My week!

The past week and a half have been really exciting for me.  I have met so many new people who are supporting me on my journey and I am happy to be a part of theirs.  I can't wait so see what the future holds!  Here are some recap pictures!

I love the RawArtists.org family that I am a part of.  They are creating opportunities for artists to showcase their talents.  I have already been to two shows here in Atlanta supporting the other artists and they haven't disappointed yet.  Fingers crossed I get to showcase in September!

Very fortunate to have joined a fashion group on Meetup.com and our first meeting was last week. You know it is really nice being around like minded people focused enough to achieve their goals. Here are a few of the new members.

I'v been meeting so any new people who are showing me so much love and making new friends along the way and I am so thankful.  I am having a good time and I want t keep going!!  I don't know why I always have a crazy face but I'm not ashamed to be me....I'm silly!

Then I get to be a part of a fashion show for a that makes me feel good to be a part of.  The models are waiting to see what they will be walking to.  So exciting!

And last night I was lucky enough to be invited by Demi from DemiStyle Boutique as she featured my my accessory designs at her sip and shop/ fashion mingle!  We had a ball!  You can check out more pics here.

It's been a busy week for me..... meanwhile my sister had a baby!

* Don't forget to get social with us!  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  See what we are doing!

My 1st Meetup Event: A Fashion Mixer!

Last night I attended my first Meetup.com event and I must say it was nice!  I met a bunch of ladies that were energetic and open to talking fashion which is right up my alley!!!!  I first learned about the Meetup website when I was up in the Philly area.  I started regularly stalking the site for events that I could attend.  I guess I really felt out of my element sinceI didn't really know anyone on that side of the world.  Although just about everytime I went out I met amazing people some of which have turned tto into awesome friendships. I like the idea of meeting at a location with total strangers who have common interests.  But I'm not sure if I was nervous or there wasn't an event that appealed to me but for whatever reason I never went before and that all changed last night.  So yesterday while doing my a. m. research I came across a fashion mixer event that said, "Bring cards".  I can do that!  Glad I made it because last night I met a lifestyle blogger, vintage store owners, an accessories wholesaler and a fashion editor.  Now that's a mixer!!  --Side note....I got so many compliments on my "Fanned Out" earrings.  Winning!!

Here are some of pictures I managed to snap of a few of the ladies in attendance....

Can't wait for the next mixer!!  Make sure you follow us on instagram for more pictures of our journey!! @thegreybutton

Supporters!

I had such a good weekend that I am still in a super spirits!  I remember working at VZW and not being happy.  I already knew what I wanted to do in life.  Design!!  I could see myself being so happy creating things and sharing it with people.  So to bring my dreams into focus I started to bring my sketchbook to work and started designing.  I was determined to acheive happiness.  A couple of my co-workers took interest and I recall some of them saying, "Nadia, when you get big, I am going to come work with you!"  I'm not sure if at the time they really believed that it could happen, but I know I did!  I can honestly say that my old Verizon Wireless family has done nothing but shown me love and support from the beginning and I am sooooo very thankful for them!  They were some of my first customers and still show their support.  

Ms Vera at the old office in her TGB Signature Tee!

Fast forward, three years removed from the corporate world and I have reconnected with an old  co-worker and friend, Ms. Vera.  When I got back in town I called her up to see how she was doing.  And to my surprise her work situation has also changed and allowing her a bit more free time and more than anything happiness.  Now I must say... we make a great team.  This past weekend she was my partner in crime as I went out promoting THE GREY BUTTON.  It means the world to me to have people like Vera by my side rooting me on along this journey.  We met some amazing ladies.....and men, who were all open and excited to listen to me pitch our brand to them and with the support of their purchases we added a bunch of people to the button family!  Here are some pics from a few of the places we went to!  I have to get better at remembering to take pictures.  I LOVE going back and flipping through them but unfortunately I don't have a lot this time!!

On my mind: "Where is TGB going?"

I get asked a lot, "Where do you see THE GREY BUTTON going?"  And if I'm being honest, I would love to see our designs in some of the top department stores one day and across small boutiques around the world so that we could provide jobs right at home with our own GREY BUTTON factory!  Now, even though I know the method of getting to that stage is challenging, I believe we can because we would have the support of real people!  And that is by actually putting in the work to get out and talk to people about the brand.  No one knows it better than me (and the hubs)!  This is our baby!!  Who else is going to speak so passionately about our vision? ....the significance of the button?  Who else knows what goes into the development of each product from concept to production.  The blood, sweat and tears....Knows the love and gratitude that goes behind and beyond THE GREY BUTTON.  We do!  Where do we start?   Back at our roots and making our rounds networking with local beauty/barber salons.  Why not start here?  This is where every woman starts getting beautiful.....with her hair.  And where men who have girlfriends and wives go-all the time .  Ok,  I admit, I am usually freaking out right before I have to walk in to pitch my business to strangers.  But once I bring out some product and start to see people are really interested, and handing out my card, and talking about the button and such, I feel really good!  Yes! Another person knows about THE GREY BUTTON.  I'm doing that times a million if I have to.  Until the next question is, "Looking back did you ever think THE GREY BUTTON would have grown to ALL of this?"  And I can answer, YES.  I have big dreams and I'm never letting go!  

Who wants to come with me?!.

Tangled Leather Earrings ~ "Algae"
www.thegreybutton.com

Thankful!

This morning I am feeling very thankful.  I woke up reflecting on how far we have come on THE GREY BUTTON journey.  Maybe it's being back in the location where we took the first steps to make our dream a reality, I don't know...but I welcome the feelings of gratitute.  I am not even going to lie and say that everything is going according to plan because it has not. Plan...shlam...! We have an outline and then we step out in the world, hop in the car and the plan goes out the window.  But we don't "give up" on things we love.  And we love THE GREY BUTTON.   So we dust ourselves off and try again..and again....and again..  You get my point.  When I look back on where we started, to where we are today, I am very thankful.  I am able to do what I love which is create from my imagination everyday!  I am also so very thankful for the people who think the things I create are worthy to spend their hard earned dollars on.  

Now... if I could just get everyone to start sharing instead of hoarding their designer friend we could grow this thing faster!

Some of our new creations

RAW Artists - Philly at the TLA

I've got to get better at posting!!  I started this so that I would have something to track my journey.  So many positive things are happening!!  I just completed the RAW Artists Showcase in Philadelphia, PA this past Wednesday and I had such a fun time!  I will have some official pics to show soon but here is a small recap.   Oh my goodness....I met so many talented artists and it was just heaven being around a bunch creative people.  The energy was high and the music was outstanding!  Here are a couple of pictures as we were setting up.

Talented artitsts gearing up for the big reveal.

Sut up time!

Models showcasing their beautiful makeup. (As the night went on......they had more!)

The event was real casual which allowed people to walk at your own pace, which I loved because I was able to draw people over to our table and talk Buttons!

Our table..

In talking to people, they really connected to our story and why buttons mean so much to us...It was GREAT!  And some lucky ladies walked away with their first TGB (The Grey Button) bag.

A happy supporter!

So blessed to have a TEAM of supporters!!

Family and friends.

My main squeeze!  Hubby!!


I CANNOT WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN!

Virtual Handbag Party: WINNER!

We have a winner!!!  Our first Virtual Handbag Party was fun!  Visit the Budding Fashionista's blog to see who won.  

www.buddingfashionista.com

Party!!

Today's post is brought to you by our new fashion partner, Vanessa at the Budding Fashionista.

Head on over to her blog to see what we have to party about!!
www.buddingfashionista.com

http://buddingfashionista.com

What I found in West Reading!!

I was finally able to come up for air yesterday and leave the studio.  The destination:  Reading, PA.  I have been hearing about West Reading for a while now and never made it out to just stroll and take in my surroundings.  That all changed yesterday and what a good day it was.  As I walked from store to store, each time I was greeted by a friendly face and a warm smile.  There seemed to be a real sense of community among the shop owners as each one of them bragged on the other stores and all they had to offer.  To sum it up, it was a fabulous experience.  Here's where my journey took me:

First stop, Hello Bluebird.  Although I didn't meet the owner Alex, I was greeting by a member of her staff who was more than happy to bring me up to speed with some of what West Reading has to offer. This cute little store is just full of handmade jewelry and many other handcrafted pieces made by local artisans.  Lots of jewelry, handbags and more.  So if you are looking for some unique pieces to round out your wardrobe, the Hello Bluebird is a must go-to!

A short walk up the street and I landed at Mixx Boutique Inc.  I was pleasantly surprised to find this gem.  There were great tops, sweaters, and dresses......but what stood out to me the most was the denim collection.  I absolutely love discovering new brands and they had a few that caught my eye.  My sensors must have been on overload because I talked with the owner, Julia and browsed the store, then looked at some of the brands, spoke out loud on how much I liked the brands.......and I can't even remember the name of those jeans!!!  An excuse to go back????  ....Check.

Some of the other stores I visited was Bella Jules, She Boutique, Lili Bea's, and Designing Women.  All had beautiful stores but most of all each had strikingly friendly staff to match.  If you ever get out to West Reading, PA, these are just a few of the shops you should pop into.  Better make it soon if you want to beat the holiday rush.  From what I hear it gets pretty busy!!  Enjoy.

Greyaway has Launched!

"Corners"  ~  Red
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

GREYAWAY

  

The holidays are fast approaching whether we like it or not!  For most of us we never quite master the holiday savings plan we promise ourselves each year.  We understand and have added a new option just for you.  Greyaway is our take on layaway and allows you to order that item(s) that you want within a budget that works for you.  We allow up to six months to spread your payments out and once you are paid in full, we will ship your package to you!  That simple and with no additional fees.   CLICK HERE for details.

Check out what's new!

New Style! "Blossom"

Are you bold enough to step out wearing this statement bag? The hand dyed leather straps and closure detail deserve all the attention as they bloom open for access to your goodies. The bag is fully lined in 100% cotton duck canvas and has two pockets. Details

Corners ~ Hand Dyed Chocolate Brown 100% Genuine Leather This bag may have a lot of corners but it is a very spacious leather handbag with details that can handle the "over-sized bag" girl! Get ready for fall with a statement! The leather was hand dyed in house to get the perfect shade of chocolate brown for this unique handbag. It also has one zipper pocket inside of the grey canvas lined bag. And for those who just have to have a strap, we have that for you too. An adjustable, removable shoulder strap has been added to for comfort. Details

Bella Clutch

This is a small and classy clutch is our most popular bag and offered in an  array of colors!  The clutch is made of 100% cotton duck fabric and measures  approximately 12" x 5.5" inches, is fully lined, includes an inside pocket and a  zipper closure.  Check out the complete handbag lineup.

Price $47

HUGS & Hoods

The HUG. A brilliant, new accessory that has style and function. The HUG has comfortable contouring straps that “hug” your body and features a dramatic detachable hood. So not only can you transform your hood-less jacket or sweater, you gain a new and worthy  accessory when the HUG is worn alone. *Hoods sold separately.

Price: $39 and up!

Brrrrrr.....It's cold! Scarves are back!!

The weather is changing.  Don't get caught out with a cold neck.  These unisex scarves make the perfect gift.

Price: $15