Mom Fuse » MomPrenuers

Writing a Press Release and How to Make a Media Pitch

Jessica Fuqua — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:03:23 +0000

Writing a Press Release

A press release offers the media more information than a pitch. Sometimes, if written well enough press releases can be used as articles in some media outlets, or, condensed into a blurb or announcement in others. A press release should not be longer than one page. It should always have an accurate, interesting headline and the first sentence is crucial.

For instance, you are having an event to launch your grand opening. Between your headline and first sentence, or lead, you should answer the who, what, where, when, and why.

“Cute Boots will be having an open house on Saturday, May 1st at their 313 Main St. location from 1– 3 p.m. to celebrate the retail store’s grand opening.” Who? Cute Boots. What? Open house. Where? 313 Main St. When? 1–3 p.m. Why? Grand opening. The following sentences can be used to explain the how. How will you be celebrating exactly? Free giveaways, contests, refreshments?

If there will be a photo opportunity (ribbon cutting?) or interview possibilities, it’s always good to let the media know that as well. Press releases should always begin with the release date, the headline, and then a dateline at the beginning of the text. Always include your contact information in case they need more information. Generally, press releases end with ### so that editors know there is nothing more. There are plenty of examples online on how to format a press release.

It also helps if your press release can be written in AP Style, the style used by most major news outlets.

How to Make a Media Pitch

If you are trying to get a media outlet interested in covering your business or your products, a short pitch just might do the trick. A pitch is a shortened press release, of sorts, and can be prepared and presented in several different ways. If you have a personal relationship already established with an editor or reporter, you could pick up the phone and give them a call. “Hey, Julie, this is Amanda from Cute Boots. I just wanted to let you know that we’re just about ready to release our fall line and we have some great new looks. I think your readers would love a sneak peek.” Or, something similar.

However, if you do not have a relationship with the editor, or you are trying to establish one, a short e-mail would probably be better. Always try to address it to the appropriate person, you’ll be taken much more seriously. Make it short, give your name, your company, and in a sentence or two why you think your item/business is newsworthy for their publication. Always attach a photo. And, always give them a way to get in touch with you. Chances are if they want to feature you they will want to get a hold of you quickly.

Basically a pitch is a short teaser. Give them a little bit of information but offer them more. Don’t forget to include why you believe what you have is relevant and of interest to their readers. Why would they want to publish something that their readers care nothing about?

Guest post written by:

Dawn Berryman is the Founder of Market Mommy, an online marketing resource for mom entrepreneurs that tells you how and where to market your business. In addition to the website, Market Mommy offers a free e-newsletter that is published at least once a month, and a blog. Both offer great marketing tips, success stories and various features and hints that are valuable to WAHMS. Visit www.marketmommy.com or http://marketmommy.blogspot.com for more information!

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Networking Your Mom-Owned Business

Jessica Fuqua — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:01:38 +0000

The media is not the only component when it comes to public relations; your peers are also crucial. Building relationships with them will lead to unlimited possibilities!

If you own a local business, join your Chamber of Commerce or other similar groups and attend their events. It’s important to get to know your fellow business owners. If you own an online business, join a work-at-home mom (WAHM) group. Also, get to know other moms. They will be your best customers.

If you have the opportunity or the budget to attend a trade show or fair, do it. These are great networking opportunities! Make sure you find one that fits your business niche and go for it! Your display doesn’t have to be elaborate; just make sure you have identifiable materials that help promote your brand. And make sure to take your smile! A giveaway or door prize will be sure to draw more traffic to your booth.

Some of the newer online social networking websites can be great tools as well. My Space, Facebook, Twitter all allow you to network with others that share your interests. There are also networks just for moms that offer message boards and networking communities. Check out Baby Center, Cafe Mom and Urban Baby; they can be great resources too.

Guest post written by:

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What’s in a name?

Jessica Fuqua — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:56:16 +0000

A name leaves a first impression. A name gives a customer their first glimpse into your company and what you do. A name is passed by word of mouth. A name will last a lifetime.

So, needless to say, the name of your business is a pretty crucial element to your overall business plan.. How in the world do you ever begin to name your business?

There are several questions you can ask yourself that may help you begin to formulate a name.

What does your business do?
What is unique about what you do?
What type of impression do you want to leave? Classy? Quality? Bargain?

It is a good idea to come up with three to five potential names and move on from there. Then you can begin to narrow them down. You’ll need to do a trademark search, to make sure you aren’t infringing on anyone else’s company name. You can do it yourself by visiting The United States Patent and Trademark Office. And, it’s also a good idea to search the internet and see if anyone else is using the name without a trademark. Or, if your budget allows, you can always hire a lawyer to perform a comprehensive search for you.

After determining if your name(s) are available you can make your final choice. Do some research, ask others what they think. You might use these items to help eliminate some of your finalists::

Is the name easy to pronouce?
Is it relatively short and easy to remember?
Do you have a catchy slogan in mind that will accompany it well?
Is it descriptive and accurate?
Do you like it?

Hopefully you’ve now narrowed it down to a solid, strong business name that will stand the test of time.

Guest post written by:

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Meet Unni Strand

Kristina — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:00:43 +0000

This week, I’d like to introduce you a great eco-friendly designer from Norway, Unni Strand. The girl does everything! From up-cycling, organic gardening, mom extraordinaire and a great teacher who inspires her students to be more earth friendly and eco-conscious.

Tell us a little bit about you.

My name is Unni Strand, I live in Norway, have two children (18 and 4), a partner and a cat. I feel fortunate. And of course, I am!
I live close to the wood and not far from big cities. (OK, I know that’s relative, since Norway’s biggest city is Oslo and have only 550 000 inhabitants…)
I love chocolate, eggplant, cats, hens, latte, flowers, printing, sewing and spring. And I truly care about the environment!

I run two Etsy shops: Strand Redesign where I recycle old fabrics with screen printing and sewing and Unni Strand where I sell t-shirts upcycled with new prints.

strandredesign.etsy.com

So you live in Norway, Tell us a little bit about your country.

I asked my son to help me with this one. He says: “We think we have a lot of snow, but we don’t. And it’s cold and awful.” And I guess it is partly true, if you don’t dress well. But with the right clothing you could have a great time outside with the children in winter. And summer is occasionally warm and lovely. We sometimes even have real heat periods. I am proud to tell that I grow peaches and grapes in my garden.

What prompted you to pursue a sustainable/green lifestyle?

I have been trying to figure out where my environmental obsession started. Besides living near nature and coming from a family of gardeners, I think it might have started with the book The ark of Barbapapa (Annette Tison and Talus Taylor) I had as a child. This book discusses pollution in terms children can relate to. In short: The Barbapapa’s saving the animals, then the humans fixing the world. In the book, the world is getting more and more grey as people pollute and they also chase the animals. The Barbas come to rescue, build a spaceship and take all the animals away to a green planet. After a while, the people start to miss all the animals, clean up the world and plant trees and flowers. –Finally, all the animals return.

” I really loved the drawing of how nice the world looked when it was cleaned up and replanted. Such an inspiration, and it gave me the hope that it really is possible!”

What are examples of things that you do in your everyday life reflecting an eco-friendly and earth conscious lifestyle?

I compost the food leftovers and other vegetable and fruit waste into nutritious soil for my garden. I keep a vegetable garden. –Have grown vegetables since I was 8 years old and had my own garden since I was 20. And of course, only natural fertilizers and no spraying with pest control.

heirloom potatoes from my garden

Everyone should grow some vegetables! In their garden or a container or whatever they have! There is too little food in the world and too much unused land.

I save gift wrapping paper and ribbon from presents we receive and reuse it. I use the lawn movings for mulching in flower and vegetable beds. –It keeps weeds away and provides fertilizing.
I try to buy locally grown or organic food. I try to drive as little as possible, but this is really the hardest part for me since I work far from home.

I try to make as many of my presents myself. The habit I am most proud of is that I have started to use only reusable shopping bags whenever I shop. (My partner doesn’t, so we still have plastic bags for the garbage…) The hardest part was to get used to always keeping the totes in my handbag. And of course, I use my own recycled shopping totes!

What do you do professionally? And how do you incorporate sustainability in your work?

I am a teacher, teaching art and design subjects in high school. When I talk about design or materials science, I always incorporate sustainability and fair trade. I think my students actually might be a bit fed up with this. It really surprises me how little they know and care about these issues.

In my redesign business, I reuse fabrics and I use only recycled shipping materials.

As a designer, what is your design philosophy? What inspires you?

I love to work with textile. And I have a need to create. Sometimes I am too creative for my own good and cannot sleep for all the ideas I have.
I do screen printing and redesign. I want to make new favorite objects out of old, unloved fabrics or clothes! I want to make shopping totes that make people want to use them instead of plastic bags. And I want my up-cycled t-shirts to be so cool that people prefer them before new tees.

unnistrand.etsy.com

I am inspired by nature, mostly flowers and animals. I like it if I can make my designs express a hint of humor. Before, when I did weaving I also aimed for that humor bit, but believe me, it’s far easier with printing than with the loom!

While pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, do you have any books/magazines/websites etc that you recommend where one can find info on how to incorporate eco-friendly options in our day to day life?

Etsy has opened a new world to me with lots of handmade and redesign. Team Eco Etsy has a great blog!

Who do you listen to currently? Favorite bands?

I want to share some great Norwegian artists with you!
Donkeyboy comes from the area where I live. They are quite new and have had a hit in Norway the last months. If you follow this link, you’ll hear their great song Ambitions:
http://www.myspace.com/soundberg

I like punk, and we have this great Norwegian punk singer, Ida Maria. You can listen to her here:
http://www.myspace.com/idamaria

And then we have the calm and masculine band, Madrugada: http://emi.no/madrugada/

What is the last book you read?

Divas don’t knit, by Gil McNeil. -A lovely book where knitting and knitting recipes play a natural part. I can’t wait to read the follower.

In 10 years, where would you like to be?

I would love it if I could make a consistent income from my designs! I hope to be able to work part time with this. But I do need my teaching too! I love working with the students!

Thank You, Unni!! You can visit Unni at the following places: blog, fb page, strandredesign, and unnistrand

XoXo,

Kristina

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Etsy: Meet the Maker of Mermaid Charms

Jessica Fuqua — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:01:40 +0000

This weeks featured Etsy Mama is Kim Voigt, the owner of…

Giveaway Alert!

Visit our Mermaid Charms Giveaway for a chance to win one of Kim’s extraordinary pieces!

MF: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

KV: I grew up in Southern California and could not imagine living anywhere else. I often use my surroundings as inspiration…the beach lifestyle is a wonderful way to live your life. I married my college sweetheart 18 years ago and I am a mother to 3 boys that I affectionately refer to as the Tribe. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment in my house. I often use my time to create as a way to escape all the madness and testosterone.

MF: Obviously you came up with the name of your shop, Mermaid Charms, because of your love for sea glass. I read in your bio that you have been fascinated with sea glass since you were a child. Do you remember when you started incorporating your hobby into a business?

KV: I actually started collecting sea glass as a way to keep my children busy. We have spent countless hours walking up and down beaches looking for that perfect piece and each one of us has a favorite color…mine is aqua. Sea glass designs are the foundation of Mermaid Charms. When I started my company I primarily focused on designing jewelry with sea glass only but over time I have grown to love using other materials as well. Sterling silver, semi-precious stones and a product called Precious Metal Clay have become a part of my regularly used materials. My vision for my company is to create jewelry that makes people remember a great vacation , a simple walk on the beach, and the lazy days of summer.

MF: Aside from the beach, where do you find your inspiration? Do you have a favorite vacation spot or a town you like to visit when you need tap into your creativity?

KV: As a family, we have spent a lot of time on the Hawaiian Islands. The carefree, fun atmosphere is always a perfect place to get the creative juices flowing and the islands have some wonderful beaches in which to find sea glass. I also enjoy visiting Northern California as well. I guess any area that has the potential to find sea glass is the place for me. My husband is entertained by the fact that our vacations are planned around the hopes of striking it rich with sea glass finds.

MF: Do you have a favorite piece from your collection? If so, is there a reason it’s your favorite? Whether it’s the colors, the shape or a story connected to the piece?

KV: If I find a piece of perfectly smoothed piece of aqua sea glass on one of my beach walks then my day has been made. Reluctantly I sold my favorite piece this year. It was aqua, “leaf” shaped and flawless . I found it in Monterey CA on a family vacation. I secretly wished the necklace would never sell … but it did. Happy to say that it went to a very nice grandmother in my town.

MF: I know that when it comes to something as personal as jewelry, it’s hard to create a style that everyone could wear. Do you recommend one piece that you think is universal? Something that could be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe?

KV: I think sterling silver looks fabulous on everyone and can be worn with anything. In my opinion, you can dress it up or down. A great necklace can really make a statement. I have recently started to solder my own silver which has opened up a whole new level of creativity for me. I am hoping to showcase some of my new sterling silver designs in the very near future.

MF: I see in your shop that you use a lot of PMC in your designs along with the sea glass. Can you explain what PMC is to our readers? What other materials do you enjoy using?

KV: Precious Metal Clay, aka PMC, is silver suspended in a binder and water which looks like clay. An artist shapes, molds, adds texture or stamps this clay then fires in a kiln and the end result is a piece of jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver. I love the organic qualities this material produces. Every piece is different and the little imperfections are what gives each piece character. I also love using semi precious stones. My favorite right now is Carnelian which is orange in color and is classified as a chalcedony stone. I love pairing it with peridot or apatite gemstones….very fresh and summery.

MF: Aside from Etsy, do you sell your jewelry at any shops or markets? If yes, where can the locals find you?

KV: I currently have some of my designs in a cute soapsmith boutique in San Clemente CA called Erba.

MF: Do you welcome custom orders?

KV: Special orders are always welcomed.

MF: Do you have any advice for other women who are considering starting their own business?

KV: Be patient and understand that there is a lot of work involved in starting your own business. It is a challenge to find the perfect balance between family and business. I may never find that perfect balance but I plan on enjoying every second of this journey. My children are still young so they are my first priorty. But as they grow I hope my business does as well.

MF: Where can our readers find you? Share your links with us…Twitter? A Blog? An Etsy team?

KV: Sure! Here are some of the places I can be found online -

MF: I’ll have what she’s having! You’re sitting on a quiet beach just relaxing for inspiration, what summery cocktail are you sipping on?

KV: A Mai Tai of course!

What’s in Store?

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Fab Find: The Mom Entrepreneur Group

Jessica Fuqua — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:43:47 +0000

The Mom Entrepreneur Support Group is an interactive group that allows mom entrepreneur members to network with one another and share their stories and advice for balancing motherhood and running a company. Membership is free.

I’ve actually been a member for quite a while and have taken advantage of some of their advertising specials.. this is a great group with tons of support! The ads we did were for Mother’s Day and had quite a bit of response.. so whether you are looking to advertise, network, get support, find new friends, etc.. this is defintely something you check out. (If you join, please let them know you found them through Mom Fuse!)

More Great Features:

The group is strictly moderated. A list of guidelines has been established in order to keep members on track with the mission of the group.
There are over 650 members and 2,800 discussions.
A resource file for members that includes a cash flow analysis template, a list of mom entrepreneur grants and contests, a list of members who offer exposure on their sites, buy in rights to our Co-op Shop and much more.

Join the Mom Entrepreneur Group for free today! (Don’t forget to tell them Mom Fuse sent you!!)

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MomPrenuer Interview: Krista from the Titi Collection

Jessica Fuqua — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 16:30:14 +0000

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Krista, one of the designers, from the Titi Collection.

Titi is a line of beautifully handcrafted clothing designed especially for motherhood. With limited edition textiles, a built-in support system, and flattering silhouettes, Titi is a nursing line that fits a woman’s style, personality and special needs. Titi will help every woman shine during this special time, so that while breastfeeding at home, in the park, or at the office, you will feel beautiful and confident, comfortable and supported. titicollection.com

In 2008 you started your business, the Titi Collection. Can you tell our readers about the Titi

The Hoodie (Bloom)

Collection and how you came up with the idea?

TITI IS A BEAUTIFUL LINE OF CONTEMPORARY NURSING WEAR. OUR COLLECTION FEATURES FASHIONABLE TOPS MADE FROM STRETCH SILK AND OUR SIGNATURE PURPLE ITALIAN LACE. THE TWO FLATTERING SILHOUETTES, “THE HOODIE” AND “THE BLOUSE” OFFER THE UTMOST COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS WITHOUT SACRIFICING STYLE!

AKIA AND I STARTED TITI IN 2008. I APPROACHED HER TO DO THE LINE WITH ME SHORTLY AFTER THE BIRTH OF MY SON, LEXINGTON. I REALIZED THERE WERE NO DECENT OPTIONS OUT THERE FOR SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL AND COMFORTABLE TO WEAR WHEN NURSING… AND TRUST ME, I DID MY RESEARCH! I WANTED SOMETHING TO ALLEVIATE THE “KUFFUFAL” ASSOCIATED WITH NURSING, SO I FIGURED OTHER WOMEN MUST TOO!

The Titi Collections has been featured in major publications such as In Touch Weekly, L.A. Splash Magazine and you’ve even presented a few items from your collection at the Golden Globes Gift Suite. How exciting, congratulations! How did this happen? Did you pursue the opportunity or did they approach you?

A BIT OF BOTH. YOU HAVE TO GET OUT THERE AND SAY HELLO TO PEOPLE AND LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE THERE. THAT SAID, IF YOU HAVE A GREAT PRODUCT SOON ENOUGH THEY START COMING TO YOU.

How do you manage your daily schedule of being a MomPrenuer and a mom?

The Blouse (Luminous)

COFFEE, TEA AND CHOCOLATE!

A LOT OF HELP! IT IS HARD, BUT WHEN YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO, YOU MAKE TIME, EVEN IF IT MEANS YOU DONT GET AS MUCH SLEEP AS YOU PROBABLY NEED. WE KNOW THAT THESE YEARS ARE PRECIOUS AS THE CHILDREN GROW UP, AND YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS A SECOND OF THEIR ADVENTURES. HOWEVER, THE REASSURING THING IS KNOWING THAT THEY LEARN SO MUCH MORE AND BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS BY INTERACTING WITH OTHER CARING AND NURTURING ADULTS OTHER THAN YOURSELF. WORKING FROM HOME IS A HUGE BLESSING, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT WHEN YOU’RE ABLE TO TAKE A BREAK YOU CAN SPEND THAT TIME WITH THE KIDS, AND GENERALLY OVERSEE THEIR CARE. IT DOES SOMETIMES MEAN THAT THINGS DON’T GET DONE IN THE TIMELY FASHION WE WOULD LIKE OF OURSELVES, AND CERTAINLY PRE-KIDS. HOWEVER, LIFE IS SHORT AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT WILL GET DONE ANY FASTER BY STRESSING ABOUT IT! THE KEY TO THE SCHEDULE ON A NORMAL DAY-TO-DAY BASIS IS TO CREATE CLEAR BOUNDARIES AND STICK TO THE ROUTINE. WHEN EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE LITTLE GUY, KNOWS WHAT TO EXPECT IT MAKES FOR A SMOOTHER RIDE.

For other moms out there who are interested in starting their own business or are just getting off the ground with their new businesses, do you have any tips, tricks of the trade or advice for them?

CREATE REALISTIC GOALS AND STICK WITH IT!! NOTHING HAPPENS OVERNIGHT AND THERE IS ALWAYS A TIPPING POINT! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND BELIEVE IN YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE. ENLIST HELP! DO THE MATH… IF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING GREAT, BUT MAKE SURE YOU ARE CLEAR ABOUT HOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS ACTUALLY GOING TO CREATE INCOME, OTHERWISE IT IS JUST A HOBBY, WHICH IS FINE BUT PERHAPS NOT SO NECESSARY TO SACRIFICE AS MANY HOURS AS YOU INEVITABLY WILL. IN OTHER WORDS, DON’T FAKE IT, DO YOUR HOMEWORK, MAKE A CLEAR BUSINESS PLAN AND THEN BE PREPARED FOR EVERY PLAN TO FAIL ROYALLY… KNOWING THAT YOU ARE GOING TO LEARN AND MOVE ON AND GROW MORE FRUITFUL WITH EACH NEW CHALLENGE OVERCOME. SURE, SUCCESS IS OFTEN ONLY ACHIEVED THROUGH BIG RISKS, HOWEVER, MAKE SURE YOUR RISK IS NOT SO POTENTIALLY DEVASTATING THAT YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE TOUGH FIRST FEW YEARS OF A NEW BUSINESS. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!

The Hoodie (Luminous)

CERTAINLY THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IS SEEING A YEAR LONG DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH PHASE TURN INTO ACTUAL GARMENTS THAT WE ARE NOT ONLY PROUD OF BUT ALSO EXCITED TO WEAR OURSELVES, FEELING CONFIDENT THAT WE HAVE CREATED A LINE THAT WILL GIVE WOMEN AN OPTION THAT NOT ONLY OFFERS SUPPORT DURING THE PRECIOUS MONTHS OF NURSING BUT ALSO SEE THEM BEYOND THAT, INTO THE NEW PHASE OF WOMANHOOD. THE MOST DIFFICULT CHALLENGE IS KEEPING THE BALANCE IN DAILY LIFE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO TIME WITH FAMILY… NOTHING NEEDS MORE ATTENTION THAN A FLEDGLING BUSINESS, NOTHING THAT IS EXCEPT FOR A TODDLER AND A WONDERFUL HUSBAND! LUCKILY WE MANAGE TO KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE AND KEEP PRIORITIES CLEAR AS EACH DAY PRODUCES NEW CHALLENGES ON ALL FRONTS.

For moms, “Me time” is hard to come by.. what do you do during your “Me time”?

SLEEP!
PRAY. DRINK TEA!

What’s next for the Titi Collection? Any big plans for 2009? Any chance we could get some “sneak peek” info or images?

Ooooo, WELL, THERE ARE SOME GREAT NEW FABRICS THAT WE ARE INTRODUCING…YOU ARE LITERALLY NOT EVER GOING TO WANT TO TAKE THE NEW FABRICS OFF YOUR SKIN! WE ARE GOING TO BE OFFERING THE SIMILAIR SILHOUETTES IN MORE CASUAL AND WORK TYPE COMBOS!

The Blouse (Bloom)

Visit http://www.titicollection.com to see more great styles!

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Etsy: Meet the Maker of Squares of Flair

Jessica Fuqua — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:26:06 +0000

This weeks featured Etsy Mama is Emily, designer and owner of Squares of Flair.

**Be sure to check out the Squares of Flair Giveaway here on Mom Fuse!**

Meet Emily

MF: Hi Emily, Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your shop?

E: My name is Emily and I am 38. I am a busy mom to boy/girl twins who are in the second grade and a son who is 5. I have been happily married to my college sweetheart for almost 14 years now. We moved to a small suburb of Boise, Idaho almost 4 years ago, but are originally from Portland, Oregon. I used to work for a dot.com and then my twins came along and I’ve been home with them ever since.

Last year I wanted to make a photo pendant of my children so I researched Scrabble tile jewelry online and learned how to make one. My friends loved it and told me that I should sell them. So in October I started Squares of Flair, squareofflair.etsy.com, and it has been a lot of fun!

MF: What are the inspirations for your designs?

E: I love graphic and bold patterns, yet I am one to always wear solids. I find a Scrabble tile with a pop of color or pattern is just right to accessorize an outfit. I have always enjoyed scrapbooking and various papers so naturally I use a lot of those in my designs. I also adore photography of children and my products allow people to wear them in a new and different way.

MF: In your opinion, what makes the items you sell unique?

E: Scrabble tile jewelry has really taken off on Etsy these days. There is a lot of competition! I do find that my bookmarks, charm bracelets, rings and custom photo items are unique and more difficult to find.

MF: Which items have been your best sellers?

E: The custom photo bookmark and pendants have both been extremely popular. Also, anything with birds or owls on it sells well.

MF: Do you welcome custom orders?

E: Absolutely! I love to create things for my clients. Recently a customer wanted a clever gift for her cousin who was getting married. He would not accept money and would only accept recycled items. She came up with a keychain from a scan of a dollar bill that says “Eye Do.” It turned out really cute and these are the kind of projects I love! I also worked on an order for a wedding party where I scanned some vintage fabric in and made pendants with each of the bridesmaids initials on the back. They were very special and unique. I have also designed some beautiful charm bracelets that combine photos and a child’s artwork that are very special and sentimental. Another creative gift idea I did for a client was to turn her cousin’s ultrasound image into a ring. She gave it as a shower gift and it was a big hit!

As far as custom photo items go, I can make pendants, keychains, rings, charm bracelets, and bookmarks with your photo or child’s artwork.

I also love to work with clients on fundraisers. Recently I did a fundraiser for the YMCA Strong Kids program in which I created a tile with the definition of the word “strong.” I’ve also done a fundraiser for a school and the MAGIC Foundation. Send me an email if you want to develop something for your organization.

MF: Do you have any advice for other moms interested in starting their own business?

E: It is a lot more work than I ever expected it to be! It is wonderful to be working from home so I have the flexibility to put work time in when it fits my schedule, but also, there is that feeling that there is always something that needs to be done. It just never goes away and it makes it difficult to relax. It is important to set a schedule and keep to it and make time for family (and myself) as well.

MF: Are you offering any “special edition” items for any upcoming holidays/seasons?

E: Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are fast approaching! I am starting to list some new Mother’s Day pendants this week with sayings such as “World’s Best Mom, Mama Rocks, Super Mom, Super Grandma” that can also be turned into bookmarks or keychains. Of course, all of my custom photo items make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts!

For Father’s Day I will be introducing cuff links and bookmarks and keychains are great for those Dads and Grandpas, too.

MF: What are your “words to live by”?

E: Live. Laugh. Love. – That just says it all!

MF: Do you have any other link besides etsy that you would like to share with our readers?

E: I do, I have a Facebook page and I offer a special promotions for fans including a Mother’s Day promotion for free shipping coming soon! You can also find me on Twitter – @squaresofflair

What’s in Store

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Celebrity Interview: Alex McCord from Real Housewives of NYC

Jessica Fuqua — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:04:27 +0000

Mom Fuse recently had the opportunity to interview Alex McCord about her experience on the show “Real Housewives of NYC” as well as her new venture into being a published author.

How did you get involved with the Real Housewives of NYC?

Through my career as an actor and Simon’s involvement with film production, we both knew quite a few people who work in film & TV production in the city, some of whom also work in reality TV. We heard that a show was being put together about parents in NYC, and knew they were looking for people with very young children. That was in 2006, and it was over a year before we began filming, and by then the show had morphed into “Manhattan Moms,” which was still not “Real Housewives.” After our first season was filmed, Bravo decided to make our show a spin-off of the successful “Real Housewives of Orange County.”

Did you enjoy being on a reality television show? Would you do it again?

Being on a reality TV show was a new experience, and Simon and I are always up for that. We had no idea what to expect as we didn’t watch any reality TV whatsoever and weren’t aware of how the process worked. We both had various levels of acting experience so initially jumped into season determined to make a good & exciting show. Once we got a better handle on the process, we realized that viewers really wanted to believe that what they saw on the show was all there was to us, when in fact selective scenes can distort and make something that is a very small part of our lives way seem more important than it is. We worked very hard in season two to make sure we were resolutely ourselves, and pushed against any attempt to direct us away from any action or words that would be inauthentic.

Did the show have any effect on your life our your family?

The show has affected our life in many ways, mostly positive. It does take up quite a bit of time, and you might not expect this but it’s a bigger time commitment when the show is airing versus when the show is filming. When we film, it’s just having a crew of 10-20 people along with you as you live your life. When the show is airing, it’s press appearances, writing blogs for Bravo, doing interviews, etc.

You seem to have a lot of critics out there, with the majority of them saying you are pretentious. What would you say to them if you could and how do you handle the negative feedback?

Most people reject what they see as different from themselves, sometimes in an effort to convince themselves that their own situation is preferable to the other person’s. What is pretentious to one will not be to another. My behavior is normal to me and my husband’s is normal to him — ultimately I can’t control what others think is pretentious and it’s a waste of energy to try.

You have a new book coming out soon.. can you tell our readers a little more about the book and why you decided to write it?

We’re very excited to be writing a book about our experiences raising two very young children in the big city. It’s a collection of stories about things that have happened along the journey of parenting young kids, the good, the bad and the ugly. After each story we talk about what was good, what was not-so-good and how we dealt with whatever happened, and it’s in a “he said, she said” back-and-forth so that you get both parents’ perspective. The parenting books that have resonated the most with me have all been “stories from the trenches” which to me are more helpful than a list of to-do’s. I hope that people will read it and be entertained, inspired, and maybe even validated in their own parenting methods.

Is there a second book in the works? Or may in sometime in the future?

We’ve had many fans & a few publishers ask us when we will write a book about finding and maintaining love, and are exploring that possibility now. Nothing to announce yet, but we’ll keep you posted!

As a new mom of twins, I’m always interested to see what other product moms can’t live without.. Do you have any?

Congratulations on your twins!! What products could I not live without as a new mom? A top-of-the-line pump if you are nursing, sleep sacks for chilly nights/naps & those little soft velcro toys you can attach to the babies’ wrists .

Any parenting tips you would like to share?

Trust yourself as a parent, and know that what works for one child will not necessarily work for the other.

Read more about Alex and Simon and their family life here.

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Etsy: Meet the Maker of Sueanne Shirzay Jewelry and Art

Jessica Fuqua — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:04:13 +0000

This weeks featured Etsy Mama is Sueanne, designer and owner of Sueanne Shirzay Jewelry and Art.

Meet Sueanne

MF: Hi Sueanne, Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your shop!

SS: I’m 45,(thank you Creme de la Mer, and Mom) born in PA, raised in Indiana, and moved to NY when I transferred colleges. I have a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. I was a magazine art director until kid #3, who I call Mini Me, came along. I live in a lovely little beach town on Long Island NY called Lido Beach. Married for almost 18 years to a man who supports my creativity & have produced 3 kids, ages 8, 12, and 15. They are in 3 different schools this year, elementary, middle, and high, so my life is a 3 ring circus and I am very fortunate that I tend to thrive on chaos. (I just noticed I’ve just mentioned “3″ 4 times in one paragraph!)

I only recently started to make jewelry when I took a class in my own art gallery (just a short but rewarding venture, wasn’t open too long due to the poor economy) less than a year ago and immediately got hooked. I’ve had 4 classes, the rest is self taught and gazing at the Sundance catalogs that arrive at my doorstep weekly.

I knew I was onto something when somebody bought a piece right off my neck when I was at the hair salon one day about 9 mos. ago. I opened my Etsy shop shortly after that. I offer colorful necklaces, bracelets and earrings using colorful semi-precious stones. I’m also a painter and show in galleries locally, but I don’t have very much art in my shop right now-I really need to get on that.

MF: What are the inspirations for your designs?

SS: I really love the feel of semi-precious stones on the skin and using juicy colors, color combinations, and wire wrapping. As I am a natural colorist I tend seek that element out first before anything else when I shop for stones, clothing, shoes, bags, art, you name it. I have several friends who I run things by on occasion. If they love it too, I know I have a keeper.

MF: In your opinion, what makes the items you sell..unique?

SS: They are unique because I basically just make what I would want to wear myself, and I tend not to wear overpowering jewelry. I think you should see the woman first, not the jewelry—the jewelry should just enhance the lovely features and coloring of the woman/outfit. You won’t see me creating any Wilma Flintstone type looks! I shop all over the world for my materials via the internet. I plan to take a metalsmithing class soon and create my own pendants as well.

MF: Which items have been your best sellers so far?

SS: Most of my sales have been offline, at the (2 for the moment) boutiques that carry the jewelry and at craft fairs. By far, the most colorful items in greens, blues, purples and lemons sell the best. Also my peace sign items have done well.

MF: Do you welcome custom orders in your shop?

SS: Absolutely. I like the challenge of creating just the perfect thing for somebody who has their own creativity!

MF: Do you have any advice for other moms/women interested in starting their own business?

SS: Do what you love and the money will come is something that has always worked for me in all phases of my career. Take it slowly and make out a plan, if not on paper then at least in your head. Be conservative with finances and avoid debt.

MF: Are you offering any “special edition” items for any upcoming holidays or seasons?

SS: No, but maybe I should….

MF: What are your “words to live by”? Any favorite quotes, poems, song lyrics, etc.?

SS: It’s cheaper than Therapy and a lot more fun! LOL – That works for a lot of things in my life, art, jewelry, running, yoga, etc.

MF: Do you have any other links besides your etsy shop that you would like to share with our readers?

SS: Yes, www.artistmothersgroup.com is a group of women locally I hang out with, draw with and show with in galleries my new standalone site, opening this week is www.sueanneshirzay.com. I will keep the etsy site though.

What’s in Store?

Click any of the images above or the Etsy image below to visit Sueanne Shirzay Jewelry and Art!

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