A CAUSE to me is something deserving of one’s support and is also one of my favorite aspects of being a Direct to Consumer small business. Recently, I was honored to be a part of two amazing events that were about the meaning of the events than just selling and connecting with my customers.  The first event I was invited to was held at The Kittansett Club in Marion where I met  The Three Haute Mamas.

Sueb.do in the Middle of two of the Three Haute Mamas

Kim Gioioso one of the Three Haute Mamas said, ” The Charity Luncheon Fashion Show was to raise money to buy IV Smart Pumps for Tobey Hospital and to spread the word about the new Cancer Care Center in Fairhaven, Ma.”

Two inspiring customers, Lois Pais, left and Margarete Guerrera- Both cancer survivors.

The luncheon brought together a community of women in support of the Tobey Hospital and celebrated the lives of loved ones lost to cancer. Sueb.do brought the happy upbeat vibe with brightly colored Scout Bags, Hand-embroidered Cotton & Silk Tunics and Wrap Bracelets Galore!

Selling for a cause is something I take pride in. To know that my products can make a difference in the lives of others is one of the most rewarding parts of Direct-to-Consumer selling.

Sueb.do Sells at the 63rd Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon for Aids For Cancer Research

The second event I participated in was the Aids for Cancer Research. It was  my fifth year selling at the Luncheon and it’s always a nice community of women who attend and love to shop for a cause.  Since 100% of the $300.00 booth fee goes towards Cancer Research it’s an event that I love to sell at.  Here I had time to interact with my customers and have them BEE the face of Sueb.do.

For me as a traveling boutique, I love documenting (via photos & videos) and sharing my experiences on Facebook day to day.  I take pictures of my products, happy customers and their purchases, I then ask for their names so we can connect on all my various social media platforms and that way they become woven into the fabric of my brand then help create the Sueb.do BUZZ.

Click to view slideshow.

And finally, a Hap-BEE poem to remind us all what cancer CANNOT do:

Cancer is so limited…
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.

I’m thrilled to introduce Sueb.do fans—and now Daily Grommet fans, too—to leather wrap Humanity bracelets.

The buzz around my booth in November at Wellesley Marketplace piqued the interest of Wendy Chandor, Director of Product Launch from Daily Grommet. The Humanity bracelets were selling like crazy all day! Everyone is attracted to the fun, fashionable and inspirational bracelets.

That’s Wendy Chandor, to my right and third from the left.

Wendy instantly sensed their wide-reaching appeal and worked her way through the crowd to introduce herself. Always on the hunt for ‘Grommets’, the Daily Grommet shares stories about unique products to an ever-growing community of followers. A marketplace created by word of mouth and fueled through interactions on social media—Daily Grommet calls that magical mix Citizen Commerce™.

After chatting for a bit, Wendy invited me to come to Daily Grommet’s headquarters the following week. I brought along my friend, Carrie Kuempel, who helps me with marketing. DG’ s offices span two Victorian homes across the street from each other near Lexington center. Their offices have just the vibrant personality you’d expect—funky, colorful and teeming with creative energy.  We met in their small, double-duty conference room/video studio. Wendy cleared the clutter off the table and introduced us to Jen Lockwood, also on the Discovery Team. We all immediately hit it off and soon were finishing each others’ sentences.

Left to right: Wendy Chandor, Jen Lockwood, me & Carrie

Timing is everything. Because I’m local—and honestly just plain lucky that Humanity bracelets perfectly fit specs for a product hole in the DG holiday lineup—the vetting process was expedited.  It didn’t hurt that my path previously crossed the path of DG’s CEO, Jules Pieri. (Many careers earlier, Jules and I met at a creative brainstorming session where Jules was a product designer working on a line of children shoes and I was a consultant brought in to be a part of her focus group.) Anyhow, once accepted as a Grommet, the video shoot was scheduled for the following week.

I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous. Being on DG was all I could think about. I scripted what I wanted to say and practiced over and over in my head as I moved through the intervening days.  Having once been on live TV for QVC home shopping network, I remember only too well that out-of-body experience caused by nerves.

Carrie & I arrived early for the shoot. When Wendy came in, we all jumped into action. The conference table with all its clutter was shoved to the side. The ‘set’ consists of a beautiful, artisan crafted wooden table placed on blocks to elevate it to the perfect height in front of a display of grommets strung on ribbons hanging from a simple birch branch.

DG’s videographer, Jesse Buckley, arrived to set up his camera. That’s when I learned who’s really in charge.  I also learned the power of video editing. The DG gals always look so calm, cool and collected. Now I know they have Jesse to thank. “Say it again beginning with the words…” Jesse came with the story he wanted to tell etched in his mind and patiently teased it out of us, helping us quickly recover from tongue-tied bloopers. By the end, I was relaxed and enjoying the whole process.

Jesse calmly takes control.

Since then, there’s been a flurry of emails to educate me about product fulfillment and how to interact with customers in the online forum.

Now I’m ready to go. I’m excited our Grommet, the leather wrap Humanity bracelet, goes ‘live’ Monday, December 20^th at NOON EST.  I hope you’ll watch the video and come visit me on the Daily Grommet website. While you’re at it, join me in being a huge fan of Daily Grommet!

Surely, you’ve seen the multiple bracelets look sported by teens and celebrities? Silly shaped rubber bands are popular with kids and bangles with adults; the more you wear, the bigger the fashion statement. I’ve been watching this trend and sell several bracelet styles. This summer the neon nylon friendship bracelets were my best-selling ones.

Designer Chan Luu's wrap bracelets

Designers are watching carefully too. In response, Chan Luu introduced wrap bracelets. Long strands of embellished leather are casually wrapped with beads and gems and button around the wrist. Her high-end bohemian wrap bracelets are spotted on celebrities and cost upwards of $150 each.

So imagine my excitement seeing a wall post made by Facebook friend, Mandy, who owns Swagger Gifts in NC. I saw that she asked her fans about whether they liked these new leather humanity wrap bracelets she’d discovered.

Colorful Humanity Wrap Bracelets

As soon as I saw them I knew they’d be a huge hit. Fashionable, colorful, affordable, and embossed with inspiring messages, humanity wrap bracelets have broad appeal, much like the Croc I spotted over 5 years ago.  I immediately invested in inventory!

Vintage Humanity Wrap Bracelets

A couple of weeks ago, I brought 3dz humanity wrap bracelets with me to a meeting I had at Starbucks. I put the assortment of colors on the table to display all the choices…half an hour later, I’d sold 12!  My high school aged twins loved them and showed them off to their friends on Facebook and quickly I got orders for more. I sent a couple to my oldest daughter and her roommate in college. They posted a photo as a thank-you, and instantly I got more orders on my Sueb.do  fan page – including from faraway fans in Greece and Australia!

Young girls love the choice of bright colors. Teen Taylor Swift wannabees are drawn to the sophisticated celebrity look. And, older girls and moms seem to especially like the inspiring messages and high fashion perk at a reasonable price point, retailing between $30-$48.

Multiple Bracelets Look

Plant Peace. Live in unity. Freedom. Make a difference. Accept diversity. Speak kindness. Pave the path. Lead the Way. Humanity. Give back. Seek wisdom. Come Together. Truth. Forgive. Believe. Faith. Sow Love. Make a Difference.

So take it from a true trend-sniffer, these bracelets are hot and selling fast.  Show your friends on Facebook by pointing them to Sueb.do’s fan page. I’m taking orders there for now until my online store is up and running. I can take payment by PayPal and shipping is free! Click to view slideshow.

And that’s right where Sueb.do sits as we approach Labor Day when Sueb.do’s doors on the Cape close for the season. So as I prepare to wave goodbye to my fabulous summer employees – and happily send them back to school with cash in their pockets – I’m also busy planning the launch of a new Sueb.do online store this Winter. Click to view slideshow.

Honestly, I’ve never really enjoyed the process of selling online because I get my energy from directly interacting with customers. Which is exactly why this summer as my staff runs the store, I continue to maintain interactions with fans on Facebook while buzzing around the Cape selling Sueb.do products at local craft fairs, community events, and  the Wellfleet flea market. In each of these varied venues, I get to creatively merchandise  all my products, and, most importantly, see customers’ reactions and hear their enthusiastic comments.

What’s interesting is that I’m finding my Facebook fan page allows me to have conversations with customers before, during and after sales. Furthermore, it has actually created the need for adding an online store to the sales mix. Making customer conversations transparent to everyone via social media is proving to be an effective way to create demand for products that are best fulfilled through an online store.

So I’m formulating the 2011 Sueb.do sales and marketing plan a’la social media. And to help me implement it, all summer I’ve been:

• Asking each customer for their email address as a routine part of the payment and checkout process
• Maintaining separate email databases for each different Cape sales location to be used in future targeted email marketing campaigns
• Telling customers about the Sueb.do Facebook fan page; asking if they are on Facebook; and, if so, getting their exact Facebook handle so that I can follow up with them on Facebook
• Taking photos showcasing customers wearing and purchasing products and then posting them for all to see and talk about on Facebook
• Creating videos from my Flip
• Using the Facebook fan page link to and activate a new, soon-to-come Sueb.do online store!

Stay tuned for more updates! And, gulp, Happy Fall!

I’ll explain in a bit. First, I know, I know…it’s been way too long since my last blog post, which is a major no-no for good bloggers. Sorry about that.

Me & Elisa, my 'Gal Friday'!

Needless to say, I truly have been a busy bee. Having a store is loads of work and fun. Thank goodness for my excellent staff, especially Elisa, my right-hand gal who at times seems to read my mind. As a team, we are constantly experimenting. The shop is small. To compensate, we make the most of the surrounding area outside the entrance and in the marketplace common areas to entice folks in. Feedback from customers is overwhelmingly positive!

Sueb.do, Popponesset Marketplace

Merchandising Sueb.do products

June is typically a slow month on the Cape and in the marketplace. This June was no different. It allowed us plenty of time to set up and settle in. It also allowed me time to observe the surroundings.

I noticed there were lots of moms with kids demanding their attention walking by. Hmm…how can I make it easier for busy moms to find time to stop and shop?

My mind wandered back to the days when my own girls were younger. I’ve got it! I’ll run art classes for kids, similar to the From the Heart art classes I ran when Amanda was in first grade. This time, though, the art projects will need to require minimal direction and work on a drop-in basis. Also, tying the art to a beach theme seems like a good idea. Looking around, I spotted a picnic table in the marketplace common area – perfect for kids to do the projects in public to attract even more kids!Click to view slideshow.

So that’s how Busy BEE Art Classes were born and so far they’ve been successful getting more Moms into the marketplace and Sueb.do to shop. Kids and moms alike love the activities!

What’s the entrepreneurial lesson to this story? Always bee adaptable so that you can make hay while the sun shines…or..strike while the iron is hot…or…seize the day…or, well, you get the idea!

Sueb.do in Popponesset Marketplace New Seabury

What a day! I’ve been a very busy bee preparing for this grand opening for months. The weather today could not have been more perfect — clear blue, blue skies, plenty of sunshine with a cool ocean breeze…ahh, you gotta love that capecod calm feeling. Hey, if you’re kicking back on the Cape over this glorious long weekend that launches us all into summer, please come visit. Sueb.do is located in the Popponesset Marketplace in New Seabury. We’re open daily Memorial Day weekend from 10am to 9pm.

Cape Cod Lollicakes - Yum!

There will bee lots of freebees and special activities, including Cape Cod Lollicakes, flip flops and Scout bag giveaways and a Coloring Bee for kids.

Come in. Let me give you a virtual tour of the store. As you look around, see if you can spot all the treasures I found at the Wellesley dump to help me merchandise Sueb.do products. It will kinda be like playing Where’s Waldo. Here goes, see if you can find:

• two chairs (thanks, Dad, for helping me paint them pink!)
• white display rack
• white shelves
• miscellaneous shells
• clothesline
• tissue paper flowers in Sueb.do pink preppy colors
• Sueb.do logo colors splashed on walls and other dump finds

When you visit in person, you’ll also see informational signs to keep you lingering longer, kids’ coloring bee artwork pinned to the ceiling and a water bowl and treats for all of Cody’s furry new friends, too!

Debby Quigley, Sueb.do's first customer, May 28, 2010

I’m thrilled to share that Debby Quigley is Sueb.do’s very first retail store customer! Debby lives in New Seabury and was one of Sueb.do’s early Facebook fans. Debby purchased crystal starfish earrings, a madras head band and madras hand bag. She said she’ll be back to buy more and in the mean time is spreading the good word about Sueb.do to friends online and offline. Thanks, Debby! Debby also signed our first $1 bill, which you can see when you come visit the store in person. See YOU soon!

To know her is to love her. You gotta meet Cathy Cahill, the graphic artist who created the happy Sueb.do always-buzzin’ bee!

Cathy and Sugar

Introducing Cathy Cahill from Cathy & Sugar

Buy fun prints, greeting cards and Sew Cuties™
Read Cathy’s blog
Visit Cathy & Sugar’s new web site (going live Summer 2010)

Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

Cathy: I’m a graphic designer living in Watertown, MA with a passion for color and whimsy. I’ve been a designer for many years and  always loved designing. I have vast experience with logo design, packaging and branding, and I help many small businesses to define their brand. I design logos and corporate identities that stand out from the crowd. In fact, I designed the graphics for Sueb.do!

My love for drawing and design led me to create an entire line of fun, happy illustrations as art prints. I personalize the prints with a child’s name or a baby’s name & birth date. I also make my illustrations into unique greeting cards, pins, and pendants. And, last but not least – I created a line of softies called Sew Cuties™ – it’s a fun line of handmade animals in fabulous fabrics!  I’m a huge lover of fabrics, so it’s been fun creating softies in all kinds of fun prints.

Cathy with her Sew Cuties

Where do you get your inspiration?

Cathy: I’m inspired by so much! I love children’s books – vintage as well as new – and I am completely enamored with designer fabrics with wonderful patterns. I am constantly working on new patterns to incorporate into my illustrations. Inspiration comes from everywhere as I sketch new ideas for my illustrations or Sew Cuties™.

As a graphic designer, my inspiration is really endless – everything from old signs and vintage record album covers to fun kids toys, modern art, and cool websites can spark all kinds of ideas for me. Sometimes it just takes a compelling color or pattern to get me started on a new design for a client.

Where can we find your work?

Cathy: Right now I sell some of my fun prints, greeting cards and Sew Cuties™ on my etsy site (http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewcuties) and I do a few craft shows every year at the holidays to connect with customers and see what they like and what they react to in my booth. I am also very excited because my new website is almost finished which will carry my entire line of prints, cuties, cards, etc!! My url is http://www.cathyandsugar.com and will be open soon this summer!!

Cathy's studio

Where do you create your work?

Cathy: I have a second bedroom in my townhouse that is my design studio. It has nice big windows and a skylight, so it’s a great place to create. I can sketch almost anywhere to get some ideas down on paper, but I go straight back to my studio onto my awesome iMac when it’s time to scan in my art for finishing and coloring my illustrations and patterns. I also do all my logo/packaging/graphic design work in my studio as well.

When did you first realize you were an entrepreneur?

Cathy: Well, I guess I’ve always had a bit of the entrepreneurial gene. I used to make and sell my own jewelry line back when I was a starving graphic artist at a small ad agency. Great job, lousy pay, so it helped pay the rent in those days.

Then, after full time, in-house work for 10+ years, and a big company layoff, I started doing freelance design work and realized I could turn it into a full time thing. My freelance graphic design became a successful full time business for 11 years. I still do design but also devote a good portion of each week to one company as a contract designer. It works out well, so I try to do it all – contract work, design for my own clients and work on my own line of art prints and cuties.

Cathy's whimsical baby crib prints

How did you start your biz?

Cathy: A few years back, I created some cute stuffed animals for my niece, Sophie, and they took on a life of their own. I now have a fun line of softies I call Sew Cuties™. I make one small batch at a time. I started each cutie with a “doodle” or a sketch, so after creating, sewing, and stuffing them. I also started creating illustrations of my cuties and other animals. So now, I have an entire line of fun, colorful art prints that are fabulous for kids rooms, playrooms and everywhere. I personalize any print for a nursery or child’s room. I’m having fun creating new prints. I have many with cute happy sayings on them (I love happy sayings!) and some are just plain funny. Funny is good.

How did you meet Sue?

Cathy: I met Sue when I started doing some logo design and package design work for her and her partner when they were launching a new craft business and product line. We hit it off and have been friends ever since.

How does Sue inspire you?

Cathy: Sue is an inspiration because her mind is always working and she networks like crazy. She just loves connecting with other business people as well as her customers, and she is always keeping an eye on the trends of the day.

What do you do for fun?

Cathy: I love flea markets and yard sales. My whole craft show booth is created from “found” items – old wooden cornices, part of a mantel, etc. I’m also a huge art lover; I collect outsider art. And I love having craft nights with other creative friends. That reminds me – I’m due to schedule one soon. Plus, I walk my dog quite a bit. Just ask him. We just got back from the dog park.

iphone or blackberry?

Cathy: Do I have to get one? I’ll be annoying and say iMac, since I’m practically connected to it 8-10 hours a day.

Yoga or Pilates?

Cathy: I’ll have the yogurt, please. Oh, wait….

Who inspires you?

Cathy: I’m very inspired by many artists and designers – impossible to name them all. Here’s a few: Louise Nevelson, Iris Apfel, Joseph Cornell, Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett and other artists like Cher Shaffer, Elayne Goodman, and Theresa Disney.

I have an amazing group of creative friends & family that inspire me – including my parents, my sisters and my grandma who was an amazing artist while she was alive. I still have a collection of dolls she made from scraps of fabric and yarn when I was a kid. Oh yeah, and my adorable dog, Sugar, inspires me every day. Dogs are a great reminder to enjoy life every day and never go too long with out laughing.

What would you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?

Cathy: I guess I would say running my own design business is my greatest achievement thus far. I’ve had fantastic opportunities to work with all kinds of craft, gift and toy companies across the US; and I’ve created product logos/packaging for many successful product lines. Most of my package logos/designs appeared in Michaels, AC Moore, ToyRUs and WalMart and a few other places. It was always great to see my designs in stores everywhere I went.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

Cathy: Well, I still see myself designing. I don’t think that will ever end. I want to build up my Cathy & Sugar art print line and get that out there so I can get some exposure, make some sales and keep it going, as well as continue to build up my graphic design business. This economy will hopefully swing back so I can (along with many other designers) get a more steady stream of creative design projects.

This pay-it-forward a-ha came to me this past year as a result of several experiences I had at Babson College. Babson is located only 5 minutes from my house in Wellesley, Mass. According to U.S. News & World Report, Babson offers the #1 MBA program in entrepreneurship and has a top-ranked undergraduate entrepreneurial program as well. Being a serial entrepreneur, I figured it was time to get more involved with Babson activities.

Three minutes and three Powerpoint slides—that’s all aspiring entrepreneurs get to clearly communicate their business ideas in Babson Rocket Pitch. I was blown away by the energy in the room! At the networking reception afterward, I spoke to several presenters and found myself naturally making connections and giving advice. It came so easily was so much fun!

Zack Repco, photographer (L) and Rob Ianelli, Founder (R) from What's Up Martha

At my second Rocket Pitch session, I met Babson undergrad Rob Ianelli who founded What’s Up Martha, a go-to web/social media site for the 21-35 year old millennial generation to find out—using Rob’s words—what’s REALLY Going Down on Martha’s Vineyard. [Bars] [Places To Eat] [Shopping] [Events] [Parties] and the only Media Company like it, made for You! I’m inspired by his expert use of social media to promote businesses on the island. Check it out—there’s a button right here on my blog linking to their site. I look forward to doing cross promotion with What’s Up Martha and Sueb.do this summer!

In another Babson program, Babson Coaching for Leadership and Teamwork Program (CLTP), I participated in a full day of training and learned to provide constructive and developmental one-on-one feedback to students on their leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. The way it works is that after you’re trained, you observe a student participate in several team-based case studies and then use the CLTP coaching model to give feedback. Again, there was so much enthusiasm and energy exchanged; I loved it!

So that’s the looong version of how it feels so right to co-lead the Boston pod of BIG, which is an acronym for Believe – Inspire – Grow. Here’s a short video that tells more:

The first official Boston pod BIG meeting was last week.  Mari Anne Snow, CEO of SophiaThink Consulting, spoke. Her topic—De-mystifying Social Media.

First Boston BIG Meeting, April 28, 2010

Mari Anne Snow, CEO, Sophia Think Consulting, and Sueb.

Mari Anne really knows her stuff! Besides going over the WIIFM for small businesses, she revealed a deep dark secret:

Social media is all about building relationships. Guess what? So are women!

So think about using your Facebook Fan page and blog as relationship-building tools to get over any discomfort you might feel about tooting your own horn. As you can probably tell, I’m all over this little secret and you should be, too!

Coaching new-biz Wannabees, building relationships, and learning as much as I can about social media are major themes for me right now. And, oh yea, I’m opening my new store on the Cape on May 28. Don’t worry, you won’t forget because I’ll keep sending you the buzz!

“OMG! These brightly colored, foam clogs are so ugly they’re cool!” I just knew it when I first spotted Crocs in Stewart Cohen’s store in Annapolis. The initial appeal was all about color and ease of use. The shoes were unisex and age-less (like a pair of jeans), plus toddlers and Seniors alike loved slipping them on. They could be easily marketed as great garden and boat shoes. Athletes liked to wear them after games. Anyone could personalize them. Disney, the NBA, NFL and colleges could license them. Wow!

Stewart has been a good friend for over 25 years and is one of the most high-energy, creative people I know. He’s also a serial entrepreneur. He currently owns two businesses: the Navy Gear web site and associated store in Annapolis called Peppers—one of my former Boxer Rebellion accounts—and Joe Blow Tees. We always exchange product info. “Sue, I can’t keep these Crocs in stock. You should definitely sell them!”

So I jumped into action. I immediately called the Crocs rep when I got back to Boston and asked to sell them. He wouldn’t sell them to me without a store. So I did a little research and contacted Crocs’ #1 competitor, Holey Soles, and told them I was their gal. Holey Soles had just hired two guys as reps for New England but suggested I get in touch with them to see if there was a way we could all work together.

It was the end of 2005, just before the magical tipping point of this fad. (A must-read for anyone who sells products is Malcom Gladwell’s The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Hands down, Gladwell is my favorite business author!)  I figured correctly that we had two years tops before this Crocs contagion ran its course.

December 2006: Me with my Holey Soles rep buddies: Jim Famulare (R) and John Laggis

I hit it off right away with one of the new reps from Holey Soles, Jim Famulare. He was an experienced shoe rep and I knew the gift/craft market. Since the patented foam shoes could be sold anywhere, we knew we could be creative with our sales opportunities. I became Director of US Carts & Kiosks (Specialty leasing Market) and tried to promote the concept to pushcart entrepreneurs in malls throughout the U.S.

Holey Soles were easy to sell directly to consumers. Yes, they weren’t the originals, but they were high quality, retailed at the same price and actually fit most people better because they were narrower.  However, as it turned out, the margins really didn’t support the pushcarts-in-malls business model. Also, Crocs was threatened by Holey Soles and sued them. There were constant law suits and bad press. After 6 months, I moved on from selling the shoes to selling accessories to fill their holes.

Mega display shoe with flower Jibbitz

To me selling Jibbitz is the bigger story here. I love that a word was invented to describe a product! [Digression Alert: remember the children's book by Andrew Clements called Frindle? Frindle is the the story of a fifth-grade boy named Nick who gets all of his classmates and ultimately the whole school to use the word "frindle" instead of the word "pen". Frindles and Jibbitz are a sales biz gal's dream—products promoted virally by 'contagious behavior', to use Malcom Gladwell's vernacular.] Anyway, back to Jibbitz…I had spotted the  personalization potential of Crocs at the outset and Jibbitz capitalized on it. Play soccer? Add a soccer ball by pushing a charm into one of the shoes holes. Soon everyone was asking for a Jibbit!

In booth at the Manchester, NH shoe show

Jibbitz were first created by Rich and Sheri Schmelzer in 2005. My enthusiasm convinced Rich to hire me and the two other Holey Soles reps to promote Jibbitz in New England. We made more money selling a product that retailed for $3 than we did selling the shoes that retailed for $30! Jibbitz also started licensing their line and produced every Disney character. Jibbitz brilliantly created reasons to purchase for every holiday and icon.

When Jibbitz was bought by Crocs in December 2006 for $20 million, Jim, John and I were asked if we wanted to stay on to work for Crocs. We all declined because we knew the fad would fizzle and that the market was crowded with imitators. As it turned out, we were right: the stock dropped in value and the frenzy has mostly died. It sure was a fun ride while it lasted!

I meet many creative artists and entrepreneurs (aka ‘Queen Bees’) as I buzz around. I’m always intrigued and energized by their stories and hope to inspire you, too, by sharing them here…

Meet Liza Abelson from Dasken Designs

Visit Dasken Designs web site
Read Liza’s Blog
Join Dasken Designs Facebook Fan Page

Liza, can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?
I’m a painter and stained glass artist living in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which is located about 45 miles south of Boston.  I make art glass that is whimsical, decorative and at times functional (though I strongly consider the idea of something being beautiful as having a function).  An item that’s visually appealing and uplifts your spirit is purposeful and of huge importance.

Where do you get your inspirations?
My slogan is “inspired by nature and whimsy” and I try to inject each piece I create with humor, functionality and a “joie de vivre”.  It’s nice for something to have a function but then again, we do need items that are just beautiful to look at.  I also think about items that I’d like to have and though they certainly already exist, the challenge is to then make them in my style and put my stamp on it.  I like to try to use materials, textures or color combinations in unconventional ways.  I’ve always been intrigued by using an item for something other than its defined purpose.  And I’m also very inspired by the art deco movement, vintage/antique objects and finishes, and clean, modern design.  I have an entire box full of disasters and failed ideas but that’s part of the process.  You need to make a lot of mistakes along the way to figure out what works.

Where do you create your work?
I create my work in a combination of spaces but most of the process is done in an 8’ x 10” room with 2 windows and lots of fans.  I have a “finishing” area where the washing, polishing, photographing and wrapping takes place, otherwise known as the kitchen.  Let’s just say that I don’t see much of the kitchen table or counter tops.  But I utilize this area because of the comfortable height of the counters, the sink, the great light and, generally speaking, it’s a clean space free of chemicals.

Where can we find your work?
I primarily sell my work at craft fairs, Etsy, and on occasion from my studio.  It’s very exciting to sell direct and connect with people one on one who enjoy meeting you and buying from an artist directly.  Additionally, beginning this summer, my art glass will be available in more than 20 stores throughout New England.  It’s thrilling to send the pieces off and see them in a variety of shops and available to an even larger audience.

Whimisical mermaids created by artist, Liza Abelson

What’s your favorite item that you make?
If I have to pick one, I’ll say the ‘mermaids’ because each one takes on her own personality and I enjoy that spontaneity and whimsy. Also, there’s nothing better than someone smiling when they spot a mermaid. It’s pretty cool to be able to make and sell an item that instantly and positively changes someone’s state of mind.

When did you first realize you were an entrepreneur?
I think of myself first and foremost as an artist… and for me that title removes the risk (and the pressure) involved with entrepreneurial ventures.   I’ve always been a creative person and that will not change.  I do what I do because I love it and it’s what I need to do. In terms of running a business though, aside from the positive responses from customers and retailers, and increased sales, I also started to realize I might be doing something right when other crafters/artists started asking me for advice.  As a result, I’m more comfortable now in the role of business owner, but it’s taken years and lots of experiences and hard work to get to this point.

How did you start your biz?
Step 1: In 2000 I realized I needed to make time for creative pursuits so I left my market research job.
Step 2: This turning point planted the seed for Dasken Designs, a name that just came to me one day while I was painting (“dasken” is a combination of my parents’ names, Hadassah and Ken).
Step 3: Seven years later, I opened a home-based gallery in Plymouth, MA.
Step 4: In 2009, I shifted gears and took the show on the road to increase my exposure, traveling to craft shows throughout New England.

Where did you meet Sue?
Our tents were back to back at an outdoor craft show in Mashpee.  She was wearing pinks pants, a pink hat and was surrounded by pink and green goods. An explosion of color and energy!

How does Sue inspire you?
I like to surround myself with positive, productive people and Sue is at the top of that list.  Aside from her enthusiasm about life and all things creative (which is totally infectious) and her lengthy list of accomplishments, I appreciate her honesty, interest in helping others and willingness to share her experiences and knowledge.

What do you do for fun?
Netflix, red wine and sleep.  I know… totally lame. (sigh)

iphone or Blackberry?
iphone

Yoga or Pilates?
I should be doing both but…

Who inspires you?
My amazing parents who are unconditionally supportive and encouraging.  I also rely on my network of accomplished artist and designer friends for encouragement, reality checks, and inspiration.

What would you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?
I’m finally getting to the point where all of my acquired skills, both business and creative are coming together and working harmoniously.  I know I’m on the right path…finally!!

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Making beautiful things… always!