Wise Women

I love the idea of local business and the spirit of Entrepreneurship. I went to school for Business Development and Entrepreneurship at UNCW and am currently in the start up phase with my company FEMCO Construction. Not only do I love entrepreneurship but i love the idea of women starting their own businesses. Being young and green in the business world i will take any and all advice i can get. Here are a few words of wisdom from women that have successfully started their own businesses...

"A friend asked if I wanted to do a food trade show with her. I brought a few products with me, not expecting to sell or anything—and suddenly we got all these orders! I had no idea how we were going to package or prepare so much so quickly, but I never say no unless I completely understand why it can't be done. I think how you approach obstacles is a big part of being successful—you can't give up."
-Alisa Barry, Chef and Owner, Bella Cucina Artful Food

"I sent out an email to everybody I knew, announcing what we were doing. For me, the act of saying 'I'm starting a literary magazine' was as brave as actually doing it. When I said it with confidence, people believed me and I believed me."
-Maribeth Batcha, Publisher

"I had to learn so much. I took classes at the local center for nonprofit management and read everything I could get my hands on. I realized the smartest thing I could do would be to surround myself with an advisory board of people who knew more than I did."
-Meredith Blake, Founder Break the Cycle, a domestic violence prevention program

"There's no store without the concept, so from the very beginning, we trademarked every single thing involved in the look of the store."
-Ninel Pompushko, Founder,T-Shirt Deli

"There's a perception out there that you can't be an artist and a businessperson at the same time. Artists are told 'Don't bother with math.' But you have to balance passion and analytical skills. Knowing the business side of my job gives me the ability to take risks in every aspect—from dealing with banks to new designs—and I love that."
-Annie Morhauser

"When we opened, we used our savings and did all the renovation work ourselves—stripping the floors, sanding them, plastering and painting."
-Miko Branch, Co-Founder, Miss Jessie's Salon

"A good thing to remember is that once you open your door to the public, you never know who's going to walk through. I've had people bring in shopping bags of every shape and size imaginable, overflowing with pictures. At first I panicked, but now those are my favorite projects. They let me puzzle the pieces of someone's life together."
-Anne Goldenthal, Owner, Album Arts

"It was pretty obvious that I would have to find a way to support my music habit. So I went to work as an assistant at a Wall Street investment bank and wound up as a VP and business manager of corporate research. I would do the radio show on Saturdays and tuck whatever gigs I had as a musician into whatever time was left."
-Laura Cantrell, Musician

"I put ads in the paper, went online, and went to decorators, but I had no luck. One day I went to a fabric store and asked the owner if she knew anyone. She did, and now that person is our lead seamstress."
-Nan Barbera, Founder, Prince and Company, a luxury bassinet maker

"To get the full picture of how to run a retail business, I applied to the Gap's retail management training program. Essentially, the company paid me to learn design, marketing (which is how to get publicity for your products), planning (meaning, have enough money on hand to pay the bills), and production (how to buy zippers from one factory and buttons from another and ship them to a third where they make the garment)."
-Jordan Veatch-Goffi, Founder, Doce Vida Fitness

When the 735-room, filthy, decrepit Times Square Hotel (a.k.a. Homeless Hell) went bankrupt in the late 1980s, I wanted someone to turn it into quality supportive housing—with employment services, a clinic, and caseworkers right in the building. Not a shelter but permanent, dignified housing. Because I'd been development coordinator for Catholic Charities of Brooklyn, I knew what questions financiers, tenants, and the city would need answered, and I wrote up a plan. Everyone I talked to was too overcommitted to take it on. They all agreed, though, that someone really ought to do it. Finally, I thought, 'Oh, someone is me.'"
-Rosanne Haggerty, Founder, Common Ground, a nonprofit that aims to end homelessness

"I didn't have a showroom. I was totally freaked out about that: I live above a restaurant, and buyers had to walk through a side door near the dining room to get to my tiny apartment. But people loved coming over. I'd serve cookies and have a fire going. They said it was a relief from the other showings they'd been to. Sometimes when you're forced into doing things in an unexpected way, you make a big impression. And with so many people out there, being yourself is the only way to stand out."
-Lana Bilzerian

"I couldn't make all the cookies in my own kitchen, and I didn't want to pay for an expensive industrial mixer, so I called a local restaurant that served only lunch and dinner and asked if I could use their mixer in the mornings. They said, 'yes.'"
-Debbie Godowsky, Owner, Cookies Direct, which sells care packages to send to kids in college

"I couldn't quit my job, but I did take a lower-paying position that had more flexible hours. Then I signed up for night courses in flower arranging at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and at Parsons School of Design. I started taking orders out of my house."
-Katrina Parris, Founder, Katrina Parris Flowers

"I knew how to make up a business plan. Much more daunting was the idea of getting a bank to lend me $1.5 million. I was turned down 32 times by male bankers. My 33rd presentation was to a female banker in New York. She didn't even let me finish my pitch before agreeing to give me the money."
-Catherine Hughes, Founder and Chairperson, Radio One

"We wanted to see if our cakes would sell, so for months we held tasting parties for friends and family. We asked guests to write comments anonymously on cards. Mostly, people said nice things, but they also said 'too moist,' 'too sweet,' and 'needs to be more pineapple-y'—which sort of got my mom's back up. My mom worked on the recipes until people thought the cakes had just the right amount of moistness, sweetness, and flavor."
-Norrinda Brown, Co-Owner, Brown Betty Dessert Boutique

"I've participated in a number of stationery shows, and along the way I've struck up informal relationships with other entrepreneurs. We compare notes across the aisle; it's good to talk to others who are going through the same thing, and together you can brainstorm ways to partner on future projects."
-Kim See, Founder,Kemse and Company, which specializes in multicultural stationery design

My taste wasn't completely resonating with my suburban customers. My sales weren't as good as they could be, and the people who were buying had come up from the city. Obviously, I needed to move downtown, but rents aren't cheap. Still, in 2005, I did it. My sales went right up."
-Chandra Greer, Owner, Greer, a Chicago stationery store

"I didn't have a lot of money to pay assistants, so I called the youth employment service at my son's high school and advertised for art students. They sent me two great girls."
-Pam Older, Founder of the jewelry firm, Pam Older Designs

"Women, especially Southern women, are taught to be demure. When I first opened, I didn't want to be a show-off and name my company after myself. Instead I called it WSG (Wilson Services Group) Consulting. Huge mistake. No one could remember it. Plus, my expertise and talent are what clients are buying. We rebranded this year as Robin Wilson Home. Business is booming."
-Robin Wilson, Renovation and Design Manager

"I left [my] job and started doing freelance production work—party decorating, floral and production design, trying to figure out where I wanted to be in the business. Then I got a job with Formica Corporation. I made a deal that they would pay for me to go back to school for interior design."
-Courtney Sloane, Founder, Alternative Design

"You can't allow yourself the luxury of being overwhelmed, because then you can't do anything."
-Kathe Padilla, Founder of Zambian Children's Fund, which supports an orphanage and a school in Africa

"Putting together the financial structure [was the hardest thing]. It was the part I knew and cared the least about; no bank would help me. One day I woke up and said, 'I have to make this a creative project, too.' I developed my own alternative bank, borrowing small amounts from people who believed in me. I was able to pay them back in four years, and by that time I was bankable."
-Stephanie Odegard, President, Odegard, Inc, a rug design and import company

"Now a business trip is to wine country or a food festival. I love it all. You can't serve ad copy at a dinner party, but a beautiful cheese tray is always a big hit."
-Sara Vivenzio, Founder, Cheese School of San Francisco

"First, take it easy. Because it's your passion, you can get carried away and burn out. Second, take small steps. I've seen a lot of people with great vision who don't go anywhere because they want the end result immediately. Third, don't try to figure out what sells. You are the one thing other businesses can't duplicate."
-Teresa Chang, Founder, Teresa Chang Ceramics

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Farewell Oprah, I will miss you

Is it just me or does anyone else think its really sad that such an icon is retiring from TV talk show world. I adore Oprah and love the interesting things she talks about on her show. I even asked my mom to get me the 50th Anniversary DVD set of the Oprah show a few years ago! Since i work full time i rarely make it home in time to catch her show but i read Oprah.com daily. I wanted to share this cute article on her website called "Ten Rules to Live and Love By"....

Rule #1: Look Through the Lens of Love

Seeing your partner through the lens of love rather than fear automatically elevates the relationship to a higher plane. When you can get quiet and note when you are projecting fear, you can make the adjustment to see through a different filter. So often we feel indignant or incensed, but upon closer inspection we will find that we are really afraid. Once we assume our partner's core goodness rather than focusing on their "guilt," they will be more free to show us their best, which accelerates the process of shifting our perspective from one of blame and anxiety to one of acceptance and peace.

Rule #2: Forgive

Being willing to forgive yourself and your partner, and to make amends when necessary is an ongoing process of cleanup. We all make mistakes; it's human. But when we hold fast to a grudge it eats away at our sense of peaceand serenity. If you aren't willing to forgive, you might ask yourself what habit of ego you're attached to. Do you want to continue life with unresolved issues hanging over you?

When we take a stand and refuse to let go of something, we can always find evidence to justify it. Or we can try to make peace. Instead of blaming or making excuses, we can clean things up and move forward. This is not an excuse for staying in a dysfunctional situation, but an opportunity to see innocence. Once we do that, we gain—or give—freedom to move out of a "stuck" place.

Rule #3: When Times Get Tough, Relax

Relaxing when times get tough; assuming that "this too shall pass" allows you to roll with the punches. If you know things will inevitably arise to challenge you, you can be more detached when they do. Problems become worse when we dig in our heels and try to force a solution. By relaxing into whatever struggle arises, we remain flexible and open to inspiration and insight.

Even if you have a hard time letting go, you can at least observe yourself taking things very seriously, which in itself helps to detach you from the experience of anxiety. Whatever is happening now won't be happening a year from now, so just keep breathing through the situation and see if you can take things a little less seriously.

Rule #4: Find the Lesson

Seeing in the dynamic of the relationship the reflection of what you need to learn helps bring you back to what is important. Sometimes we get lost in the chatter of day-to-day patterns and lose sight of the soul's mandate to bring us closer to realizing our Oneness. The best way to see where we need to work on things is to observe who we are and what we do within the context of a relationship. Any time you recognize your impulse to create distance rather than intimacy, you can make the adjustment and get back on track.

This relationship, as with all relationships, is part of a curriculum to evolve into our highest potential. We come to know ourselves by how we interact with our partner, and by so doing we come to know spirit.

Rule #5: Surrender

When you don't know how to handle a problem, pray and meditate, surrendering the decisions to spirit. Praying and meditating aligns your limited energy with that which is all-powerful. Of course we don't have all the answers, but by consigning our limitations to our Higher Power, our burden is lifted. We need to be accountable for our words and actions and be willing to work through where we are stuck. We need to stay present and forgive. Beyond that, our creative power is fueled by spirit. By praying, we ask for help and guidance; by meditating we clear our minds so that the answer will become apparent. By moving aside, we create an opening for God to work miracles in ways we could never imagine.

Rule #6: Honor Your Partner's Path

Honoring your partner's path and allow them the space to find their own way sends a clear message of respect. People need to work things out in their own manner and in their own time. If you try to help where help is not requested, you are signaling your lack of belief in your partner. If you back off and assume someone is strong and intelligent, strength and intelligence are what they will likely find.

Although we are all on this path of realization and expansion together, each of us is unique in our lessons to be learned; the way you do something might be totally different than how someone else needs to process a situation. Rest assured that Spirit is at work in all of our lives, and give yourself a rest from overseeing your partner's personal business.

Rule #7: Keep Growing

Keeping up your personal growth work means you will keep your mind sharp and your awareness keen. Read, study, and attend lectures; don't rest on the laurels of what you think you already know. The moment we think we have it all figured out is the moment things will come crashing down around us. Arrogance leaves no room for intimacy or growth, and is certainly not part of a spiritual curriculum. When you immerse yourself in learning, you will always have new skills and interests to apply to a relationship, and thus the relationship will always feel fresh and relevant.

Rule #8: Be Creative

Following the path of your own creativity keeps you attuned to that which moves and inspires you. As you indulge your creative side, you become less dependent on your partner to feel whole. Creative energy is the force that breaks new ground. To sustain love, we need to continually fuel whatever inspires us on the deepest level. Also, creativity balances out the egoic and intellectual side of life; it teaches us to play and have fun. When we engage our passions, we radiate passionate energy and thus maintain the interest of our partner as well as having your own sense of fulfillment.

Rule #9: Stay Present

Staying present keeps us in the moment which is where life is. Life does not exist in future predictions or past grievances; all we have for sure is right here and right now. Every moment teaches us something, and if we are busily trying to change or control something we miss the grace intended for us.

By allowing the sacred mystery to unfold without trying to tamper with it, we can move through anything with much more ease and simplicity. As we cease resisting, any so-called negative situation or emotion will have the space to work out. And by the same token, when we are completely alert and aware in any given moment, we are open to the subtle miracles happening all around us. By staying present, we see our partner for who they are; we hear clearly their communication and respond to it astutely.

Rule #10: Practice Gratitude

Being grateful for what you have zeros in on what is working, which in turn magnetizes more of the same. Where you put your focus is where you direct your creative intention; so if you want abundance, be grateful for the vitality you have now. If you want a soulful relationship, be grateful for the soulful moments. Gratitude is like a seed you plant; it grows more as it is watered and nourished. Show your partner what you appreciate in them and let them know that they have a positive effect in your life. The acknowledgement of good will call forth more of the same.

More Healthy Junk

I have been steadily working out for over 8 months now and feel like im getting in pretty good shape, however, i feel like my health still needs a boost. I did some research today during my lunch break and found these healthy additives for my diet and workout routine.

I hate taking vitamins so i thought this would be a new and different approach..

http://www.sprayology.com/products/diet-power.html

I am curious to try Coconut water because i have been reading about it in every health and fitness magazine lately!

Zico Vitamin Water

This is kind of off topic but i feel like it fits in with this whole health post i have going on. If you know me... you know that im obsessed with my teeth and whitening trays. I found this toothpaste system that has a cleansing toothpaste followed by a whitening toothpaste. They also come in a variety of flavors if you tend to get bored with the same ole same ole!

supersmile

I know i am not the only person in this world that works a full time job + an extensive gym routine + friends + a variety of hobbies but boy does life get exhausting! This is a product i have been using for awhile now and it works everytime!

http://emergenc.com/index.php/products/original


Last year my boyfriend bought me a juicer and i hate to admit this but i have only used it a handful of times! I plan on breaking that bad boy out more often and making my own smoothies so i can control how much sugar and juice is added!

Any more healthy suggestions?!?

xoxo,
Lindsay

Cool Eco Jewelry that doesnt look quite so Eco

Lagarconne.com

I like jewelry and i like the idea of buying green products, however, i dont want all my jewelry to look "eco". I love this designer because the jewelry is edgy and different!

This bracelet is my favorite!

Healthy Junk

Dieting is NOT easy! Period. I have tried following numerous strict diets and failed everytime. I find its a lot easier to workout and eat as healthy as possible without having to follow a strict menu. Daily life, work, and unplanned events are not diet friendly. I am not willing to skip business lunches or girls nights out because my diet does not allow for certain foods. The worst part is most diets require that your dramatically reduce your alcohol intake which doesnt really work for me.. i like a glass of wine at night to unwind from the day.

Another hard part about dieting and eating healthy is grocery shopping. For those of us who do not cook well or do not have the time to cook its easy to turn to prepacked food, however, fresh produce is always the best option. Not all packaged foods are considered "junk" and Health Magazine has a good article on diet worthy pre-packaged snacks.

HEALTHY Junk Food

Here are a few yummy treats i spotted...

I will own this car one day

http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/panamera/panamera-turbo/

In my mind you cannot beat a porsche and i have driven plenty to know what an awesome car a porsche is! I have driven everything from a 911 to a 914. I love this sporty 4 door sedan and you have to get the turbo, ofcourse! I love my tahoe and will drive it till it dies but i am determined to buy this car when my company takes off in a few years :)

All the single ladies!

I read an interesting article on the different types of single women out there and this is how they broke it up...

The Soul-Mate Seeker: Someone who is doing everything she can to find The One.
The Phoenix: A woman who recently had a painful breakup and is doing everything she can to rise from the ashes in better shape.
The Organic: She prefers to leave things up to destiny and live her own life rather than hunting for men in any methodical or calculated way.
The Princess-in-Waiting: She is waiting to be rescued by a prince (who sure is taking his royal time).
The Late Bloomer: The rest of her life is on hold while she waits for her future husband to appear.
The Free Spirit: She worries that she can only have one or the other — her independence or a committed relationship. (And she thinks the former is better.)
The Wedding Wisher: She suddenly finds herself fantasizing about marriage after a lifetime of not caring about it.
The Town Rebel: She no longer aspires to live the cookie-cutter lifestyle of everyone else in her community, though she once used to.
The Ritual Re-inventor: A woman who wants to get hitched but also feels very strongly about having an unconventional marriage (right down to the wedding ceremony).
The Someday-Mom: She would like to have babies someday, but wishes she didn't feel so much biological pressure to figure it out fast.
The Slow & Steady: A woman who hopes to marry when the time is right. Meanwhile, she does her best not to cave to the massive pressure she feels from friends, family, and society.
The Trailblazer: A woman who knows married life is not for her, so she's trying to break a new kind of path to happiness.

Which one are you? Hell, i dont even know which one i am! I guess you could say right now i would be "The Pheonix". I would never slander anyone in public or name names but lets be honest...  my relationship was not ideal! These days, i  feel like i could be stuck somewhere inbetween "The Organic" and "The Princess-n-waiting". Where are all these so called princes?

Black and White

I know I am a little ahead of myself but i cant help but get excited for spring and summer. It is the new year and means we are past the holidays and well on our way to warmer weather! I dream about days being back on the boat and swimming in the ocean. Nothing can quite compare to the beach, seafood, bikinis and cute summer dresses. I do a lot (maybe too much) internet browsing and tend to make long lists of items i need to buy... haha "need to buy". I have noticed a trend with my shopping lately and that is the color scheme black and white. If you know me... you know that i live for dresses and wear nothing but dresses from april to august... granted the weather is warm! I found some pretty cute things lately that i cannot wait to wear this summer!

First is this amazing dress that is a little scandalous in the back.. i love it!

No outfit is complete without some jewelry and by jewelry i mean an awesome watch! I have slowly been building my collection and i have this cute little watch coming for summer!

WHITE WATCH

Also, believe is it or not.. Victorias Secret actually has really cute clothing. The only problem is that their clothing is only available online therefore you may have a problem with sizing but i absolutely love this dress!!
This dress makes me want to through on some black pumps and go out for cocktails!

or on the flipside you may prefer this one..

If only my body looked like that ;)

My 2011 bikini search continues... there are so many cute bathing suits out there i cant narrow it down yet! But i did find this cute cover up for the beach! and of course... its WHITE!

This is only a portion of what is to come for 2011! I will def be wearing some bright colored bikinis and  colorful patterned bohemian dresses as well!

POP ART!! AWESOME!!

I have always thought pop art was so cool but never really had the guts to display it in my home or future home i guess. My friend Mackenzie has the coolest pic hanging in his apartment from the website modani.com.

This picture is fabulous and its huge so it would be an awesome focal point for a bare wall or over a sofa contrasting with a white wall!

I also found some inexpensive and cool prints from urbanoutfitters.com! Here are some of my favorites..

The big moose is my favorite and is neutral enough to go with my style but still adding a little flair!

Thanks to my mother I have been spoiled with fabulous decorating!

One day (soon i hope) I will own my very own house... a cute Tudor will do and it will be absolutely fabulous inside and out. I'm talking red front door, white picket fence, killer back deck and spectacular decorating. I am torn between loving bright colors and a more modern style and the classic neutral look with hints of color here and there. I love anything comfy and inviting and my house will be just that! I'm talking linen (plump) sofas, feminine club chairs, mirrored accents and a few gold touches here and there. I want knitted throws on the sofa and a tuffed ottoman with a tray on top in my living room. I want fabulous paintings (originals) and unique photography all over my walls. I want stark white walls with rich wood built in cabinets and nooks. I want all the bells and whistles including crown molding and polished hardwood floors. I grew up living in such a beautifully decorated house i cant imagine my house being any different! Who needs overhead lighting when you can have beautiful lamps on every table and counter top! My bedroom will be the most plush and fabulous room of the house along with my bathroom and closet! My bed will be a king which should be plenty of room for a small gal like me! I want the softest, highest thread count bedding with a zillion pillows and a fluffy duvet! My bathroom will have a walk in shower with a garden tub next to it because i NEED my baths and all the smell good girlie stuff that goes along with them! My closet will be painted pink inside with pictures hanging on the wall.. i mean it is considered a room too right? This all seems lush and plush and unnecessary but your home is your haven and i want mine to be fabulous! No apologies here! I have pulled a few pictures from different decorating sites and blogs that match my style and what i hope to accomplish in my own home one day!

Getting ready for bathing suit season!

Just wanted to do a quick post and see how you all felt about this bathing suit...

I have a million bikinis and want to try something different! I think this is adorable!

CUTE BATHING SUIT

ANOTHER CUTE ONE

Good ole friends, good wine and a crazy city!

I cant believe it is 2011 and am really excited for a fresh start after a disastrous 2010. I was in Atlanta for the weekend celebrating New Years with 3 gals i went to boarding school with. It was the most fun weekend i have had in awhile and it was a blast seeing old friends!
The thing about boarding school is that those girls aren't just friends but they are family... imagine spending 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 9 months a year for 4 years with your best friends! You better pretty darn close with these people... Anyway i was reunited with Emily Pulliam, Honor Hostetler and Lelan Dunavent but Lelan doesnt really count because i saw her a month ago at beer fest! haha

Anyway we shopped till we dropped, ate till we popped and partied in a pretty crazy city. We rang in the New Year at a Masquerade Party with sparkly masks and a little too much sparkly eye shadow!

Everyone knows that you are suppose to kiss someone at midnight... well all four of us are single so we said fuck it and at midnight passed around a bottle of champagne to drink straight from the bottle! Bonafide Belles i tell ya!
 I had seriously forgotten how insanely hilarious these girls are and laughed so much this weekend! One of the funniest events was actually New Years night at the Masquerade Party... Lelan was trying to be polite and talk to this dumb guy who kept saying "Do you know who my family is? We are kinda a big deal. One day you will see me on TV". At the end of the night he asked for a picture with Lelan and was turned down.. he walked away saying "wow that girl is pretty great". hahahahahha. You just have to love guys and their pathetic attempts. Anyway, I just wanted to recap on a great weekend! I am looking forward to 2011 visiting old friends and staying away from asshole guys :)

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!