I had so much fun at the Poppy's Petals event. I met some great vendors, had some delicious food from Picadilly Square, and got more fans on my Facebook page. I'm almost to 100 fans and I think I'll do a give away when I reach 150. Woohoo!
Sibley's West was also so much fun! The Girl's Rule Foundation is such an awesome program and the girls running the fundraiser were just as poised and sweet as can be. Every time I go into that shop I have to buy something. One of the funnest most unique shops around.
I'm looking at new vendors in Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Mesa, and North Gilbert. I'm hoping they will pick up Curly Q's and make it easier for all the fans to get their hands on one. :)
Sibley's west also made a video of me discussing my product. You can check it out:
As you can tell, I love talking about Curly Q Original!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
New Shows and New Fabrics
I'm super excited this week because the boutique season is starting. Fall is definitely on the way. This week I'm doing Poppy's Petals event. This is my first one in a store and I can't wait to see how it goes. So grateful to Jami Lindberg (The Savvy Socialista) for including Curly Q Original in so many awesome opportunities.
Also this week, I'll be at Sibley's West on Saturday. They are hosting a fundraiser for the Girl's Rule Foundation. Check out their website. It is a great organization aimed at encouraging and empowering young women. I feel priveleged to be a part of it and share what it is like to be a fledgeling entrepreneur!
Fall is also evident in some of the displays. Check out these fabulous outfits created by Designer Blvd.
In other news...I have gorgeous fabrics sitting in my living room waiting to be made into the fall line Curly Q's. By popular demand I have more animal prints and SOLIDS! Can't wait to show them off at the Fall Shows!
Also this week, I'll be at Sibley's West on Saturday. They are hosting a fundraiser for the Girl's Rule Foundation. Check out their website. It is a great organization aimed at encouraging and empowering young women. I feel priveleged to be a part of it and share what it is like to be a fledgeling entrepreneur!
Fall is also evident in some of the displays. Check out these fabulous outfits created by Designer Blvd.
In other news...I have gorgeous fabrics sitting in my living room waiting to be made into the fall line Curly Q's. By popular demand I have more animal prints and SOLIDS! Can't wait to show them off at the Fall Shows!
Monday, August 15, 2011
All the fabulous stores!
These last couple of weeks have been amazing. I've been so blessed between the Oasis Gift Show and friends and contacts to be in six local stores!
Designer Blvd
Katybug Faye Boutique and Trunk Show
Kactus Jock (2 locations)
Sibley's West The Chandler and Arizona Gift Shop
Kristyn's Hallmark (2 locations)
Bff Divas
We now pretty much cover the entire East Valley and some of Scottsdale! The enthusiasm for my product has been tremendous! Check out this awesome picture of me and Sibley's West owner, Michelle!
I love how we are both wearing the same Curly Q!!! Or how about this beautiful little ensemble put together by Katybug Faye Boutique!
Super fun and gorgeous!
Designer Blvd
Katybug Faye Boutique and Trunk Show
Kactus Jock (2 locations)
Sibley's West The Chandler and Arizona Gift Shop
Kristyn's Hallmark (2 locations)
Bff Divas
We now pretty much cover the entire East Valley and some of Scottsdale! The enthusiasm for my product has been tremendous! Check out this awesome picture of me and Sibley's West owner, Michelle!
I love how we are both wearing the same Curly Q!!! Or how about this beautiful little ensemble put together by Katybug Faye Boutique!
Super fun and gorgeous!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
A word about my photos and website
I would be remiss if I didn't 1st, express the importance of having an up and running website, and 2nd, publish the beautiful photos from Haleigh Rohner Photography.
First, I can't stress enough how important a website is to starting a new business. Even though I was a brand new company with hardly any expertise, I got a logo, a website, and professional photos done. When you have this up and running, people have an immediate link to your product. Suppliers are better able to help you because they can see what you are doing and what your needs might be. It shows you mean business (please excuse the pun). Really, you need to show that you are serious about your product and you are going for it. The response was nothing but positive and was so instrumental in forwarding my business and getting the responses I needed early on.
Second, look at these beautiful photos. I'm always shocked that people will spend thousands starting a new business and the take a bunch of photos with their point and shoot to promote their product. Spend the few hundred dollars and get the photos. A picture is truly worth a thousand words. It give you cred in the industry, it gives you media to send to potential buyers, it gives you photos for spur of the moment advertising that may come up (yes, things DO come up). Get the photos! Look at these beautiful images!
See how the product just "pops" with these photos? You don't have to explain the product...they can already see it in action, with a dress, with jeans, with a skirt...it gets the customer thinking "hmmm...what could I wear these with". I have so many in my closet already and these photos even inspired me! Thank you to the beautiful models who make Curly Q Original look fabulous!
Oasis Gift Show
So, I may have overdone it in my preparation for the show, but, I had no idea what to expect. I'd barely done one boutique and had only a couple of stores that I wholesaled my product to. However, no one can say I wasn't ready for anything. My husband, my oldest daughter, three great friends, and I took shifts during the three day week-end managing my booth.
Right off I started talking with other vendors in the cash and carry area. I wanted to get a feel for what to expect and how my product compared with other offerings. I was actually kind of surprised at the amount of, well, how do I put it...cheep jewelry made in china...that was prevalent in the cash and carry area. Don't get me wrong, I love that stuff and I bought a good amount at the show, however, I was wondering if I was in the right area. I had handmad in the usa items that could not come anywhere near the prices of accessories in the other booths.
I rallied, however, and had incredible energy for my product. Not only is it made in the USA but there is nothing like it anywhere. As I spoke with vendors, they also had great things to say about my product. They were so helpful and gave so many great pointers to me...I felt like I had entered into some type of family.
The vendors out on the floor and in the artisan's section were equally kind, helpful, and supportive. Each had different experiences and insight to share and I appreciated everything that I was learning.
Selling! You know, I always thought I was a terrible sales person. I think most people are unless they have something that they really truly believe in. It was an absolute joy selling my product. Our booth was more like a women's accessory party than a store. I loved grabbing women out of the aisle and putting a scarf on them to show them just how fabulous this accessory would compliment their outfit. The best was when our booth was absolutely full. Everyone wanted to see what the commotion was and the energy of a dozen women accessorizing themselves was just a joy to behold.
Large wholesale orders were also great. Meeting these store owners who had come from throughout the west was an absolute treat for me. I loved getting to know them and hearing stories about their journey. They are all entrepreneurs, just like me. Once again, it was like being accepted into an extended family.
One of my favorite things that started happening is when people started coming around saying "I see everyone wearing these beautiful scarves around the show and just had to come over and get one for myself." I also loved the people who came back day two and three to get "just a couple more" for either themselves or friends.
My group and I had an absolute blast. We laughed and smiled everyday. Several of the vendors who did this for a living said they had never been situated next to a happier booth and that it was a joy to have been next to us. I think that was one of the greatest accomplishments. I guess that is a lesson learned...do what you love and love what you do. Happiness can be found anywhere.
One of the highlights was on day three when the Oasis Coordinators came by and presented me with the "Best Booth Award". I was smiling ear to ear. What an honor to be such a newbie in the business and receive such an honor. I left feeling so proud of my team and my business, what I had accomplished and what was going to be accomplished. Oasis was the perfect springboard for my little business. Watch out, Curly Q Original is going nationwide!
Right off I started talking with other vendors in the cash and carry area. I wanted to get a feel for what to expect and how my product compared with other offerings. I was actually kind of surprised at the amount of, well, how do I put it...cheep jewelry made in china...that was prevalent in the cash and carry area. Don't get me wrong, I love that stuff and I bought a good amount at the show, however, I was wondering if I was in the right area. I had handmad in the usa items that could not come anywhere near the prices of accessories in the other booths.
I rallied, however, and had incredible energy for my product. Not only is it made in the USA but there is nothing like it anywhere. As I spoke with vendors, they also had great things to say about my product. They were so helpful and gave so many great pointers to me...I felt like I had entered into some type of family.
The vendors out on the floor and in the artisan's section were equally kind, helpful, and supportive. Each had different experiences and insight to share and I appreciated everything that I was learning.
Selling! You know, I always thought I was a terrible sales person. I think most people are unless they have something that they really truly believe in. It was an absolute joy selling my product. Our booth was more like a women's accessory party than a store. I loved grabbing women out of the aisle and putting a scarf on them to show them just how fabulous this accessory would compliment their outfit. The best was when our booth was absolutely full. Everyone wanted to see what the commotion was and the energy of a dozen women accessorizing themselves was just a joy to behold.
Large wholesale orders were also great. Meeting these store owners who had come from throughout the west was an absolute treat for me. I loved getting to know them and hearing stories about their journey. They are all entrepreneurs, just like me. Once again, it was like being accepted into an extended family.
One of my favorite things that started happening is when people started coming around saying "I see everyone wearing these beautiful scarves around the show and just had to come over and get one for myself." I also loved the people who came back day two and three to get "just a couple more" for either themselves or friends.
My group and I had an absolute blast. We laughed and smiled everyday. Several of the vendors who did this for a living said they had never been situated next to a happier booth and that it was a joy to have been next to us. I think that was one of the greatest accomplishments. I guess that is a lesson learned...do what you love and love what you do. Happiness can be found anywhere.
One of the highlights was on day three when the Oasis Coordinators came by and presented me with the "Best Booth Award". I was smiling ear to ear. What an honor to be such a newbie in the business and receive such an honor. I left feeling so proud of my team and my business, what I had accomplished and what was going to be accomplished. Oasis was the perfect springboard for my little business. Watch out, Curly Q Original is going nationwide!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Preparing for the show
Everything I've been doing for the last two months has been leading up to this event. I booked the event knowing that I would really be pushing it to have enough product for the show and subsequent buyers. Wow, what a wild ride. I was making scarves up until the night before the event. Scarves were everywhere!
This is my second daughter surrounded by scarves in various processes of assembly. My girls were a wonderful help to me during this busy time! They are also quite fun to work with if you couldn't tell. We all worked round the clock for two weeks! Busy, busy, busy!
I also spent quite a lot of time out in the garage painting items for my booth. I am a girl with a vision and that vision had to be just so. When all was said and done this is what we came up with.
Those doors may look old but they are not. I got new doors from the local home depot and distressed them myself. I bought various door handles and knobs from a couple of local stores. See the vanity? Yeah, also NOT old. Several layers of paint on that thing and recover the seat you'd think it came from an antique store.
After the painting, I needed a few more touches. The picture frames are from my good friend at Fanciful Frames and the gorgeous photos are from Haleigh Rohner Photography. I borrowed the divider from another friend, got a knockoff steam trunk, a couple of odds and ends from around the house, and voila! My booth!
Didn't know quite what to expect going into this. Who does this? Goes from making scarves for fun to designing and filling a booth for a full out wholesale trade show? Oh, ME!
This is my second daughter surrounded by scarves in various processes of assembly. My girls were a wonderful help to me during this busy time! They are also quite fun to work with if you couldn't tell. We all worked round the clock for two weeks! Busy, busy, busy!
I also spent quite a lot of time out in the garage painting items for my booth. I am a girl with a vision and that vision had to be just so. When all was said and done this is what we came up with.
Those doors may look old but they are not. I got new doors from the local home depot and distressed them myself. I bought various door handles and knobs from a couple of local stores. See the vanity? Yeah, also NOT old. Several layers of paint on that thing and recover the seat you'd think it came from an antique store.
After the painting, I needed a few more touches. The picture frames are from my good friend at Fanciful Frames and the gorgeous photos are from Haleigh Rohner Photography. I borrowed the divider from another friend, got a knockoff steam trunk, a couple of odds and ends from around the house, and voila! My booth!
Didn't know quite what to expect going into this. Who does this? Goes from making scarves for fun to designing and filling a booth for a full out wholesale trade show? Oh, ME!
Problems and Sucesses
I was going to go into all the problems that have come up but decided it would be better to keep it a little closer to the vest. Let's just say that there have been many, MANY obstacles to overcome. When you are dealing with different companies and different personalities there will be issues. When you are ordering stuff online it can and will show up different than expected. Calls will not be returned, e-mails will be "lost", order counts will be off, promises will be broken...that is just the way of it. If y0u want to start a business, you have to know that it will not be smooth sailing.
My 'business consultant' told me right up front that there will be lots of obstacles to overcome and to be ready for them. The warning was well timed because if I hadn't have been prepared, I may have quit. There is a lot of fear when starting a new business and anytime something went wrong I just wanted to run away. But I remembered that it is the strong people who succeed, not the quitters so I kept plugging along.
So glad I did. It was always so amazing to me that when things were at their worst, something else would come along that was excellent news. When one thing didn't work out, another would. When one person fell through on me, another person would come through. And, I was and am always so blessed to have wonderful friends and family in my life to encourage and inspire me. Words of encouragement and inspiration can go a long way so surround yourself with positive people and stay away from negative people. Attitude can have a profound impact on how successful you become.
Some of my high moments these first few months were:
My 'business consultant' told me right up front that there will be lots of obstacles to overcome and to be ready for them. The warning was well timed because if I hadn't have been prepared, I may have quit. There is a lot of fear when starting a new business and anytime something went wrong I just wanted to run away. But I remembered that it is the strong people who succeed, not the quitters so I kept plugging along.
So glad I did. It was always so amazing to me that when things were at their worst, something else would come along that was excellent news. When one thing didn't work out, another would. When one person fell through on me, another person would come through. And, I was and am always so blessed to have wonderful friends and family in my life to encourage and inspire me. Words of encouragement and inspiration can go a long way so surround yourself with positive people and stay away from negative people. Attitude can have a profound impact on how successful you become.
Some of my high moments these first few months were:
- Getting accepted to several very amazing boutique shows in the area
- Having my product recognized and applauded by great people in the boutique arena
- Being found by The Savvy Socialista and her taking my product on Sonoran Living (a local morning television program)
- Having friends sell my product to other friends
- Having a repeat customer from Missouri
- Seeing smiles when people first put on my scarves
- Winning best booth at the Oasis Gift Show (more to come on that)
- Meeting fabulous vendors and buyers who are all so encouraging
- Being complimented on my overall look--from photos to business cards (Thanks friends and family!)
- Seeing tons of beautiful product all over my home and having wonderful family help me to assemble (made me happy seeing all those curly q's!)
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