Make it Happen
A girlfriend asked me if I got what I always wanted for christmas, and at first I laughed her off, but then I realized that I did get what I’ve always wanted… the opportunity to focus on developing my business and designing bags. Now that I have received the perfect gift it is time to make it happen.
First things first, I created lists; lists of fashion editors, lists of blog writers, lists of wedding planners, and lists of boutiques that I think would be interested in NELLE Wedding. The lists are created and now I have to decide how to reach out to them. Should it be online, or a traditional mailing? Fortunately my other half is a talented designer so online outreach would be an affordable option, but it is so easy to hit delete, perhaps a traditional mailing would work better? I currently think that for NELLE wedding I will send out an online media kit to my media contacts and to the independent boutiques I will create a traditional pitch kit. Right now I am leaning towards sending out my new Tuxedo Cherub in candy jars. Sweets are a continued inspiration for my line. I love the shapes of each of these jars and am having a hard time deciding which to use.
Best Advice Ever: Quit Your Day Job!
After years of working insane hours and juggle my day job and personal life with NELLE I have taken the big step of leaving my day job. Breath, whenever I say this aloud I need to remind myself to breath. It is true that economic conditions are not ideal, and we are about to enter the slowest time of year for retail, but because of the continued support from my customers and friends my sales have been good. Let’s face it, it has been a great year for NELLE - the iron is hot and it is time to strike!
For an artist/designer/entrepreneur to make the decision to leave their day job is huge and not to be taken lightly. It is something that all wrestle with, I found myself wrestling with the decision for years. That is why I was thrilled to discover the Etsy spotlight section on successful creatives that have quit their day jobs. It is filled with valuable insight and advice for anyone that has recently left or is considering leaving their day job to pursue their passion.
The section also provides insight for using Etsy to its fullest. I am in knowledge heaven right now and had to share in case others needed some light reading over the holidays. Since I have just decided to take the leap into self-employment, you can expect to read more posts here at NELLE!
Holiday Delivery Deadline is December 19
Welcomed Home by a Winter Wonderland
I just got back in from another successful trip to NY and Bendel’s. Cameron and I had a great time exploring the city in between trunk shows. We where surprised to come back to so much snow in Minnesota. It definitely has me in the Christmas spirit, so this weekend I am dedicating myself to all things Christmas. From tree decorating to cookie making, my home is going to ring holiday cheer. Here are a few shots from our trip.
Outside the Guggenheim
Cameron and I
Drinking a delicious cocktail at the Waldorf Astoria
Sipping delicious thick Italian hot chocolate from Max Brenner’s
NELLE on display at Henri Bendel
NELLE at Henri Bendel Dec. 4 - 6
If you are in NYC this week stop into Henri Bendel for the NELLE Holiday Trunk Show. I will be on the 2nd floor in their new handbags department! This will be my last trunk show for the year and I will feature a range of clutches and evening bags in limited edition colors.
A Holiday Wish List
This morning I am getting ready for another trip out to NY. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be out there during the holiday season! This time I am bringing along Cameron and we are planning on taking in some of the sites and sounds of the season. I will take plenty of pictures of a NY holiday!
To kick off the holiday season, I decided to put together my holiday wish list with the hope that you might find something that you would like under your tree, (besides a NELLE handbag). You’ll notice that a majority of the gifts are from independent designers/artists but there are a few from national retailers. It is so important while shopping around this season to remember to support independent design so that these creative entrepreneurs can continue to bring dollars into their communities.
Alabama Chanin is a fantastic designer - I have written about how much I admire her business model. Her book, Alabama Stitch Book ($35) and the Skull T-shirt kit ($45) have peaked my interest. The cream leather McKenna Jewelry Box from Pottery Barn ($199) will organize my ever growing stash of jewelry. I hope to replace my 2008 Snow and Graham wall calendar ($30) with the 2009 edition.
I have been drooling over Labokoff’s prints since I discovered them on etsy months ago. She has a range of sizes available but I am a fan of the 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 size ($26). Three of these above a couch would be the perfect touch! Nataka Joy’s set of 6 cards ($17) - BEAUTIFUL! This fun QUACK Pillow ($40) would work perfectly with my new bedding, not a fan of ducks Bumble Belly Designs offers a variety of different screen print options. The big ticket item on my list is a new couch. We are lucky enough to live close to the Room and Board Outlet, so I am hoping to save a few pennies this holiday season and replace the hand-me-down couch with one of these sleek modern designs.
Find NELLE Holiday at Local Twin City Boutiques
NELLE handbags can be found at 4 new stores here in the Twin Cities; Omorphia (Excelsior), I Do and Baby Too (Wayzata), Bumbershute (Edina), and Three Rooms in the Galleria (Edina). These local Twin Cities shops do not carry the entire NELLE Holiday Collection, but I encourage you to stop and have a look at the wonderful gifts that are offered by these independent boutiques!
Look for NELLE in the December Minnesota Monthly
