It feels wrong. Doing something similar with another party. I'm not the victim, I'm the one that acted upon it. I've never been the victim in a case like this and I'm very thankful it's never happened to me. This must be what the mop in the Swiffer commercial feels like.
Yes, I've decided to pack up my bags and move to a new blog. *sigh* I'm working on it as we speak and I'm very excited for it! It's something much more custom and something I feel will scream my personality which is very important to me. When it's ready I'll start posting up there and probably take my favorite posts with me.
But like I said, I feel like a cheater. One window has my new blog open and in edit mode all the while here I am in another window typing in an entry. But I've got to keep blogging! I can't help but do it. Sorry, blog, I hope one day you'll forgive me. It's not you, it's me. :P
Thanks Blogger! You've truly been good to me. You'll move on, I'll move on. We both know it's for the best.
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Envelopments!
Recently, I partnered with Envelopments as another option for invitations and stationery. I have been a big fan of their items for a while now and have recently made a decision to become a dealer for them, and I'm so happy I did! I received their design studio a few weeks ago and love the way everything is laid out. The moment I received it I couldn't help but skim through the books and all the information. I'm so excited to add them to my services.
Folks, if you haven't seem their papers and options brace yourselves. There are so many possibilities and there's more coming soon! I'll be working on my own samples in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for the pictures!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Dreamer's Guide to Life: Business pt. I
Yet another topic I can write (and talk) about forever...yes, EVER! Business. After all, it's the "American Dream" right?! Well, I don't know if it's the "American" dream, but it's definitely a dream of mine and many other people. Business is what makes the world operate. Meaning it's what provides people with jobs, education, items that we need to survive, and more.
Business: n. the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce
I'm all about business. I live, think, breath, and dream about business. I love talking to business-minded people, hearing what they have to say, their ideas, it's all very exciting. I own 2 and help operate a third. I've even got another one on the way! Why do I love it so much? Because possibilities are endless. You can make anything a business. As long as there is a need, you've got a business. And that fact with such an open ended answer is something that drives me. Crazy? Yes, some times. Actually, many times. But in my opinion, all of it is worth it. So, you interested? How do you get started?
1. Have a concept. Believe in that concept. As long as there is a need, your business can thrive.
2. Name your business. It can be straight forward, it can have hidden meaning. As long as it's not too difficult to pronounce, you're good. :)
3. Write a business plan. This is a very, very important step to your business's success. Many people think that writing a business plan isn't necessary because their business is "small" or they'll figure it out when they get started. WRONG. Having a plan for your business, no matter how small or large, will spearhead you into the right direction. Sure, I'll admit, the unexpected can (and probably will) happen. You might even fall off track or need to update your plan, that's okay. Hire a business consultant to write it for you if you have to. Just make sure you read it. :P But outlining your goals for the start-up of your business will be a key component to your success. Trust me on this one.
Okay, let's stop there. That's enough to keep an entrepreneur busy for a while. Really think it through, take it seriously right from the get-go. Don't "see how it goes." Put yourself on the track for success. Think big in the beginning and push hard to achieve it. It starts with believing in yourself and what you have to offer the world. And believe me, you have a lot to offer. I know, I know. I sound cliche and over-positive, but I'm not lying.
For more information, a great resource is the Small Business Administration website.
Business: n. the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce
I'm all about business. I live, think, breath, and dream about business. I love talking to business-minded people, hearing what they have to say, their ideas, it's all very exciting. I own 2 and help operate a third. I've even got another one on the way! Why do I love it so much? Because possibilities are endless. You can make anything a business. As long as there is a need, you've got a business. And that fact with such an open ended answer is something that drives me. Crazy? Yes, some times. Actually, many times. But in my opinion, all of it is worth it. So, you interested? How do you get started?
1. Have a concept. Believe in that concept. As long as there is a need, your business can thrive.
2. Name your business. It can be straight forward, it can have hidden meaning. As long as it's not too difficult to pronounce, you're good. :)
3. Write a business plan. This is a very, very important step to your business's success. Many people think that writing a business plan isn't necessary because their business is "small" or they'll figure it out when they get started. WRONG. Having a plan for your business, no matter how small or large, will spearhead you into the right direction. Sure, I'll admit, the unexpected can (and probably will) happen. You might even fall off track or need to update your plan, that's okay. Hire a business consultant to write it for you if you have to. Just make sure you read it. :P But outlining your goals for the start-up of your business will be a key component to your success. Trust me on this one.
Okay, let's stop there. That's enough to keep an entrepreneur busy for a while. Really think it through, take it seriously right from the get-go. Don't "see how it goes." Put yourself on the track for success. Think big in the beginning and push hard to achieve it. It starts with believing in yourself and what you have to offer the world. And believe me, you have a lot to offer. I know, I know. I sound cliche and over-positive, but I'm not lying.
For more information, a great resource is the Small Business Administration website.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Bridal Showplace, Hilton Pasadena
In collaboration with my family's bakery, Ninong's Pastries and Cafe, my aunt, my mom, and I were exhibitors at the Bridal Showplace Show at the Hilton Pasadena this past Sunday. It's been a long time since I've done a bridal show but this show was a lot of fun!
The weeks prior to the show were definitely hectic. On top of preparing for both booths, I was trying to not only juggle my work at the shop but also my coordinating business. My mind was racing with ideas and I really wanted to make both booths scream creativity.
The Ninong's booth had 3 cakes that I prepared, all 3 with a different design. The first was an all white 4-tier made of fondant (left). Every other tier had a hand-ruffled pieces while the other 2 tiers were a simple fondant covering with an elegant drape going from one side to the other. Finish it off with coordinating brooches and you're done! The second was a 3 tier ivory fondant with green accents (right). The simple piping design was meant to be elegant , not taking too much attention away from the design of the cake. To give the the cake height, I added a cylinder vase and added some battery powered candles to give it some flair. The main attraction of the booth, our brown and white brocade piece (middle). This 5-tier topped with large white gerber daisies was made of chocolate brown fondant and white royal icing to give it its bold, unique look.
I wanted to do so many things with my space. I had so many ideas and I couldn't decide on which one to do. So, I decided to make the most of my space and do it all.
I wanted to create different tablescapes with 6 different concepts. So since I didn't have the room to do that, I made miniatures. The first was a tropical/beach theme with a modern flair. The second was an orange and red "country" theme. The third, a vintage old rose/dark purple. Fourth - a modern/bold black, white, and green. Fifth - a simple yellow, ivory and lavender color scheme. And sixth, in the corner of my booth (but still surprisingly got lots of attention) an all while glamorous table scape filled with candles, an all white centerpiece, and beautiful flatware and dinner set that speaks for itself.
This was definitely a learning experience. Things have changed in the few years that I've been in the wedding business. This was the best response I've had at a show to date. Thank you to everyone that visited our booths! We hope you enjoyed what you saw and will be working with you soon!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
DE at Bridal Showplace - Pasadena Hilton
We've been running around all week preparing our booth, collecting images, buying all the odds and ends to hopefully transform our booth into a sight to see! For all those available, please come and stop by our booth (#27). We'd be oh so very happy to see you! Pictures and coverage of the show coming soon after!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
ABC-GLA Networking Meeting: August
This event was loads of fun! I always get a bit nervous and antsy when going to networking meetings because I'm a soloist, most of the time I go by myself. Well, to my surprise, I ran into a good friend of mine right when I walked in the door, Sarah of J & M Entertainment! She had her colleague and my new-found friend with her, Sarah (yes, 2 Sarah's) of J & M as well.
The Tanzore was beautifully decorated. I had the pleasure
of taking a mini tour of the restaurant and their private rooms. Needless to say, they were all beautifully decorated. Ultra chic and modern, definitely my style! The Lotu
s Room is their main ballroom style area and the lighting, furniture, performers, and food really gave it that asian flair. Check out the pictures below, courtesy of Jeffrey Bullied Photography.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Technology and Events -- Part I
I wrote an article about 2 years ago about technology and weddings. I honestly can't believe that in that short amount of time there are now even more technological avenues to utilize. As a business owner and being involved in the wedding/event industry, it's exciting how the world of technology is having a direct effect on things in the bubble I call my life.
As a business woman, I believe you have to keep up and be resourceful. I'm a technology geek (not full blown, but pretty interested). Technology is quite different even from a few years ago and the internet has been such a useful resource to me. Because of the internet, I can connect with friends that I haven't seen/heard from in years, I can keep in contact with family and friends all over the world, and they can keep up with me. The endless ability to reach people far and wide is jaw dropping. Here are just some of the things that I've seen or am a part of.
Those are the ones just off the top of my head. There are so many more, and that's just for my business/event planning life. Why is this important you ask? It may not be. But to "techies" like myself, it's a way to stay connected and to put a face on a company. I've never been one to impose my services or personality on anyone, but if someone is interested I'm not afraid to share a little bit of myself with another person. I'm a pretty open book. I believe in making a connection with people and I believe one of the only ways to do that is to share some of yourself. I guess that's why I'm in the business that I'm in.
What's important to me is to establish a personality for my company. I want everyone to know that with my company, comes my style, persona, quirks, and all. In a business like mine, working with different personalities is a way for me to further discover things about myself. The challenge of getting to know a person and understanding their likes and dislikes is exactly why I believe that personality is so important.
A website can show a little bit about you, but isn't as personal as a blog, or a profile. Through the evolution of websites, I feel that a company website is just meant to brush the surface and give enough information to intrigue. With social networking, I feel like you can get a taste of what I'm about, and hopefully because or despite those things you find out about me, you can make a decision.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
ABC-GLA meeting: Liene Stevens
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This was my first meeting with ABC. In my own right, I was a bit nervous and didn’t know what to expect. The traffic getting to the Andaz was causing my anticipation to build and caused me to keep running different scenarios in my head. Thankfully, when I got there, my nerves eased while I walked around the room looking at the snacks, centerpieces, and little details of the event. The pieces you see above were creations by Carissa (yes, we share the same name!) of JL Designs. The other picture is the beautiful view from the penthouse level of the Andaz.
I have heard of Liene but never have really looked into her company, who she was, or what she’s done. I must say, she knows her stuff! I learned a lot of things that I didn't know and admire her knowledge, advice, and realistic approach to planning and speaking. I’m really glad I went to hear her speak and to check out the Andaz venue. It was nice to meet everyone and I hope to meet more of the members soon!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
DE: What can we do for you?
As stated in our website, we are an event and lifestyle planning company. So, that being said, what can that do for you? There are a plethora of options. Here are 2 different unique scenarios:
1. A bride and groom can easily utilize a lot of services we have to offer. Not only can the couple have us plan, design, and coordinate their wedding with them, we can also help their guests find hotels and flights on our travel website, we can create and maintain a wedding website, we can design and print their wedding invitations, we can help them plan their honeymoon, we can even prepare them for the future - we can help them buy a home!
2. A company interested in throwing a fundraiser also has many options with our company. On top of helping them plan, design, and coordinate their event, we can hire and contract the entertainment, we can help guests find hotels and flights on our travel website - including transportation to and from the airport, we can even print all the marketing collateral for the promotion of the event!
This only touches the surface of the amount of services we can offer. Every event is custom so services and needs will vary depending on each client, but we like to know that our clients have options!
1. A bride and groom can easily utilize a lot of services we have to offer. Not only can the couple have us plan, design, and coordinate their wedding with them, we can also help their guests find hotels and flights on our travel website, we can create and maintain a wedding website, we can design and print their wedding invitations, we can help them plan their honeymoon, we can even prepare them for the future - we can help them buy a home!
2. A company interested in throwing a fundraiser also has many options with our company. On top of helping them plan, design, and coordinate their event, we can hire and contract the entertainment, we can help guests find hotels and flights on our travel website - including transportation to and from the airport, we can even print all the marketing collateral for the promotion of the event!
This only touches the surface of the amount of services we can offer. Every event is custom so services and needs will vary depending on each client, but we like to know that our clients have options!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Technology and Weddings
Technology and Weddings Today
Technology has come very far in the recent years and the wedding industry isn’t exempt from being effected. Take a look at some great ways to incorporate technology into your wedding.
1. Wedding Slideshows. Many photographers and videographers provide this service. They allow your guests to see significant moments in your life separately and together. Many people enjoy this feature because it gives their guests an insight of the bride and groom’s life. It gives your guests a chance to know you.
2. Online Registry. Many stores now allow your guests to view your registry online. Providing this on your wedding website is a great way for you to appropriate suggest your guests to look at a registry as providing registry information in your invitations is not considered proper etiquette.
3. Song Lists. Many couples have specific requests (as they should) regarding the music selection for their wedding. With technology now, you can provide your DJ with a CD or iPod with the songs that you specifically want played.
4. Décor. Many things can be incorporated into your décor to add flair to any event. Lighting adds a extra touch to set the mood for your wedding. Use battery operated tea lights for an outdoor wedding – they last the entire event and never blow out on a windy day. Creating a custom gobo with your monogram can be used to travel around the room. LED lights can now give your centerpieces and floral designs a beautiful glow. The list is endless and just needs a personal touch.
5. Wedding Website. A wedding website gives your guests a great way to know more about your wedding. You can provide a link to your wedding registry, tell people about your love story and how you met, show them your recent photos together, introduce them to your wedding party, provide a map and directions for the wedding day, the list goes on and on! There are many companies that offer this service, many for free. There are providers (such as Daydreamer Events) that provide websites for their clients at a low cost. With this cost comes more options such as more picture space, editing, customizing, online RSVP, a personal guestbook and more.
Technology has come very far in the recent years and the wedding industry isn’t exempt from being effected. Take a look at some great ways to incorporate technology into your wedding.
1. Wedding Slideshows. Many photographers and videographers provide this service. They allow your guests to see significant moments in your life separately and together. Many people enjoy this feature because it gives their guests an insight of the bride and groom’s life. It gives your guests a chance to know you.
2. Online Registry. Many stores now allow your guests to view your registry online. Providing this on your wedding website is a great way for you to appropriate suggest your guests to look at a registry as providing registry information in your invitations is not considered proper etiquette.
3. Song Lists. Many couples have specific requests (as they should) regarding the music selection for their wedding. With technology now, you can provide your DJ with a CD or iPod with the songs that you specifically want played.
4. Décor. Many things can be incorporated into your décor to add flair to any event. Lighting adds a extra touch to set the mood for your wedding. Use battery operated tea lights for an outdoor wedding – they last the entire event and never blow out on a windy day. Creating a custom gobo with your monogram can be used to travel around the room. LED lights can now give your centerpieces and floral designs a beautiful glow. The list is endless and just needs a personal touch.
5. Wedding Website. A wedding website gives your guests a great way to know more about your wedding. You can provide a link to your wedding registry, tell people about your love story and how you met, show them your recent photos together, introduce them to your wedding party, provide a map and directions for the wedding day, the list goes on and on! There are many companies that offer this service, many for free. There are providers (such as Daydreamer Events) that provide websites for their clients at a low cost. With this cost comes more options such as more picture space, editing, customizing, online RSVP, a personal guestbook and more.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wedding Planner Misconceptions
The wedding planning industry is a very misunderstood profession. The most common misconception is that wedding planners are there to take complete control of your wedding, including making decisions without the couple about creative, business, and money aspects. If you are working with an experienced wedding planner, this is absolutely not true unless you want them to take that much control over your wedding. A good wedding planner is your side-kick during this experience. We're not there for anything but guidance, professional advice, and assistance.
Many people also think that they don't need a wedding planner. While every person is different, I believe everyone needs a little help somewhere. Someone might need help from the beginning, the middle, or the end. A popular service many wedding planners now provide is "Day-Of Coordination." In this service, we are there to be your "eyes and ears" while you, your family, and your friends get ready, take pictures, and enjoy your day. I would say at the least, this would be a valuable service to anyone.
Another common trend that is coming around is wedding coordinators that are included in a package offered at a venue. While these coordinators are wonderful, they only help with your ceremony and reception set up and tear down. They will also help with asking you what time you would like the toast to occur, what time you would like to serve dinner, etc. However, they do not help with the other vendors and planning like a wedding planner would. While these wedding coordinators and your wedding planner work very well together on the day of, the facility wedding coordinator will refer to your wedding planner so they can relay any delays or issues to the correct people. But what about your DJ, is he there? What time is he setting up? Is your florist using the correct flowers for the arrangements? Did the correct chair covers arrive? Does the cake look the way it's supposed to? The facility's wedding coordinator does not take responsibility for these aspects of your wedding. Your wedding planner, however, knows these details and can make sure everything is ready and properly set up.
With the wonderful career opportunities women have now, a wedding planner is almost required. Women now have 9-5 jobs, bills to pay, and themselves to take care of. If it takes over 250 hours to plan a wedding and engaged couples usually only have a year to plan, how will anyone be able to make time? Life is already so hectic as it is. With a wedding planner by your side, you will have someone dedicated to making your wedding day everything you hoped it would be, and more!
Many people also think that they don't need a wedding planner. While every person is different, I believe everyone needs a little help somewhere. Someone might need help from the beginning, the middle, or the end. A popular service many wedding planners now provide is "Day-Of Coordination." In this service, we are there to be your "eyes and ears" while you, your family, and your friends get ready, take pictures, and enjoy your day. I would say at the least, this would be a valuable service to anyone.
Another common trend that is coming around is wedding coordinators that are included in a package offered at a venue. While these coordinators are wonderful, they only help with your ceremony and reception set up and tear down. They will also help with asking you what time you would like the toast to occur, what time you would like to serve dinner, etc. However, they do not help with the other vendors and planning like a wedding planner would. While these wedding coordinators and your wedding planner work very well together on the day of, the facility wedding coordinator will refer to your wedding planner so they can relay any delays or issues to the correct people. But what about your DJ, is he there? What time is he setting up? Is your florist using the correct flowers for the arrangements? Did the correct chair covers arrive? Does the cake look the way it's supposed to? The facility's wedding coordinator does not take responsibility for these aspects of your wedding. Your wedding planner, however, knows these details and can make sure everything is ready and properly set up.
With the wonderful career opportunities women have now, a wedding planner is almost required. Women now have 9-5 jobs, bills to pay, and themselves to take care of. If it takes over 250 hours to plan a wedding and engaged couples usually only have a year to plan, how will anyone be able to make time? Life is already so hectic as it is. With a wedding planner by your side, you will have someone dedicated to making your wedding day everything you hoped it would be, and more!
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