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CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE
Risk Taking: Should You Dare?
We’re ringing in the new year at CRAVE with a question for all you women business owners out there… Do you dare? Is 2011 going to be a year of taking risks with your business, holding back, or a combination of both? To help you strategize, we are dedicating the month of January to the pros and cons of risk-taking across the board. Our business chat and blog entries will be brimming with juicy stories of risks gone right or wrong as well as advice from our CRAVE experts on when to know to take a leap of faith or to simply sit back and let life fall into place.
We knew this would be a hot topic when Melody wanted to know what her Facebook followers ask themselves before taking a risk and got SO many amazing responses. Check them out and prepare yourself for an exciting month of risks and rewards!
What do you ask yourself before you take a risk?
Just curious? before you take a risk? a leap to something new? start a new project? WHAT DO YOU ASK YOURSELF? do you write down the pros and cons? do you just do it and ask why later? how long do you ponder? do you end up jumping? or do nothing? tell me!!! what is your risk taking style?
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Suzette Sommer Oh… wow. What is a “risk?” That is one four-letter word that I have seemingly never known. |
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Sydney Chavez I ask myself what I would lose if I didn’t take the leap. |
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Nicole Francois before i take a risk i ask myself: why i am interested in taking the risk, what i hope to gain from it, what the result will be and who’s going to be with me? then, i outline my plan and jump! |
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Maria Ross Before I take a risk I ask myself if I will regret it more if I don’t take it than if I do. I weigh pros and cons, seek advice from those I trust….and then go with my gut! At a certain point, if it feels right, all the data in the world doesn’t matter. |
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Sonja Silver The first thing I ask is “what is the worst thing that can happen”? If I can live with the answer, I go for it. The biggest risk is to not take one! |
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Elise Kloter same here, Sonia…puts the scary stuff in perspective |
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Melody Biringer lovin all you risk takers….keep it coming! as i get older i seem to take risks slower and more cautious. i want to be naive again! |
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Lauren Bacon These days, more and more I check in with my gut. I highly recommend a little book called “Make Light Work” by Kate Sutherland that has helped me enormously with listening to my intuition. (It’s cool and non-flaky, I promise.) |
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Michelle Michael what’s the reward…? is it personal or financial? maybe a little of both. go for it, and surround yourself with those that support your dream! |
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Lyndi Thompson My first thought: Risks can often be re-labeled as adventures. I tend to dismiss risks that I don’t feel I have good access to supportive people around me. However, most of the time I can find at least two people. I try imagine best and worst case scenario, while always keeping in mind I know I make pretty good decisions and in the end things always end up OK. |
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Mary Boisselle I usually don’t ask any questions…I trust my intuition then I take a huge leap and bungie jump off the bridge or I don’t. There is a reason why opportunities come, so I can find the gem inside, whether it’s a pearl or a piece of glass. |
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Larisa Goldin I try to check in with my guidance. i believe that risks are just opportunities in disguise, the only question is whether they are part of the intended path or are a test (a distraction). So based on what I get back from my inner guidance (does it feel right?) I take the risk or not. |
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Rupa Wickrama Feelings of Anxiety = don’t take it. Feelings of Anticipation or Excitement = this warrants further exploration! |
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Sydney Chavez I CRAVE Risk Taking. : ) |
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Traci Barnum Jump and figure everything else out later. Unless of course, you have a really smart husband who demands that you make a plan before you jump and break into your retirement fund for that risk. It’s a great balance. : ) |
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Carrie McIlveen Middlemiss It’s typically a gut feeling. I usually think it through and if it still feels right I go for it. Especially if it is something I’ll enjoy and it makes money. |
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Jennifer Saphier Whitman I have to step away from the decision for a few days. It always pops back into my head while I am doing other things during the day. If every time the idea pops up I get a sick feeling, I know it isn’t the right choice. If I get excited every time I think about it, it is a definite go! |
We hope these comments get you thinking about your own risk-tasking strategies for the year and that you’ll stay tuned to our blog over the next month and share your own daring deeds in the comments! And of course, have a Happy New Year from CRAVE!
Interview with Cathy Bull, Martha Bull and Michelle Richardson of Feather Factory
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
Interview with Leslie Hughes of PUNCH!media
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
Classy and Fabulous: Meet piastyle
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.
Snag the Perfect Travel Snacks
Summer is finally here which means many people are planning their summer getaway. So after packing the bathing suit and sunscreen, what’s next to go into your bag? That’s right, must have travel foods! Read on for some insight from our wellness guru Jamie Dougherty.
Of course, fantastic food awaits you upon arrival. However, it is not always fun to trust the culinary “delights” along the way. Airplane and airport food? No, thanks! To make sure you don’t get hungry before reaching your final destination, it is important to pack a reusable grocery bag full of edibles that will keep well for at least 24 hours without refrigeration.
Here are the best travel friendly foods that will withstand up to 30 hours of travel. They are all delicious, nutritious, and easy to pack.
1. Dried fruit and nuts- Favorites are peaches, apricots, cherries, dates, prunes, walnuts, almonds, and pecans. Just make sure they are organic and sulfur-free.
2. Fresh fruit with hard cheese- Apples and oranges work best.
3. Roasted garbanzo beans- Rinse and drain 2 cans of garbanzos. Mix with olive oil and salt and roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. They are yummy and a great protein source.
4. Tamari sunflower and pumpkin seeds- A perfect snack when you want something fatty and salty. Click here for a yummy, crunchy recipe.
5. Honey tea cookies- Make a whole batch of these and grab one every time you need something sweet. Click here to find out how to make yummy cookies.
6. Cut veggies- Celery, radishes, carrots, and sugar snap peas work well. They also help keep you hydrated on the dry plane.
7. Your favorite chocolate bar- What can I say? Never travel without chocolate. My favorite is the Alter-Eco BlackOut bar. YUM!
8. Crackers- These will keep you way from the baggies of pretzels. The best brands are Ryvita, Dr. Kracker, and Mary’s Gone Crackers.
So this summer, whether you are traveling long distances or just doing a few day trips, be sure to pack these snacks for the journey. I promise they will keep you energized, full, and away from all the junk along the way.
To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at http://www.jamieliving.blogspot.com/.
Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.
*written by Jamie Dougherty for the CRAVE company
Interview with Cassidy Watkins of The HomeBake Pizza Company
You no longer have to hunt down a pizzeria for delicious hand-tossed pizza, just stop by The HomeBake Pizza Company. for fresh made ‘take and bake’ pizza, they deliver too! Food lover and owner, Cassidy Watkins started The HomeBake Pizza Company, which is Toronto’s first ‘take and bake’ pizza shop, specializing in made to order gourmet pizzas from all natural and organic ingredients. Mmmm, delicious and nutritious! HomeBake Pizza turns any home kitchen into a gourmet pizzeria, bon appétit!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Fresh, delicious, gourmet.
What are your most popular products or services?
Fresh, local, organic toppings and um … pizza! We also offer spelt and gluten-free options that are very popular with people with diet sensitivities.
People may be surprised to know…
How simple it is to bake one of our pizzas. You don’t need any special tools; we provide everything that’s needed. Oh, and also organic multigrain pizza dough can taste really good!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
A simple desire to have a better option for pizza in the comfort of my own home, and realizing that if I was frustrated with soggy box pizza, others were too.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Anyone who inspires me, who reminds me I can always do more, who brings goodness and fulfillment to the lives of others.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
I’m not really one to toot my own horn, which is a challenge because having a new business necessitates you being able to let people know how fantastic your business is.
How do you spend your free time?
Enjoying a quiet late morning breakfast at home, trying not to fall off the pilates machine, and getting dirty doing reno projects with friends.
What is your indulgence?
Why, food of course! I’m currently in love with my partner’s slow cooked, maple infused bacon. So worth the wait!
Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
People are going to think that all I do is eat, but I love getting together over weekend brunch at neighbourhood restaurants, it always feels so decadent.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Balance in all things, and time. Time to re-energize, to seek out inspiration and to fully embrace the rewards working for yourself can bring.
Visit The HomeBake Pizza Company at:
476 Roncesvalles Ave
Toronto, ON, Canada M6R 2G5
Interview with Sandra Tarantino of C1 art space: art shop, art school
Started as a project developed by artist and teacher, Sandra Tarantino, C1 art space has since thrived to become a welcoming community environment! C1 houses a variety of activities, from an art school that accommodates all ages with classes from clay sculpting to painting; to an art gallery showcasing collections of handmade Canadian fine crafts and gifts, artist apparel, and other creative goodies!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Quirky, Humorous, Fun
What are your most popular products or services?
Our art workshops are a favourite, especially silk screening and wheel throwing. People also enjoy lots of handmade gifts including: Julie Moon poppy pins, Avril Loreti napkins, and Yasmine Louis and Ross Bonfanti apparel.
People may be surprised to know…
They can learn to be creative. Our classes are fun and relaxed so it’s easy to learn how to D.I.Y.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
My love of art and teaching have always existed since I was a child. I’ve been planning to do this forever.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My parents, who are immigrants and business owners for 38 years; I learned how to run a business from them.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Taking on too much but this is a hard one not to repeat
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Calmness and happiness, always.
Visit C1 art space: art shop, art school at:
44 Ossington Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6J 2Y7
Interview with Laura & Rena Polley of Body Blitz Spa
Sit back, relax, replenish and detoxify! Body Blitz Spa is a woman’s spa that puts a modern twist on ancient restorative water practices. Body Blitz boasts a 38 ft Dead sea salt pool with 24 hydrotherapy jets, hot green tea pool, cold plunging pool, aromatherapy steam, infrared sauna and massage, face and body treatments. Owners and sisters, Laura & Rena Polley make pampering easy- no waiting, no tipping, no breaking the bank!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Modern, urban, oasis
What are your most popular products or services?
Therapeutic water circuit, scrub and mud treatments, and our incredible argan oil face serum.
People may be surprised to know…
We have developed our own line of Canadian-made face and body products that are available across North America through our website.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
Visiting thermal spas in Europe and Asia and realizing there was a market for this concept in Toronto.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Our mother; women of that generation never took time for themselves or their health.
What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat?
Not having the financing firmly in place before the cement was.
What is your indulgence?
Travel, nice wine, and dinners with family and friends.
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Bankers who realize that businesses owned by women are a good investment, and of course, laughter, creativity and a few nice clothes …
Visit Body Blitz Spa at:
471 Adelaide St. West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5V 1T1
Interview with Melanie Groom and Tara Clark of Blo Blow Dry Bar
Franchise duo, Melanie Groom and Tara Clark came across something fabulous when they partnered up for the creation of Blo, a blow dry bar where you can expect a sexy style without the scissors. Whether you feel like having sexy, razor-straight hair or diggin’ rocker-chic hair, for around 30 dollars and in about 30 minutes, get a wash and blow out from seven styles to choose from in their Blo Hair Menu. We CRAVE Blo for their no fuss concept, just wash, blow, and go!
How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?
Affordable, convenient, and luxurious.
What are your most popular products or services?
Blo’s signature blo outs and Blo products, like freshman (whipped-crème conditioner), knockout (ultimate shine spray) and player (style-to-burn paste)!
What or who inspired you to start your business?
Mel: Tara and I have been best friends for over 10 years and have always aspired to own and run a business together.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Mel: My parents are absolutely my role models, as they encouraged me to be independent and strive for what I want.
Tara: My younger sister has always excelled at sales and communication; I have a high respect for her.
What is your indulgence?
Both of us heart red wine and chocolate
Where is your favourite place to go with your girlfriends?
Tara: Dinner parties.
Mel: Yoga
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
Mel: I crave happiness and a sense of accomplishment.
Tara: I crave happiness and a sense of self-fulfillment
Dangerous Foods Hiding in Your Pantry
Do you CRAVE a healthier lifestyle? We asked one of our favorite wellness gurus, Jamie Dougherty, for some simple ways to improve your diet by cleaning out the “dangerous” foods hiding in your pantry. Here is what Jamie had to say about those last few items in your kitchen standing between you and your healthiest self.
When people begin to eat better, the food in their refrigerator changes. More fruits, fresh vegetables, organic, pasture raised diary and meat. However there is one place that is always the last vestige of unhealthy food…the pantry! Pantries are the final frontier of “hazardous for your health” foods. Pantry food must be shelf stable, meaning food items are pumped full of chemicals and preservatives to make them last longer. Processed foods are also loaded with sugar, low quality oils and genetically modified fillers that can damage our bodies.
Luckily there are a number of tasty alternatives to replace the unhealthier models. Here are a few easy pantry raiding swap-outs to get started.
Top 5 pantry foods to replace
Bread crumbs
OUT - The packaged stuff. Full of hydrogenated oils, sugar, and anti-caking agents.
IN - Make your own crumbs. Take unused stale bread, put in a food processor with sea salt, and then toast in a slow oven. Keep them in the freezer or in the pantry in a sealed container.
Broth
OUT - Bouillon cubes, powder or canned stock. Full of sugar, low quality salt, MSG, and genetically modified ingredients.
IN – Homemade or organic boxed stock (Pacific Naturals Vegetable Stock is very good).
Cooking Oils, Fats & Sprays
OUT –Aerosol oils (PAM) and vegetable shortenings. Dump the corn, peanut, vegetable, soybean, safflower oils, margarine, and Crisco.
IN - High quality extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed & hemp oils, ghee/clarified butter, organic butter.
Salad Dressing and Sauces
OUT - Bottled dressings, marinades, sugary BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce.
IN – fruit sweetened ketchup and BBQ sauce (check out Organicville), tamari/shoyu, and homemade dressings. Use good oils, balsamic/red wine vinegar, ginger/sesame oil/tamari, tahini with lemon.
Vanilla
OUT - Imitation vanilla: loaded with corn syrup and added sugars.
IN – Real vanilla extract and vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but totally worth it!
To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at www.jamieliving.blogspot.com.
Jamie G. Dougherty is the owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling. She is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.
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