Featured Guests.
May 24, 2011
Interview by HER. (A Featured Blogger Series) Fancy Designs.
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging, very badly might I add, in 2008. I had very little interest in it and I was doing it halfheartedly. I still don't consider myself the best blogger but I can see I've improved greatly! I wasn't "being myself" then. I was cutting out the person I really was because I was scared of "how people would see me." I'm not a very serious person and I didn't want people to think that meant I wasn't serious about my passions and my career path, because I am. I'm just naturally silly and I would cut that out, which left my blog very stiff and unenjoyable. Initially I started blogging to share my work with my friends and family and now I've decided that I can do that and share a little bit about myself, what I find interesting, share my favorite recipes and just left my blog reflect a bit about myself without being completely silly or as dry as the Mojave! What inspires you to blog???
Tell us a little about your business and how you got started?
My business got started when I realized how fed up I was with working for really terrible people. One morning I checked my email and I saw close to 20 emails from my, at the time, boss and they were all huge projects that she expected me to have to her within the day. This was nothing new. In her world I had no life, I was always on call. The pay was bad, the hours were...well basically 24/7, and I was tired hearing that she was taking credit for my work. I knew there was no way I could have my own business at that time but I also knew that I couldn't keep working like that. I was burned out, abused and I was starting to question whether or not being a designer was what I wanted. I decided since I already had a pretty small client base through the internet, maybe an online business was the way to start.
I purchased a domain and with TONS of help from my web savvy friend, Ashley Pennington, Fancy Designs went from being a pipe dream to an actual website! (Thankfully she is still here for me and all my 2000 website questions!)
Once my website was REAL, I started looking into selling on Etsy. That didn't fit me well. I would get the occasional custom order here and there and thanks to word of mouth I was making a few more repeat clients but it wasn't working. I continued to focus on local sales and those went fairly well but, even coupled with my small online sales, that just wasn't enough.
One day a friend of mine told me about a website she found called Zazzle.com. I looked into it and saw raving reviews and I jumped right into it. I was done hesitating. I was either going to sink or swim and sinking wasn't an option.
I opened shoppe January 1st of 2010 and by February of 2010 I figured I had made a HUGE mistake. My earnings for those first two months was $22. I told my new designer friends I had met through Zazzle that I was throwing in the towel. I wished them all luck but Zazzle just wasn't for me. They encouraged me to hang in just a little longer and I'm so thankful that I did. By March my sales had went up by 500% and I'm so blessed that I have an ever growing repeat client base and my sales continue to grow and grow! In 2011 Fancy Designs was asked to join a celebrity gifting group, The Artisan Group, and in September of 2011 we will have one of our iPhone 4 cases on display at the Emmy Awards Gift Lounge for celebrities to pose for pictures with, as well as our stationery sets in the swag bags!
Can we peek at your award winning paper products.
The thing I love most about what I do is…
knowing that my designs really put a smile on someone's face. My favorite part of the day is when someone tells me that their order arrived and it was even better than they expected!Who inspires you to be the person you are today?
I really can't say that any one person inspires me because I have so much inspiration in my life. Who are some of your favorite blogs? Give Links.
- http://iheartorganizing.
- http://www.cloverstonedesigns.
- http://www.laughlovelattes.
-http://the-fairest.blogspot.
I’m currently obsessed with…
What would you be found doing on any Saturday afternoon?
I'd say that 60% of our Saturday afternoons are spent at rodeos but when we aren't at a rodeo you will either find us with our friends or maybe I'm curled up with a book while the boyfriend plays PS3. Recently my Saturday afternoons are spent preparing my swag bags for the Emmy Awards.Where do you see yourself in 5 years.?
I hope that my business is still running smoothly and we have a more permanent residence since our current location is temporary. My ultimate plan is to be opening my first boutique around that time. Favorite Quote…Productivity is never an accident, it is always the result of commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort. - P. Meyer
I hope everyone loved Ashley's interview and her paper merchandise, visit her blog here to get to know her better.
Take care Ashley and thank you so much for a wonderful interview.
xxx
May 08, 2011
The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson (A Featured Blogger Series).
A short film showing the landscape of The Lantern, the new novel by Deborah Lawrenson, set in Provence.
Original music by Robert Rees
Original music by Robert Rees
I am thrilled today to feature Deborah Lawrenson, an accomplished author and blogger. Feel free to visit her sometime. Thank you so much Deborah, for this special interview. I look forward to reading your new novel as well.
When did you start blogging and why?
I’d been reading literary blogs for years, without feeling the need to write one myself. The reason I started is because my website designer suggested that a linked blog would be a good way of updating my website without involving any input from her! As soon as I’d started though, I immediately saw the rich possibilities of using the blog to make contacts I’d never otherwise have made, especially as I was about to be published in the USA for the first time.
What inspires you to blog???
I’m not sure inspiration comes into it, normally. I post twice a week and I’ll have a few topics in mind, and then go with what I feel like writing on the day. The times when that changes are when I’m in France and something lovely and entirely unexpected happens, or catches my eye. We split our time between England and France, and while the blog is set in France most of my serious writing is done in England.
How did your passion for writing start?
I’ve been an avid reader since childhood, so books have always been a big part of my life. I love words and language too, so it always seemed a natural progression. I didn’t have the confidence to start writing a novel straight out of university, but I thought that if I became a journalist I could play around with words and stories all day, and meet some interesting people! It was the best decision I ever made.
Tell us a little about your talented husband. (Audio clip of Rob music above).
Tell us a little about your talented husband. (Audio clip of Rob music above).
Rob and I met when we were at Cambridge together. There, he was always involved in the theatre and various musical ventures but turned down the chance to do a professional production when he left, as he had a stock-broking traineeship. He then worked in finance in London, but gave that up, very happily, some years ago to follow his dream of composing music. We always say we’re Practical Bohemians – we always wanted to live an artistic life, but didn’t want to starve in a garret. We’ve had our share of luck, but we’ve also worked very hard to get where we are now.
The thing I love most about what I do is…
The thing I love most about what I do is…
I still genuinely enjoy sitting at my desk trying out words for size, and the gradual achievement of writing a novel.
Who are your style or inspirational icons?
I love the chic of the French woman. I never manage it myself, as I am tall and wide-shouldered and so clearly British…but if there’s one woman whose style epitomizes everything I admire, it would be Catherine Deneuve.
Who are some of your fave blogs?
The lit blogs Cornflower and Tales from the Reading Room. Crime Always Pays is a fantastic book blog by Irish comedy thriller writer Declan Burke, full of reviews, interviews and his own good writing. I also love style blogs, like French Essence, Seductively French, and Postcard from Provence, the artist Julian Merrow-Smith’s painting blog. Also perfume blogs like Perfume Shrine.
I’m currently obsessed with…
The building work at our house in Provence, and whether it will be completely finished for summer. Then what we’re going to do with the garden…
On a Saturday afternoon you will find me...
Ideally, with my nose in a good book!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’d be very happy to find myself in the same place I am now.
Favorite Quote…
“How vainly men themselves amaze
“How vainly men themselves amaze
To win the palm, the oak or bays”
These are the opening lines of the poem The Garden by the seventeenth century writer and politician Andrew Marvell. The poem is a persuasive argument for retreat into the sanctuary of the garden where one can gather one’s thoughts undisturbed. There’s such cleverness in it, in the puns on “vainly” and “amaze” implying a stunned confusion as well as the idea of being caught in a maze unable to find a solution, as he rejects the noisy outside world, ambitious for honors – “the palm, the oak or bays (laurel wreaths)” - to sit a while, and think, in green seclusion.
Love to you Deborah.
Interview by HER.(A Featured Blogger Series) A Little Bit French.
Journals
I am very happy today to introduce to you a blogger I met quite by accident, through another blogger. I believe my life has been enriched by both her gorgeous blog and her french inspired craft. My hope is that you will fall in love with Rhonda's blog and her lovely Etsy shop here. Be sure not to copy any of these images without Rhonda's permission. Thank you so much and now without any further adieu, I give you "A Little Bit French".
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging in October of 2008, only to communicate with my family in Chicago. I didn't realize it could connect with my Etsy shop and connect with so many new friends. It all came together eventually, as a way of sharing art and ideas.
What inspires you to blog???
Creating something new and wanting to share with others. My favorite part is choosing the best photos for the post. Natural sunlight and props with your item, make a great photo.
Tell us a little about your passion for all things french?
My passion for France came about while working with a wonderful French friend, Jacqueline. We worked together at a large law firm in Chicago, she formed a reading group, she chose a Peter Mayle book and the rest was history. Often Jacqueline would go home to France and bring me back wonderful linens, doilies, beautiful hand towels, things she thought I'd love.
How did your passion for altered bottles start?
I had collected antique bottles for over 20 years. They were all in a box, I pulled them out and matched them up with the vintage doilies and laces I'd collected through the years. I added images or French words. I surprised myself when it all came together. I lined them up on a bookcase shelf and started clicking the camera.
Altered Bottles
The thing I love most about what I do is…
When I get an email from a customer telling me how happy she is with her purchase. Making handmade items can make one feel so open for criticism, that is part of it. I love knowing something I made has made someone smile.
Pouch
Who are your style or inspirational icons?
Corey Amaro French Ephemera - Anna Corba Decorating - Rachel Ashwell
Who are some of your fave blogs?
Tongue in Cheek, Shabby Chic, My Shabby Streamside Studio, French Larkspur
I’m currently obsessed with…
Rhinestones and creamy white laces.
LaceboxOn a Saturday afternoon you will find me...
in my studio - creating away or sorting all my supplies
Where do you see your self in 5 years.
Hopefully, blogging about all my travels to France. I'm going in April and plan to visit the South of France in the future.
Favorite Quote…
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
Thank you so much Rhonda for this lovely interview and I look forward to reading more of your wonderful blog.
xxx
January 31, 2011
Interview by HER. (A Featured Blogger Series) Jinellycakes.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
Jinellycakes was inspired by my love of baking but most of all, by my affinity for cupcakes. I would bake for my family, but what gave me the confidence to start my business was when my cousin ordered a batch of Red Velvet cupcakes for herself and her co-workers for Valentines Day last year. I dropped them off at lunch time and by the time I was back home in my driveway 5 minutes later, she called to tell me they were all gone and that everyone was raving about them. That led to one of her co-workers ordering another couple batches for a family event, and I thought "It would be awesome to do this for a living" - but then I got caught up in a full time job that consumed my life and took me in another direction.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
As far back as I can reminder, my parents have always instilled hard work and the spirit of entrepreneurship in me through example and conversations that we'd have. They were having these conversations with me before I could even spell the word entrepreneur. As a result, I was never the kid who would say, " I want to work at ___ when I grow up", or work for this person - I was always thinking about what I could study in school and how I could eventually translate that into a business of my own. When we moved to The States, it was the first time I'd ever seen my mom work for someone other than herself and I could see and feel the difference every day when she went to work. Recognizing that change as a child always stuck with me, and although I've had a few good bosses, I've never been completely satisfied in my job situations. At the end of the day, no matter how hard I worked, how much I sold, how many hours I put it - I didn't own any of it. My desire to not have someone dictate how much I will make, or how I spend my day is what has compelled me at 23 years old to start my own business. I have no problem working hard and putting in long hours - I'd just rather do it for myself.
DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE CUPCAKE?
I'm still working on it, but I imagine it to be a fluffy vanilla cupcake with pink frosting and filling, sprinkled with edible gold dust.
WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED SO FAR?
I've learned that I can accomplish anything as long as I get out my own way and keep a positive attitude!
Who are some of your fave blogs?
Where do you see your self in 5 years.
WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED SO FAR?
I've learned that I can accomplish anything as long as I get out my own way and keep a positive attitude!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WANTING TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
Just imagining that you're going to make it big one day won't get you anywhere - you have to go out and get it. Once you know what you want to do, you should be doing something every single day that will bring you a little closer to your goal. It could be as small as doing research, taking a class, or going to a networking event. When you go to bed at night, you should be confident that you did every single thing possible that day, that you could have done to move ahead...and then do it the next day...and everyday after that.
Who are your style or inspirational icons and why?
June Ambrose, Solange Knowles and Shala Monroque! The three of them have an amazing way of mixing and matching prints in a way that seems so effortless. Shala's style is very classic but she always has an amazing signature piece, June has a way of putting her own spin on classic cuts and Solange is just does whatever she wants. Most of all I just respect that the fact they stay true to themselves and don't follow every single trend that emerges.
Who are some of your fave blogs?
My absolute favorite is Lateboots! I also love Loren's World, Illuminated Mind, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Luixirare - the list goes on and on - anything stylish and elightening.
Where do you see your self in 5 years.
I see myself continuing to be happily married, becoming a mother and running a successful business - whether it's Jinellycakes or something else. Should my journey still lead me to have this company, I would love to have a storefront or two by then - maybe a recipe book - it would be amazing to have my own line of bakeware! I also plan to expand my products to include more than just cupcakes. My sister also has a company called Nicole's Gift Creations, so I'm sure at some point we'll collaborate together and take over the world, lol! Where ever I end up, I just hope to be healthy, happy and surrounded by my family.
I Am...
Driven, quixotic, in love and BLESSED! Oh yea, and obsessed with Oprah :)
Thanks again Jhe'anell, for this lovely and thought provoking interview.
I wish you all God's blessings on your new business.
Links to Jinellycakes:
Email: info@jinellycakes.com
www.jinellycakes.com
www.jinellycakes.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/jinellycakes_
http://www.youtube.com/
on Facebook search for Jinellycakes and hit the "like" button.
Links to Jinellycakes:
Email: info@jinellycakes.com
www.jinellycakes.com
www.jinellycakes.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/jinellycakes_
http://www.youtube.com/
on Facebook search for Jinellycakes and hit the "like" button.
xxx
January 24, 2011
Interview by HER. (A Featured Blogger Series) Framing Spaces.
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging in October 2009. It happened unexpectedly. It started at facebook, my college friend Levina added me and I saw her website link called http://
What are some of the lessons you have learned since.
I learned that design is life. Without it, we’re really nothing. The bloggers, including you, proved it to me. Even I, proved it proved it to myself. I feel empty without it.
What inspires you to blog???
Everything I see, Everything I read, Everything I notice. Blogging is another way of getting to know your creative self.
What was the most inspiring thing you've read recently.
The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women.
What has been your fave post?
<a href="http://framingspaces.
I love transforming everything I love to Interior spaces.
Who are your style or inspirational icons and why?
Audrey Hepburn. She’s an inspiration to me. She was very talented, unique, strong, and a believer. You just can’t hate her.
Who are some of your fave blogs?
http://www.cocokelley.
http://www.plushpalate.
Where do you see your self in 5 years.
In a beautiful home with a big happy family. Hoping to have my own interior design firm.
I Am...
just a person who loves to explore and loves to see people happy.
I love to interview other bloggers, so I have resumed this series entitled "Interview by HER" that was inspired by another blogger and friend of mine Tuesdai Noelle. Today I have featured someone whom I believe is an inspired soul. Meet her and visit her blog here.
All photos were choosen by Cherisse and are compliments "we heart it".
All photos were choosen by Cherisse and are compliments "we heart it".
Thank you again Cherisse for a wonderful interview.
Have a great week Everyone. Much Love.
xxx
November 17, 2010
Interview by HER. (A Featured Blogger Series).
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging in August of 2005. My son and two of my daughter in laws were blogging and it looked like fun. I never thought anyone would actually read my blog, but I thought it would be a fun way to journal.
What are some of the lessons you have learned since.
That bloggers are so different, yet very alike too. I love getting to know people from all across the country and around the world. I've been lucky enough to meet quite a few of my blog friends in person and it never fails to amaze me that every.single.one of them is exactly how they portray themselves on their blog. That's refreshing!
What inspires you to blog??? .
Life. It's always fun to look back over my blog and see just how blessed I am. Sometimes my days are exciting and some are spent just doing things I love like taking a bike ride along the beach or playing tennis with friends. No matter what I do, cancer has taught me that life is beautiful and precious.
What was the most inspiring thing you've read recently.
THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. It is set in Mississippi during the 1960s. A society girl returns from college determined to become a writer and turns her friends' lives and a small Mississippi town upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. I loved this book and didn't want to put it down. Each character in this book wormed their way into my heart.
http://justabeachkat.
I admire the style and beauty of Ashley Judd, but living in a very casual beach setting makes my style a very easy one. Most days I literally go from pjs to my tennis shirt and then I slip into a sundress and flip flops or sandals after I shower. We rarely have to "dress up" and I love it!
What has been your fave post?Probably this one, for no special reason other than it shows how I love where I live.
http://justabeachkat.
Who are your style or inspirational icons and why?
I admire the style and beauty of Ashley Judd, but living in a very casual beach setting makes my style a very easy one. Most days I literally go from pjs to my tennis shirt and then I slip into a sundress and flip flops or sandals after I shower. We rarely have to "dress up" and I love it!
Gosh I have so many, but here's two that always makes me happy:Who are some of your fave blogs?
Simple Daisy - http://simpledaisy.blogspot.Enjoying The Small Things - http://www.kellehampton.com
Fiddledeedee - http://www.fiddledeedee.net
Daisy Cottage - http://deardaisycottage.Where do you see your self in 5 years.
Hopefully still living on the beach, staying active with tennis and bike riding and doing more traveling. I would love to return to Italy.
Happy,I Am...
a Cancer Survivor
Wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend.
Wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend.
Thank you so much Kathy, I look forward to reading more of your blog in the future. Check out Kathy's blog here and be sure to leave inspired. Love Lisa.
November 11, 2010
Interview by HER. (A Featured Blogger Series)
When did you start blogging and why?
I first started blogging because I opened an Etsy shop. But now I blog because I love to share the crafts I make, recipes, and tutorials. It's fun when people comment and positive feedback is nice!
I first started blogging because I opened an Etsy shop. But now I blog because I love to share the crafts I make, recipes, and tutorials. It's fun when people comment and positive feedback is nice!
What are some of the lessons you have learned since.
I have learned there are so many talented Bloggers out there! I have also learned that posting about 3 times a week is a must.
I have learned there are so many talented Bloggers out there! I have also learned that posting about 3 times a week is a must.
What inspires you to blog??? .
Crafts, whatever I am thinking about that day. My crazy life.
What was the most inspiring thing you've read recently.
A book about a Holocaust Survivor called From Ashes to Life by Lucille Eichengreen. I am slightly obsessed with the Holocaust and love to read inspiring stories of survivors!
What has been your fave post?
I think my favorite post was this one:
http://karismaheartsavannah.
I think my favorite post was this one:
http://karismaheartsavannah.
I love these ornaments! So fun and easy....
Who are your style or inspirational icons and why?
I love Sandra Bullock. She seems so down to earth and has a great sense of humor.
I am inspired by anyone who is blessed with the talent of crafting. Anyone who can come up with their own ideas is so inspiring to me!
I am inspired by anyone who is blessed with the talent of crafting. Anyone who can come up with their own ideas is so inspiring to me!
Who are some of your fave blogs?
Oh, where do I start? There are so many! Here are my top 5, but there are soooo many others!
1. http://nieniedialogues.
2. http://www.flamingotoes.com/
3. http://tatertotsandjello.
4. http://diaryofacraftaholic.
5. http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.
Oh, where do I start? There are so many! Here are my top 5, but there are soooo many others!
1. http://nieniedialogues.
2. http://www.flamingotoes.com/
3. http://tatertotsandjello.
4. http://diaryofacraftaholic.
5. http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.
Where do you see your self in 5 years.
Crafting, finishing school hopefully! Spending lots of time with my kids and hubby!!
hopelessly addicted to reading blogs!Finish this sentence
I Am..
Thank you so much Karen for this interview. I look forward to seeing more of your crafty blog.
Check out Pocket full of Pink, here to see Karen's blog.
Have a great Thursday everyone. Love to All.
November 08, 2010
Interview by HER. (A Featured Blogger Series) FashionSteeleNYC. Laugh Shop Love.
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| FashionSteeleNYC. Laugh Shop Love |
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging after a read in article in amNewYork about the 6 style blogger you need to know now. Something inside me just clicked. I actually had started to write a novel the day before because I love to write but then I saw this article and was blown away. I knew right then that this was something I had to do. I have a real passion for writing and fashion. Blogging is the perfect combination of the two and I really love it.
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| Photos via Samantha Olivieri |
What are some of the lessons you have learned since.
Blogging is not easy. It takes a lot of time shooting and posting and editing and keeping readers interested and coming up with blog titles. It can be a little daunting. I've learned to actually draft a few, atleast 3-5 post, in advance and post them throughout the week instead of quickly posting something once a day. I spend 2 days a week (for about 2-3 hours) preparing post that i will later publish onto the blog. It keeps me from going insane really. I've also learned it takes time to get a good strong following.
What inspires you to blog??? .What inspires my blog are the things I buy and the great deals I score. I want to share the awesome places I shop especially the vintage/thrift places with everyone. I want to let fashionista's know that you dont have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Fashion inspires my blog and my need to share the little jewels I find.
What was the most inspiring thing you've read recently.
The most inspiring thing I've read recently is an article in Marie Claire titled The Gap Generation. I acutally blogged about it here http://fashionsteelenyc.blogspot.com/2010/10/classic- and-unconventional-beauty.html . It talked about conventional and unconventional beauty and how women with gaps are taking over the runway and the big screen. It was really inspiring because I have a gap between my teeth. I had the chance to get it fixed but grew to love it. I coudn't imagine smiling and it not being there. Its a part of me I've grown to love and I'm happy the world loves it too.
What has been your fave post?
My favorite post was the Glamour Magazine: Love Your Life Conference http://fashionsteelenyc.blogspot.com/2010/11/glamour- magazine-love-your-life.html. I had a blast at this event. I got to meet Paulina Porizkova and see Stacy London in person. It was just awesome to be around so many inspiring women.
Who are your style or inspirational icons and why? My style icons are Marilyn Monroe, Tracy Ellis Ross and Rihanna. I love everything Marilyn. She is just so classy to me. I loved her in high waisted A-line skirts and snug fitting tops and curly blonde hair. She was just amazingly stylish with little to no effort. I fell in love with Tracy Ellis Ross watching her show Girlfriends. She is the daughter of Diana Ross so ofcourse her style is effortlessly chic. She fueled my lust for vintage A line skirts, pointy toed heels and sleek large envelope style clutches.I love that Rihanna takes fashion risk. She recently wore the magenta blouse with orange pants and gold platform pumps and i love love loved it!
Who are some of your fave blogs?
Top 5 right now are Wheredidugetthat (Karen has amazing style and savvy), Diamonds and Tulle, Zarna's Runway (She is soooo fly!), The Sidewalk is my Runway, and Gary Pepper Vintage.
I hope it 5 years I will still be blogging about my shopping adventures in NYC. I hope to have visited Paris, Milan and Egypt by then. I hope to have maybe written for a magazine or two. I would like to own a pair of Louboutins (I should accomplish this sooner than later lol). I just want to be secure and happy and published!
Where do you see your self in 5 years.
Finish this sentence
I Am... more than one sentence could ever say!
Thank you so much Monroe Steele for such a great interview. I hope you will stop by FashionSteeleNYC, here, sometime soon and get some great fashion ideas and insights.
Take care everyone and have a fabulous week, stay tuned for another featured blogger coming soon.
