Friday, December 31, 2010

LaunchHER Re-Vamps in 2011!


There is only one thing we can truly say about LaunchHER; we LOVE them! Okay, we can say a lot more. How amazing they are, how they are changing the lives of women-owned brands, how the site is just so pretty to look out and filled with hours of browsing. See, we really could go on and on and on.....



As for the {re} vamp - well, it is simply gorgeous. They are no longer a blogspot. As of today they will have a much better site-experience, as everything is linked SO much better, there is a better search function, and through Wordpress, all of their features can be immediately linked to their Twitter and Facebook accounts!  Some of the biggest news... you will now be able to sign up for the LaunchHER newsletter. Feedburner will deliver LaunchHER right to your inbox! To coincide with the {re} launch and New Years' resolutions they are offering incredible opportunities for women to partner with LaunchHER which you can find out more below in our interview with the ladies.
One of our favorite things from the {re} vamp besides a beautiful site? They are sending all {freshly launched} businesses a button that says "they were launched" and everyone who was on the 40 under 40 a button that say they were on 40 under 40! How exciting is that! 


We truly adore them but we will let our chat with LaunchHER leading ladies Kara and Sallisha speak for themselves! Read on to get the scoop from the beautiful blondes of LaunchHER!

1.) Tell us about the HER behind LaunchHER. Who is Sallisha and Kara - the ladies making it all happen? 

Sallisha is a wife and a mom of 3 who always brings her A-game to everything she touches. Drawing on her degree in Finance, to LaunchHER Sallisha brings an impressive background in high-level Wall Street management and internet start-up consulting. Her knack for knocking every single thing she is involved in out of the park is beyond amazing. Ask any LaunchHER client and they will whole-heartedly agree.
Kara is a wife and a mom of 2 boys who cannot imagine doing anything other than working with women entrepreneurs. After nearly 10 years as a litigator, Kara’s decision to hang up her litigator hat and provide legal services to women-owned businesses was a no-brainer. As the proprietor of a few artisan business ventures over the years, Kara knows first-hand the challenges, joys and tough decisions her clients face. 
Kara
Sallisha 
2.) When you acquired LaunchHER, you turned it around so quickly. You have made it beyond amazing and you are some kind of genius - the both of you. How did you know LaunchHER is what you wanted?  

Before LaunchHER was named and the idea for promoting women-owned brands, especially new ventures in the handmade area, was first contemplated, Kara was actually part of the brainstorming process. At the very beginning, the idea was to build a business that would become a resource for women-owned brands by providing free press and promotion, as well as a connection to those all-important services a business needs – branding, web design, PR, marketing and legal. When LaunchHER launched, the ‘resource’ part of the concept seemed to fall by the wayside. While LaunchHER created some buzz those first few weeks, the business seemed to falter and nearly died out within the first 6 months or so.   

So when the opportunity to acquire LaunchHER presented itself to us, the decision to take LaunchHER and get it back to what was Kara’s original idea was an easy decision to make. In the few weeks before the acquisition, we had started becoming very good friends. Just days before the acquisition, we were talking about starting some sort of joint business venture, hoping to provide a service to women-owned brands.  

What is interesting is that, looking back to just about a year ago, when the initial brainstorming that resulted in the formation of LaunchHER took place, we didn’t even know each other, except that we were in the same MOPS group at church. To see where we are now, as friends, as business partners, and as LaunchHER, is thrilling and amazing. 


What exactly does LaunchHER do? for those out there that need some info.  

LaunchHER provides a {boost} to women-owned brands by offering complimentary features to new businesses twice a week, business coaching, branding, marketing, business development and flat-fee legal services. All services are available ala carte or can be combined in a custom package to meet each client’s individual needs. Occasionally we also offer celebrity gifting and other product placement opportunities.  
To kick-off the New Year, we are offering 2 great deals:
  • Over the course of 3 months, LaunchHER will partner with you, to make this year the year to start, develop and protect your brand for the future; or,
  • For less than the price of a month of lattes, LaunchHER will strategize, weigh-in, research and consult with you on your business and your specific needs/concerns/goals in a 60-minute telephone conversation.
    When you freshly launch a company - what exactly are you looking for? 

    That is a great question!! We love all of the {freshly}launched submissions we get on LaunchHER, and any new indie brand can submit their shop for consideration. Discovering new brands and giving a complimentary {boost} is one of our favorite parts of LaunchHER! 

    While there are no hard-and-fast rules for our picks, we do look for newer brands, who are independent, have a great website (or etsy/big cartel shop), are unique and have started laying the groundwork for a big social media presence.

    What tips do you have for those wanting to make their biz FABulous? 

    Do what you love.
    Make your business a reflection of your own personal style.
    Fine-tune your product lines so your product offerings are cohesive.
    Offer the best customer service EVER.
    Create an engaging and consistent social media presence.
    Hire professionals to handle the legal and financial side of your business if those areas aren’t your forte.
    Protect your brand by trademarking your name.

    How can you get Launched? 

    Submit your shop to get {freshly}launched at www.LaunchHER.com
    Subscribe to the LaunchHER blog and gain access to the LaunchHER::LAW, LaunchHER::SCOOP and LaunchHER::PRO articles for really great business advice.
    Follow us on twitter: Sallisha :: @LaunchHER, Kara :: @LaunchHERLaw
    Contact us: Sallisha :: hello@LaunchHER.com,  Kara:: kara@launchHER.com

    What is up next for LaunchHER and what can we look forward to? 

    We are so excited for 2011!! In early December we trekked through one of the worst blizzards in Minnesota history to meet and map-out the first 6 months of 2011 – it’s going to be amazing!  

    In April we are speaking at Creative Estates in the Phoenix area (http://creativeestates.blogspot.com/) – we are literally counting the days!!  

    Our lips are sealed, but the LaunchHER::SCOOP posts for January and February are SO GOOD. Working with our exclusive group of LaunchHER::PROs to continually provide our clients with insider knowledge to make their business ventures a huge success and avoid most of the small-business pitfalls.  And, finalizing the chosen locales for LaunchHER::LIVE events!

    Sallisha:

    1.  I am addicted to using Crest White Strips.

    2.  When I'm driving in the car kid-free, I love to turn off the radio, enjoy the silence, and just be alone with my thoughts.  It's like a mini-vacation!

    3.  My guilty pleasure is watching Real Housewives re-runs while on the elliptical at the gym.

    4.  I've always wanted to learn how to quilt. It's one of my New Years Resolutions for 2011!

    5.  Someday, when my children are older, I want to go to culinary school.  Just for fun. 

    Kara:

    1. I am 5’1” (on a good day, and without heels)

    2. I have a shoe addiction and nearly always wear high heels (see #1) 

    3. I have been on QVC.

    4. I adore coffee

    5. In 5th grade, I decided I wanted to be an attorney.

     If you didn't already LOVE LaunchHER you should now officially be obsessed with their FABness! Head over to the new site now and check it out! Can we say it one last time.....we LOVE LaunchHER! 


    THE BEAUTY OF TURNED WOOD

    I adore turned wood.  One piece can do so much for a room.  You can imagine how happy I was to find these beauties in my inbox.  Enjoy!











    To read about these pieces visit here.

    It is difficult to believe that the end of the year is here.  In just a few hours, the new year will arrive with great anticipation.

    I am so blessed to have those of you that follow, read, and comment on my blog.  I have made so many friends via my blog and truly appreciate your friendship and support.

    It is amazing that there is a place for bloggers to share their interests with other bloggers. There really is something for everyone.  I look forward to seeing your posts each day.

    I have learned so much this year and look forward to 2011.  I certainly intend to challenge myself and can’t wait to share new ideas and posts with all of you.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!
    Teresa
    xoxo

    2010 APPRECIATION: MY NEW FOUND FRIENDS

    Before the year ended, I have met and is in the process of getting to know more new people - establishing friendship along the way. To the 3 of you, it was nice meeting you all. Here's hoping that we can keep the friendship always.


    Nomer, I never would have thought that you are such a nice person. There is not a single inch of being rude or bad in you. It was fun talking with you and I enjoyed the coffee sessions and the lomi times. I hope that in 2011, we get to know each other better and have a continuous friendship. Thanks for the kind words and the nice stories.


    Uly, thanks a bunch for being so approachable. And I admire your designs I might say. =) Our friendship is still relatively new but I hope it would just grow in 2011. Cheers to you and your good spirit. It is a pleasure to have known you.


    Alain, quiet but indeed nice. Even if we have not had much time talking, I know you have a good heart. Thanks as well.

    2010 APPRECIATION: MORE P&G FRIENDS


    This circle of friends have been special to me as well. You hacomprise big parts of my life and somehow you gave reasons for me to still fight. I am hoping I could all give back to you with all the things you have done to me in 2010. Those things will forever be treasured in my heart.

    Tin, you are such a kind heart, simply most pure and nice. You have been a big help and I know someday I can give back to you in return. 2010 has been difficult for me but at least I feel better days are ahead of me. Thanks for everything.

    Raffy, I owe you a lot. Somehow, I have learned a lot from you. Thanks for all the memories and times together. Thanks for everything that you have helped me with. As I try to rebuild on a better 2011, I will constantly be in touch and I'd just like to remind you that all your help are not forgotten. I know I can repay you one day.

    Elmer, thanks for the nice friendship. You have been simply nice. Hope you continue to stay happy and keep others smile as well. Soon, enough I will give back all that you have given. Thanks a lot for not letting go of the friendship.

    Deynz, how far you may be, I still value the great friendship we have. Thanks for all and you know I have not forgotten. As I try tpo rebound from a trying 2010, I hope to share more laughs with you and give you everything in return as well.

    Eric, feisty yet kind. You will always be treasured as a friend. Thanks for everything as well. I miss your laughs. Till we meet again!

    2010 APPRECIATION: P&G LUNCH BUDDIES

    My career has comprised mostly of work in P&G. In here, I got to establish real good ties with true people – people I consider friends even up to today. To my lunch buddies – original and additions, I would like to say thanks. Though 2010 has not been too much of meetings, you will forever remain etched in my hearts. I love you all.


    Ate Jen – a picture of great composure and intellect, you serve as a mother, sister and girl friend all in one. You are certainly the light of the group. For most of the times we are together, you always keep us all tight. I miss you Ate. Your words of advice are always acknowledged. It is an honor to be your friend.


    Junnel – ever reliable. You are one of those few people you can call whenever you need someone to talk to. Not a single moment with you is boring and you always crack up those jokes even how corny they were. Truly a gentleman and a kind fellow, thanks for the friendship.


    Toni – one of the few people I really had great times with. You age with grace and poise. It is innate in you to find kindness in one’s heart. I miss your company and am truly thankful for everything that we have shared.


    Derek – when it comes with deep conversations, I can count on you. There is value on every word you utter and it is a great pleasure to be friends with someone as intellectual as you are. Brave and courageous yet nimble and fragile in some ways. A true persona of a true human being.


    Geno – silent yet sincere. You are the group’s biggest mystery but you have always stayed with us. We can always count on you when we go out and you are really honest and nice in a lot of ways. Thanks for the friendship.


    Frytz – beauty, brains and heart all combined. I miss our talks about sweet nothings and the randomness of things. You are a funny lady and a very beautiful one at that. When we meet again, hope to continue the great friendship.

    2010 APPRECIATION: MY SISTER'S LOVED ONES

    Aside from having the gift of wonderful kids, my two sisters are also blessed by people to whom they vow to share their lives with. My two “bayaws” are nice in their own rights and are surely nice addition to our family. Thanks for being with my two sisters through thick and thin.


    Kuya Roy, thanks for being  a constant believer in my sister’s abilities. Hope that your marriage would just continue growing more and more. Thanks for the love you have been giving my sister and your child, Kat. Keep the dreams. 2010 seems to end on a good note for both of you. Ride on the positive energy and continue with it in 2011.


    Kuya Ryan, my full gratitude to you for fully accepting my sister and her kids, Gel, Gabo and Gian. You are indeed an individual of good soul. Thanks for the love you have been giving them all. I could only wish for your relationship to grow even stronger. I know it would only be better for you in 2011.

    2010 APPRECIATION: MY BELOVED BESTFRIEND


    Outside of my family, one person has actually become a big part of my life - my bestfriend Chris. I don't know how we became so close but for every bit of 2010, he was just there beside me to comfort, sometimes behind me to catch me when I'm falling or at instances in front of me to guide me along the way.


    Chris, you have been one of the best gifts I had in 2010. You know how rocky 2010 was for me but you have just proven your worth as a friend. You were there during happy times but moreso, you never fail to be there during worst days. You became a brother, a friend, a confidant and everything else in between. Trying to rebound from one of the most difficult times in my life, I never would have imagined having someone like you. We are really similar in a lot of ways but for our differences, wow, they are just simply bipolar.


    You are truly a special creature (does it sound like you're a monster or alien?). I am so much lucky to have you as a best friend. You are someone I have given my full respect and trust with. May 2011 be a better year for our friendship. Thank you so much for the friendship and I love you.

    2010 APPRECIATION: MY BUNDLES OF JOY: NIECES AND NEPHEWS


    And of course, I love everyone of my pamangkins. Gelyn, Gabriel, Catherine and Gian. My sister's kids has always made me happy. They make me smile in the most special of ways. Their innocence makes me want to actually become a kid again. Their laughs and smiles are simply infectious and I would never have a sad time with them.


    Gelyn, you are indeed growing to be a beautiful lady. You're in your high school already and all I could ask is for you to keep the good grades coming. Aside from beauty, you are also one gem of a talent. Your voice is nice to hear and one would definitely have a nice time hearing you sing.


    Gabriel, you are truly of celebrity makings. You are growing to be a fine lad. Make sure to continue nurturing your skills in sports and for sure a lot of girls would want to get to know you. Be good and always keep cool.


    Catherine, a lady of exemplary talent. Brains and beauty combined. Simplicity at its finest. Your interests are really a vast bunch but you are sure one interesting kid. Always keep the smiles and forever value the importance of love and sharing.


    Gian, the most sweet of them all. You are truly the bubbliest and that makes you close to my heart. You never fail to make me laugh with every nothingness you utter. You make one seemingly boring thing into a wonder of colors.

    To my nephews and nieces, I love you all.

    Last Christmas project posted for the year....


    Wow!! We're almost to the year 2011! Unbelievable!!! So here is one last post showing you one more Christmas card along with a set of to/from tags. For my card, I used #3058 Jolly Tilda from Magnolia-licious along with the presents which are also a Magnolia stamp but I can't find them in stock right now. If you're interested, please be sure and ask Diana about them. Tilda and the presents are colored with Copic markers, and then I fussy cut and popped them up off the card base for lots of dimension.  You might be able to tell a little better with the next pic.



    The background papers are from Nitwit Collections, and the cardstock is Bazzill. I know it almost looks black, but it's a dark green color. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I used some Angel Wings Shimmerz on them. The bow is made from May Arts silk ribbon of course and I believe the charm is from the Charm Barn.


    Here is a set of to/from tags I made using #3070 Sitting Angel Tilda from the Merry Christmas 2010 collection from Magnolia-licious. Again, it doesn't look like she's in stock right now, but please check with Diana if you are interested.  The box is just a standard jewelry box that I decorated to match the tags. That's it for me today. Tomorrow I will have my project for the Magnolia-licious Design Team Sketch Challenge, so I hope you check back for that!

    Have a safe and Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for another fabulous year of your friendship! I am truly blessed. Thanks so much for stopping by to see me today, and hope to see you in 2011!! Hugs!

    Kylie Bax Tattoo

    Kylie Bax is a gorgeous New Zealand-born model and actress, best known for her work with both Vogue and Marie Claire.

    Kylie has a single tattoo design, which is located just below her left breast and it appears to be a name or word with no more than seven letters, however its very difficult to see clearly.

    Kylie Bax Tattoo

    Kylie Bax Tattoo

    Kylie Bax is a gorgeous New Zealand-born model and actress, best known for her work with both Vogue and Marie Claire.

    Kylie has a single tattoo design, which is located just below her left breast and it appears to be a name or word with no more than seven letters, however its very difficult to see clearly.

    Kylie Bax Tattoo

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte Tattoo

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte is a wildly popular Australian actress, singer, and television personality, perhaps best known as the lead vocalist of electro-pop band Rogue Traders and host of So You Think You Can Dance Australia.

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte has a single visible tattoo design, which is a star on the inside of her left wrist.

    In regards to her tattoo she said "I got it done when I was in LA. It represents a song on the album called 1000 Stars and it also represents my granddad who has passed away … he’s a star in the sky."

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte Tattoo

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte Tattoo

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte Tattoo

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte is a wildly popular Australian actress, singer, and television personality, perhaps best known as the lead vocalist of electro-pop band Rogue Traders and host of So You Think You Can Dance Australia.

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte has a single visible tattoo design, which is a star on the inside of her left wrist.

    In regards to her tattoo she said "I got it done when I was in LA. It represents a song on the album called 1000 Stars and it also represents my granddad who has passed away … he’s a star in the sky."

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte Tattoo

    Natalie Bassingthwaighte Tattoo

    Alain Bernard Tattoo

    Alain Bernard is an outstanding French swimmer who has won three Olympic medals.

    Alain has a single tattoo designs on his body that we are aware of, which is a shark with tribal markings located on his left hip/abdomen area.

    Checkout these pictures of Alain Bernard's shark tattoo below.

    Alain Bernard Tattoo

    Alain Bernard Tattoo

    Alain Bernard Tattoo

    Alain Bernard is an outstanding French swimmer who has won three Olympic medals.

    Alain has a single tattoo designs on his body that we are aware of, which is a shark with tribal markings located on his left hip/abdomen area.

    Checkout these pictures of Alain Bernard's shark tattoo below.

    Alain Bernard Tattoo

    Alain Bernard Tattoo