Do What You Love: Dareen Hakim

Tell me how and when everything started.
Everything started about 2 years ago, after a career in finance and general management. I had just finished an MBA at Harvard Business School and felt very anxious, as my goal has always been to start my own business one day. My father is an entrepreneur, my mother is an entrepreneur, and I always wanted to create something of my own. I chose fashion simply because it is what I am personally passionate about. I love it, I live it and I breath it… it makes me happy and takes me to a world of beauty and creativity. And I wanted my business to be in the industry that I loved, so that I would wake up every day excited to start work, never get bored, have resilience and sustenance, and therefore the strongest drive and chance of success.

So, I started the Dareen Hakim Collection just over 2 years ago, incorporating my business and management background from my past experiences, to pursue this love for accessories, creativity and art.

What launched me into it with confirmation of my concept is happened during my wedding in Lebanon. I had all my guests there from over 20 countries and planned a week of celebration and exploration of the country. After the week, I noticed my friends admiring Lebanese art and beauty and wanting to take a memory home than was a true reflection of their experience. To me, my collection represents what Lebanon is and what I am as a result… a mix of past and present, old and new, simple and bold, rustic and contemporary, tradition and style … the beauty of opposite in a single piece.

When did you first know that you wanted to be in the fashion industry?
In my childhood, I had always naturally picked up drawing and painting. I remember at the age of 4 waiting for my aunt at her office, and just picking up a pencil and drawing the pet bird with such a level of detail. I then started painting on silk and experimenting with it to make my mom scarves. I learned how to knit from my grandma and designed dress, tops, craves, skirts for my dolls.

Then in school I asked to take a ceramics class and designed pottery pieces for my family. I was just always interested and attracted to creation. As I grew up, this interest turned very much to fashion as my mom was a super fashionista, styling her little girl from head to toe, not to mention the influence of her closets full of Parisian designer brands that I would use to style myself and HER. While I have an obsession with handbags, it doesn’t stop there! I also love shoes, apparel, and jewelry… I have no bias ☺ But there is always a consistency in my aesthetic style… it’s always bold and contrasting. Contrast is a huge part of it. Whether with regards to fabrics, textures, eras, cultural elements… I love to mix it together, making for deep interesting creations.

Where do you get your inspiration for your collection?
Everywhere…literally! I am internally inspired by my Lebanese culture and heritage yet externally inspired by the current landscape I live within. I gain a lot of my inspiration from the subtleties of everyday life and my surroundings, my travels, architecture and often anything unrelated that passed me… like a construction site. It is really great living in such a vivacious metropolitan city, full of stimuli and diversity. But, my Lebanese heritage has always been an inspiration in both self-expression and my personal aesthetic, and it is this cultural influence that’s increases my attraction to the concept of contrasts which defines my collection.

What advice would you give someone considering a similar path?
Although it’s a hard road to travel down, it is worth every minute of it. Not every day is easy, or a success, but I truly love what I do and don’t consider it a “job”. It’s those small successes that drive me each day … a husband asking me to send an inspiring note to his wife with her bag, a fan across the world telling me she saw my bag on 3 people at a wedding she attended, a proud parent telling me “you did it” … each little win is a step forward in this journey, and the bigger wins are just the cherry on top. My best advice is to follow your heart because that’s what you’ll be best at… and to find people who support you unconditionally. With those two elements, you can do whatever you put your mind to.

What makes your handbag collection unique?
In creating my handbags, I wanted to bring unique elements together. For example, I’ll use a material, like fine, delicate, supple leather, with a modern brushed effect and contemporary clean lines, together with an oversized, raw, heavy metal that’s finely craved in an ancient authentic calligraphy … I think that creating something so unique and original lends itself to what fashion is meant to be. As a designer you are meant to design things that people have not seen before. I like wearing such statement pieces, as they’re a reflection of a deep story and a deeper reflection of who you are… a powerful message.

How would you describe your personal style?
Sophisticated, fearless, and … “bold, chic, and unexpected”! Which is the brand’s motto ☺

What’s next for your company?
I would like to continue to evolve the line and bring beautiful handbags to women across the world. We are expanding into new silhouettes, both smaller and larger, and interpretations of our concept to build on the signature pieces such as our Le Icon and Le Capri. I am also looking to expand into new categories, but when it’s the right time and the right place. I’m really enjoying this phase for now!

What are your top accessories for Spring?
I love how one key bold accessory can make the entire outfit. Here are a few that make quite a statement:
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Shop the trend:  1 // 2 // 3

Thanks to Dareen of Dareen Hakim for sharing her story. You can visit www.dareenhakim.com for more info!

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& Trisha founders of Quoise">Do what you love: Paula & Trisha founders of Quoise

Paula Joseph and Trisha Homeward have been best friends all their lives, because they are cousins and truly the best of friends. Trisha is the fashion lover and Paula is the artsy one. By putting their heads together they were able to create Quoise; a jewelry company located in Toronto Canada. They make jewelry for the urban girl with a little vintage edge.

When did Quoise start? Tell me how and when everything started.
Wow, when did Quoise start? The thought of Quoise started as far back as 10 years ago when we were in our early twenties but it took us some time to get the courage to begin our journey. We knew that we wanted to start a business that involved fashion or art but we had no idea that we would end up creating jewelry.

We LOVE jewelry and one day we visited a friend who made jewelry as a hobby. That was when Quoise the jewelry company became our goal. We had no idea where to buy supplies or even how to make a bracelet or necklace; we were clueless. In 2008, we spent about a year teaching ourselves the basics of jewelry making.

Our first piece was a necklace made out of jasper. It was a simple necklace and it was U-G-L-Y. Back then we thought it was the prettiest thing in the world! We laugh now when we think about it because the only people who would purchase our jewelry at that time were our family and friends.

So, how did Quoise start? It started with a little dream to have something that was our own and in 2009 we start selling our pieces to local boutiques and online at www.quoise.com.

When did you first know that you wanted to be your own boss?
We believe we wanted to be entrepreneurs before we even knew it. Looking back we used to do the typical business ventures that most kids did, but in a different way. Around the age of ten, we thought we were the first kids to think of having a Kool Aid stand as opposed to the usual Lemonade stand. We use to mix the flavours and come up with our own names for them. Later years in high school, Paula used to make friendship bracelets and sell them to her classmates that lack the skill. But the defining moment that sparked our determination into being our own bosses was in late October 2008. We were devouring a delicious meal at one of our tried and true restaurants whilst ranting about the main stressors we faced. Ironically, we both had similar situations in which we worked hard and cared about what we did in our jobs, yet our efforts did not seem to be appreciated and we definitely were not well compensated. It was over that dinner we promised each other that from that moment on, we would put all of our efforts into owning our own business. To us, being our own bosses meant that we would get back everything we put into it, in addition to having a sense of accomplishment watching something we put together grow. We wanted to have control of our lives, control of our money and control of our destiny. It was clear to us that starting our own business would be the only way to accomplish those goals.

Tell us about your fabulous store and what products or services do you offered?
We currently have an online store at www.quoise.com. We sell necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. We design and make all of our pieces in our home studio in Toronto, Canada.

What makes Quoise unique?
We think Quoise is really unique because we enjoy making urban pieces with an edgy vintage twist. We love using different types of metals. We used mainly brass, antiqued gold and 18kt gold filled metals in our FW11 collection. We also love using upcycled pieces or unexpected components. We use eccentric patterned pieces of fabric to make our braided bracelets. We LOVE buttons and use them to make some of our studs and rings. Quoise is unique because every piece is made to show a women’s personality. We believe that it is okay to mix it up sometimes. Not every woman is into glitter and sparkle. The woman who wears Quoise thinks it’s kind of cool to wear a pretty dress with something edgy like our Selena necklace http://www.quoise.com/product/selena.

Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
We are currently working on expanding our brand. We hope to one day have a lifestyle company where you can buy anything from jewelry to cushions for your sofa. We want to eventually sell Quoise pieces in every city across Canada and hopefully around the world. There is so much we need to learn about the business aspect of owning and running a successful business. We are currently in the beginning stages of working with a sales management company to gain insight on the inner workings of the field. For a little fun we are also going to be taking some sewing classes. Not really sure what we plan on doing with our sewing skills but we will figure out something! We also want to create an incentive program for bloggers and for our loyal customers. We’re working on ironing out the kinks on that idea!

What do you do in your down time?
Would you believe it if we said we spend time with one another when we are not working on Quoise? It’s funny, but we do enjoy one another’s company. Sometimes it’s nice not having to think about our business and just sit back and do some old fashion gossiping. We are big time foodies! We enjoy going to new restaurants in our city and we love live music, so you’ll probably find us checking out a band at a bar somewhere downtown. We also LOVE our family and friends. Quoise really affects the amount of time we get to spend with them. We’re still trying to find that elusive work-life balance that we think everyone strives for. It’s important to be around the people we love the most because they keep us sane and grounded.

What motivates you?
Dreams, love and success are our motivators. The best feeling is when you set a goal and you’re able to accomplish it. That’s our motivation. We have set a goal to be successful business women and our dreams and the people who love us keep us pushing and wanting more everyday.

What’s next for you?
We are currently working on sketching our designs for the SS12 collection. We are also beginning to sell our pieces through indie web boutiques such as Smashing Darling and Ukamaku. In addition, we are working with a sales management company on building our brand. Finally, we are hoping to create an exclusive line of one of kind pieces that will be sold online.

For more information visit: www.quoise.com

Do what you love: Designer Layla Joy

Contributing writer Nadia interviews designer Layla Joy for Unik Apparel. Read on!

Designer Layla Joy has unveiled her first shoe collection and the launch of her company. Her line is “Fashion meets Comfort”, edginess and elegance that are also very wearable. Once I was introduced to LaylaJoy designs, I  immediately gravitated to her aesthetic and I had to interview her!

Your background in fashion sounds amazing.  As a world traveler which countries are you most influenced by?

I’d have to narrow it down to cities, and for me it’s New York, Paris, London and Hong Kong.  I love traveling to these larger cities and observing how people of different cultures interpret the fashion trends.

The fashion sense tends to be far more eclectic and people tailor fashion to suit their needs.  They’ll bridge fashion trends with their cultural and personal interests to make a fashion statement uniquely their own.

Who can resist a line that is “Fashion meets Comfort”, how would you describe your average customer? 

I’m making shoes for a woman who is not necessarily 20 years old.  She’s a confident – fashionable woman, a woman who is true to her own fashion sense.  She’s a woman (like me) who’s constantly on the go.

A LAYLAJOY woman can afford to spend more – but would prefer to spend it wisely (Quality vs. Quantity).  Most importantly, she a woman who enjoys fashion and Can’t Live Without Her Heels!

Which piece from your holiday collection is your favorite? 

Ooh so hard to say….  I Love them ALL!

I love your outlook on fashion, who are your fashion icons?

I absolutely love the fashion sense of – Carine Roitfeld, Desiree Rogers, Giovanna Battaglia.  In terms of other designers I adore Donna Karen, Michael Kors and Rick Owens; they dress women the best!

With the holiday season just around the corner, what are your number one tips for transforming your day time look to an after work holiday party?  Which shoe from your holiday collection fits this look the best?

I love the idea of pairing the Carmen High shaft boots with a shimmering jewel hued dress, worn beneath a well tailored blazer.  Comfort equals confidence, and confidence is always key.

For more information visit: www.laylajoy.com

Do what you love: Cindy Engstrom founder and CEO of Is That Odd

Five things Cindy loves, now and for Fall:
1. Must-have for Fall: A new pair of nude shoes (surprise!) I’ve been eyeing these Louboutin calfskin boots, but running a startup means I may have to compromise on something a bit less spendy. We’ll see!
2. Coveting: Donna Karan Cashmere Poncho. I love the lines of it and how the fabric hangs so beautifully.
3. Using every day: Jimmy Choo Red Patent Ubai Clutch
4. Best grab-and-go item: France Luxe Ultra Comfort Headband. For the days when I need to focus and keep my hair out of the way, but still want to look stylish. It goes with everything and doesn’t give me headband headache. They are also a female-run Washington company and were one of our first brand partners, so it’s nice to support the sisterhood.
5. Unexpected Treasure: My youngest daughter bought me a very glitzy costume and she gets so excited when I wear it. She’s such a Fashionista at three, one of her favorite things is to critique my outfits when it’s date night with her father.

Interview with Cindy Engstrom, founder and CEO of Is That Odd, Inc

1. Tell me how and when everything started.
I founded Is That Odd, Inc. in 2009 after putting careful thought into how I could capture the way women socialize and move it to an on-line environment, and also reward them for their role in the advertising value chain. My background is in marketing and technology, and Is That Odd, Inc.is the perfect blending of those worlds.  My first “aha” moment was as observed that the female audience was moving online; away from traditional media like talk shows and magazines. Brands are now highly motivated to connect with those women on the internet in a meaningful way, and product sampling is very meaningful to brands and consumers. I conceived of a system which gives users a virtual currency for online activity, and having them use their fake money to get real product samples.  Everyone wins under this system – consumers get to try products before spending their real money, and brands get connected with new customers eager to learn about their products. I collected a team of outstanding professionals to help my vision come to life, and with their hard work we launched our website, IsThatOdd.com in January of this year. I really could not have done this without my team.

2. When did you first know that you wanted to be your own boss?
I feel like I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I have owned companies before, among them a small chain of upscale clothing boutiques, and then I spent time as a marketing executive at several successful tech startups during and after the bubble years. After taking time off to start a family, I decided to execute on some ideas I had for new ways to leverage advertising relations (my term for the marriage of PR and advertising) online. It was absolutely the right decision! Bringing a vision full circle from vision to success is a high like no other.

3. If you weren’t a business owner, what would you like to be doing?
Pursuing a black-belt in KungFu would be really fun – I have a purple belt now. Seriously, though, since the first time I had a taste of being an entrepreneur, I knew I would do it again. It’s addictive to run a company and see it soar, and that positive energy has been reinforced by my experience with Is That Odd. So, I’m not sure there is anything else I’d rather do at this time in my life – I’m living a dream!

4. Tell us about your fabulous business and what services do you offered?
IsThatOdd.com is a website designed for women where you earn free beauty product samples for sharing stories and advice. Instead of surveys or quizzes, it gives women a place to have conversations which mirror those they have in real life, such as “My boyfriend won’t update his status from single to taken, is that odd?” or “I’ve discovered that experimenting with makeup is building my self-esteem after a difficult separation. I’d love to try your best makeup tips, so please share!” Everyone has an equal voice in the community and it’s a very positive place, everyone is supportive and encouraging. You can also comment on the stories, vote in user-created polls, and rate the stories for our “Oddstar of the Week” contests.

While participating in conversations on the site, you automatically earn a virtual currency, called Odd Coins™, which you use in our Sample Shop to “buy” free product samples. The website is free, even the shipping for the samples, and you always get to choose your own products. It really feels like you’re browsing at the beauty counter with your girlfriends, trading makeup tips and the latest news in your lives, but on IsThatOdd.com you don’t have to fend off a salesperson or deal with parking.

5. How would you describe your personal style?
I have a very classic, no-fuss style and love easy ways to look polished fast – hence my addiction to wraps and coats – and I wear out nude shoes in the blink of an eye. By having a collection of classic items that go well together, it means I can get myself together in the morning with minimal work and spend that extra time with my two girls. Since my wardrobe has a fairly neutral base, I like to turn up the volume with a punchy accessory. My recent find is a Jimmy Choo red patent clutch, which I love so much that I use it as a wallet.

I also love to watch what my team wears. My Marketing Manager, Nikki Nash, is really adventurous (she has a beautiful new titanium chain-mail lanyard necklace) while my Chief Design Officer, Dianne Dominquez, is always elegantly casual and has the best denim collection of anyone I know.

Giveaway from Is That Odd!

Special Unik promotion, the first five people who register with the Promo Code UNIK will get an IsThatOdd mini-Swag Bag (3-4 full sized beauty products). Go register now!!!

Thanks to Cindy of IsThatOdd.com for sharing her story and the giveaway. You can visit IsThatOdd.com for more info!

Do what you love: Spiffing Jewelry

Annie is a 20-something wife and entrepreneur, juggling her growing business, marriage, housekeeping and the occasional shopping trip. She has been married to her high school sweetheart of 10 years for the last 4, and they’re planning to make this a husband and wife team in the near future. She was born and raised in San Diego, but love to travel as much as time allows, as long as there’s something fabulous to eat wherever she’s going. She’s a crafter, foodie, and a type-A Virgo, who loves to control every little thing about her life. She’s also a tremendous nerd, and a high maintenance self-styled bombshell.

1. Tell me how and when everything started.
I started making jewelry out of one part craftiness, two parts thriftiness. I would see things I wanted and say to myself “I could make that.” I was also dirt poor, and planning a DIY wedding on a budget. So I decided to DIY-up some bracelets for my bridesmaids, and was left with a bunch of random beads. Thus my first necklace was born, and things snowballed from there. I’d be grocery shopping and someone would compliment me on my necklace, and ask me if I sold my jewelry or had a card. Why didn’t I? So I did. It wasn’t until early 2010 when I got my first metal stamps and the accompanying tools that I started to really delve into all of the other facets of making jewelry, and I’ve since learned to never stop learning new techniques.

2. When did you first know that you wanted to be your own boss?
When I was berated at my day job for making a typo. I am such a hardcore perfectionist by nature, and I would (and still do) beat myself up if I am anything less than perfect. (It’s a bit of a personality disorder, but I’ve learned to cope, mostly with sushi, wine and dessert.) I was miserable working so very hard, pouring so very much of myself into a job I hated, working for people who didn’t understand or begin to appreciate what I was doing, let alone what I could be doing. I made that decision well before I ever thought it was an actual possibility.

3. If you weren’t a business owner, what would you like to be doing?
I’d be an author! I’ve half-written so many novels it’s dizzying. My favorite, and one that I will eventually come back to, once I get to a place where I actually have “free” time again, is a romance novel where the characters are based on myself, my husband and my other friends. It’s about what my life would be like if everything was exactly the same, but my husband was turned into a vampire. (And before you roll those eyes, yes. I know. It’s a vampire book. I probably won’t even try to publish it.)

4. Tell us about your fabulous store and what products or serviced do you offered?
I like to think my store is split up into three basic sections; personalized jewelry, which, technically, is everything I have for sale, because I stamp each piece to order, I can make anything I offer in just about any color, font, metal, shape or size, and stamped with anything you can dream of; geekery, which includes pieces inspired by everything from Winnie the Pooh to Star Wars (including my famous Han & Leia wedding bands); and generally cute things, like my beaded earrings, shell jewelry, and pre-designed stamped jewelry, with quotes about friendship, love, happiness, and various other cheesy, yet lovely self-affirming phrases.

5. How would you describe your personal style?
Oh boy, that’s opening a can of worms right there. I personally love retro-styled clothing, makeup and hair, and given the funding and skills, would rock a 40′s/50′s look every day, but most days I’m at home stamping jewelry, and I’ll rock a nerdy t-shirt and jeans. I’m a shoe hound though, and even if I wear the most basic outfit, my shoes will be fabulous. I’m also a bit fickle when it comes to my hair, I have a different cut/color pretty much every month. It’s become such a *thing* that I’m pretty sure I’m going to start a blog about it.

6. Who is your favorite designer?
Kate Spade! The simple retro styling and bright pops of color have ‘Annie’ written all over it. I just got my first Kate Spade bag a few weeks ago and I’m itching for more. Shoes! Purses! Cell Phone Cases! Clothes! Oh my.

7. If you had a choice of all designers in the world, who would you prefer to work for? Why?
It sounds redundant, but also, Kate Spade. I think we’re such a style-match that it’s almost silly. Modern yet retro, minimalist and still fabulous. If I let myself imagine the possibilities, I would weep knowing how wonderful it would be, given the resources to make things that I can only dream of.

8. Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
I’d love to some day have the space/facilities to have a kiln and a torch setup. Right now, working out of our 2nd bedroom of our apartment, I can’t so much pop an acetylene torch and solder to my hearts content. I have a little creme brule torch for odd jobs, but I want to be able to expand my line to a full line up of metal work.

9. Which magazines do you read? Which magazine is your favorite?
I love magazines like Martha Stewart Living, Gourmet and Real Simple. I love to be inspired by other’s handiwork and craftiness, recipes and such. Martha Stewart is my favorite, because it covers everything. I could find a fabulous DIY project and a dozen delicious recipes in the same place.

10. What do you see on stores that you think is really great?
I absolutely die when I see classic prints, houndstooth, pinstripes, herringbone, damask. It can be on anything from a fab jacket or skirt to a wing chair or sofa. I want it all!

11. What do you do in your down time?
There’s down time? Where do I sign up for that? Ohhh I kid. Mr. Spiffing and I like to dine out (I’m a bit of a foodie) or cook gourmet meals at home together. We have a monthly supper club for our friends, where I prepare a 3-course meal including drinks for $10, it’s always a blast and a challenge. We’re also Disney Freaks. We go to Disneyland at least once a month (we’re pass holders, you see. Snobby Disneylanders who know the back way to everything and look down upon those who bother to wait in line for anything.) And of course, we love the movies. Summer is our prime season, we hit the pub and see a movie just about every Friday night these days.

12. What motivates you?
Right now? I’m saving for a house. It’s something I never thought would be a remote possibility living in San Diego, but every day it becomes more of a reality. I push myself to come up with new and different things knowing that THAT is what’s going to keep my business moving, what’s going to keep sales coming in and help our savings grow. Since I’d been so used to being beyond broke ( $3.64-cents-in-my-checking-account-broke) having some financial stability is such a crazy good feeling. So while it would be more prudent to say anything other than, “I’m doing it for the money.” I really am doing it for the money. In a round-about way.

13. What’s next for you?
I want to sell to more local boutiques! Right now I sell to a boutique in Malibu, one in Jersey, another in Aspen… but I’ve never been to any of those places. I want to walk into a store and see my things for sale. That would be an incredible feeling!

Thanks to Annie of Spiffing Jewelry for sharing her story. You can visit Spiffing Jewelry for more info!

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Images by Spiffing Jewelry 

Interview with Fashionable Notes

Aubrey Lenyard is the founder and creator of Fashionable Notes which designs eco-friendly market bags for Fashionista’s to shop in style. This Atlanta based company makes it fashionable to carry reusable grocery bags.

What inspired you to jump into green fashion?
After purchasing several re-usable bags, I noticed they were all the same…..plain, boring and average. My design instinct kicked in and I began to think, how fabulous it would be to have re-usable bags that were creative and most importantly, stylish.

Where do you get your inspiration for your bags?

Fashion trends.

What are people saying about Fashionable Notes?

…..Fashionable Notes bags have become a staple, not only are they for my trips to the market but they are perfect for the beach, yoga class, and getting around the city everyday.

What’s next for your company?

SUMMER FUN! Our upcoming line will include beach bags and beach towels and a line of organic T-shirts bearing our ever-popular Eco-Chic logo.

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

ChenZ Designs

ChenZ Designs is a fresh looking fashion jewelry company. The jewelry designer, Chen Zucker, creates pieces made to both enhance your every day appearance as well as your evening event. Continue reading to learn more about the designer and her designs.

What makes your jewels unique?
In order to give my jewels a unique look, I use high-quality genuine leather cords in many colors, which also allows me to give my jewels a colorful and vibrant look. The combination of gold/silver plate metals with the wild look of leather is unique.

Why do you call your collection “multi-functional”?
I believe that jewelry has to be multi-functional, which means you can wear it almost anytime and anywhere. My jewels can be used with casual wear as well as with an elegant dress. In addition most of the wrapped bracelets can be used as necklaces, too.

When did you launch ChenZ Designs?
I have handcrafted items as a hobby since I was a teenager, but now that my children are grown I have more time for myself. So I started thinking how I could make the hobby I enjoy so much into a profession. Like in many other stories, it all began when I made jewels with charms for myself, and my friends were eager to have some as well. At first I gave them the jewels I created as presents and was very glad just to see them worn. After that, my friends asked me to make some more for their friends and it became a professional occupation.

3 years ago I opened ChenZ Designs handmade fashion jewelry.

You call your jewelry “statement pieces”, why do you say that?
I create “statement pieces” as I really believe that the jewelry you wear has to have  a special meaning and also be trendy. All my jewels are designed for those who not only care about the look of their deigns, but the meaning behind them as well. This is why you can find in every jewel a charm  for good luck or blessing. For example, the Hamsa which tradition states that the wearer is protected from envious stares, receives protection from all evil, and receives good luck, hearts for love and happiness, etc.

What is the most unique charm you have included on one of your bracelets?
Its quite hard to decide, but I think the Hamsa charms are very unique. In addition, every jewel combines my logo made with a flower shape. I would love to always have flowers around us.

Where can your pieces be found?
As I know that women love to have what they like “right now” and they are so busy, my jewels can be purchased via my website www.chenzdesigns.com.

Would you say any woman could wear your jewelry?
Definitely YES, I have  a varied collection!  Some jewels are delicate and feminine while others have a strong presence which says: “Here I am.’” As I make them all by myself, you can connect with me by e-mail and to ask for a special size as well.

What’s next for ChenZ Designs?
My main goal is to find more boutiques to carry my collection. I hope some of them reads this interview so they are welcome to contact me.

Currently my jewels are sold in the  USA, Canada, France, Germany, Swiss & Argentina. I keep personal service and communication with my customers which is very important to me.

Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.

Do what you love: Acute Designs

Regina Morrison is the owner of a small handmade accessories business, Acute Designs, and a freelance writer. She recently escaped her 9-5 job and is actively pursuing a life as a handmade business owner. Read about her journey and business on her blog, where she posts daily. She currently lives in San Diego with her husband and two crazy dogs.

1. Tell me how and when everything started.
A little over a year and a half ago, I was stuck in a 9-5 j-o-b that I loathed.  I felt trapped because I needed a paycheck, and I was constantly searching for a way “out.”  I was busily writing and blogging {while at my day job} and one day decided to start an Etsy shop as a hobby.  I had no idea where I wanted the business to go, but I soon knew that I wanted it to be more than a hobby.  I spent the next year working at my 9-5 and honing the business and designs.  Last November I quit my job and am now my own boss.

2. When did you first know that you wanted to be your own boss?
I guess on some level I have always known.  I have been lucky to have really amazing bosses throughout my working life, yet I always got sick of being told what to do – no matter how tactful they were in their delivery.  I love having to put all the pressure on myself and I love making my own schedule.

3. If you weren’t a business owner, what would you like to be doing?
I have tried a lot of other things and this is the only thing that has enabled me to be content in my work!

4. Tell us about your fabulous store and what products or serviced do you offered?
Acute Designs is a small handmade accessories business.  I specialize in hair accessories {for brides or everyday} and simple costume jewelry.  All items are designed and hand crafted by me and I love to utilize vintage pieces and styles in my work.

Over the summer, one of my goals is to expand my line with some prints and pet items….both of which are a deviation from the hair accessories and jewelry, but your home and pets need accessories too!

5. How would you describe your personal style?
I am pretty casual.  I like to look cute, but not fussy and I almost always wear black, gray, or white.  I have been slowly adding more color into my wardrobe {and my home}, especially this summer when color is so big.

6. Who is your favorite designer?
I don’t have one in particular….I love the handmade and indie business movement and am always on the lookout for new and fresh material.  I love, love, love EmersonMade – their designs are gorgeous and their business is an inspiration to small business owners like me.

7. Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
My home and pet line, which I plan to work on this summer if time permits.

8. Which magazines do you read? Which magazine is your favorite?
I read InStyle, Real Simple, Rolling Stone, Cooking Light, and many others.  I don’t have one favorite and find that I easily get sick of magazines, so I like to buy different ones every month.

9. What do you see on stores that you think is really great? There is so much – I cannot narrow it down!

10. What do you do in your down time?
Walk my dogs, hang out with my husband, and work – seriously.  I love to work and find that when I am not working on my business, I am bored .

11. What motivates you? The desire to be successful.

12. What’s next for you? Like I said before, I am working on a few prints for the home and my pet line.  I am also working on a healthy eating e-book which I hope to debut in August.

Thanks to Regina of Acute Designs for sharing her story. You can visit Acute Designs for more info!

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Images by Acute Designs

Do what you love: Go2Girl

Go2Girl offers a variety of nature inspired jewelry creations. I interviewed self-taught jewelry designer, Kila Robinett Rohner, the shopkeeper and creative voice behind this earthy jewelry shop. Read on!

1. Tell me how and when everything started.
From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed the process of creating my own jewelry. About three years ago, while at home with young children to care for, a close friend suggested I start offering my designs for sale on Etsy. I’ve always been busy working and being home with my children allowed me the opportunity to attempt it.

2. When did you first know that you wanted to be your own boss?
I’ve always wanted to work independently. As a child I had the mindset of an entrepreneur, always starting little “businesses.” I had never really found something I was enthusiastic about enough to continue until I started selling my jewelry.

3. If you weren’t a business owner, what would you like to be doing?
Attending college and traveling the world (with my children), definitely.

4. Tell us about your fabulous store and what products or serviced do you offered?
I offer a variety of handcrafted jewelry designs using fine silver, copper and a variety of natural materials like stone and shell. I also look for pieces from other artisans to incorporate into my work (glass and ceramics). I’m always willing to work on commissioned or custom pieces for specific events or to coordinate with my clients wardrobe. Original, natural and beautiful pieces you can wear to make even the ordinary day feel special.

5. How would you describe your personal style?
My style has a bit of a natural-bohemian flair inspired by the materials I use and reflections of nature; rustic vines, flowers, sea life. I grew up along the Pacific Coast and feel you can see the inspiration in my designs.

6. Who is your favorite designer?
I hate to say I have one favorite. I don’t always follow trends or names. I’m really impressed by Indie designers, but love classics. I like Givenchy. A new designer that’s caught my eye, Emilio de la Morena, has some interesting designs.

7. If you had a choice of all designers in the world, who would you prefer to work for? Why?
I know design is not her main focus, but I like the motivation behind her design work and think I’d learn a lot from her, Liya-Kebede.

8. Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
At some point, I’d love to travel, find artisans that I’d like to work with and have a line of pieces designed using only fair trade components.

9. Which magazines do you read? Which magazine is your favorite?
I tend to be more of a blog follower and online reader lately. I’ve always enjoyed InStyle magazine.

10. What do you see on stores that you think is really great?
I love the variety of color as well as neutral pieces available in stores. I dress according to my mood and tend to go with neutrals, black or beige, and add color with accessories. I have a few colorful dresses and jackets available for days when I’m feeling festive.

11. What do you do in your down time?
Spend time with my children, catch up on reading, sleep.

12. What motivates you?
Positive feedback from my clients, time with friends, my children and each step forward motivates me to keep on pursuing my passion.

13. What’s next for you?
I’d like to see my business grow and myself as a student, parent, individual. Being a self-taught artist, I’d like to learn more about metal working and take some classes with that focus. I’m planning to have a bridal line available by Spring 2012 reflecting my natural earthy style but presented in an elegant fashion for brides who want something unique and with a bit of a boho twist.

Thanks to Kila of Go2Girl for sharing her story. You can visit Go2Girl for more info.

Images by Go2Girl

& Sugar">Do what you love: Crass & Sugar

The Crass & Sugar brand is the creation of timeless beauty in jewelry and accessories. I interviewed Canadian designer Jill MacLeod the owner and creative voice behind this chic online shop. She uses sustainable materials that will last a lifetime so they can be treasured always. This online boutique is filled with designer jewelry from fashion cuffs to earrings. Read on!

1. How did you get into fashion? Tell me how and when everything started.
A few years ago I decided to make a big move to Australia. While I was there I searched endlessly for a job that suited my professional background as a Fine Artist and Marketer. There were very few jobs available, and even worse, jobs that sounded appealing to me. In my spare time I found myself immersed in art while surrounded by influential artist friends that were buzzing with creativity. My boyfriend who is a fabulous and talented fashion designer for men’s wear was very inspiring, and supportive. I have always had a love for textiles, and different mediums to create from as far as the mind could see. One thing lead to another, and I decided to combine my love for fashion, fine arts background and marketing to follow a pursuit of happiness. A dream, and ambition.

2. When did you first know that you wanted to be in fashion?
Following the last question, I couldn’t say I knew I wanted to be in fashion. I just knew my love for creativity could not be wasted.  There is nothing in the world that feels so joyful and empowering as to bring something from the imagination to life. And to adore the body with even more beauty creates a sense of happiness so energized with power it radiates from within.

3. If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you like to be doing?
If I wasn’t in the industry I would be creating, creating, creating, and creating. I think having a purpose helps give my imagination and work some direction. Although, ideas never seem to slow down, and it is hard to stay focused sometimes, I hope they will never seize.

4. Tell us about your fabulous store and what products or serviced do you offered?
My online store Crass & Sugar is fairly new and been around just over a year. I am actually in the process of redesigning my storefront, so I am supper excited about it.  Hoping to have everything up and ready before the launch of a new collection expected in early 2011.  At the moment I currently sell 64 different pieces, from bracelets, to cuffs, and earrings. This will beexpanding in the near future with collection number 5.

5. How would you describe your personal style?
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer, a sense of style to me speaks volumes about your personality your mood, and what you have to offer the world. There are so many beautiful accessories and garments that speak to me. To sum it up, I would say that it’s Beachy-Chic with a contemporary flare. I’m a city girl and artist by heart, but love the serene tropical blue ocean.

6. Who is your favorite designer?
Favorite designer… and the list goes on, but I would say that I ultimately have 2 – Balengiaga, and Alexander McQueen bless his heart.

7. If you had a choice of all designers in the world, who would you prefer to work for? Why?
Honestly, working for myself is what I want to continue to do. I would be absolutely honored if anyone asked, but there is something to be said about setting out on a journey that fulfills your heart, and watching your dreams explode into reality.

8. Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
I feel every new line I put forth is special to me. Lots of love and time is put into each piece. If I could I would love to do a collaboration with my partner (boyfriend).

9. What do you do in your down time?
That’s the thing, there is no such this as down time, but when I get a chance, my friends and family come first. And playing with my kitten is very special to me.

10. Which magazines do you read? Which magazine is your favorite?
Oh my absolute favorite magazine and one that every girl should have on her shelf is In Trend the Accessory edition.

11. What do you see on stores that you think is really great?
Materials that are so decadently soft they make your heart fluttered, and contemporary shapes, and lines that silhouette the body beautifully. I am also humbly impressed with independent designers. There is so much talent, and imagination out there.

12. What motivates you?
Bringing my dreams to life. Watching them evolve and grow. It is broad to say, but I am influenced by the world around me.

13. What’s next for you?
As I mentioned in a previous question I am working hard on a new collection. I would like to one day branch out past jewelry, and venture back into the world of the accessory closet.

Thanks to Jill of Crass & Sugar for sharing her story. You can visit Crass & Sugar for more info.

Images by Crass & Sugar