They're here! They're here! Just one more step towards me feeling "official."
Of course, the web address listed is just a web address right now, but we'll be fixing that soon. I'm hoping to get my business license within the next couple of weeks and praying my designer is a little closer to finishing my characters. Once I have that, it's go time! Gotta get a move on things!
My husband has now thrown a little kink in the wrench. He has taken a job that will require him to travel more. With my full-time job, and the two little kiddos at home, it's going to be even harder to get the things done I need to in order to get this business up and running. But I'm up for the challenge. I got this!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Make a Difference Mondays - Fed By Threads
Being an aspiring Social Entrepreneur, I look to those around me who already have successful businesses that influence and change the world. Places like TOMS Shoes & Eyewear or Charity:Water have been an inspiration to me. One such company happens to be in my hometown of Tucson, Arizona and I would love to highlight them today.
Fed By Threads sells hand sewn, made in America, sustainable fabrics that are produced in small batches. The beautifully made clothes are in itself helping others, but beyond that, for every item sold, 12 emergency meals are provided to "food-insecure" Americans.
They ARE they change they want to see in the world. If you are in the market for some new clothes (and who isn't) please check them out and support a business that is more than just a business....they are a world changer.
Fed By Threads sells hand sewn, made in America, sustainable fabrics that are produced in small batches. The beautifully made clothes are in itself helping others, but beyond that, for every item sold, 12 emergency meals are provided to "food-insecure" Americans.
They ARE they change they want to see in the world. If you are in the market for some new clothes (and who isn't) please check them out and support a business that is more than just a business....they are a world changer.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Inside the designer's brain
Why oh why did I not go to school for graphic design. This business venture that I am dreaming up would be so much easier if I were able to take the ideas in my head and put them on paper.
I spoke with my designer tonight about the characters I would like developed for my brand. Although he said he was impressed with how I was able to artistically interpret and express my concept, I am still weary that he may not get the full extent of my design concept. I guess that's what second drafts are for...and third, and fourth...
I spoke with my designer tonight about the characters I would like developed for my brand. Although he said he was impressed with how I was able to artistically interpret and express my concept, I am still weary that he may not get the full extent of my design concept. I guess that's what second drafts are for...and third, and fourth...
Monday, March 11, 2013
Make a Difference Mondays - Kiva.org
I love to work with charities that my kids can get involved with. A friend of mine turned me on to Kiva a couple of years ago by giving me a gift card for my birthday. Basically you get to peruse the website, find someone you connect with, and give them a micro-loans to help their business start or grow. What could be better than empowering people in third world countries to make a living based off a skill set or trade that they prefer to work with?
It's a great teaching tool with children. You are able to talk about money, how loans work, and of course that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. There are pictures and stories about the people, and Kiva gives you updates as to how the person you are helping is doing. Eventually the person you loan money too should pay back their debt, and you are encouraged to help someone else out. It's amazing how far $25 in birthday money can go!
So next time you have some cash laying around (ha!) consider making a loan to someone. You might just change their life, and make a difference in yours in the process.
It's a great teaching tool with children. You are able to talk about money, how loans work, and of course that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. There are pictures and stories about the people, and Kiva gives you updates as to how the person you are helping is doing. Eventually the person you loan money too should pay back their debt, and you are encouraged to help someone else out. It's amazing how far $25 in birthday money can go!
So next time you have some cash laying around (ha!) consider making a loan to someone. You might just change their life, and make a difference in yours in the process.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Trademarks
I just want to say, I am glad I am not a lawyer. I read about 2 paragraphs of the USPTO.gov website and I needed to go grab a cup of coffee to keep myself from drifting off to sleep. This kind of work will by far be my least favorite part of opening a business. My mind does not enjoy the wordiness of trademarks and patents.
Then there is the difficulty of knowing which avenue to take. File through USPTO, or another company like LegalZoom? And then comes the filing of the Business licence, and other legal junk. Enough to make my little artistic head explode.
I know it's all important, but I would much rather work on the fun stuff. The vision, mission, logo, etc.
But it's all in the game, right?
Then there is the difficulty of knowing which avenue to take. File through USPTO, or another company like LegalZoom? And then comes the filing of the Business licence, and other legal junk. Enough to make my little artistic head explode.
I know it's all important, but I would much rather work on the fun stuff. The vision, mission, logo, etc.
But it's all in the game, right?
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The World We Live In
Working with kids all day and having two of my own, I am pretty scared about the state of the world we live in. Just this past week in my hometown, a friend of mine's brother was shot to death in a senseless "road-rage" shooting and two girl scout troops were robbed while selling cookies at local establishments. It's enough to make you want to move to some remote island and raise your kids away from all the crazies.
But instead of letting things like this get me down, I've resolved to be the change I want to see. This is part of my vision, my goal for my future business. It will teach, inspire, and change things for the positive. What this world needs now are people who care. People who won't give up on those around them...who know that for all the evil that roams, there is so much more good. <<steps off soap box>>
Sorry, I digress.
As the ideas float around in my head as to what direction to take my business, one thing is clear.... My business will strive to improve the state of the world, one day at a time, one child at a time.
But instead of letting things like this get me down, I've resolved to be the change I want to see. This is part of my vision, my goal for my future business. It will teach, inspire, and change things for the positive. What this world needs now are people who care. People who won't give up on those around them...who know that for all the evil that roams, there is so much more good. <<steps off soap box>>
Sorry, I digress.
As the ideas float around in my head as to what direction to take my business, one thing is clear.... My business will strive to improve the state of the world, one day at a time, one child at a time.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Make a Difference Mondays - Color a Smile
I'm sure many of you have seen this before, but it is one of my favorite "simple, yet effective" ways to get my kids involved in a charity. What kid doesn't like to color? My 6 year old can go through a coloring book in a day. The thing is, those sheets just get thrown away (hopefully recycled). Why not have the kiddos color a page and bring a smile to a stranger's face in the process.
Here's how it works.
1) Go to Color A Smile
2) Either download one of their coloring pages, or follow the directions to make one of your own.
3) Send in your masterpiece.
These pictures go to Nursing Homes, Meals On Wheels programs, and other individuals that have requested a "smile."
A fun and easy on-going project for the kidderoos. For the price of a piece of paper, an envelope and a stamp, you take a kid's throw-away project and pass on the love.
Michelle
Here's how it works.
1) Go to Color A Smile
2) Either download one of their coloring pages, or follow the directions to make one of your own.
3) Send in your masterpiece.
These pictures go to Nursing Homes, Meals On Wheels programs, and other individuals that have requested a "smile."
A fun and easy on-going project for the kidderoos. For the price of a piece of paper, an envelope and a stamp, you take a kid's throw-away project and pass on the love.
Michelle
Friday, March 1, 2013
Waiting...
One of the most frustrating things so far about starting my own business has been working off of everyone else's time schedules. So much is dependent on others time and talents, and of course their not nearly as motivated as I am to get things rolling!
On the other hand, today my husband and I are going with my oldest daughter on a field trip to Sabino Canyon so I can't complain too much. Maybe this will allow for a much needed breather. Some reflection time on how great my life is and the amazing planet we live on. Nah, who am I kidding. We are going with a group of 14 kindergarteners. It will be loud and crazy.
On the other hand, today my husband and I are going with my oldest daughter on a field trip to Sabino Canyon so I can't complain too much. Maybe this will allow for a much needed breather. Some reflection time on how great my life is and the amazing planet we live on. Nah, who am I kidding. We are going with a group of 14 kindergarteners. It will be loud and crazy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)