Highlights of #StartupChat “Sales Channel Discussion”

 

#StartupChat is a twitter event we host weekly to help startups grow. Join us every Wed 2pm EST on Twitter with hashtag #startupchat!

Recently we discussed online sales channels with guests who sell on eBay, Etsy, independent shops and more. Guests included @PlumDistrict, @sarahjanestudio, @ecoglominerals, @creativethurs, @mom4lifecom

Here’s highlights of the conversation:

When deciding how to sell your product or services, what should you consider?

Plum District: Consider your cost, time, and the value of a new customer. Are you interested in unloading product or obtaining new customers?

creativethurs: Choose a product that you love & inspires you that is also commercially viable

ecoglominerals: Find out who your target market is!

sarahjanestudio: Help the consumer visualize the product use. Photography & Presentation is key!

startupprincess Does your target audience (you’ve got one, right?!) want what you sell & are they willing to pay for it.

 

What benefits have you experienced from selling online vs off?

ecoglominerals: Huge benefits! I can be a work-at-home mom by selling online only. You can gain customers from around the world!

mom4lifecom: Online you are not limited by local demographics

creativethurs: Ease & privacy of selling online outweighs standing in retail space-love hearing from customers once they’ve made decision

sarahjanestudio: Selling online allows production on demand. Less $$ upfront

 

Why did you choose your specific sales channel(s)?

mom4lifecom: I stared on eBay, this allowed me to begin with a low startup cost, as business grew, I moved to a website

ecoglominerals: I’m not a fan of the fees that etsy or eBay charge, esp. when I can make my own website and cart that I like. More freedom! eBay and Etsy are great to start with as they can get you a lot of traffic! Gain a customer base first.

lepapierstudio: The more platforms you sell the better.

creativethurs: Important to remember that any online venue you choose to sell through brings exposure as well as possible sales

 

Tell us about the benefits of your sales channel(s)?

PlumDistrict: Daily deals offer a zero cost upfront marketing avenue for a business to reach a wide audience – for us moms

ecoglominerals: Freedom in webdesign, all aspects of a cart- you can choose the cart that works best for you. No fees besides normal hosting fees.

mom4lifecom: With our YouTube channel I have seen GREAT Google rankings from our videos within days of uploading them

creativethurs: New people find my work daily via @Etsy. It’s more than an online shop but a marketing opportunity as well

 

Expenses/fees to sell? When is it NOT worth it to pay fees to sell online?

mom4lifecom: If you are not able to measure results

ecoglominerals: When you are not making a nice profit or when gaining no sales/customers from specific channel

 

Any potential challenges for the consumer to purchase via your sales channel?

mom4lifecom: With my YouTube channel, customers need to be given a clear call to action 2 my website

ecoglominerals: Like all online sales, customer can’t see product in person so good photos are essential!

creativethurs: Not being able to see product in person b4 purchase. however once you build trust & relationship w/ customers = non-issue

PlumDistrict: One barrier is that we only offer our deals to registered users, although free, this can be an extra step for someone

 

What success stories have you experienced working with your sales channel?

creativethurs: I was able to make a full time living as an artist selling online

ecoglominerals: Being a work-at-home mom and working during naptimes and in the evenings when my hubby is home . Very convenient!

PlumDistrict: We have seen powerful relationships between the biz and their community evolve as a result of running a deal on our site

lepapierstudio: I was able to Quit my Day Job from selling online.

 

What recommendations do you have to get the most out of your experience selling online?

ecoglominerals: Advertise your business through social media.

mom4lifecom: Find other companies to cross promote with

PlumDistrict: Know what your objs are before you run a daily deal. If it is long term engagement, then this could be a great venue 4 your biz

startupprincess: I recommend impeccable branding, strong products & solid messaging for online sales

creativethurs: All the same advice for any business owner especially = be willing to be more transparent and be yourself

mom4lifecom: Use social media to connect w/ and get feedback from your customers

 

What secret to success is using a blog with your sales channel?

ecoglominerals: Keep it updated. It is a constant reminder that you are around and always improving your biz

creativethurs: Starting a blog was key in building my online business = a channel to share my art & let my customers get to know me

mom4lifecom: Having a blog has allowed me to put fresh content in front of our customers regularly while also helping google ranking

lepapierstudio: Having a blog allowed me to share my story and built a community. I would have never made it without it

 

Any other tips on How to ROCK Online Sales?

startupprincess: Be sure to offer a ‘freemium’ for people to sign up for newsletter

ecoglominerals: I am a big fan of social media. USE IT a lot. Do sales, giveaways (I do a lot!), have a newsletter, they all help!

creativethurs: Last but not least, try not to lose sight of why you created the product {you love} & started a business in the first place

 

You can see and hear more from @mom4lifecom and @sarahjanestudio at Touchpoint September 15-16! Join us! Use code ‘startupchat’ for $50 OFF

 

August 31st #StartupChat: Sales Channel Discussion

Join us on August 31st 12pm MDT/2pm EST for our next Twitter #StartupChat on sales channels with guests in business from eBay to Etsy, and more!

We will also be giving away a ticket to our 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs (TOUCHPOINT), so you will definitely want to be there!

Not sure what #StartupChat is or how to participate? We’ve got you covered with this post!

Meet Cherie Burton, Purpose and Presentation Coach

 

Cherie Burton is a Mom and Purpose & Presentation Coach who has a passion for empowering women to step forward and do what they were born to do.  She holds a degree in Psychology and has held group therapist positions at a psychiatric hospital, a residential treatment facility for teen boys, a birth mother support group, and an addiction recovery center.  She was crowned Mrs. Utah 2004 and is the author of, Where Depression Ends and You Begin and the upcoming book, She Was Made Whole: 7 Steps of Restoring Order to a Woman’s Soul.  As an Essential Oils and Wellness Educator, Cherie is on a worldwide mission to educate other mothers to self-nurture and become healers in their own homes.

Name: Cherie Burton

Location: Alpine, Utah

Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Minor Degree, Sociology

Professional Background: Purpose & Presentation Coach, Mrs. Utah 2004, group therapist at a psychiatric hospital, a residential treatment facility for teen boys, a birth mother support group, and an addiction recovery center; Author of, Where Depression Ends and You Begin, and the upcoming book, She Was Made Whole: 7 Steps of Restoring Order to a Woman’s Soul; Essential Oils and Wellness Educator

What you wanted to be when you grew up: An author and a teacher

What you are: An author and a teacher!  Only not in the public school system

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Coaching programs: “Present Yourself with Power” (6 week group training in confidence, beauty, public speaking), “Find Your Life Mission in a Month” (guided course in defining your purpose) and “Breakthrough: Peace with Food, Peace with Your Body” (12 week weight loss e-Course), Image & Speaking Private Mentorships

Where you are located?  I run my business out of my home.

Company Website: www.CherieBurton.com

What inspired you: Beautiful and elegant women I’ve associated with in the pageant industry, who’ve “classed” it up with their integrity and eloquence

How long have you been in business? 6 years

How did you fund it? Self

Do you have a Fairy Godmother or Mentor? Yes, I have several!  My latest is my business coach, Kim Flynn.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Just starting to get into Biz Divas, the HUB and others.

Current Business Challenge: Locating clients who could benefit from my programs.

What are you doing about it: I’m looking into doing an affiliate launch and I’m getting a marketing funnel together that will provide lots of value –free- to those who frequent my site.

Favorite motivational quote:  “You have never met a mere mortal…every interaction is sacred.”  C.S. Lewis

Family: My primary role/responsibility is that of being a mom and I take it “mother bear” seriously.  I have 3 children, who, as of Summer ’11, are ages 10, 12 and 14.

How do you balance family and business? I try to listen to my heart in my moments.  The answers are always there and motherhood and your business/life mission are a beautiful dance.  It takes a lot of courage and surrender to stop what you’re doing and give a child your full attention.

Favorite book?   Fiction: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte   Non-fiction:  Light in the Wilderness by M. Catherine Thomas

What do you do to relax? Read, go on movie dates with hubby.

What do you want to change most about your world? To master being a source of love and acceptance for others.

What are you most proud of? My two sons and daughter and the close bond we have.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Keep your life in Divine Order (1.God, 2 Self, 3.Family, 4.Humanity, 5.Earth)… Your business is 4^th on the happiness index

Favorite Magic Wand? Sacred Routine I do every day (study of Truth, connection to the Divine, meditation, soul stillness)

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Rubies – biblical reference to a virtuous woman

Thanks, Cherie! Meet Cherie in real life at Touchpoint – our 5th Annual Conference for

Women Entrepeneurs. Register today!

Meet Jeanette Bennett, Founder of Utah Valley BusinessQ & Bennett Communications

 

Jeanette Bennett is an amazing woman entrepreneur.  She’s the editor of over a dozen magazines!  Even as print media seems to loose market share to electronic publications, she manages to maintain growth and keep up with the times.   I was SUPER impressed to learn that when Jeanette needs to get ahead, she works from 4-7 AM before the kids get up and the phone starts to ring.  That’s impressive! I bet I’d get more done if I did that, too!

We’re excited to have Jeanette as a speaker & discussion group leader on Thursday of Touchpoint. (Early Bird registration ends today [8/15/11].  Secure your full 2 day conference pass for only $199.)

Name: Jeanette Bennett

Location: Orem, Utah

Education: Bachelor’s in journalism and master’s in communications (both from BYU)

Professional Background: Instructor at BYU-Idaho, copy editor at the Deseret News, writer/editor at Utah Business Magazine, writer at New Era Magazine, founder of our publishing company in 1998.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Broadcast journalist

What you are: Print journalist, writer, editor

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I became an entrepreneur when I became a mother. My husband and I created a national newsletter in 1998 for high school journalism advisers as a way for me to make an income from home. We put $5,000 on a credit card to print and mail sample newsletters to every high school in the country. Before our credit card bill came due, we had enough orders to pay the bill without incurring any interest. This newsletter (Scholastic News Service) was a good side business but not a livelihood, so we added a full-color magazine — Utah Valley Magazine — two years later. We sold our home and used the equity to print the first issue. The next 11 years have been a rollercoaster of starting more than a dozen magazine titles — some of which have succeeded and others that became lessons in what not to do.

Company Website: uvmag.com; bennettcommunications.net; jeanettegazette.com

What inspired you: I’ve always been inspired by the idea of informing myself and then sharing with others. When I became a mom, I was inspired by the idea of creating a flexible life that allowed me to use my skills but also be there for my children.

How long have you been in business? 13 years

How did you fund it? At first, we put $5,000 on a credit card. Since then, we’ve used profits from existing projects to fund new projects. I am overjoyed that I don’t have investors or bank loans that make decisions for me.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother or Mentor? My future father-in-law was my high school journalism adviser. He has a “Mr Holland-esque” influence on journalism students, and I was no exception.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Corporate Alliance, Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Utah County Women in Philanthropy

Current Business Challenge: The climate for print journalism is undergoing rapid change. Although magazines aren’t as affected as newspapers, we know our “cheese” is moving. Readers love glossy magazines, but advertisers have new and cheaper options. And advertisers pay the bills, so we want to meet their changing needs.

What are you doing about it: We’ve been building up our blog readership, Facebook presence and other social media. We are offering online “shout outs” to our print advertising customers as an added incentive for them to maintain their marketing dollars with us. We are pointing readers from our magazine to our website and vice versa. Our ultimate goal is to help our advertisers see results from their ads — whether that is walk-in customers, click-throughs, Facebook “likes,” etc. We are encouraging our readers to interact with our advertisers in multiple ways.

Family: I’ve been married to my business partner, best friend and opposite for 16 years. We have 4 children and one on the way.

How do you balance family and business? My husband and I are raising a business and a family together. Every Sunday night, we plan out the week — including office hours, soccer carpool, shopping, etc. I would be absolutely insane if I didn’t have a supportive and hilarious husband. (When my stress level goes up, so does his humor.) I’ve also brought my kids to the office many times. When the youngest two took predictable afternoon naps, they often snoozed in the storage room at our office. We had a door hangar we put out that told our employees to enter quietly.

What do you do to relax? Not enough! I did take up running a couple years ago, and my first goal was to clear my mind. Gradually, I started picking up the pace and the mileage. I ran a half marathon this summer, as well as a 191-mile team relay. I’ve done several 5Ks and even placed in some low-turnout contests.

What do you want to change most about your world? I wish readers valued information enough to pay for it. With the proliferation of free online content, it is difficult (nearly impossible) to get readers to pay for information — either in print form or online. Yet, it is costly and time consuming to produce quality writing and photography.

What are you most proud of? I’m proud of myself for maintaining my roles as mother and entrepreneur. I am passionate about both, and I’m grateful that my journey includes a way to incorporate the two sides of my heart.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Don’t sacrifice your family for your fortune. Take life in chapters if you need to, but don’t forget that family endures longer than profit/loss statements. I’m reminded of this when I look at old magazines I created. At the time, I thought they were SO IMPORTANT. But now they are just heaped at the bottom of recycling bins. It’s important to have perspective. At the same time, work IS important to me and to many female entrepreneurs. It shapes our happiness, our confidence, our opportunities and our satisfaction. The trick is to figure out what we value and let go of everything else (TV, extensive blog reading, oversleeping). Life is a journey, and everything gives us cumulative experience.

Favorite Magic Wand? My secret weapon is 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. These three hours are worth twice that later in the day. My phone doesn’t ring, my kids don’t ask questions and my inbox isn’t pinging. I’m also more creative and intelligent in the morning. The levels decrease throughout the day until I’m absolutely worthless by bedtime.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Passion, humor, ambition, curiosity, friendliness, lack of judgment, appropriate levels of competition

Thanks, Jeanette!  Meet Jeanette in real life at Touchpoint – our 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepeneurs.  Register today!

Meet Ishita Gupta, Founder of Fear.less Magazine & Touchpoint Speaker

We meet some inspiring and amazing women through Startup Princess.  What’s fun about what we do is that over time we start to meet “friends of friends” and our connections list becomes bigger and bigger.  Not only does our network expand, but so do our friendships.  We were introduced to Ishita through Seth Godin and we’re so grateful for the introduction because now Ishita is speaking at Touchpoint in Salt Lake City.  She’s in our Friday, September 16th keynote lineup.    She’s speaking on Making Meaning In Your Business & Contributing to the world.  Her message (and her business) is inspiring!

Name: Ishita Gupta

Location: New York, NY

Education: B.A.Psychology, Grad Certificate in Documentary/Editorial Photography

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Doctor first, then head of Non-profit, then hip-hop dancer

What you are: Storyteller, Visual Journalist

Summary of your Start Up: Fear.less Magazine is a digital magazine that empowers people through stories of overcoming fear.

Company Website:  fearlessstories.com

What inspired you: What inspired me was the fact that i learned through specific people’s stories – not general advice. And the fact that I was in a fearful moment and needed to hear what others were doing to combat their fear.

How long have you been in business? 2 years

How did you fund it? Funded by third party advertising.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Parker Palmer, Seth Godin, Pam Slim

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? EC, Women’s prfoesssional Networks, Alternative MBA

What is your  current business challenge? Transitioning the magazine to fully online

What are you doing about it? Talking to web and my network to see the best way to do this

Favorite motivational quote: ”Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged  bird that cannot fly.” -Langston Hughes

Tell us about your family: I’m single and have an amazing twin sister and younger brother that live in nyc and parents who live in detroit, michigan. they are everything to me.

How do you balance family and business?  Since i don’t have a family of my own, i’m blessed to have the time to work on my business and pursue other activities.  When you’re running a business, your best bet is to not try to achieve balance, which i don’t believe is a fitting word. Just prioritize and make sure you’re meeting your needs first and then those of the people you love. Balance is made by doing what you say you’ll do, going one step at a time, and constantly refocusing your energies.

What is your favorite book?  On Beauty – Zadie Smith, How Not to be Afraid of your life – Susan Piver, The Alchemist

What do you do to relax?  I write, read, drink tea, spend time near water and in nature, and DANCE!

What do you want to change most about your world?  What i want to change about the world is that i want everyone to be themselves authentically and not be afraid to be who you are.

What are you most proud of?  I’m most proud of the moments where i’m able to stick to my truth and do things that speak my truth even though they are challenging.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?  Your “real” voice can be an asset in your business just like any great sales or marketing plan.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?  Google docs. The ability to act and not think.

Meet Ishita at Touchpoint!  Learn more and register here.  (Early Bird Deadline is quickly approaching.  Register by August 15th and save!)

What is Touchpoint?

Startup Princess began in 2006 as a much needed resource for women starting and growing businesses.  Today Startup Princess serves as a connection point offering resources, coaching and events to support women entrepreneurs in every stage of their business.  Now, five years later, StartupPrincess.com was just listed as number four of the top ten resources/sites for women entrepreneurs by forbes.com and @startupprincess is in the top 20 of business people to follow on twitter.  Twittergrader lists @startupprincess as number twenty five of influential women on twitter.  Startup Princess has gone from 25,000 followers on twitter to over 89,000 in just three months.

On the heels of these great honors, Startup Princess is pleased to announce the Touchpoint – The 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs presented by Bank of American Fork.  This two-day event is the largest event hosted by Startup Princess annually.  “Touchpoint is a unique event that not only provides education for starting and growing a business, but it provides connections for women to support each other as they walk (sometimes run) the course of business ownership,” says Founder, Kelly King Anderson.

Touchpoint, will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Sandy, Utah on Thursday September 15th and Friday, September 16th, 2011.

Startup Princess continues to bring in top talent from all over the country and are pleased to announce their keynote speakers for Touchpoint 2011.  Our keynote speakers on Friday, September 16th are Anita Campbell, founder of smallbusinesstrends.com from in Cleveland, Ohio; Ishita Gupta founder of fearlessstories.com from New York, New York; Tiffany Peterson, founder of The Lighthouse Principles from Salt Lake City; Carley Knobloch Chief Twirler from digitwirl.com from Los Angeles, California and Heather Ledeboer founder of Mom4life.com from Idaho.  These women not only exemplify what it takes to run a successful business in tough times, but they are everyday women balancing the other demands of marriage, life and motherhood.  Anderson says, “It’s an honor to share the stage with these successful businesswomen.  Their expertise and talent is inspiring and their messages are timely.  Their insights will help our attendees, in any stage of business, grow with confidence and strength.”

In addition to powerful keynote speakers, on Thursday, Startup Princess is hosting an Image and Media workshop in conjunction with Touchpoint.  Attendees will learn how to prepare themselves to be “ready for media at any moment”.  Topics include “Stepping Into Your Power” by past Miss Utah Cherie Burton, “Developing Your Style For Success” with Allison Czarnecki from PetitElefant.com and “How to ROCK Your Next Media Opportunity” with Jeanette Bennett, editor of over a dozen magazines including Utah Valley BusinessQ.  Thursday is sure not to disappoint and will help attendees set themselves up for media success.

This year, Startup Princess is also hosting the 3rd Annual Video Marketing Competition as part of the Touchpoint festivities.  Companies and individuals have the opportunity to submit a marketing video to be judged on creativity and a compelling call to action.  Judges will select five winners who will receive free full conference Touchpoint pass, and attendees will select the grand prize winner as part of the conference events.  The winner will receive a digital video Camera along with other prizes.  For more information about the competition go to here.

Early Bird Registration is $199 for a full conference pass (two days).  This price is good through August 15th, 2011.  Register now to receive this discount.

For the full agenda and registration details go to http://www.startupprincess.com/touchpoint. Additional details can be found at http://www.startupprincess.com.

For more information about Touchpoint or Startup Princess, event details or sponsorship information, please contact Michelle McCullough at 801.592.1101 or michelle@startupprincess.com.

 

Meet Erin Condren – Founder of Erin Condren Design

Erin Condren is a clever entrepreneur who oozes creativity from her product line to her branding.  I can tell she has a love affair with colors and colors make me giddy and inspired.  I also love her answer to the question about what she’d like to change most about the world!  Meet Erin online by reading more here:

name: erin condren

education: ba from ucla

professional background: started in swimwear sales out of college, but was more interested in design/production. i worked with my brother’s company, manufacturing collections for nike, adidas and more from our l.a. sewing facility.  started my own collection in 2001 that we collaborated on with “michael stars,” but then closed our business after 9/11. started printed personalized stationery and stickers from my home, the rest is history!

what you wanted to be when you grew up: i always knew i wanted to be a mom, but also had an entreprenuerial spirit from a young age.

i created and sold jewelry in college, dabbled in pottery creations after college…i knew i wanted a career with a creative outlet.

what you are: managing partner and creative director of ericondren.com (online personalized paper & gifts!)

brief summary of your start up:  started my business from home, but the nature of paper products is so viral! with a web address on the back of each product shipped, the “word” spread like wildfire! i merged with a fine art printing company in 2007 and i felt like a kid in a candy shop.  with state of the art machinery, i was able to unleash all my creativity and manufacture top of the line paper products and more.

where you are located: we are moving to our fab new space in hawthorne in may, 37k square feet! wow!

company website: www.erincondren.com

what inspired you? my children. i knew i wanted to have a career that gave me the freedom to also be at home with my kids.

how long have you been in business? since 2005

how did you fund it? credit cards and home equity! yikes, a gamble that has paid off

do you have a fairy godmother (or mentor)? yes, most definitely my business partner, al marco.  he was a friend and “business coach” when my home business took off, i am blessed to now call him my partner.

do you belong to any business organization or networking groups? i am on linkedin, fan page on facebook and love to tweet! also a member of “step up” women’s network.

current business challenge? managing growing pains! thankfully i have an incredible support team and partner that steer this rollercoaster ride so I can be creative.

what are you doing about it? consult with my partner daily, open communication is key.

favorite motivational quote: i wish i knew henry david thoreau:  “go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you’ve imagined.”

family? yes! the most amazing supportive family! husband of almost 13 years, boy/girl twins that are 10.  my parents and siblings live close by and are a huge support system to me everyday.

if so, how do you balance family and business? a constant juggling act, but easier each day. my husband is also self employed so we text/email/call each other constantly to cover “shifts” with our kids.  working in an office gives me focus and balance, so the time with my family is truly cherished and never taken for granted.

favorite book? “ya ya sisterhood” & “the middle place”

what do you do to relax? drink wine and entertain! my husband and i love to entertain, and while some find it stressful, we are so fulfilled and charged by our time with family and friends.

what do you want to change most about your world? the clock. it’s hard to believe my kids are nearly 10. they’ll be off to college in no time, someone stop the clock! i am so blessed to have two amazing, healthy kids. i truly think i cherish my time with my kids more than most since so much of my time is occupied with work.  i hate to put them to bed, can’t wait for them to crawl in with us in the morn…

what are you most proud of? besides my children, definitely my business. it’s hard to believe this all start with a hp “photosmart” desktop printer in my “toolshed.” that’s what i called the space i used to work in, a room off our garage that was for storage.  i’ve worked hard to get where i am today, and i don’t stop to applaud myself often enough.  the workload has changed, but i work just as hard today as i did when it all started. i am so proud of the decisions and choices i have made to get me where i am.

what advice would you like to offer other start up princesses? be prepared to work hard, not much sleep! as my partner once told me, “anyone can be an entrepreneur…it is the jump to becoming a successful business person that will set you apart.” i work hard each day to meet my goals. i make sacrifices in my personal life all the time, but i love what i do and will continue to give my business 110%.

favorite magic wand (tool/resource)? internet! i can search for trends, shop for inspiration, find color combinations from across the world without ever leaving my ofiice or home.  i try to travel as little as possible, the internet allows me to do this.

if you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? oooooh la la! i’d have to go with stones of blue (my birthstone), yellow (my hubby) and rubies for my july twins!

did i leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business? i was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a couple years ago…it has been an excructing struggle to find the right meds to halt the disease and manage my pain.  i feel the best i’ve felt in years, hopefully i have found the right combo treatment for me.  my career and busy lifestyle has distracted me from the pain, somedays are really unbearable, but loving my job has kept me positive and focused on all the blessings in my life.  (no time to lay in bed and mope!)

Learn more about Touchpoint Orange County by going here.

Meet Danielle LaPorte, Creator of White Hot Truth, Author and Business Consultant

This September all you Startup Princesses out there will have the privilege of hearing from Danielle LaPorte, Author and  Business Consultant speak at this year’s Touchpoint Conference. She will be rockin’ the mic as she helps you move your business, your dreams and yourself forward. If you don’t already know who Danielle LaPorte is, you should. Book a flight and register for the event. This woman will knock your socks off. She’s that awesome. Plus, Danielle’s been a Fairy Godmother for Startup Princess since 2006 so she’s especially amazing and generous. We love her! Don’t miss her keynote!

Hometown: Windsor, Ontario

Current Residence: Vancouver, British Columbia 

Education: Life

Professional Background: I’m the creator of WhiteHotTruth.com, which has been called “the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality.” I’m a former think tank exec, news show commentator, motivational speaker, and lead author of Style Statement, I’ve  been featured in Elle,Vogue, Entertainment Tonight, and the Huffington Post. My latest online book is The Fire Starter Sessions: A Digital Experience for Entrepreneurs. You can find me on Twitter @daniellelaporte

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A poet, a social worker, Wonder Woman. In that order. Seriously.

What you are: A poet, a social worker, Wonder Woman.

Brief Summary of your Start Up:

it’s all here:
http://whitehottruth.com/about/
and here:
http://whitehottruth.com/want-more-faq/

Company Website? www.whitehottruth.com and Twitter: @DanielleLaporte

What inspired you? A burning desire for creative liberation.

How long have you been in business? My whole life.

How did you fund it? Credit cards and midnight oil.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? No. I’m an introvert. That said, Twitter is a phenomenal space for connecting.

Current Business Challenge? What challenges? I only see opportunities. I’m not being coy; I’ve been doing it long enough to not take it too seriously.

Favorite motivational quote: “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell

Family? I have a six year old amazing son.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I don’t. I believe life balance is a myth.

Favorite book? To Kill A Mocking Bird. And the book I’m about to write.

What do you do to relax? Snuggling. Buddhist meditation. Kitchen disco. Lemon water. 

What do you want to change most about your world? The faulty premise that being well-rounded will get you the approval you seek. Fughet it.

What are you most proud of? That my son is gentle, hilarious and loves to rock out.

What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? You know. That’s it. You know what you want, you know the answer. Don’t second guess your desires — they are your most accurate compass.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My sense of humour, and a capacity for very deep listening.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Just pure solid gold for me, baby.

Introducing Heather Bailey Touchpoint Keynote Speaker and Owner of Heather Bailey Designs

We are delighted to introduce Heather Bailey of Heather Bailey Designs. Heather is one of our three keynote speakers this year at Touchpoint, and will be speaking on Creativity in Life and Business. With her own abundant creativity, she is the perfect choice for this topic. Enjoy getting to know her, and we can’t wait to see you and Heather at Touchpoint!

How did you start sewing/ crafting? What other craft do you do?

My prime hobby is learning new things, so I’ve collected quite a list
of interests over the years. My first craft obsession was paper. At four-years-old, I filled my bottom dresser drawer with heaps of paper: white paper, lined paper, construction paper – any paper I could get my hands on. With a stapler, scissors and glue, I built intricate 3D objects: robots, elephants, and even shoes. It wasn’t long before I learned to crochet, outfitting my dolls and Barbies in a rainbow of wild duds. Quilting and knitting soon followed. By the time I was seventeen, my preoccupation with all things handmade picked up serious speed and I soon learned my way around many new arts: spinning, weaving, stained glass, upholstery, ceramics, bead-making, faux-finishing, silver-smithing, painting and illustration.

Today, I enjoy the artistic freedom that comes from a broad base of
experience. And, with the tools and supplies I’ve collected throughout my explorations, my studio is a virtual craftstore. Soldering iron? Got it.
Spinning wheel? Got it. Wood-burner? Got it. Yarn, fabric, ribbon, paper, clay? I’ve got those too.

What’s your background, is it design based?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Clothing and Textiles with an
emphasis in Apparel Design. At the university, I gained a strong technical education and won several scholarships and awards for clothing construction and design. After graduating, I started a children’s hat company, which later metamorphosed into a women’s accessory business with the invention of my patented Trash Ties™ hair accessories (TrashTies.com). While waiting for the patent on Trash Ties, I discovered my love for painting and soon began my career creating artwork for fabric, scrapbook supplies, stationery, and so on. Now I run two businesses, Heather Bailey, LLC, through which my artwork is licensed and lifestyle products and patterns are produced, and Trash Ties, LLC, our exciting hair accessory business.

Do you use a sketchpad or anything to hand (napkins/receipts etc)?

I take a sketchbook with me everywhere I go, not only to capture an idea as it whispers by, but also to prevent getting stuck somewhere with nothing to do. Napkins and receipts only come into the picture on the rare occasion I’ve left my sketchbook behind.

What is your favourite item to make / design?

My favorite project tends to be the one I’m designing at the moment. This can vary from fabric artwork to sewing patterns to embroidery designs to a sticky batch of sugar cookies with my kids.

What part of the design process do you enjoy the most?

I love to sketch, dream, and brainstorm whenever and wherever I can. Idea origination is always more fun that the execution of an idea, but not terribly much more. I’ve built a business around my favorite activities and I love most stages of the design process – except perhaps the final wrap-up, which I more tolerate than love.

What is next on the cards for you?

Speaking of cards, we’re in the early stages of planning a stationery debut for 2010. I’m also adding to my sewing pattern collection with Summer and Fall 2009 releases, featuring a fresh mix of designs: children’s toys, pincushions, handbags, quilts, etc. This year will also bring my debut collection of designer, hand-embroidery patterns which I can’t wait to share – birds, paisleys, florals, quilt labels and more. And then there’s my upcoming Nicey Jane fabric collection, full of playful florals, groovy geometrics and a smart mix of accent prints – in two drool-worthy color palettes.

Even more exciting is that all of these new collections are designed to integrate. I’m bouncing in my seat to show how the embroidery designs harmonize with the fabrics and in turn can be used to enhance projects made from my new sewing patterns. There will be a lot of sewing and stitching around the studio this Summer!

Do you have a favourite designer?

To me, it’s important to keep a unique and fresh perspective. As such, I don’t follow the work of other designers much. I’m more intrigued by past designers’ personal histories and journeys. For instance, I’m currently reading Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret & Extraordinary Lives by Helen O’Neill. I’m floored by the mystery surrounding this unforgettable print designer. I picked up her biography with no idea what an amazing story her life been.

How much has the Internet influenced the path your career has taken/the choices you have made?

The Internet has provided a fun flourish of interactivity to my business. I love the connection I have to my fans and friends through my website, blog, Twitter page, Facebook fan page, Flickr groups, and so on. Beyond the rapid-spread of excitement for my artwork, the Internet has sure made the day-to-day running of two businesses much more fun and meaningful and has brought me many fantastic friendships and opportunities. Beyond my blog and other social networking pages, we currently run a brand store at HeatherBaileyStore.com where people with limited local access to designer collections can shop my entire collection of products, across all categories. Moving forward, we plan to incorporate a variety of fun video tutorials at TrashTies.com and to further nurture the blossoming online community of sewers and crafters alike through a variety of future projects.

Your blog is full of how-to’s and tips – what’s your best sewing tip?

At my blog, HELLOmynameisHeather.com, I’ve posted a tutorial called My Favorite Knot. In it, I show how to form a simple knot for hand-
sewing that literally brings a smile to my face every time I use it. The method I had first learned for knotting thread always resulted in an unattractive and impractical wadded mass. My Favorite Knot is quick, easy, and turns out a perfect knot every time – definitely one of my best sewing tips.

What do you love best about your job?

I love that my fabrics and designs excite people to get creative. I receive several emails a week from women who have newly-discovered my work and have subsequently decided to learn sewing, scrapbooking, painting, etc. Additionally, I love to see what people make from my fabrics and patterns. I run several photo-sharing groups at Flickr.com where crafters can upload pictures of projects they have made from my fabrics and designs. I’m the proud mother hen when I browse through these photos. It’s such a thrill to see my artwork wrapped onto another’s sewing project.

What inspires you?

In art, I’m inspired by happy and unique color combinations, by imperfections in nature, and by the whimsical and unexpected. My art is in successfully juxtaposing competing forms and colors for a fresh take on nature.

In life, I’m inspired by my children’s soft hugs and squishy kisses, by last-minute lunch dates with friends, and by quiet time to think and reflect. I love making gifts too.

What draws you to buying fabric? What kinds of things do you buy most often?

While I have an extensive collection of assorted fabrics, which I love, I mostly sew with my own fabrics. I’m drawn to prints with unique color combinations, and interesting, playful forms. These are my main points of focus when designing a collection. I do collect other solid-reading fabrics that will reinforce a color palette I’m exploring in my projects. As a print’s design is equally as important as its color, these prints can be tricky to find. Taking a cue from my own search for such fabrics, I’m now mid-way through designing a collection of ‘almost-solids’ to solve this need for all of us.

A fabric’s quality and hand is also important to me. I value my time to sew and only want to work with quality fabrics. My own fabric collections are printed on the highest quality quilter’s cotton and are an
absolute dream to sew with.

Do you stash fabrics or just buy them to use straight away?

I’m a fabric-stasher for sure. I figure if a length of fabric or bit of ribbon makes me giddy or inspires me to get creative – even if it doesn’t get used in the project I make – then it has served a good purpose. I have no guilt about collecting supplies. Having great fabric, ribbon, buttons, and other supplies on hand makes me very happy.

Can you tell us three things no one else knows about you?

1. I take my own photographs. My husband is an amazing, professional photographer, so most people assume that he is snapping the photos for my blog. While I’m entirely flattered by this impression, I have yet to dispel the misconception. Perhaps one day I’ll convince him yet to follow me around and do my bidding, but for now I take my own blog photos.

2. In my early twenties, I was an extra in a few Hollywood movies. You can catch a clear glimpse of me with short hair in the opening sequence of The Mod Squad with Claire Danes and in several scenes throughout Drew Barrymore’s Never Been Kissed. I brought a picnic basket full of jewelry supplies with me to set everyday to keep busy and ended up supplying the entire Hair & Make-Up Department with one-of-a- kind pieces for their kits. It was a fun adventure and the relationships I formed with the hairdressers played a pivotal role in the later development of my Trash Ties hair accessories.

3. I’m never still. As a result, I don’t get to read much – and I don’t watch too many movies with subtitles either. However, I’ve re-discovered my love of reading with the recent advent of the iPod. Now I can devour the words of Jane Austen, Alexander Dumas and J.R.R. Tolkien without having to keep my hands affixed to a book. I can sew, knit, stitch, sketch, and read, all at once. I love it.

BIO

Heather Bailey

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?”
–Marianne Williamson

Heather Bailey gets chills every time she reads this quote. If she could accomplish one thing, it would be to encourage women to discover their fabulousness and find joy in creative expression.

Heather Bailey is a playful and inventive designer of all things happy. With a B.A. in Apparel Design and a knack for style, Heather has run successful businesses in both children’s and women’s accessories. Her designs were eagerly snatched up by celebrities and were offered by many of the world’s most exclusive stores including Fred Segal, Henri Bendel, and Bloomingdales, as well as high-end boutiques in Japan, Hong Kong, and Paris.

Fresh and imaginative, Heather’s designs have been featured in top fashion magazines, such as InStyle, Glamour, Seventeen, and Mademoiselle. Her work has also been showcased by the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA), in recognition of her artistry and superior construction techniques.

Creative expression is one of the great joys of Heather’s life and her hands are never still. Sewing and crocheting by the age of eight, and quilting by eleven, Heather has a long-standing love for traditional women’s handicrafts. Over the years, her interests have grown to include knitting, spinning, weaving, stained glass, upholstery, ceramics, bead making, faux finishing, silver smithing, painting and children’s illustration. Designing for different mediums, Heather has honed a smart and lively aesthetic that infuses every aspect of her art.

Through all her adventures, sewing has remained Heather’s grand passion. This passion and Heather’s flair for art and color, have now happily married in fabric design. Freshcut™, Heather’s all-original debut collection for Free Spirit, demonstrates Heather’s talent for modern design, as well as her love for vintage nostalgia.

Heather is a busy young mother of two. Her children come first, but when they’re content, Heather is busily sketching fabric designs, dreaming up new projects and patterns, and recording it all on her weblog.

To Heather, “Handicrafts foster a feeling of sisterhood among women.
From quilting bees to craft blogs, I’m thrilled to be a part of the growing
movement toward creative community.”

Discover more about Heather’s fabric designs, sewing pattern line, and
scrapbooking supplies at HeatherBaileyDesign.com, or for free project
patterns and sewing tips visit her blog at HELLOmynameisHeather.com.

Get to Know Janice Croze Touchpoint Keynote Speaker and co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom

We are so excited to feature Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom, this week. Janice is one of our three keynote speakers at Touchpoint and we are thrilled to have her speak on Networking to Build Relationships and Partnerships. Enjoy getting to know Janice and we hope to see you at Touchpoint!

In 2006, Janice Croze and her identical twin sister, Susan Carraretto, created 5 Minutes for Mom.com and it quickly became an essential, go-to site for moms that entertains and informs, while promoting the online mom community. The Wall Street Journal listed 5 Minutes for Mom as the 2nd top parenting blog.

5 Minutes for Mom now includes a network of family friendly sites: 5 Minutes for Books, 5 Minutes for Special Needs, 5 Minutes for Parenting, 5 Minutes for Going Green, 5 Minutes for Giveaways and 5 Minutes for Faith.

Janice and Susan have also just launched a new site designed around threaded video conversation called Say it Face to Face.com.

Janice has two children, a seven year old son, Jackson, and a one year old daughter, Olivia. In addition to owning 5 Minutes for Mom, the 5 Minutes for Mom network of sites, and Say it Face to Face, Janice and Susan also own two successful e-commerce stores, www.PedalCarsandRetro.com and www.A-Rocking-Horse-To-Love.com.

Janice and Susan are active on Twitter with over 6,500 followers on their @5minutesformom twitter account. Janice also tweets at @janicecroze.

For a behind the scenes look at the twins behind 5 Minutes for Mom.com, you can view their interview with Amber Scott of Capessa, at http://www.5minutesformom.com/4108/getting-the-camera-turned-on-us/ or http://www.capessa.com/members/storyactions.aspx?g=126785&m=108788.

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