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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Free Tutorial for Business Blogging!

Cindy Adkins of Whimsical Musings has a fabulous new tutorial to help you navigate your way to more successful blogging. She is a very talented artist, author and motivator. Cindy's recent books, "Blogging: Its a 'Woman' Thing" and
spots on Amazon.
 
Visit HERE to read her guidebook.

~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
Sharon

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Jane Button, Business Coach

 I am so excited to tell you that Jane Button of Design 2 Market Success will be speaking at the next Launch Your Creativity Event!

Jane Button has a passion for helping creative entrepreneurs turn their creative "BIG IDEA" into the business of their dreams. Calling herself a "born entrepreneur" Jane's first company started in her basement as a cottage industry and went to a National Brand name as a multi-million dollar corporation. When creative business owners began asking for her advice, Jane started her freelance design, consulting & coaching business. 
Jane loves the freedom and opportunity that comes with being an entrepreneur and is a champion for creative entrepreneurs in the apparel, sewn product, knitting, jewelry and craft industry. Over the years, she has worked with The Pleasant Company (now known as AMERICAN GIRL®) Disney ®, Brass Key, Nordstrom, various catalogs, specialty boutiques and department stores, and numerous creative entrepreneurs who have a burning desire to create their own business. She has been featured in Barbara Wright Sykes books Pricing Without Fear and Do You Sew for Profit? as well as self published her own books for entrepreneurs (currently in the process of being revised for 2009); been a speaker at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo and other events. Jane freely shares her information in her seminars, workshops and books to help other entrepreneurs learn to be successful.

Understanding the artist and creative process is a key to Jane's success with her students. Because Jane does not believe in the "starving artist" concept her goal is to show creative people how to profit from their passion and fantastic creative ability.
 

~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
Sharon




Wednesday, October 19, 2011

"Cuff Cakes"

 Meet Anokah, the beauty with a brain for business!

Anokah, also known as the Bedazzle Queen, is finally ready to share her glitz,
bedazzling and embellishing with the world! Born in New York, Anokah always
had a passion for accessorizing and embellishing, highly inspired by the diversity
around her. Whether it was adding colored buttons and hand-stitched
embroideries to her Catholic School uniform (which didn’t go over well with the
nuns), she always tried to set herself apart from the crowd.

After receiving her graduate degree from Parsons, The New School of Design, she worked as a
ready to wear designer for womens and childrenswear. As her advisers quickly
saw, her strengths lay in the creative aspect of design. She gradually was
appointed to head all embellishments and wardrobe styling, as well as multimedia
trend presentations for the company. Honing in on her talent for
embellishments, she soon began custom designs for top American & European
Designers, as well as A-list celebrities and musicians. Anokah's natural gift soon
earned her the title "Bedazzle Queen" by her associates. Eventually, upon
receiving an overload of requests to create embellished accessories, M. Belishe,
(pronounced embellish) was born.
To learn more about M.Belishe, please visit www.anokah.com; www.cuffcakes.com 
Contact:Anokah Email: anokah@cuff-cakes.com;
Tel: 732.690.9723; 646.389.1709



~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
Sharon

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Pure Inspiration

 Fall Speakers Panel: Cheryl Turner, Connie Gayhart, Jenny Doh, Sharon Hughes, Jenelle Van deMortel

The second Launch Your Creativity Event was held last Saturday, October 1st at Paris In A Cup Tea Salon. It was an amazing event full of inspiration. It is an absolute gift to be able to put this event on. What started as a dream has become
an event that is hard for me to describe.

Each speaker touched the hearts and hopes of the guests. This forum is a place where women come together to be encouraged and learn how to start/grow their dream business. There is no other event like this as there is a strong emphasis on inspiring and encouraging one another. Its not your prepackaged women's business seminar. If you are in Southern California I invite you to join the Inspiration
at the next event scheduled for Friday, April 20th.

More details will follow.

 Stay Inspired~


Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Others




Let's talk about the others. I've always had a love hate relationship with them. There was a time when I stalked newsstands, waiting anxiously for the next issue to hit the shelves. I'd buy them all, devouring the eye candy and inspiration. I lived for those magazines. But then, slowly, it would creep in. You know what I'm talking about - the doubt, the disappointment, maybe even a hint of depression. "I'm not good enough." "Everyone else is so talented." "How come my work never looks that good?" Instead of being inspired to go make something, I felt like giving up. And that was after I had been published in those very same magazines!

Now it’s blogs and even Facebook. The others are there, too, happily showing off all they have accomplished this week, today, or even in the last 5 minutes. Not only are they doing the artwork, but they have time to connect with everyone else and post their latest in charming and witty prose. Here I am busting my #@s to keep up with everything I have to do day in and day out. I’m lucky if I have time for a quick glance on FB. I haven’t read a blog or posted to my own in a while and... hmmm, I finally sent off the latest art collaborative piece – 2 months after receiving it!

Do I sound envious, jealous? Yes, but more than anything I’m upset with myself for being such a slacker. Yep, even "successful" artists are plagued by the same doubts and insecurities you are.

I started writing this article on my way to the (wonderful) Creative Connection Event. Imagine how shocked (and relieved) I felt to hear that one of the very same women I admire (and envy), Melody Ross, founder of The Brave Girls Club, feels exactly the same way. She was on the Women Entrepreneurs breakfast panel Saturday morning. Melody shared this very same thought with us, “Why can’t I do all that?” She said she was busy watching what everyone else was doing and paying more attention to her page Likes and blog comments than to her family. Once Melody realized that she could be, and should be, in control of how she felt, she decided to go cold-turkey - no Facebook for 90 days. She discovered that the Likes that she had been so closely monitoring were now coming from her heart. She began to Like her life again.

Years ago, when I recognized that I was comparing myself to the others rather than getting busy doing the work, I went cold-turkey on the magazines. I stopped subscribing to and buying them. It was easy for me to give up reading all but the occasional blog because, well, I never had time in the first place. I like to remain connected and see what my friends and fellow artists are up to so you’ll still find me on Facebook, but only in 5 minute nuggets of time. No dwelling in other-land. The minute, the very second, I begin to feel my mood and confidence sink – OFF I go. I’ve got better things to do.

What I have come to realize is that we feel bad and down on ourselves when we are sitting on the sidelines and not doing the things we want to do, the things we love. When we’re on the outside looking in, it’s not the others we’re upset with, it’s ourselves. We are letting ourselves down, disappointing our best self, the one that wants to be doing fabulous things.

One solution is to distance yourself from the things or people that make you feel bad, but it’s way better to join them in the fun. Not so you can get online and share everything you are doing. You can do that, too, but the important thing is, DOING will stop you from letting the others make you feel bad. Don’t be on the sidelines – play in the game!



3 Ways to Get in the Game::



1. Find out exactly what is keeping you from doing what you love. Dwelling on what the others are doing is really a form of resistance, avoidance and procrastination. If you can pinpoint the reason(s) why you are not in the studio creating, then you can take the necessary actions to overcome them.



2. Just START. You don’t need a plan. Action breeds action which breeds art. Throw paint on a background. Stitch random patterns on some fabric. Grab a photo and write a story around it. The secret is to just begin.

3. Know your limits and set aside a specific time to gather inspiration. Looking at other art is fun and inspiring up to a point. Use the magazines, blogs and Facebook like the tools that they are, not the crutches that they have become. 


Want to use this article on your website or in your own ezine?
No problem! But here is what you MUST include:
Lesley Riley, The Artist Success Expert, is the creative founder of Artist Success, Solutions for the Struggling Artist. To receive her bi-weekly articles on creating your own success as an artist, visit  www.ArtistSuccess.com.


Thank you Lesley for your transparency. I think we have all felt this way at one time or another.
~Follow Your Creative BLISS~
Sharon

Friday, September 16, 2011

Meet Avalon Rose Design

Catherine Haugland

I love hearing an entrepreneur’s story. The journeys that start with an idea and end up successful businesses are always fascinating and each is different. I haven’t shared my story with many, so I’m very happy to have been asked to share it with you.
My journey is a strange one in that it really didn’t start with an idea or an inspiration, it started with necessity and grew because of perseverance. I fell into what I do accidentally, and I didn’t really figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up until I was 30. It’s almost as if website design found me, and not the other way around. Thank goodness it did, because not only do I run a successful business now, but I absolutely love what I do.
My formal education and employment history have nothing to do with website design. To make a long story short, I started out as an English major in college, but then worked for years as a factory laborer, went to cosmetology school, opened up my own small salon, became a mother, opened up an in-home daycare, and switched my salon schedule to nights and weekends. Life was insanely busy, but at the time I needed to do everything and anything I could to help put food on the table. I just did what I had to do.
Now I had two small businesses, two small children, and for some crazy reason I dreamed up another venture. I started selling handmade children’s clothing on eBay as Avalon Rose Boutique. It was recommended to me that I use auction templates in my listings, so I figured out how to make my own, and discovered that I loved creating my own graphics and writing code. Soon people were asking me more questions about the templates than the product I was selling. It didn’t take long and I wasn’t selling clothing anymore, but auction templates exclusively. My business name switched to Avalon Rose Design, and everything started growing from there.
Due to the initial moderate success of Avalon Rose Design, I was able to close up shop in my salon in order to focus more on my new business and newfound passion. I worked diligently to teach myself as much as I could, and the time came when I was comfortable enough to start offering website design as a service. I think the first year I only sold about three website designs, but I kept at it and continued selling designs on eBay. Eventually, as more and more of my longtime clients decided to leave eBay to start their own online store, the website design side of my business started booming.
All of a sudden I was an accidental website designer. Even though I got my start on eBay, I eventually discontinued my store there in order to focus on my own website instead. Over 6 years after my first eBay sale, I’ve designed hundreds of websites, print ads, t-shirts, logos, and some of my digital art was published in Somerset’s Digital Studio magazine. I love what I do, and I am so very thankful for that.
My advice to anyone looking to start their own dream business is to just stick with it. If you’re passionate about it and work hard people will notice. Learn as much as you can about your business or craft whether it’s self-education or taking a class, it’s an important step in the process. There are going to be bumps along the way, don’t expect to be an immediate success, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and it will be worth it in the end.

Avalon Rose Design www.theavalonrose.com


~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
Sharon

Meet DesignHer Brands

Melissa Bolton
I'm Melissa Bolton, owner of Designher Brands.  I specialize in helping women owned, web based business start-ups through effective copywriting and marketing.  I am also able to freshen up an existing business.  Whether you need a hand to hold through the beginning or are ready for a make over, I'm here to help.  I've been in marketign and sales for over twenty years and pride myself on my powers of persuasion and efficient use of language. I started my web-based business, Designher Brands, because I am passionate about helping women in small businesses succeed.  I offer creative and affordable solutions to get your business ahead of the curve.
With hundreds of thousands of new web businesses cropping up every day, you need to find a way to stand out in the crowd.  Effective copywriting and creative marketing does just that. I offer a wide array of services designed to suit the needs of almost every aspiring entrepreneur.  I've helped everyone from brick and mortar stores looking to break into the ever growing online marketplace to stay home moms looking to earn some extra income.  No matter what challenges you face, we can design a package to suit your needs AND your budget. 

I have a strong sales and marketing background.  My first foray into the working world came at age 22 as a cosmetics counter manager at the mall.  Through innovative channels and creative marketing, I was able to increase business 200% within the first six months.  Nine months after being promoted to manager of the Clinique counter, we achieved $1,000,000 in sales.  The first time in the counter's history.  Dan Brestle, CEO of the Estee Lauder company even flew in to take us out to celebrate! 

After figuring out that I had a talent for sales and marketing, I graduated from the world of retail to the world of finance.  I worked as a stock broker from 1994-2002.  My career as a broker spanned from a financial advisor to a Branch Manager and Vice-President.  I worked with everything from stocks to annuities to mutual funds to commodities to futures and options and more.  After my daughter was born, I decided to trade in the corporate world for motherhood.  As a stay home mom, I quickly found myself needing a creative outlet.  I began Adored Before in late 2002 and still run the successful business today. 

My business has been through many changes over the years, but one thing has remained consistent.  Adaption.  To run a successful small business you need to be able to adapt to the inevitable changes in the economy, market demand, styles and much more.  Sometimes you need to make some changes to maintain interest.  Making changes while maintaining your established brand is not as easy as you might think.  I can help with unique marketing and creativity that brings fresh and rejuvenated content to your website.

Having an identity crisis?  Whether you don't know what to say or are having trouble getting your message across, it’s time to talk.  Let me help you to expose yourself and your business in the most impressive and favorable light.   Your time is better spent running your business.  Leave the rest to me. 




~Follow Your Creative BLISS~
Sharon

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Hillary Black, Pitch Your Product Panelist


I am proud to welcome Hillary Black back to 
"Launch Your Creativity"
  Hillary Black brings an impressive set of credentials to the Beckett Media Lifestyle Group. Prior to becoming Editor of Victorian Homes, Black served as Photo/Style
Editor and Executive Editor of sister publications Romantic Homes and Cottages & Bungalows. A vintage home and décor enthusiast, Black is co-contributor to the Clarkson Potter title Vintage Vavoom:Romantic Decorating with One-of-a-Kind Finds. Aside from her passion for the print medium, Black is a singer/songwriter and part of the acoustic duo, StuccoRainbow.

~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
Sharon

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

An Italian Girl in Georgia shares her Dreams

Suzanne MacCrone, "Italian Girl in Georgia"

As a young girl, my parents always encouraged my creativity. From a
very early age, I would enter art contests that the community sponsored
and submit my creations to the county fair. When I was about eight years
old growing up near the beach in California and playing in the creeks, I
found smooth river rocks which I painted. Always wanting to do
something creative with my hands and also a little entrepreneurial, I sold
these painted rocks as paper weights to people on the beach and at the
annual Fourth of July parade in our village.

When I learned to sew in the seventh grade and got a Singer sewing
machine {the one I still use to this day}, I stayed up late at night sewing
new clothes ~ changing the patterns, using scraps of fabric for extras, like
Annie Hall-style neckties, vests, and belts. In the morning I had a new
outfit to wear to school.

Then I started college the practical side of me led me to focus my studies
in the sciences, for I had always wanted to enter the medical field and
become a doctor. After three years of science labs at UC Berkeley I
realized that this was not my calling and took my first studio architecture
course. I could not have been happier in any other major. It was a
perfect blend ~ the artistic side combined with the technical side of
architecture and design. I graduated with a major in architecture two
years later.

Soon after graduating from college, I set my sites on graduate school and
began pursuing graduate studies in interior and architectural design in
Italy. This is where my love of interior design and photography blossomed.
After returning to the States I earned my Masters of Fine Arts degree in
interior design, focusing on the re-use of old buildings while taking classes
in fabric design; paper making and bookbinding; the history of Twentieth
Century photography; and furniture design. 

As a graduate student I taught color and materials; architectural drawing; and furniture design. It was also about this time shortly before, during, and after graduate
school that I began painting again and partnered with my mother
creating a small business of hand painted stationery and gift items, as well
as painted decorative accessories for the home and garden. For nearly
fifteen years I hand painted everything in our collection as we
participated in national trade shows. I was fortunate to also have some of
my art, design, and photography licensed on a wide range of products
including home goods, fine art prints, and stationery.

However, over time my creativity was getting lost and the painting had
become production. I became weary and uninspired and had little time
to create anything new or pursue any other adventures in the arts.
Traveling to gift shows around the country gave me a fabulous
opportunity to travel throughout the United States and other countries. All
the while I kept my camera close by and began making new art with this
medium. This became my new creative outlet.

When I moved to Georgia to marry my husband it was time for me to
resign from my position at my painting table. I no longer wanted to be a
production painter. My new project was the restoration of an old house ~
the former home of my husband’s grandparents that was now ours. I was
embraced with a house that was in great need of some tender loving
care and a lot of restoration.

I am fortunate to have the privilege of being able to work from my
beautiful home {at times with my son by my side coloring, drawing and
painting on his own and my bunny Gucci hopping around my feet} and
also have the opportunity to interact and work in person with my clients in
the field.

Now I balance both my interior design work with all the fun stuff that keeps
my mind awake {sometimes too much so in the middle of the night}. I
have the luxury of enjoying the process of design and making or painting
something knowing that I will have to do it hundreds of times again. It’s
the process of the design, the creation of something new, useful, and
beautiful that inspires me. Once I have made it I want to move on to
another idea or project.

I’m not sure what I enjoy most ~ creating a three dimensional space using
my interior design and architectural skills such as a restaurant where the
guests become part of “my” stage or…photography where I can capture
a moment in time and create a memory…or creating a one of a kind
piece of art that someone can cherish or…sewing and designing an
entire collection that organically evolves as each individual piece is
made.

I believe that I thrive on it all and could not nor would not want to live life
without some form of art or creativity as an integral part of my everyday
life. When you are a creative person, there are no boundaries.

Last year I was asked on two separate occasions by two different people
who left comments on my blog, “Who is my muse?” I think of this question
often, although I have never answered it directly. Perhaps it’s as simple as
the beauty of my everyday life; my son whose curiosity and interest in the
littlest things enchant me; the encouragement of my husband and family;
and my love of creativity and design.


If you would like to contact Suzanne or view her beautiful photography here are the links:



~Follow Your Creative BLISS~
Sharon

Monday, August 29, 2011

Pitch Your Product Panelist

Jickie Torres Editor, Cottages & Bungalows Magazine
I am pleased to introduce Jickie Torres to you. She is the editor of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine and will be part of the panel on the "Pitch Your Home or Product" segment of Launch Your Creativity.

Tickets are still available www.LaunchYourCreativity.com



~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
Sharon

Monday, August 8, 2011

Martha Cook aka Martha's Favorites

Blogland is a very special places where friends meet and relationships are formed. We encourage our blog-sisters and are inspired and encouraged. Last April one of my friends from Blogland came to Launch Your Creativity. 
I'd never met a Blogland friend face to face so this was extra special. 
Here is Martha's story told in her own words:

January 1st, marked the beginning of my 3rd year of blogging. "Why do you blog?" I can't tell you how many people have asked me this, (well, maybe one or two) especially my family. I recently told my first daughter the number of people who actively follow my blog and you know what she said? Well, I will tell you. "Mom, you are not that interesting!" She is my encourager! Bless her heart, Lord! She lifts me up when I am down! Monique is the one who says, "Mom, if something happens to you, everything is going to be sold in a yard sale, so price it!" Monique taught me that "Pretty Vintage Things", are just that, pretty vintage things. Her bluntness has always served me well. 

I had been a "blogger peeping tom" for over a year.  These ladies looked like they were having a wonderful life. Dreams were coming true for them. On January 1, 2009, I started by blog, Martha's Favorites! Confessions of a Serial Collector. I blogged (Is that a word?) of a great sadness in my life and it helped. I was bluntly honest with myself (important). No one was reading my blog anyway, so who cared?   Slowly joy came, so did followers. People who loved me for just me. Not what I could do for them. Ladies who visit, just because! Weird huh? Today, my reason for blogging has not changed. The only difference now is, I am not sad. When I count my blessings, I count my friends in Blogland as part of them.
As long as I can remember I have wanted to own my own store.  An on line store, where I could sell my collections as my interests change. (Believe me, my interest change a lot!)  A place where I could share the wonderful things that I have found on my treasure hunting trips. There are so many wonderful stores in Blogland. I wanted to be one of them. I am a "Serial Collector", but not a hoarder (yet)!  My gift is treasure hunting. (I bet you did not know it was a "gift".)  Because of my blog, NBC's "It's Worth  What!?" came to my home to film some of my collections.
I met Sharon through my blog last year. She personally invited me to attend "Launch Your Creativity."  She was so nice to me I wanted to go just to meet her. I told her my dreams of having an on line store. She even told me to get business cards so I could network like everyone else.  My world was so small, I wanted so much to expand it. When I arrived to the tea, Sharon, came up to me and gave me a big hug. She instantly knew me because of my picture on my blog. I felt so welcomed.

 Launch Your Creativity, changed my life. During the event I took notes, I followed directions, I was encouraged. I felt with God's help,  that dreams could come true. On July 2011, I opened my store. "Pretty Vintage Things" by Martha's Favorites!


I have worked so hard at learning to manage it. I am still very new at it all.  I have a little card that was given out at that event.  The note reads: "Launch Your Creativity," "Follow Your Dreams, Anything IS Possible."  It sits on my desk so I can read it every day.

Sometimes my life feels like a fairy tale. Like a story, with a happy ending. Who would have thought all this could happen over tea?  
Hugs, Martha



~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
XO Sharon

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Artist Johnny Petros

Artist Johnny Petros
 There was a small vintage print of a girl my mother had on her wall. I used to take it down once in a while and just stare at it. I was captivated by it wondering how someone could make something so beautiful.

Recognizing that beauty, during my youth is what fueled my passion to want to create something. I spent my young childhood drawing faces and figures. 
 After High School I had various jobs and began doing commissioned portraits on the side. I remember how I would work an 8 hour shift and come home and paint for hours. I believe when you're doing something you love there is an endless supply of energy that comes with it.
 I worked for 30 years and did commissioned artwork on the side, wishing and dreaming of the day when I could just paint.  Now I have my own site Salone Di Petros where I have my art gallery to showcase my original work. I sell my paintings through Ebay commerce. 
 At Fine Art America I am able to offer my prints as well as cards. I am currently working on Zazzle products- T-shirts, stationary and many items designed with my artwork, and in the process of working on an online store. 
 I didn't take art classes in high school or go to college I merely had an incredible passion to want to create, and to finally at 48 to be able to solely do what I love is an incredible experience. If there is one thing I believe is anyone, whatever their passion may be, they should try to make room for it in their life. To me a person's passion is what keeps their heart forever young. To believe in yourself and follow your heart with determination, any dream can become a reality and any passion can be turned into a business.


~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
XO Sharon

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Launch Your Creativity II

Sharon Hughes Creator of Launch Your Creativity

Do you have an idea for a product or service and
wonder how to start a business?


Launch Your Creativity is a seminar to teach women how to start a business.

A place to be Inspired, Encouraged and Learn how to start a business from the very beginning steps. From producing a product, finding a product rep or starting a service industry business we equip women with the basics so they can move forward.

Offering "Words of Wisdom" from those who have traveled the road of  launching their dream business, you will laugh, you will cry and you will see how you too can start the business of your dreams.

An amazing group of women will

inspire you
encourage you
teach you

Join us on this exciting journey to discover how you can

Launch Your Creativity!


Saturday, October 1st, 2011
  *The Launch Your Creativity seminar is $65.
Includes breakfast or lunch
 depending on which seating you attend
 *5 guest speakers including a
special appearance by Jenny Doh,
 *Meet and Greet with the editors of Romantic Homes, Victorian Homes, Cottages & Bungalows
*Pitch your product or home to the editors
 *gift bag, educational materials and door prizes
Buy tickets here


Jenelle Van de Mortel, Artist and  Designer 
Lydia Reza, author, Product Rep and Coach
Jenny Doh, Author, Editor, Life Coach and Founder of Cresendoh
Connie Gayhart, Business owner, philanthropist, Maven of Organization
Cheryl Turner, Owner Paris In A Cup
Jacqueline deMontravel Editor of Romantic Homes Magazine 
This is an amazing opportunity:
Meet and Greet with the editors of Romantic Homes, Victorian Homes, Cottages & Bungalows
Pitch your product or home to the editors.
I hope you will join us for this wonderful event!



Thursday, July 7, 2011

Meet Sugar Pink Boutique

 Jennifer Patterson owner Sugar Pink Boutique

I love decorating and designing and I studied Interior Design in high school and college. I started rearranging furniture and picking out colors for my room at the age of three.

I decorate family members homes when they ask me.  I just can't resist, it's so much fun. I really enjoy working with fabrics and trims. I love traditional style and that is how I designed our home when we built it a few years ago. I do have a girlie frou frou room and that's my studio with pinks, blues and candy color designs.
 I worked at my Dad's bookstore for over 20 years and decided I wanted to do something different. I knew I wanted to work from home so I could have time to do my favorite things cook, garden, clean the house and decorate. I wanted to do something I really enjoyed. I have always loved crafting ever since I was a child. I hand painted furniture, made pillows, aprons and did a lot of scrapbooking, but being an Interior Design major my favorite thing was fabric. I love the touch and feel of fabrics, trims, ribbons and things. 



My dear husband encouraged me to open my own website and after lots of prayer and what ifs later I finally did. I gave it to the Lord and put Him in charge of my business. I prayed before every move and He guided me down a successful path. I had no idea what He had planned for me.  If I new then what I know now I would have started this business a long time ago. 


This business has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing women and do things I never thought possible from being in magazines and television to discovering I had a talent for photography. At some point in ones life I feel it's important to use the gifts the Lord gave you. Don't just say "Oh I could never do that and stay in your comfort zone." 
I love the famous quote  
"As we grow older, it's not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do."

For baubles and  beautiful bits of bliss visit www.sugarpinkboutique.com



~Follow Your Creative BLISS~
XO~Sharon

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Sprinkles of Magic


The idea for Sprinkles of Magic, LLC started pretty much by accident when Owner and President, Kim Nelson was sitting in her young son’s bedroom opening Christmas cards.  Kim was settling in for the night, reading stories with her son and had Christmas cards with her to open.  It was the late 80’s and confetti was very popular to include in greeting cards and some Santa confetti from one of the cards fell to the floor.  The next morning he discovered the “magic Santa Dust” and proclaimed that Santa had indeed visited in the night and had left a little bit of magic to let him know that he had been a good boy.

Kim says that at that moment she was inspired by his imagination and creativity and continued the tradition…Santa Dust has been part of the Christmas tradition in the Nelson home ever since…and the magic didn’t stop there.  With any and every opportunity, little moments were celebrated.  The tooth fairy just couldn’t leave just money, there was also a trail of Tooth Fairy Dust from the bed to the window sill where the tooth fairy had departed.  Bedtime stories were greeted with Sweet Dreams Dust and birthday celebrations always included sparkly confetti.

Kim would make magic confetti potions for friends and family.  Her Santa Dust idea was then published in First Magazine in December 2005  and decided to launch Sprinkles of Magic in January 2006 featuring Santa Dust, Tooth Fairy Dust, Sweet Dreams Dust and Fairy Dust. “I contacted a sales rep firm and they were delighted and enthusiastic to represent my product” says Kim “and Sprinkles of Magic has grown and is sold in over forty toys and gift shops across the United States.   “The first trade show was intimidating” admits Kim, “this product comes from my heart and is very personal-I wanted it to sell out of love”.

This year was big for Sprinkles as they celebrated their fifth year in business and introduced “Digits”, hand made felted finger puppets.   There are four different sing-a-long sets that were designed to allow parents to just sit and enjoy the pure magic of being with their children.   Kim says, “I realized raising my children is magical…I think that I have been tapping into my children’s  ability to find the magic of the little moments and making it my own…it’s pretty simple!”
 To view Kim's product line and for ordering information visit her website:www.SprinklesOfMagic.com

I hope you've been inspired by Kim's story. She is a dear friend of mine and is proof again that you can make your business dream happen.




~Follow Your Creative BLISS~
Sharon

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Meet Cindy Adkins

Cindy Adkins of Whimsical Musings

Cindy Adkins is a New Orleans-based artist known for her extensive mixed media work.  “I love working with texture, whether it is with vintage images, soy silk, layered paper, fibers, or embroidery.  Every day presents an opportunity to incorporate new materials and that adds to the excitement of this process.  In addition, I enjoy up-cycling and repurposing.”
Following Hurricane Katrina, Adkins gained attention for her 6-month project that is a tribute to the people of the New Orleans area who have gone through the recovery process.  “The survivors have risen from the ashes and I wanted to make individual pieces to honor their resilience and celebrate the human spirit.  When the project was completed, my work was featured in 2 one-woman art exhibits.  Now the pieces are displayed across the community at various sites.  They are my  gift to the community to help in the healing process.”  

“Since I completed that pivotal project, my subsequent work went into art galleries and I opened an online store.  Everything I do is with a great deal of enthusiasm and that is what I feel is essential for success in any endeavor, “ she said.
“I have met the nicest people during this journey.  Whatever work someone is pursuing, I think it is essential to connect with others and not work in isolation. If people are shy, it’s important to nudge themselves out of their comfort zone because I honestly believe that everyone likes being helpful.  They never know who might be willing to help them.   Each day brings greater awareness, knowledge, and contacts.” 
Adkins holds a Master’s Degree in Humanities.  She is on 3 design teams, including one that is connected to the United Nations.  She feels that her background in the field of humanities gives her a broader outlook that she brings to her own work.  “Often, those aspects of  classic and modern art, music, and literature are encapsulated in various pieces and it is always with a touch of  whimsy.”

“We each have different gifts to share.  I honestly believe that when you are aligned with your life’s purpose, everything falls into place.”


Thank you so much!
Cindy



~Follow Your Creative BLISS~ 
 Sharon