i'm opening a shop!

Sorry for my blogging absence, things have been a bit busy lately.. but for good reason.  If you have followed me for a while you know my story before Aspen Summit was that of a salon/boutique owner, it was something I loved very much, but moved on from and have missed the 'shop owner' side of things ever since.

When I first moved to Portland, I had dreams of opening a little shop in a quaint neighborhood and I've looked here and there for places, but thought maybe it just wasn't in the cards.  Fast forward to about two weeks ago when I found a little building for rent and texted my friend Casey who had mentioned wanting to open a second location for her own shop.  I emailed the owner of the building that Saturday to view it Monday and she said it probably would be gone already- so we didn't think much of it for the rest of the weekend.  Come Monday, I get an email that said she could show us the place that afternoon and by the end of the appointment we had a deal the next morning to sign the lease and pick up the keys!

follow along on our instagram ^ to see sneak peeks of our progress!

So we are doing it!  It will be called work/shop its a botanical gift boutique & collective work space.  Imagine part retail -lots of plants, bath & body, gifts, stationery, etc.- and part workshop space for classes we will teach -weaving, block printing, candle making, etc.- along with selling our own items we have teamed up with some amazing makers, some who don't sell in Portland yet and we can't wait to share them with this city!

We are opening on Friday November 13th (you heard that right, super soon!!), which also happens to be my birthday- so if you live here or will be visiting soon, we'd love to have you stop in. xx

shop talk: vintage finds

Finding treasure is somewhat of a hobby for me.  With a little free time and a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer I feel like I can conquer the world.... well, maybe just the local thrift store, but you get the idea!  Having a vintage section in my shop is a great excuse to fulfill my junking desires without going broke or cluttering up our home.  As I prepare to reopen my shop -after an embarrassingly long extended vacation- I've been busy photographing inventory (above), measuring items, listing and of course cleaning- because so.much.damn.dust.  If you love shopping for vintage (to keep or resale) these are a few tips I've learned along the way-

• know what you want, but keep your eyes open for the unexpected
• charge your phone and be prepared to research items online quickly if needed
• be open to styles that you don't necessarily love (because someone else will!)
• visit shops farther away from the city with less picking going on
• check out places while on vacation, road trips, etc.
• figure out your local shops schedule and sale days
• go often and be prepared to dig, dig, dig
• try visiting some smaller thrift shops instead of the corporate ones 
• have sooooo much patience 
• and finally, be nice to the employees =)

I'm usually only looking for home decor types of items and avoiding higher traffic spots in the store with smaller aisles (aka clothing/shoes).  There are other tips I would have included in my list if I were on the hunt for apparel like- trying things on, inspecting the entire piece and checking what types of materials were used- but for the sake of what I spend my time searching for,  I'll stick to what I know and can quickly share with you!  Happy hunting xx

recharge yourself

Falling into a hectic daily grind can be exhausting, I swear I get a new case of the blah's every other day, but finding ways to recharge can help you get out of any rut.   When the every day routine can start to feel not so fun, it's sometimes easier to continue doing it rather than finding a way to reset.  With work deadlines, home life, trying to make everyone else happy- its easy to forget you, but you shouldn't.  These are some helpful tips to ease those blah days away, feeling recharged and ready to go again!

get up or get out.

keeping your body and mind active is a great way to feel refreshed.  whether that means exercise, running errands, cleaning your home, meeting up with a friend for coffee or going for a drive.  anything that gets you away from what you do day in and day out.  for me,  getting out for a walk around our neighborhood in the morning or going for a long drive into the city at night, are great ways to unwind and truly focus on my thoughts instead of having them in the back of my mind while working. getting away from your duties is sometimes the best way to do them better.

disconnect.

distractions are everywhere nowadays.  seriously, what did anyone ever do before texting, emailing and scrolling were a part of their life at all moments of the day?  have you ever been in a waiting room or a check out line and looked around you and noticed that almost every one was on their phones?  thats a great time to put yours away.  stop being distracted by what everyone else is doing and try to focus on yourself.  allotting a set time for social media/emails/etc instead of making it an extension of yourself is so much healthier and allows to truly be present in your own life instead of giving away all that energy to others.

write.

sometimes you just need to get out of your own head, writing is a great escape.  if that means making lists, scheduling out your week, starting a journal or just sending a letter to someone.  grab that trusty old pen and paper and get to work.  i'm a habitual list maker and love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with crossing something off that list, theres just something so rewarding about writing it down that provides a quick recharge for me especially since i'm usually in front of a computer, my phone (for my social media freelance jobs) or in my studio making things.  a good list is good for the soul!

drink.

ya heard me! now, i don't meant hitting the bottle hard, but usually when you are drinking something you are taking a small break- a moment for you.  so go out for drinks with the girls, meet up with a friend for coffee, grab your significant other & take a stroll around the neighborhood with cold sodas- or do something as simple as grabbing a glass of ice water, and actually enjoying it.  this goes back to disconnecting (above), take the time to sip and relax.  if that means five minutes to yourself, that break is better than no break at all.

tidy up.

if your surroundings are messy its probably a given that your mind is too.  keep your immediate work area clean and tidy if possible or use your break time to get up and organize.  when i'm down in my studio (its on the lower level of our home) it really bugs me if our upstairs living area is messy- if that means quickly making the bed or doing some dishes, knowing those things are done and not waiting for me after i'm finished working are a huge help!  if you work away from home try to keep your workspace clean and i promise you will feel so much better.

spoil yourself.

this can be of monetary value if thats your thing, but however you like to treat yo' self, do that.  small rewards are a great way to recharge because you earned it!  go get that manicure, or do them yourself.  buy a new dress or just window shop. whatever floats your boat and means 'spoiling' to you, have at it.  i love at home beauty days- a treatment in my hair, manicure drying, something sweet to snack on and a cheesy hallmark type of movie playing.  now thats what i call pure bliss!

rest.

this one sounds easy and is sometimes the hardest for people to do.  if you're feeling run down, take it easy.  go to bed earlier, sleep in if you can, take a personal day, read and chill, netflix it up- whatever equals rest to you.  taking care of yourself should always be a top priority, even if that means canceling plans and tuning out everything and everyone else, it all equals a better you.

Guess what?  You can't do it all and thats okay so give yourself a break by stepping out of your normal routine to recharge- pretty soon you won't even remember that rut you were in!  What ways do you like to recharge?

how to host a workshop

I don’t know about you, but I love going to workshops to learn a new skill or meet new local friends.  Have you ever thought that maybe hosting your own workshop would be fun, but don’t know where to start?  I think we all have some sort of knowledge on something that can make for a great time if shared with others and being scared because you don’t know where to get started shouldn’t hold you back.  Today I’m going to share a few pointers on how to turn that workshop idea into a reality!

meet: lone flag

Sometimes a brand comes along that is more than a brand, but is instead a way of life.  Full of meaning, stories, relationships, intent and pride.  Lone Flag is all of that.  I first learned of it before their launch from Kelli Murray since it was a family business belonging to her and her husband and I knew it would be nothing short of amazing.  Here is a bit of their story, along with a beautiful video-

Lone Flag is a concept space dedicated to premium products that are truly essential lifestyle goods built with quality and purpose in mind. We focus only on core pieces that are timeless, trendless, and well-crafted in order to offer a curated collection of goods that we feel confident to stand behind in both design and craftsmanship 100%. In an age of fast consumption and poorly constructed garments and accessories, we step apart and act as ambassadors for products that are either locally crafted, American made, or sourced fairly with stories to tell in an effort to bring to market brands, products, and ideas that inspire us and have meaning that we want to share with you.

As Small Business Saturday fast approaches (nov.30th) I'd love for you to check out this shop and some of my picks for a his and hers gift guide.  With clothing, home decor & accessories there is something for everyone.  LF is located in Del Mar, California so if you are in the area this weekend head over to their brick and mortar to save 10% off in store purchases on Saturday night.  Don't fret, if you can't make it in person all online orders are getting hooked up with a complimentary pair of socks by Richer Poorer. xo

GIFTS FOR HIM

raw skinny denim

leather laptop case

other sons pocket knife

cxxvi bottle opener necklace

bergamot tobacco liquid handsoap

GIFTS FOR HER

copper ball vase

hammered brass cuff

oxblood scarf

boutonne bag

bluebird skinny jean

Make sure to check out Lone Flag and all the greatness they do- shop / blog / instagram

be proud of you

Today I'm going a little off course as I get to be part of the incredibly kind and talented Hilary of Dean Street Society's Happy Hour Blog Tour.  Along with a group of other amazing women, I get to help promote her new book, the 4-Part Entrepreneur Cocktail.  She has gathered 30 bloggers & entrepreneurs for 30 days in November to share 30 stories- our stories about the ins and outs of what we do, why and behind the scenes of things we might not regularly talk about here.  Check out all the posts on the Happy Hour link above and if you have a moment visit yesterdays post by Chivon John and tomorrows post by Ali Rittenhouse. 

The dreaded question- "So what do you do for a living?".  I could tell them about all the hats I wear or I could keep it simple, but do they really actually care?  Occasionally I will answer with a lack of confidence "I'm self employed and do some online stuff".  Thats when I get the blank look followed by 'ohhhhh cool, etsy?".  Rarely I bravely say that I own an online accessories boutique and I write an online publication.  Thats for days when I'm feeling fancy.  I notice it happening to others too- when you are a creative type, a self employed woman, a blogger, a stay at home.  Don't get me wrong, I see some shouting from mountain tops about their successes, but so many of us don't really take pride in our acheivements.  Why is it that we as woman so badly want to be equal (with other women, with men & what is defined as success) and so often don't put ourselves up there where we so rightly belong?  Why do we allow others lack of understanding what it is that we do, make us feel less for doing it?  

I was at an antiques shop a few weeks back and this girl had an amazing tote bag, I asked her about it and she said she made it.  It was beautifully handcrafted and before I could ask for a card or even if she had a shop she said "I just own this dinky little online shop, I don't have many sales".  I wanted to shake her and say that description she just gave is no way to share her talent, why would she call it little when what she is doing was great.  She had no cards on her and I can't figure out the shop name because I know she mentioned it was spelled funny.  All these things stuck out to me that either she was not serious about her business, isn't confident in how great she really is or just doesn't have anyone that understands what she is doing.

I want to be proud in all of my accomplishments, but without sounding conceited.  I am constantly struggling with that fine line of where it all stands.  I've owned 2 hair salons, a photography business, an online accessories boutique, an online supply company, a subscription service, I was the Boss Lady (we couldn't think of anything better for a title) at Passionfruit Ads, was the Director of Social Media at Sidlab and now I'm about to start up a new business adventure.  I get to make hair accessories for magazines and television shows, I blog, I plan events, I go on adventures and I struggle to describe how all of these things are me. Obviously I don't tell everyone all of that, because its irrelevant to what my current title is.  However, each of them has been a passion of mine, they molded me to be where I am today and some have led me to new experiences I would have never had the chance to have otherwise.  I'm not a toot my own horn type of girl, but I want to be proud of my accomplishments because in the end this is me.

The community of hand-crafters & bloggers can be a tricky one.  There is immaturity out there, jealousy, copy-cats, competition, drama- that's just life.  But the good people, the ones that have constantly encouraged me through comments, sent along emails, liked a photo- those are the ones that know what I'm doing and are probably doing it to, they're my people.  They get me.  Surround yourself with good and you will do good.  Believe me, the petty stuff isn't worth it.  I know because at points in my online life I've been a part of it, I've let it get to me and that negative energy affected everything I did.  One day I let go and it was the best thing I could have done for myself.  The same goes with being proud (not cocky) of what I do.  When I started confidently sharing myself, opportunities opened up, conversations started and friendships ignited.  Hiding in a shell can get lonely, pop out once in a while and I promise the positive that comes from it will make all parts of your business and life better.

Self employment of any kind is hard hard work, but if you love it enough its all worth it.  I don't want to make what I do seem insignificant because I don't know how to describe it to people that don't understand or don't give a damn.  I don't want the dreams I had to be made into something smaller than they were at one point all because I'm afraid to share that I've been able to reach for and sometimes accomplish them.  I hope you keep dreaming, doing and never stop.  I know I wont.

online education: summer school

I have this constant desire and almost obsessive need to keep learning things.  Anything.  I love reading, browsing online, visiting museums- anything to soak up information.  One of my favorite resources for my online life is the Alt Summit Channel.  It is full of classes (some free) that help you take a step towards greatness when it comes to your blog or business.

There are always a handful of classes to choose from and they are insanely easy to register for.  If the class isn't free then its $15 (& well worth it), after you sign up you are sent a reminder email - i always add it to my calendar on my phone as well- and you are sent another reminder via email 60min before the class starts.

Once you are in- you will have a little meet & greet with other attendees, take the course, ask questions and sometimes get a take home of info (usually files from the presentation).  Not only is it an easy way to learn something new, but the networking with other attendees is sometimes the best part!  

I'm registered for 3 of the current classes listed and hope to see a few of you there, taking a few over at Lynda and for fun this summer of love journaling class.  If you know of any classes that you think I would love, please share! And if you have ever thought of starting your own e-course check out Craft Course, its a simple program that lets you build it all on your own.  Summer school is in session!

In the Studio: Acute Designs

One of my goals this year is to focus on the passion I have for independent, small and made by hand businesses more often.  Through this I have been able to meet some amazing artisans to not only share with you, but ones I am lucky enough to build relationships with.  The friendship I've made with Gina makes me so happy because although we are in the same business (making accessories) we are truly supportive of each other.  No shady business over here!

Today she is sharing snap shots of her studio and her experience as a business owner.  Hang out for a bit, get to know her and don't forget to check out her shop full of beautiful creations! Oh and use code justlove15 for a little discount.

Regina Morrison is the owner of the handmade accessories business {Acute Designs}. Through {Acute} she designs hair, jewelry, and bridal pieces.  In addition to designing and creating, she also blogs about her life, her business, diy projects, and {a little too much} about food on her blog.

- Gina thanks for joining us today, first I would love to know what led you on the adventure to become an accessories designer and independent business owner?

I spent eight years in cubicle jobs, babysitting, etc trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.  For two years I worked in a government job for the military and was literally bored into action.  I started my business while at my day job and was constantly scheming and dreaming while I was supposed to be working.  There’s your tax money hard at work my friends :).

My business and blog started slow and I grew them as much as I could in a year and then quit my day job.  I quit a week before my 30th birthday because I knew I could not be 30 years old and in a soul sucking job without having a mental breakdown.  That was two and a half years ago and it has been a crazy and rewarding ride.

- I love that story! Now that you are 2+ years in, what would you say have been your biggest accomplishments and struggles with Acute Designs?

My biggest accomplishment is how far I have come as a designer.  I had no formal training before getting into this game, and admittedly, my earlier designs showed that.  In the same regard, one of my biggest struggles with {Acute} is that I don’t have formal training and sometimes my lack of knowledge means it will take me a little longer and a lot of trial and error to get things right.    - Well your creations show its a natural talent! So where do you see yourself taking Acute Designs and do you have any details of new things to come this year?

I just want to keep growing the business as much as possible – mostly through wholesale accounts.   The wholesale side of my business grew a lot in the past year and I hope to continue that growth into the rest of 2013.  Hopefully soon I can bring on an employee to help with that growth…working 12+ hour days can get exhausting.  

This year I am releasing a spring/summer wedding collection {set to release in May} and my summer is packed with shows.

- That sounds exciting and I'm always so anxious to see your new releases. Now I know you have used a couple types of online store fronts to support your business, do you prefer one over the other?

I think I prefer Etsy.  I love the idea of having my own website that isn’t affiliated with a “sellers” site but Etsy just brings me so much traffic.  I use both my own online site and Etsy and work hard to drive traffic to both, but no matter what I do, the Etsy site just gets more traffic and sales.

- So besides the shops, how do you support your business offline to get it out to people? I sell in several stores throughout the country {a list of stockists can be viewed here} and I also do shows.  I used to do just about any show I could find, but truthfully, art/craft shows are exhausting and not my #1 favorite thing to do, so now I only focus on the big ones.  

In February I participated in my first trade show in an effort to drum up wholesale business.  It was a great experience and I plan to try it again this summer.

- I followed along on instagram when you did that show, thats great to know. I have to ask- what type of advice would you give to someone that wants to start their own online business? Don’t half-ass it.  Don’t do it for “fun” and then copy what you see other people doing to make their living.  If you’re going to do it, then go at it 110%.  If you just like to craft here and there, then do that for fun but don’t try to make a quick buck by low-balling your prices to compete with those of who actually use our handmade business as an income source.

Also, be true to yourself and your vision.  Money will come and go, it’s ok to say no to a customer or client if you don’t feel comfortable.

Thank you so very much for hanging out Gina xo

Acute Designs

blog // shop // facebook // twitter // instagram

Don't forget to use code: justlove15 if you go shopping!

I love finding new artists and am always on the look out for unique products, amazing stories and of course cool people to chat with.  If you think this sounds like you and you would like information on how to be featured on In the Studio please email blog@justlove.ly with a link to your shop.

i heart brickyard buffalo

This week I had a great opportunity to be a pick on the Brickyard Buffalo with guest editor Casey Wiegand.  My twinkle twinkle little headband is offered up at 40% off to customers along with other deals from some amazing artisans.  If you aren't familiar with BB they are a pop-up shop that showcases some unique finds from independent companies & handmade shops.  

If you have ever thought about doing a group sale like what they offer, but are a little hesitant, please dont be!  The ladies of BB are like your new best friends, every time you get a sale you know they want to pass out high fives or give you a giant italian family style kiss.  Its nothing but love over there and between the encouraging emails to get you started to the personal interactions during the sale, its seriously fun!  Don't be afraid to just shoot them an email to see how it all works or leave a comment if you have a questions & I can try to help.

carlymegan // brooklynrehab // butterbean leather co. // justlove.lythings

little hip squeaks // boots by becca 

If don't have a shop, don't worry this is still for you!  However, you should be warned to give yourself a spending limit because you will probably want one of everything.  They add new stuff on the daily and a deal runs for a few days- make sure to follow them on instagram and facebook to keep up!

Our sale ends in 2 days so don't miss the deals and don't forget that you are supporting small business, indie, handmade & women!  Isn't that reason enough?

the business of blogging

Hi friends!  After a week long (unplannned, but much needed) break, I'm back and really excited to share this post with you today.  If you are fans of Victoria Hudgins over at A Subtle Revelry (one of my very favorite blogs!), you probably already know about her e-course The Business of Blogging.  If you aren't then stick around to learn a little more and use a discount to sign up for the course yourself!

The Business of Blogging is a mentorship in the shape of a four week course that takes your blog and helps you turn it into a business.  With the end result of your blog becoming a profitable + sustainable business no matter your niche, this e-course presents you with the tools and know how in getting you there.

When a course is offered up by the Editorial Director of Altitude Design Summit, its something you know that will be worth it.  From personal consultations consisting of real advice from a professional blogger to assigned weekly lessons, it provides an interactive learning structure that allows you to learn about the business of blogging in a way that's catered to you.  

Its a great investment (& don't forget write off!) for your blog, brand & business that you shouldn't skip.  You and your site are worth learning about this so I hope you won't pass it up.  Will you be joining in on the fun in March?  If you sign up let me know.  Use code ALT2013 to save 10% on the class!

get your business in shape

I'm really excited to get going on a new project that I have wanted to share with you for a while now.  Later this month I will be launching a business guidance program called Shape and today I would love to chat with you a little more about it and hear what you have to say!

Have you needed a little guidance with your shop, or are you starting a business and need a helping hand with where to start?  How about taking your hard work and turning it into a brand?  That's where I come in!  With just a bit of guidance I'm going to show you where and how to turn things around and whip your business into shape!

What I need from you is just a little bit of input so I can do some more fine tuning before the launch.  I would love to know what types of things you are looking for when it comes to business!  Where to start, what platform to use for your shop, branding guides, supply resources.. whats on your mind?  If you are shy leave it anonymously and I will try to touch on it if its relevant to this program!  Thanks for your help xo

ShopLocket: selling & buying made easy

I was recently introduced (as in last week!) to a great new way to sell products online called ShopLocket. Its a simple & smart program that allows you to sell your products (& obviously purchase from others) wherever you want. The possibilities are endless: sell tickets to an event, a printable, a book, shop your closet sales..etc. Easily share that you updated new items to your shop online, and include a ShopLocket widget in your post so your customers can purchase direct from there too!

One of the things I'm loving about this is the ease of purchasing directly from the page you are visiting. A lot of customers and/or readers might not have the time to visit multiple outside links or try to navigate shop pages just to purchase an item. This makes it simple, you have something- you post it right there (even on facebook) and they purchase. Seriously its like one of those 'shopping online for dummies' big yellow books they sell at Barnes & Noble- it doesn't get any easier!

Even their pricing is user friendly: there’s no up-front or monthly fees, you only pay when you sell. When you sell a product, you’re charged 2.5% plus any payment processing fees from PayPal or Stripe fees. So if you’re selling something that’s $20, you’d pocket $18.62

I love how they explained everything a little bit better in their video, plus I spy some unicorns and rainbows- so they had my attention pretty fast.



Introducing ShopLocket from ShopLocket on Vimeo.
As you can see ShopLocket is pretty simple and convenient.  I already have two online shops, but this is perfect for me to use on exclusive items, limited stock or just fun sales for readers or fans only!  Plus the widget is easy to use and you can post it almost anywhere.. I can't wait to try it out!

As an added bonus, ShopLocket is going to be randomly giving out FIVE $100 gift certificates to Michaels to people that sign up in the next two weeks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


CHECK OUT SHOPLOCKET
web // facebook // twitter

So tell me, what would you sell if you started using ShopLocket? 
I would love to know and if you do use it comment with a link below so I can check it out!

view my disclosure statement here