I Needed Sun!

So I have made it back to California and the work continues! Apparently all I needed was the sun to light a fire under me and get me moving in high speed. Being in the south and the east coast was doing nothing for my bubbly personality. Somehow the cheerful, laid back, and goofy me seemed to have faded. But not anymore! California is what I needed to get back in my life. You know, I really don't mind not having four distinct seasons. As a matter of fact I would love to live in sunshine 365 days a year. I know, call me strange, but if I never had to wear 4 layers of clothing and then a heavy winter coat ever again, that would be just fine with me. Again, California is what I needed. I'm running around like a chicken with his head cut off all while basking in the sun and I am having so much fun. Apparently I've been smiling a whole lot! I walked into the leather store and as soon as I stepped inside, a lady asked me why I was grinning so hard. I told her, "I'm just happy!" And that was exactly it. Happy to be back to what's familiar and most of all... SUN! No more overcast skies and gloomy faces because sunshine always makes for a brighter day!

I Love LA!

Just being in downtown LA makes me feel official. I missed all the days I used to scrape up my last dollar to go fabric shopping. So I made sure to make up for lost time. Literally spent almost every day walking the streets in search for the perfect fabric. So much fun! A trip not in vain.

Cloud 9

I walked into the airport on Easter Sunday ready to check in my bags and take to the air. My destination? LA. A designer’s playground. But the evil forces attempted to trample my enthusiasm by crippling me, or so they thought. A bank’s error turned into a improperly deactivated debit card, and my money held hostage. I admit, this one was tough. So, no access to MY money, unable to pick up the rental car as planned, and an insincere apology from the bank when told me it would not be another 6 business days until I could have a new card mailed to my home address (where I was not) was almost enough to send me over the edge. But I had a job to do. I was able to shake that evil monkey off my back after encouraging words from the people that love me and believe in my work. And a good thing I did because it would not have been fun carrying him and all the fabrics as I ran all around the garment district. Not even if it was a baby evil monkey…..I just wasn’t going to do it. The aftermath was a highly successful week. I found amazing fabrics and leather, met with manufacturers, trim vendors, my mentor Charlotte Tarantola, all before weeks end. Just had to stick in there! Now I'm riding on Cloud 9!

Shine

When it's beautiful outside go out and enjoy it. I feel different when the sun is out and I'm basking in its warmth. Maybe it's because I'm a true California girl at the heart. I'm more motivated, happy, and inspired to pursue whatever goals I've set. The point I'm trying to make is to seize the moment. When you wake up and feel like today's gonna be a good day, say it out loud and act accordingly. Well I guess you have to start with knowing what atmosphere allows your creativity to thrive the most? When you find out take advantage. For me it's the sun! So today I'm outside, fabric shopping for the collection, meetings with vendors, and people watching. The perfect day!

Time for Change

Funny how people don't want to hear what you have to say when you are talking about something positive. Why is that? Who knows!!! What I have decided is that if the people I am talking to aren't interested in the things I'm talking about..........then, I'm out to find people who are. If you want a different response, how about a different audience. One day I woke up and just got it. I just had to remind myself.

Just Do It Already!

Are you a talker or a doer? I had to ask myself that question. I used to think that I was a do-er but somehow I had turned into just a talker and didn't even know it. I mean planning and talking out your goals is one thing, but when the time comes to make a move, that's what you have to do. Move, or guess what? You are just a talker. So I promised myself last year that in 2012 I was no longer going to work for Corporate America, instead I will work for myself doing what I love to do everyday......designing. At the time, I didn't really know how I was every going to be able to afford to leave this job and everything that it contributed to the family. But then my husband reminded me that the only thing that job was contributing to was stress. I mean why am I working so hard for someone else's success when I can do the same for my business. It is February 8th, and what am I doing now? I am happy to say that I am working full time for myself building my business and my brand and couldn't be happier. I challenge you to be a doer and not a talker. All you have to do is start.

Flashing...Lights!

Day 2 of the new year and off to a good start.  Yesterday we completed our photoshoot to showcase pieces of the collection and had fun in the process.  Working with a young talented photographer passionate about his craft was an awsome experience.  In a world where everyone wants something for nothing, I was inspired watching this young photographer take his job so seriously while still having fun and remaining professional.  I know he is going to have much success and I am glad that I can be an advocate for his creativity.  Thank you Joshua Martin.  Today Joshua is being featured on the blog so my supporters can learn of and support other awsome artists!

You can check out Joshua's website at www.photobymartin.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Well it is finally 2012!  As we brought in the New Year we did so with a giving spirit.  Earlier this week my husband sat me down and told me a story about a man he just met.  A veteran that risked his life for our country now living on the streets of Reading, Pennsylvania having not eaten for days.  The man shared more of his story while he found relief in the kind gesture of a turkey sandwich.  I listened intensely while my husband described this man's misfortunes and when the story came to an end, our conversation shifted to how we could use our resources to help get people the things that they need.   I know there are several things that I unconsciously take for granted such as food, water, clothes, shelter.......etc.  So last night and until the weeeee hours of the morning, while the city was partying and bringing in the New Year- we decided to hit the streets and find those not fortunate to be able to share in a toast with friends and family let alone being favored enough to have a piece of toast to settle an empty stomach.  Twenty plus meals were given out along with a few donated scarves.  Giving feels really good!!!   #DEED2NEED

 

Who's Representing?

TGB Sketches

I don't mean to neglect everyone.  My mind has literally been racing for the past week.  So many things that are just running wild in my brain that I haven't just taken the time out to relax and get some things off my chest.  What's the holiday going to bring?  The New Year??  THE GREY BUTTON?  So many exciting thoughts!  Well we are hitting the ground running!  We are interviewing now for Independent Sales Reps for all markets which is keeping me real busy.  Paperwork, phone interviews, resumes......boy who knew how much work!  I need an HR rep.  We have already added one and looking and looking for many more to help share THE GREY BUTTON with everyone.  One thing I know is that you have to keep the momentum going so hang on!  I have been sharing some photos as I work and plan to continue so everyone can share my progress and keep me focused.  Thanks again for every one's support and also the great comments........but you know it's so much faster if you just comment here on the blog rather than emailing me......-friends you know who you are!

Handbags?? Of Course!

Sketches of a few design prototypes.....

I've been getting a lot of questions recently about my handbags and I want to set everyone's mind at ease, please don't worry.....I am still designing handbags.  I'm actually revamping the line and making it even better!!!  I can't wait until the collection is complete and everyone gets to see my vision come to life.  Two and a half years ago I took time off from designing and made the difficult choice to go back to Corporate America.  It was definitely something that was needed at the time, but I didn't realize the effect it would have internally.  Me being an over acheiver I threw myself into my Corporate job and, as a result, I completely neglected my craft.  Eventually it all came crashing down...........and the job left me empty, sad, and overall unhappy.  I felt as though I had become a different person and I didn't like who I had become.  My fire was gone!  When I thought about what did make me happy, I immediately thought- Designing!!!  And so I'm throwing myself back into it!  I am inviting you to walk along side me while I grow my business, sharing your thoughts and giving me much needed feedback along the way.  I understand that I cannot be successful without the help of others and so it only makes sense for us to "come together" and grow our businesses!  Thank you to all my supporters over the years and my new supporters as we all grow!!!


Here's a sneak peak of new ideas I'm working on......so exciting!!