i  know i hardly write anymore – it’s just that other things have taken over my plate of free time lately.  i’m hoping to report some exciting developments soon – but for now – i wanted to share a fun idea i came across today.

have you heard the buzz on C. Wonder?

apparently, it’s a very colorful new store opening in NYC.  and they did  fun promo at Fashion Week.  they passed out invites to their grand opening party that complimented the invitee with “we love your look!”.  Then they posted on facebook if that if you bring in the card, you’ll get a free gift!!

first you love em – then you love em some more!   i wish i could go to the party in NYC….

anyway – this is a great little grass roots inspiration.  how will you compliment your customers??

xox

starting a business involves a multitude of decisions - and it can become overwhelming.  i remember when i was getting ready to open ooma (the boutique i opened in san francisco), and i realized that EVERYTHING was up to me.  i freaked out trying to decide what color of carpet to get for the dressing rooms (i knew i wanted plush for bare feet).  pink?  red?  green?  yellow?  why do i have to make every decision (by the way – i chose red – which was later changed to pink rugs on pergo floors)???

but as overwhelming as it can be – it’s also amazing to create something that comes from your head and bring it into the world.  it’ a little piece of you!  and that’s fun to share.

i’m really looking forward to making all those decisions when the ball really gets rolling – but for now, i’ve made a pretty boring one.  i’m going to start out as a sole proprietress instead of an LLC.  why?  because i won’t be starting until the end of the year (assuming i find a rocking awesome location) and i just don’t want the expense right now.  perhaps i’ll change over once i open – but for now – my goal is to keep it simple.

i’d love to hear from others who made the decision – and if you think i should change my mind!

I am so happy to present our latest Guest Star, the charming Arwa of Gemkitty!  Arwa Jumkawala is a life long lover of sparkly gems and beads, a former pilates instructor, and founder of Gemkitty, a custom jewelry e-boutique.  I had the pleasure of meeting Arwa at a CRAVE Portland event and we immediately started collaborating on ideas for Gem Kitty’s earring launch and a Guest Star appearance on The Proprietress.  She has some amazing (and easy!) ideas on how to re-wear your existing jewelry & for shop owners – new ways to merchandise/sell jewelry.  ENJOY!

*****

Captivate Through the Creative Art of Jewelry Rewear

As the owner of a jewelry e-boutique, I’m always looking for creative (and cost effective) ways to connect with my customers. One thing that’s really worked for me is engaging customers through the concept of jewelry rewear (figuring out new ways to wear or enhance jewelry you’re already selling).

Ways to puts rewear to work in your boutique:

Here are just a few examples to give you a flavor of how you can use the rewear concept in your own merchandising:

* Show the same piece of jewelry worn in different ways; the customer gets multiple looks for the price of a single item.

* Connect with customers who have purchased jewelry from you in the past and offer them a freebie to update their look (e.g. Remember that necklace you bought before the holidays? I thought you could update it with this cute flower pin. It’s free if you want to stop in and pick it up).

* Invite customers to bring their own jewelry in for a rewear workshop. You can provide free refreshments and crafting materials (such as flowers and ribbons), plus offer them a discount on new pieces of jewelry they might want to mix and match with their current collection.

A few rewear looks to get you started:

Look #1: The Twist
Take one strand, twist the other strand around it and secure clasp-to-clasp for a statement look. Each twist will shorten the length of the resulting necklace a tiny bit, so if the choker look is not your style, use a stretch of pretty ribbon to lengthen.

The twist technique can also help you create a woven bracelet. Simply wrap around the wrist twice and secure. If you need to lengthen, try a safety spin or even paper clip (or two).

Look #2: Tie A Bow On It.
Grab some pretty ribbon and tie on a cute bow, or two, or more:

Look #3: Rosette:
Affix a flower pin (or make your own with craft store rosettes and a safety pin) over a pendant:

Look #4: Roses And Ribbons:
Now that you have the hang of it, combine several of these looks to create a statement piece such as this:

Happy creating!

ok – i have to share my experience at a local boutique that i thought was very cool.  Mink, a lovely store in Portland, sent an email out last week to their customer list inviting them to be a part of a special VIP shopping day. 

The gist of the promo is this:
 - store CLOSED to all but the VIP attendees
 - MUST RSVP with chosen time slots
 - had clients sign up on the 1/2 hour to manage crowds, dressing rooms, lines
 - had a “door gal” who only allowed those on the list to be admitted
 - once in – all clients could enter a drawing to win $50 gift certies on the hour
 - this day is the only opportunity to score a VIP Card – which will be good for special discounts and shopping privileges throughout the year.
 - 30% off item of your choice + 20% off all other items in the store

basically – it was a really great way to make everyone feel like they were in on a very special deal – and the ability to get a 30% discount on new spring merch + premium denim + jewelry – pretty awesome.

this is the first time i experienced such a promotion – and it looked to be a great success.  what you essentially have is all your best customers shopping on one day – sounds like a recipe for an outstanding sales day! 

anyone else try this tactic?  please share your great ideas!!

hello – just a quick little excited squeal over my interview with the lovely Cecilia from CRAVE Portland - which was posted today!  CRAVE is an amazing company which empowers women entrepreneurs, hosts parties to showcase the wonderful things that women make (and provide a great girls night out of shopping), and they publish an awesome book called The Crave Guide:  The Urban Girl’s Manifesto.

it’s a wonderful organization to know about – whether you’re a small business person or a gal who loves to shop!  they have coffee chats, parties and more.  check to see if there is a CRAVE in your city!