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Q&A with Meena Sandhu of ING Direct

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

Meena Sandhu knows what it takes to make a business thrive. As a Regional Marketing and Sales Manager for ING Direct, she helps bring vital resources and information to women business-owners throughout Vancouver.  We met her at the CRAVE 2010 Symposium and decided we needed to pick her brain just a little bit more. Here, we talk to Meena about her role providing assistance to entreprenesses and her tips for creating a business to CRAVE.

How does ING Direct support women entrepreneurs?

We’ve targeted individuals and small businesses. We do a lot of workshops and classes offered, for example budgeting and savings workshops and sometimes have special speakers. And we’ve found that women are much more receptive to our workshops. We get a lot of response from women and they are very much engaged. ING Direct used to have a partnership with Smart Cookies. They also rent out their boardrooms to different companies. All these workshops and classes are complimentary, no charge.

What did you enjoy most about being a part of the CRAVE Symposium 2010?

I just thought it was a great opportunity to meet all these women in various aspects of the business world. Saw a network forming that you just know was going to continue, very motivational and great for everybody. Sharing of knowledge was the most important part of the symposium I would say. It was very beneficial and really, a great thing.

What are the top 5 tips you have for women who own their own business?

1. Women need to let their brand represent their own personalities. If they are the brand they will be most successful.

2. Always great to write mission statement, vision and values. Although it’s in your head, it’s always good to have it as a reference point to keep your vision always close to you.

3. Use the resources that are available to them like Bizplan pro and Quickbooks. These are all low or no cost resources that make the administrative side of a business so much easier. Don’t need to do all the admin work themselves.

4. Always set a budget and make sure you always set aside at least 10% for miscellaneous. That’s one of the smartest things to do in regards to financial planning.

5. Have fun and share knowledge with others and inspire one another between various small businesses. It’s truly one of the greatest things about being a business owner.

ING Direct Canada
vancafe@ingdirect.ca

Our CRAVE Connection Cafe Goodies!

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

We are pleased to announce details about our outstanding door prizes for tomorrow.. Don’t forget to drop off a business card at our “CRAVE Connection Cafe“! Here is what we have lined up for you!  If you want a chance to win any of these amazing prices, don’t forget to sign up for our CRAVE Symposium! 

Absolute Confidence: As an empowered confident women, the wonderful Suzanne Fletting will inspire and empower each woman to achieve her greatest potential with a new found purpose and a heightened sense of enthusiasm! A lucky winner will receive A DVD of the High Heel Appeal Class & 1 complimentary pass to the next class!

Fairmont Willow Stream Spa: This spa will help you escape your fast-forward, mad current world and bring you to a quieter place to recover, so you can dive into life again – energized. We will give away 2 gift certificates for a Signature Pedicure! 

Keeping Good Employees On Board: Employee Retention Strategies to Navigate Any Economic Storm: Written by our team building mentor, Dawn McCooey, one entrepreness will receive a copy of this must-have guide to create the perfect team! 

Lifestyle Selling for Women Workshop:  Valued at $395, one entrepreness will attend this workshop on Friday, June 11th. It includes Sales Personality Assessment valued at $175, eTools, a One-to-One Coaching session afterwards and tons of fun with other women entrepreneurs. You will have a chance to meet the wonderful CEO & Founder, Pauline O’Malley, at our event! 

The Smart Cookies: A copy of The Smart Cookies’ Guide to Couples and Money: Earn More, Argue Less, Achieve the Life You Want . . . Together- Featured on The Oprah Winfrey ShowMSNBC, the New York Times, New York Daily News andMoney Magazine, The Smart Cookies help women take control of their finances, attract more money into their lives and turn their dreams into reality! We are very honored to host Smart Cookies co-founder, Andrea Baxter, at our event! 

ING Direct: Since 1996, ING Direct has grown from a mere concept to a global enterprise, with over 20 million customers in nine countries. The Orange Code recounts ING Direct’s intriguing story, explaining the philosophy of its founder Arkadi Kuhlmann.

Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budget Available in June 2010 and written by one of our very own mentors, Maria Ross, one lucky entrepreness will receive a copy of this fabulous book! 

 





Q&A with Laurel Douglas of Women’s Enterprise Center

Friday, May 28th, 2010

The Women’s Enterprise Center (WEC) is the fairy godmother of women-owned business, providing loans to start-ups and expansion projects province-wide. But the Center does much more than simple loaning, they also provide free and low-cost workshops and mentoring services to women in the early stages of business development. WEC’s programs have proven invaluable to new businesses doubling their chance of success within the first five years when 65% of business tend to fail. We chatted with Laurel Douglas, CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Center to get her tips on women entrepreneurship and to get to the heart of what drives her in her work.

What tips/advice do you have for women who would like to start their own business?
One tip – business plan and cash flow, make sure they are both very well done. Don’t hire someone to do it, do it yourself so you know what you’re talking about.

Make sure you are really interested in the area you are going in, you will spend more time and money than you think you will in this area, so make sure you like it.

Develop your leadership presence – “trust your gut”. Recognize that you may be faced with a huge number of decisions, and they have a lot more knowledge than they give themselves credit for.

What do you love most about your job and why?
Adding value and making a difference, that’s what I’m all about. I enjoy working with so many organizations that are so committed to what they do  in the field of helping women start, grow and succeed in business.

I enjoy the value I bring for women in business, everyone who works in WEC really helps because they’ve all had their own business and making a difference is important to all employees.

Personally, I enjoy being able to help the women work as a team and grow in ways better than that they would otherwise be able to do on their own. In other words, “Unlocking their potential”.

What are you looking forward to most at the symposium?
I’m looking forward to the neat format for exchanging information and getting concrete feedback from people. Also seeing the difference the mentors will make directly in the businesses being think tanked.

Be sure to come to our upcoming symposium on Monday to learn more about Women’s Enterprise Centre!

Q&A with Jennifer Trecartin of My Edible Advice

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Jennifer Trecartin knows the science behind what we put in our bodies – and has started her business making sure others can understand it too for their own health benefits. Our CRAVE Vancouver Collaborator, Arpen Thandi, had a chance to experience Jennifer’s food sensitivity tasting first-handed, one of many service provided through My Edible Advice. Arpen raves, “Jennifer was personable, funny, and was so knowledgeable in all facets of health and nutrition. I wanted to know more and more about what types of foods I should be eating based on a personalized assessment”. This fabulous business offers no ‘secrets’ or ‘gimmicks’ to healthful eating but real solutions. Still, we can’t help but be in awe at the way Jennifer’s magic wand seems to sprinkle magic dust on everything she touches!

What is your business all about? My Edible Advice is a nutritional consulting business empowering people to feel better one bite at a time. We all know we could take our health to the next level and I am here to help you do just that. The foundation of my practice is Food Sensitivity Testing, which is an incredible tool to find out which foods do and don’t fuel your body properly. In today’s world, more stress on our systems is the last thing we need! Therefore, knowing what your personal food intolerances are is key to your overall well-being.

What do you love most about working for yourself?
Everything!!! Seriously, I couldn’t be happier working for myself. You get to wear so many masks though out the course of the day from office manager to creative director. There is never a dull moment and I CRAVE that!

What is your favourite quote?
I have two. For work I love author Michael Pollen’s saying: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants”. As for life, Miss Coco Chanel had it right when she said, ” A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous”.

We would love to know your top five feel good tips for eating right:
1. Chew your food. I know this may sound like I am stating the obvious but, see if you can count at least 20-30 chews before swallowing. Digesting begins in the mouth, and this step is key for proper absorption!

2. Shop the peripheral of the grocery store to fill up the majority of your cart. These are where the whole foods are typically stored and will supply our cells with the proper nutrients we need. If you can hit up the organic section, even better!

3. Challenge yourself to trying one vegetable or fruit that is new to you every shopping trip to add variety to your diet. I still remember how enthused I was to try collard greens for the very first time and now they are one of my staples!

4. Drink 2-3 liters of clean water per day. Everyday you loose water through your breath, perspiration, urine, and bowel movements. Four your body to function optimally, you must replenish its water supply. How much do you really need? 0.5 ounces x Body Weight in pounds = Daily Fluid Requirement in ounces.

5. Last, but certainly not least, enjoy your meals with friends and family- they will almost always taste better!

Friday Event: Young Women in Business

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

CRAVE readers packing an extra punch of girl power will want to check out this afternoon of discussion on female leadership and business ownership, coordinated by the nonprofit network Young Women in Business (YWiP). The diverse panel will feature lively conversation to foster collaboration, engagement, and inspiration among the region’s current and up-and-coming women leaders.

YWiB: Exploring Purple
Friday, May 14th, 1-3:30 P.M.
UBC Robson Square
$15 for members/$25 for non-members

For a list of panelists and to register, visit:
http://exploringpurple.eventbrite.com/

CRAVE Book Featured on the Small Screen

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Click on picture to view video

Just in time for Mother’s Day, our CRAVE guides were featured on Twin Cities Live as the perfect gift for stylish moms everywhere! Watch the clip here and see our lovely books take center-stage!

Q&A with Leighann Boquist of Oliver & Lilly

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Oliver & Lilly‘s (1520 W 13th Ave) is every whimsical shopper’s dream boutique, with brightly colored dresses and tops that pop in front of crisp white walls. Leighann Boquist, along with hubby Darren Bold, set up shop in the Granville District in 2008 and have been a beacon for the city’s style mavens ever since. With a cool mix of casual and classic pieces from both local and big-name designers, the shop is a breath of fresh springtime air for our retail CRAVE-ings. Here, Leighann shares her insights on becoming an entrepreness and the wisdom she gained via Bill Cosby.

What inspired you to open your own business?

My layoff did. Late in 2007 I was fortunate enough to be a part of many lay offs that my previous employer was issuing, which gave me some time to figure out what my next career step was… which turned out to be creating my own biz. And now it’s 2010 (two years into the business) and I did it. I still can’t believe I actually did. I have moments where I look around and think ‘holy frig’ this really is happening, how awesome… and then I secretly high five myself!

Even with the tremendous highs and lows of starting a new business, I’m glad I leaped. I’ve never looked back… it’s been pretty cool creating my own environment and adventure.

What novels are must-reads for women in business?

I just read Kelly Cutrones book; ‘If you have to cry go outside’, and I HIGHLY recommend it. But, there needs to be a disclaimer: Don’t read before bed!!!

It’s so good that it’ll get you all fired up and ready to take on the world, and you can’t at 2am, you need your sleep. So read it before work, it’s such a great motivator. It’ll get your business blood going.

What do you do to “unwind” or “de-stress”?

I suppose it’s like a pre-unwinding. Because every morning I wake up super early, grab my coffee, put on the Jazz Radio, sink into the couch and read through all the blogs I adore. It’s just a peaceful way for me to set a calm tone for the day. So even if the day turns chaotic, I at least know I’ve already had some peace in the day.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody”. Bill Cosby said that.
Because you will drive yourself mad if you try and please everyone. Remember that everyone has different taste buds. Respect that, and create the business palate that you want to please and go with it.

It’s Fiesta Time!

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010


Cinco de Mayo is a fun day dedicated to spicy foods, barbequing in the fresh spring weather, and sipping a cocktail while relaxing to upbeat Latin music. Partake in or create Cinco de Mayo activities you CRAVE this year. Gather your girlfriends and samba your way into spring!
If you are in the mood to stay in and avoid Cinco de Mayo craziness, a perfect way to loosen up and still enjoy this festive holiday is to stay in and host your own fiesta! Do your girls CRAVE spicy and authentic Mexican food? Invite everyone over to cook their favorite dish and swap recipes. Meanwhile, sip on fresh home-made margaritas while watching your favorite Selma Hayek films. For a fun activity kids of any age can enjoy, pick up a piñata and see who can collect the most candy.

Getting dolled up and putting on your most festive dress and heels may be the way you want to honor this colorful holiday. Put on that new red lipstick you’ve been dying to use, gather all the girls and jump into a salsa class. Learning this spicy dance together will not only be fun, but you might discover a new favorite way to work out! After the lesson, go to that Mexican restaurant that you can’t get enough of and dance the night away to the live mariachi band.

Whether it be going out to hot spots or mellowing out at home, celebrate however makes you happiest. As you prepare for the night’s festivities, try this enticing, spicy cocktail to liven up your night. Not for the timid taste buds!
SMITTEN

Makes 1 cocktail
1/3 cup fresh ripe watermelon, cut in 1-inch cubes

2 oz Sauza Hornitos Plata Tequila

3/4 oz Monin Organic Agave Syrup

3/4 oz fresh lime juice

2 dashes Tapatio hot sauce
Garnish: half-rim, single “scallop” of kosher salt

Muddle/press watermelon in pint glass with a muddler, being sure to press the melon well to release juices. Measure in tequila, agave syrup and lime juice. Shake in hot sauce—do not over-do it! Fill glass with ice. Cap and shake vigoroulsy. Strain into a martini glass with a partial salt rim.

Find more creative concoctions from Chef Kathy Casey here.

Bond with these Activites on Mother’s Day

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

It’s that time of year – it’s all about mom. You know as well as we do – with a hectic lifestyle, sometimes traditional alternatives have to do the trick (isn’t it the thought that counts?). But with all that mom has done for you, we’re guessing you probably CRAVE some creative mother/daughter bonding activities this Mother’s Day. So take a break from the craziness of the day to bond with the number one woman in your life. Whether you’re a “like- mother-like-daughter duo” or have completely different tastes, you’re sure to find a fabulous way to celebrate your mom in style with our irresistible options! Get ready to make some memories!

Rediscover Family Recipes
What better way to celebrate the women in your family than with a day dedicated to the culinary queens that have graced your family over the years? We all have recipes stashed away in a drawer in the kitchen that we always talk about with family members during holiday time. How many times have you reminisced about Grandma Marie’s outrageous chicken Marsala or Aunt Susan’s legendary lemon meringue? It’s time to pull out those recipes and cook them up with mom! Be sure to recopy those recipes that are written on paper that is little worse for wear, organize them and swap memories as you savor your hard work. So, if CRAVE something spicy or sweet and want to share special memories of the wonderful women that have paved your way, get cooking with mom. Who knows, you might even make some mother-daughter recipes of your own!

Other ideas for the the crafty mother-daughter duo:

- Organize family photos in scrapbooks or photo albums.
- Transfer old family tapes to DVD.
- Take an art class together.

Mother-Daughter Massage
What better way to say goodbye to stress and pamper the number one woman in your life than with a mother-daughter massage and spa treatment? Sometimes, the unspoken shared moments in life mean the most. With a little time to meditate, make muscles melt and mend your bodies, you and mom will be bonding in no time. Take some time together to choose your lineup of indulgences for the day. Whether you and mom CRAVE some hot stone therapy, aromatherapy or holistic skin care, your Mother’s Day Spa date is sure to be one to remember!

Other options for mothers and daughters looking to chill:

- Take a yoga class together.
- Safely score some rays of sunshine at the beach.
- Pack a picnic lunch and your suits. Find the perfect place to swim, enjoy the water and indulge in some homemade picnic classics!

Generational Clothing Swap:
Admit it – you have always wanted to raid mom’s closet (maybe you already have!) for some of those classy vintage outfits she has saved over the years. She’s probably had her eye on some of yours! Now is your chance to share style secrets that span a few more decades. Spend the days discussing style and sharing trends that have come in and out of both your lives. You might find some similarities you would never suspect – styles always seem to come back! After you swap chic secrets, you might even want to have a generational fashion show. Whatever decade you and mom each CRAVE when it comes to style, the creative possibilities are endless when you put your heads together in the name of fashion!

Alternatives for moms and daughters with fashion in their blood:

- Get out there for some retail therapy, but here’s the catch – pick outfits for each other. You could be pleasantly surprised, or you might be laughing the entire time you’re in the dressing room!
- Score mother-daughter style makeover consultations.
- Go on a fashionable date – check CRAVE and other local listings for fashion shows and other styling events in your city.

No matter what you CRAVE and how you choose to celebrate mom, enjoy your time together. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at CRAVE.

Feature: Della Optique!

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Della Optique is known for their excellent staff who provide expert assistance in selection from an extensive collection of unique designer eyewear and sunglasses. Glasses are a fashion accessory and reflect your personality! Owner, Della Chow, hails from a family owned business so it only felt natural to start her own business! Getting new glasses and taking care of your eyes should be a fun expereience and Della’s clients leave thinking, “Eye Love it”!

Tips on choosing eyeglasses that flatter! 

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. But the truth is your choice of frame reveals so much more about you. Your glasses can transform your entire look. The key to finding the right glasses is to know your face shape. To find out what shape your face is, look at yourself in the mirror and use a lipstick to trace the outline of your face. In general, suitable frames will be opposite in shape to your face shape.

Round shaped face: You will want to choose frames that are wider than they are deep, such as octagonal, which will offset roundness. 

Oval shaped face: You can choose anything from rectangular to almond-shaped frames. They will all look great!

Oblong shaped face: Choose frames that have decorative temples that will add width and make your face appear more balanced.

Heart-shaped face: Rimless or light-coloured frames that are wider at the bottom than the top can help balance the shape.

Diamond-shaped face: You can play with your high cheekbones by choosing decorative and cat’s eye frames. For a less dramatic look, an oval or rimless frame will show your high cheekbones as well.

Square shaped face: You tend to have wide chin and cheekbones. Choosing oval or round frames will offset the strong features.

Following these guidelines should give you a pretty good idea of how to choose your eyeglasses. Eyeglasses are such a fashion piece nowadays, that there are frame stylists just like clothing stylists who maybe best to help you if you can’t decide.