think BIG and take risks.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I CRAVE: opportunity, inspiration, movement, growth, laughter, happiness, success for those around me, and good health.

Contact The Cashmere Shop at:

24 Bellair Street
Toronto, ON 416-925-0831

Tags: shopping, Style, The Cashmere Shop
Posted in Style | No Comments »

Interview with Myrlene Sundberg of Urban Mode

Friday, October 1st, 2010

CRAVE toronto was fortunate to have its first Business Chat hosted at home furnishing heaven, Urban Mode. Urban Mode is Toronto’s leading independent retailer of modern design and home furnishings and is regarded as the expert in small space management. Since 1977, Myrlene and her team have been showcasing new and noteable products from around the world. Passionate about design and architecture, Urban Mode has recently launched an eco-friendly modular pre-fab showroom docked adjacent to store.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Modern. Multifunctional. Vibrant.

What are your most popular products or services?
Space planning with multifunctional furniture.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was an interior designer inspired by European furniture but found that there was very little affordable modern design here.

People may be surprised to know…
That we are 33 years old!

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I didn’t take enough chances. When I had a great idea, I didn’t have enough faith in myself to take the leap.

What is your indulgence?
Books, books and more books. We have at least 30 feet, floor to ceiling, of the best design and architecture books from around the world.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
I like shopping in Paris, having lunch in the cafe in Gallerie Lafayette, or eating stinky cheese and fresh bagette.

Who is your role model or mentor?
I have always been inspired by my parents. I was raised on a farm and learned from them an amazing work ethic and integrity that has shaped my entire life.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
I would love to be a part of a “sisterhood” of women entrepreneurs. I have found it to be very lonely. There is a lot that we can share and learn from one another.

Contact Urban Mode at:

145 Tecumseth Street
Toronto, ON 416-591-8834

Tags: Abode, design, furniture, home decor, Urban Mode
Posted in Abode | No Comments »

Thank-You for Making Our First Business Chat a Success!

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

CRAVE toronto is sending a huge thank-you to everyone who made it out to our first CRAVE Business Chat. A very special thank-you goes to Leslie Hughes of PUNCH!media for being our speaker and to Myrlene Sundberg of Urban Mode for hosting the event.

We couldn’t possibly think of a better way to have spent our Thursday night than in the coolest furniture boutique in the city, packed full of beautiful business-savvy women, and learning everything we needed to know about Social Media from Marketing Maven Leslie.

This very informative night was made even more special by the supportive atmosphere created by all the women in attendance. We can’t wait for our second Business Chat!

Posted in Business, Connect, Events | No Comments »

Interview with Leslie Hughes of PUNCH!media

Friday, September 24th, 2010

CRAVE toronto is very happy to introduce Leslie Hughes, Principal of PUNCH!media as the speaker of our first CRAVE toronto Business Chat (Register here)! A passionate follower of all things media related, Leslie has been involved with online marketing and sales since 1998. Leslie is a graduate of the University of Ottawa (B.A. Psychology), and proudly has her Master’s Certification in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP).

Whether it’s through traditional mass media or online social media campaigns, PUNCH!media generates credibility and exposure for businesses. With more than 10 years experience in marketing and sales for Tier 1 clients such as Visa Canada, PUNCH!media is deeply passionate about helping businesses succeed. By educating and empowering entrepreneurs through workshops and strategy, PUNCH!media helps create and build buzz for their brand.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Passionate. Positive. Polished.

What are your most popular products or services?
Social Media seminars and strategies, Press Release creation, and Media Kit development.

People may be surprised to know…
I also run Diaper Disco: the hippest family dance party for the under-12 crowd and their ultra cool parents.

What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired to start PUNCH!media because of my passion and desire to see other businesses succeed.

What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
When I created the Diaper Disco, I underestimated how much time it would take to start up a business.

What is your indulgence?
Magazines and books. I love to read.

How do you spend your free time?
Cavorting or chilling with my toddler and husband. This usually involves being stalked by our Wheaten Terrier, Harley.

Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
Stillwater Spa at the Park Hyatt.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Keri-Ellen Walcer, President of MusiGo Inc., and Anita Windisman, President of One of a Kind Publishing Inc.

What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Authenticity. I prefer to associate with businesses and people that are genuine.

Contact PUNCH!media at: 647-272-5588

Follow Leslie’s Blog at: punchmedia.wordpress.com or on Twitter at: @PunchMediadotca

Posted in Business, Interviews | No Comments »

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