JPD Mom

New products at Atlanta

July 17, 2008.

  Possible Art for Atlanta

We are not at Atlanta this year, well physically I am not there, nor is Jamie's Painting & Designs products not there.  Our licensed products are though.  They traveled with one of the company's that license our artwork, and we, or me made a ton of samples.

I am excited by the new designs and hopeful that a few do well.  This one is another "Brown & Pink" design...which is all anyone is asking for these days.  I will continue to show some of our other new products, that have been sitting around, collecting dust. 

I worked on about 20 new Just Because Plaque designs back in March? Yes March,sheesh? (remember Long Duck Dong from Sixteen Candles - Married?  Married?  Yes, married...sheesh!  Anyway, they have yet to see the light of day.  Hopefully with Christmas designs around the corner, I can start releasing the other new products.

Retail Trade Shows

I have heard through the grapevine that the Atlanta Gift Mart is slow, it sounds like many a retailer opted to stay home instead of traveling to a show.  I am not going to jump the gun, or make assumptions - but I am not surprised.  Slow may not be bad though - even if a show is slow an artisan may still pick up new accounts.  I personally am relieved not to have the added pressure of exhibiting at a show this week, it would have been more than I could handle.

Useful Tips & News

July 7, 2008.

I have been painting my fingers to the bones.  I had two huge deadlines this past week and to scramble to create a very large handful of prototypes - to say that I was stressed, would be an understatement.  Only time will tell whether any of these designs are going to see it to the market place or be accepted.  So, since I am missing blogging but can focus, I am getting some information out:

Support for the Mom Entrepreneurs

I got an email about a week ago about a support group for entrepreneurs that were mothers.  I joined and am excited to see what the group has in store.  It seems to be growing on a daily basis and I would like to think  it is going to be a great resource for many a business woman.  Here is the quick blurb:

The online Mom Entrepreneur Support Group offers tips, advice and resources for managing our daily hectic lives.  Members are invited to share their stories and advice on juggling motherhood and running a company.  They can also upload educational articles and other information they feel would benefit o other mom entrepreneur members.  In addition, the group is strictly moderated.  A list of rules has been established in order to keep members on track with the mission of the group.  If you are a Mom Entrepreneur and interested in joining us please click here and apply for membership.

The first topic was regarding getting work done while the kids are at home and everyone threw in ideas, inputs and suggestions - other than my suggestion that consisted of hiring a baby sitter or turning on the TV.  But, then again my children are older and I am not in the infant stage of raising them, or the infant stage of my business. 

Free Leads, or Publicity for Your Business

If you do not mind a few emails a day listing what stories reporters are writing, this is a great tool for you.  You can join the group here and the emails will start and start soon.  The email has a quick list of about 35 leads, and if you fill the need for one you can shoot out an email to the reporter.  I have not found a lead for me yet, but I figure it can't hurt and maybe today's email.  Another one I found, Role Mommy through the Silicon Valley Mom Blogs I write for, and it is a little more "focused" and manageable.  I belong to both.

Great Blogs We Should be Reading

While I was sleeping, er painting some blogs popped up, or I found some blogs while I was supposed to be painting, but I was goofing off...yes, that is more like the way it happened. 

If you need some inspiration and like to see what Shelly Kennedy has been up to since closing her wholesale division of Drooz Studio you can go here.  Make it a point in checking out her Flickr account -she has the most amazing photos....and looks like she throws the best parties! 

Another pioneer in the children's industry has also started a blog - Kelly Rightsell.  I have been a huge fan of Kelly's since the beginning and it nice to get a behind the scenes peek at her art and her family.

Lastly I have been following the humorous blog of a woman that makes t-shirts - Baby Brewing, hysterical, laugh out loud t-shirts.  Her blog is just as amusing, but be warned - you will laugh out loud and snort when reading.

News

Okay, so here goes.......I AM GOING TO BLOGHER!!!  I know right? Crazy?  Well, not so crazy it is going to be here in San Francisco and all, so how far will I have to drive? Twenty minutes tops?  I will hopefully figure the whole Twitter thing out so I can post, or I will blog at night.  I am looking forward to meeting some of my favorite bloggers and get all inspired about blogging.

Work Space is Important

June 24,2008.

I thought I was so unique when I first wrote my biography how I started my business in my kitchen, only to realize that every other mom out there was multi-tasking just like I was when they began.  It makes perfect sense though, where else can you keep one eye on the kids, make sure dinner is cooking and create something just for you?  The business really did not start there though, it started in my head - just where I am sure everyone else's ideas started.  It was such an exciting time - everything was so new, every accomplishment was reason for a celebration.  I still look back at that time of my life as exciting and new - it was thrilling, I could not sleep at all. 

Work Space

I started working in our guest room, moving the pretty bed and decorations out and moving some tables,  paints and tiles in.  Lucky for me my mother is an organizational freak and she took me under her wing while quickly creating a studio.  Husbands beware that a woman and a credit card can do much damage at Lowe's and Home Depot when designing a space. 

This space did not last long though.  I was trying to make product, ribbon tiles and then ship product all in one small space.  I would pile all the boxes in the back of my SUV at the end of the week, drag my toddler son and my infant daughter with me as I raced to Fed Ex before it closed.  I only had about 20 accounts and those accounts kept me jumping.  My process was a mixture of order forms, faxes and personal notes that most times ended up with paint splatters on them.    Painting alone in a tiny room is not fun.

Expanding the Work Space

So the kitchen table that turned into a table in the guest room eventually blossomed into a full blown art studio with artists, and all that.  Mind you the art studio used to be our two car garage.  My husband and father worked weekends and evenings to create a space that could house employees, tiles, shipping department and a ribbon department.  We even had some computer work stations and an Internet connection for every aspect of the business.  We managed to stay in the garage for over two years, expanding, growing and pushing out more tile than anyone imagined we could manufacture in one space.

What Happens in the Garage Stays in the Garage

That was over two years ago that we left our studio...er garage and moved into real office space.  That is when I really started bragging that we were a business.  I was finally able to look around and feel proud of all we had accomplished.  Silly as that was - I felt we had arrived once we rented space and I dismissed the years at home as not really as important.  Looking back I am older and wiser and can see that the early years were even more important in forming the vision that was Jamie's Painting & Design.  Those formative years were what built the foundation of the company.  Whether you work out of your home, out of a large office space or a corner of your bedroom - it is a business and should be celebrated.

That was Then and This is Now

Now that the business is out of the house, the once garage, then studio is now my children's play room.  They are able to play, rough house, read and most importantly create.  The arts and crafts area is well stocked, the paints are plentiful and they love it.  I love being able to come into "their" space and play or create.....and think fondly back on the days when I was able to create here.

Stop Reading Blogs and Start Working*

June 15, 2008.

Do you ever start reading a blog and get really depressed?  So then you go read another one, and you are even more down.  By the fourteenth blog you are almost in tears and ready to shut down the whole business thing?  You are positive that everyone else is succeeding and you are the only one who is not moving your business along?  Or everyone is using Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Dig this, Stumble that?  You had thought you were going to get inspired instead you want to hide you head under the covers.....no?  Nobody?  Is it just me huh?  Well, I doubt that....

It Never Rains in Southern California

I have a handful of blogs I check weekly if not every few weeks, some shamefully I check daily.  I love to look at the pictures, learn about their businesses or just see what crafty contraption some woman has made.  Artists blogs are the best and have the most colorful photographs.  I have learned so much about sewing, painting, sketching, Etsy, trade shows, press and even some ceramics.  However, I find that if things are not going hunky dory over here I get really down on myself.  Almost all the blogs I read are just so darn happy and positive and running a business looks so darn easy.  I am still hoping that just one day they will talk about how the puppy did eat their new design, their child did throw a tantrum at a blogging event, their husband is out of town for a week and the big press opportunity did get away.

Part of me (that would be the brain part) realizes that if they are running their own business, no matter how small or large, that it can not always be good.  I know for a fact that there are challenges, frustrations and lots and lots of very hard work.  If you take a step back to get some clarity you will realize that these bloggers are working just as hard as you are, they just don't want to talk about it.  That is fine, they own the blog right? 

The artist or business blogs I do read are wonderful reads and most times very inspiring.  I feel like a bit of voyeur even when I get a glimpse of their home, their studio or their new products.  Most days, I continue to read them, most days I get inspired, get a chuckle, or just enjoy the information.    

Remember the Little Gals

Reading everyone else's accomplishments can make you feel very small and unsuccessful.  It is not always motivating to hear that your competitor has just done a photo spread in People Magazine, been chosen Entrepreneur of the year, spoke at Harvard and Oprah just called.  If I was just starting a business and was looking for something to read I may be depressed by the blogs I find on female business owners.    It is very easy to think you are failing when everyone else has SO much going on.  And another thing,  if I were a newbie in my industry, I for one would not know how they do it all. 

Stop the Insanity

When feeling down or uninspired, my solution is I tune out the other blogs, I stop reading them for a few weeks even.  It helps me focus on my own work for awhile, I stop feeling like the only one who was not invited to the party.  I suggest you try it too,  I mean not forever, but do take a blogging sabbatical.  Do what you need to do, work on your projects, get some good news under your belt.  Throw on some good ol' happy music and get a workin!  Then go back and read the blogs.  Trust me you will probably be a better and happier entrepreneur when you come back......I know I will be.   

*Here is a disclaimer I mean Stop reading everyone else's blog, not mine, you can always read my blog, or if I bum ya out you can bail on me too.  Okay, just other blogs...and only for a short time, sheesh I did not mean forever.  Just till you get your mojo back you know?

How to Succeed in Business

June 13, 2008.

I collect tips, tricks and secrets on business like others save recipes.  I have binders, folders and yes junk boxes (though they are pretty and covered with fabric or something glittery) with little nuggets of inspiration for that mom that owns a business, or wants to start one.  I share most of them here, others I share in private.....or for a fee, kidding - but great idea.  I started thinking why am I saving some of them?  Why must I pick and choose what to share and what not to share?

The Farm

So.....here goes, I am giving away the farm.  Yep, that is right I am rolling up my sleeves, and giving my secrets away.  Okay, maybe not the farm, maybe not all my secrets and maybe I will throw out some of my opinions.  I am taking the gloves off and since it's summer and all (and hot as all heck in Northern California) I may as well let it all hang out. 

So, I am starting with the basics of starting a business, it may sound redundant, and it may sound simple to most.  I think though I will start with some of my pet peeves, and those things that are the cornerstones of any great business.  And if I missed one (you know I probably did, or will touch on it later) please let me know, or ask....I am in a givin' mood, so take, take, take!

Be Honest or Go Home

I have never admired secretive people, especially secretive entrepreneurs.  You do not need to be as honest as I am, but if you are interviewed - share the wealth.  The amount of women entrepreneurs is astonishing, and it grows on a weekly basis.  I crave information, I like to share information and I lose interest in people who hoard it.  And while we are on the subject I don't really appreciate the secretive blogs.  I mean come on - give me something to chew on, to mull over. 

Another thing, while we are going over pet-peeves I don't like entrepreneurs that claim that everything good they ever got (sales, contracts, press, hype) they were contacted by the other company.  First of all I don't believe you, second of all, there is something to be said for working for something.  Not that that bluebird is not fabulous, but the fact that you busted your butt to get your products into Nordstroms - good for you!  It is not fair to those little guys....er gals that are working their tails off at home and wondering why they have not gotten their big break. 

If I may burst a few bubbles and tell a little bit of a "hidden truth" about product placements in magazines - these people have hired a publicist.  The publicist is someone you hire to get your products in magazine, on TV and in celebrities hands.  That is right - pay to get them to take your products.  This can be expensive - think maybe $5000.00 a month expensive.  I actually got a huge blue bird this past month and when it is finalized I will tell ya all about it.  But....most of our big "deals" are from pounding the pavement (or my keyboard) or making 43 phone calls - no one will know about you unless YOU tell them!

Treat Others How You Would Like to Be Treated

I have said this before, and I feel it has to be said again.  It is just plain good manners to reply to phone calls, emails or requests from people.  Even if you have a canned response that thank you very much but we are not interested (which we have) it is good manners and it makes the other person feel a little better.  I know this is hard, and sometimes we get too many requests, sometimes emails (or phone messages) get deleted - I can not be perfect all the time, but I try.  I think that trying to give a quick "thanks but no thanks" sends a better message than ignoring the request.

I try to follow this letter of the law all the time, but sometimes I screw up.  Just last week we got a voice mail from a website and I sort of pushed delete instead of save....and I can not find the darn site anywhere.  I feel awful about this and hope this company calls back. 

Respond to Your Peeps 

And, while we are on the subject, if you have a blog and IF people leave you a comment, link to your site, list you in their blog roll, send you an email or respond with a well thought out comment.....you should acknowledge them.  Blogging etiquette is real, just like business etiquette, there is an unspoken word to acknowledge your readers.  I read many a blog and sometimes a writer will complain about no comments, or call out that they get hundreds or thousands of hits a day and no comments.....so then I leave a well-thought out comment.  And you know what - I get no response.  Um, duh - that is why you get no comments.   I never go back, I never reference it, I mean come on people!  Your mother taught you better than that.

When I started the blog I had no idea the rules, or that you were supposed to respond to people (mind you I had like zero readers so I tend to think I only offended a handful).  Now though - you (me) have no excuses - if you don't believe me go here and read about it from a pro, or here another pro - and both of them respond to comments and emails, they responded to little ol' me.

Processes Make Life Easy

I would be no where without my processes, and one way of doing things.  If you need a kick in the pants go read this book, it will help and explain why to succeed you have to do things one way.  I am not saying squash that creative streak that is blasting it's way through your veins....but um, try and invoice and ship your products the same way every time.  As my husband used to say, "Denny's always open, and it is always bad" - you know what you are going to get - the same every time - right?

Your customers, your accounts, your employees - everyone will have a heavy sigh of relief when they know what to expect.  It is like giving your children structure, they need structure to thrive - your business needs structure also.

Have a Plan

You need to have some sort of plan, some sort of idea of what you are doing with your business, your product line, your business.  It makes perfect sense to change direction, add new things, delete others - but stick to a plan.  Your core business is what?  What is your goal?  You do not need to write (though a good idea) a 34 page business plan to start selling widgets out of your garage, but you need a plan.  I used not be so great about plans - if you saw the first line of products I sold you would laugh, and probably point, and laugh some more.  Here is what I had to sell that first 6 months:

• Name Tiles
• Coasters
• Ceramic Trivets
• Wood like Platters
• Wood Plaques
• Topiaries (yes I made them)
• Bundles of Wheat (uh huh crafty gal over here)
• Painting murals (what didn't I paint?)

I had to get a grip on what my company was, on what I was making and what my message was.  At the start I was venturing off in two, three different directions, home decor and then children's products.  I had to make a break, I had to make a decision and I had to go with my passion.  Without a plan I would not have had a business, I would have had a hobby....or many hobbies.

Personal Notes on Surtex & Stationary 2008

June 1, 2008.

So it was not all walking and note taking at the Surtex Show.  I actually got to do some socializing with some good friends, and I was able to meet a few artists from back home and a few new artists.  My feet are just starting to feel better after all of the walking I did in New York.  I have to admit I did forget about the whole walking everywhere, and then you walk the trade show's too. I packed boots - with heals, only boots.  I had to go and find some comfy shoes for my last two days there, hence giving my poor feet a much needed break.

Old Friends

It had been a long time since I visited Vicki Bodwell, owner and founder of Warm Biscuit Bedding.  Almost three years ago I flew out to be (well not me) part of a Warm Biscuit Bedding photo shoot for the Christmas Catalog.  My daughter was going to be on the cover....then the camera broke and the film was all ruined and she missed her modeling debut.  It was actually a fun trip, and we did have to convince Abby to do it....not really her thing actually.  That same summer I also walked the New York gift show and was able to meet a few new artists  and vendors I had admired from afar.

If you get a chance to spend some time with Ms. Vicki you will know her mind never turns off, I mean never.  She is one of those people who has more ideas than time, or energy to take it to the next level.  She is by far one of the most creative people I know and she never stops.  She is always calling me (or telling me at 7:34 a.m. in the morning as I wake up at her loft), "So, what do you think about this....?"  Then she proceeds to rattle off some amazing idea. 

Her take on the show was similar to mine, though I think she found some great new products for her catalog.  It was interesting walking with her because she is looking for items to sell, I am just brainstorming and taking it all in for future products, or future booths.

The Night Life

Another highlight of my trip was finally meeting Shelly Kennedy of Drooz Studio in person.  I could go on and on about her being a pioneer in the children's industry, or her new line with Demdaco.  It was great fun to walk the show with Shelly and to also eat some food and talk shop.  I love being able to talk to other artists on the phone and via email - but nothing beats sitting down for some great eats, drinks and laughs.

Thoughts to Ponder

Which brings me to a debate that I have been having (with myself) for the past few weeks.  I have  always had this idea, or this vision of what I thought I should be, or more importantly my brand should be.  I thought that the cartoon, whimsical look was JPD, it was Jamie R Lentzner.  I have written about it in great lengths how everyone needs a style, and if you have a style that is YOURS, it would be harder for others to copy you.  Well, um they can still copy you but everyone knows it was a knock-off.  So, when talking with Shelly over lunch I was discussing the "look" of an artist I saw at Surtex that did not look like her style, I could not tell it was hers, and then I started my big speech about how it should look like her.  Shelly said, "But what if the styles are changing? Don't you need to be changing with the current look or stay ahead of the trends?"

Uh......WOW!

So, with that I am sort of sitting and mulling over my new designs, contemplating the look and I am starting to wonder about my designs.  I am okay about this, every business (or artist) changes at some point, nothing stays the same....I know, I get it.  I have just been examining my product line, my art and sort of looking at it in a whole new way.  It is a good thing, I am thinking it is good to go over your designs, your look, taking a step back is always good. 

 

Attending Surtex & The Stationary Show 2008

May 30, 2008.

I feel like I only dabble in licensing my artwork.  Dabbling in licensing is sort of an oxymoron or a contraction in itself.  You do not dabble in licensing.  It is a full time job (as I was often told), full of creating new products, designs and putting them in the correct formats for certain companies.  You also need to make contacts, get the correct person (decision maker) to review your artwork.  And yesterdays no could be tomorrows yes - so you need to continue to contact companies with new art over and over.

At the suggestion of many artists I decided to walk the Surtex show  last week.  The Stationary Show runs at the same time and right next door at the Javits Center, so it makes sense to walk both shows if you ever do decide to attend one or the other show.  Let me just say that not exhibiting at a show this year has been a good thing, I think with the economy in dire straits spending upwards of ten thousand dollars just to exhibit does not make sense for this small company.  But if I may contradict myself, when I walk a show, something happens to me, I get a bit depressed and intimidated, but more importantly I start to really wish I was exhibiting.  I kick myself for not getting it together to bring my art to the masses.

Surtex

As a newbie licensor (Surtex is a show for artists looking to license their art), and a newbie (read first time walking the show) I have to say I was sort of shocked at how small it was.  I was surprised at how reserved it was and quiet.  I am used to loud, crowded shows with lots of fanfare and hoopla.  I was also overwhelmed by the amount of work that each artist brought to the show.  I am considering exhibiting next year, but am a bit overwhelmed (I am repeating myself no?) by the amount of work I would need to bring, and the traffic seemed slow.  I have nothing to compare it to, but it did not seem crowded.  I saw a lot of beautiful surface designs, but they all sort of meshed together, not one really stood out to me.

On a good note though, I was lucky enough to meet one of my favorite artists, and another pioneer in the children's industry.  Kelly B. Rightsell and her husband Brian had a booth on the top floor.  Kelly's booth was impressive and chatting with her was a highlight of the trip for me.  She already has an impressive list of companies she licenses with....I am sure she will have a few more after this show.

This is not the first time I met Brian,  I have spoken with him at many a show, many a years ago.  Darin and I also had the good fortune of speaking with him years ago about the plight of our business.  I can honestly say he was very nice, very sincere and gave us the best advice we ever received. 

The Stationary Show

Again, first time to walk the show and I found it just like most trade shows - loud, exhausting and overwhelming (yep we have a theme today).  I did not see a lot of new items, I did see tons of birds and the brown/pink color scheme is alive and kicking.  The stationary looked very similar to the hot fabrics I see on the market now, not the type of art I do, but defiantly the type of products I love!  So much of the same look though, it started to blur and I could not remember where I saw what.  The show is huge and it seemed crowded.  I spoke with a few friends I knew from Atlanta and they said it was slow, and then others said it was great.  I guess each person's experience is different, and as I learned earlier, not every relationship is sealed at the show:

Make it Happen

I have read in business books, articles and many a blog that exhibiting (or attending ) a big show is not the end of it.  You need to make appointments, make calls, make connections - work it sister!  You can not just expect to sit in your booth (like the good ol' day) and expect people to come in.  I agree 1/2 of the work before going or exhibiting at a big show is making appointments.  I am not a big believer in motivational speakers, but the old "You are in charge of your own destiny" could not be MORE true than when going to a show.

Which brings me to a great (or inspirational) story I was told by an entrepreneur.  A very, very successful one too (I know famous people, really I do!)  This woman called up a HUGE company and she said, "Hey!  Why aren't we working together?  Here, go to my website, my designs should be on YOUR products. "  Next thing you know the top sales representative comes to her office, they write up a contract and her designs are on this "product" all over the darn country.  A huge license and a major perk for her. 

Now, I am not so naive to not think she probably called 47 other times and did not get the same response, or she spoke to 345 wrong people before she got the "right" one on the phone.  Or, maybe it is true and she was at the right place at the right time - who knows.  The point is she makes things happen, she is not afraid to make the call either.  I have to respect that, unless I get overwhelmed or something, right?

Being Good to Employees

May 17, 2008.

As I ran through my list of things to do for my trip this past week, this children's rhyme ran through my  head:

The Cupboards Were Bare

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get her poor doggie a bone.  When she got there, the cupboard was bare, so the poor doggie had none.  If you read here you can see where the song really came from....not what I was actually um thinking but interesting.   Anyway, maybe it is because I have had puppy on the brain, but I think it has more to do with my work environment...working so hard I have um neglected the cupboards.  I was looking for a snack, a soda, a water the other day.....I found an old piece of candy from Christmas.

I filled the cabinets in the break room, or well maybe not totally full (I gotta eat too you know), but stocked them with snacks, drinks and some treats.  I cleaned the office, I got flowers for the table....made it perty.  We moved into this space almost 2 1/2 years ago and I think it needs an update.  I tend to get itchy with decorating my home, gardening, table settings - the same thing every day bores me to tears.  I think when I get back I will spruce up the place a tad.

Small Tokens of My Appreciation

We had no Christmas party in 2007, it was not in the budget, or more honestly we could not pull it off.  The end of the year was tough and well I think have been pretty clear about how 2008 has been.  So I went and got gift cards for everyone - left them a little gift while I am out of town with apparently every other artist in the country.  I am pretty sure life at the ol' JPD office will be just fine without me.

The Ad Was Chosen

I know I posted about this ages ago, but thought you would like to see the one that was chosen.  I think the colors are bright, cheery, hopefully it gets me some business.  The Jungle one we used for the press release, so all in all - I think we used the best art.

I am furiously working on new art for a company we license with....and a few other surprises.  I will keep you posted on how Surtex was, who I saw, any other artists that went....and my over all thoughts, observations and you know any snarky comments I may have.   

Once A Sell Out....Always?

May 13, 2008.

I am not dumb, I am not stupid and I do not run around with my eyes covered refusing to acknowledge design trends.  Sometimes though, I like to sit back and watch and wait to see if it is a fad or just a trend.  Othertimes I realize that if everyone is doing it, maybe I should not.  The fact still remains - I watch trends, whether I act on them or not I get it.

I knew the brown trend was here to stay - I love brown, I have brown all over my home - and with the pastel colors, fabulous for baby.  I love me some brown, I just had no need to add it to my line, and it felt everyone would think , oh there she goes, just like everyone else.   I assumed my work was classic and it was like the canvas art - everyone was already doing it, and doing it well, so why bother?  Until today that is:

Brown is the New Black

Which brings me to a few new designs......designs that were asked of me by others, um maybe more than once.  And, if I am getting paid to paint new designs for people, you better believe I am going to paint the colors they like.  My product is an accesorry, an add-on if you will - so I really should consider taking their suggestions.  A certain person I um, shared a booth with last July also was pushing for this color combination.  Again, I am not dumb - just stubborn.

Not Bucking the Trend

So here is my version of "Pink & Brown", I had to add some butterflies.  I also could not just do polka dots and stripes, not my style or my thing.  Wait, let me rephrase that - I don't draw those things, not my strong point.  Sounded like what my graphic desinger started calling me after she designed our ad last year "Jamie Hates Polka Dots". I don't know what it was, but the polka dots were not working for me.....yet they were for another person.  Anyway - here we are today.

I give you my first sample.  I like the colors, sort of kicking self for not doing this sooner.  However, I have NO idea what the Just Because Plaque should say or if it should be a new Name Plaque?  Thoughts? Advice?  Stuck in a pickle, so to speak.

Second sample with a brown ribbon you can see below.  Again, I can not decide which one to go with.  I always want to try a new ribbon color, however anyone in this industry knows pink sells, and pink sells well.  If pink is the predominating color in a product we know it will sell better than any other color combination.  Even though I continue to try other color combinations from time to time, anything with pink trounces the others.  Thoughts on the brown or pink ribbon

My Art History

When I was in one of my beginning art classes I made a self-discovery at one of our critiques (critiques are common in art classes, where you show the class your piece or work and they pick it apart).  I have found that these critiques (that were nerve wracking at times) have helped me to develop a thick skin when someone does not like my art.

Anyway - what I announced to the class as they were dissecting some piece or work, was I hated to have the art fall off the edge.  I could not stand it over to the side, not centered - made me crazy (can you say I had some control issues? Or have?).  For the rest for the semester I was forced to push my drawings, paintings, anything to edges.  I hated it.

So now that I am the boss of me I hardly never, ever push the art to the sides.  I like it pushed to edges, but not off the edge.  Oh well, now that I am on that I jumped on the brown train, maybe I will attack my "edge" issues.  I am feeling like a sell-out with the brown and pink color combinations for sure....oh well, takes one to know one, right? 

You Can Blame it on Me

May 4, 2008.

So, it has come to my attention that I need to stop apologizing and just do what I do and shut-up, or just blog.  I spend waaaay too much time apologizing for not posting, not writing well and not doing what I planned on doing.  I wish I could be more like my dog, Pixel - she looks me right in the eye all the time., and a seems to be saying , "You talking to me?"  The need to please (as my husband says) is an issue I have...he is probably right.  And, I sort of assume some peeps are a bit peeved and throwing their paint covered hands in the air and saying, "enough already'" about my posts.  Sorry, yes again - I am um, sorry for being sorry, uh sort of a strange thing to write - but I am going to try and not apologize for what I am doing, or not doing.  Damn I did it again - sorry, I mean no, I am not sorry for being sorry....shoot!  Here are a few reasons (or excuses if you must) for why I have been doing what I do, or not doing what I said I was going to do, sheesh:

The Perfect Cheer.....er uh Post

When I started this blog I thought I knew what it would become.  I had a vision, I had a plan...I guess it was like having that ol' birth plan we all had with our first pregnancy - you know how that turns out.  I had no idea that this blog would not always be what I wanted it to be.  I had no idea what would strike a cord, and what post would put readers to sleep.  I also more importantly felt that I had to put a large number of hours into each post - make it the best post ever!  Two years later I am a tad bit wiser and realize that I don't have to pour my heart and soul (and 476 words) into each post.   Well, I still try and write good posts, but I realize I can't write the Great Gatsby every week, nor do I want to....and really, I am not that great a writer.

Too Many Projects to Focus

As of right now I am seriously on overload, over drive and I have started way too many projects.  I don't know why I chose right now to open an Etsy store, go to a show, place an ad, pursue 5 licensing projects, put up new products, re-do website, go after sales channels....and get a new puppy.  All of these things I have um, well tried to pursue since January of 2008....ya read a bit side-tracked and going in 32 different directions.  The word over-achiever and crazy have passed my friends lips one too many times this year, but uh this is where I am.

Puppy Fever

Yes it is true, I have Puppy Fever and to be honest I have had puppies on the brain since um a year ago.  We started checking out websites, breeders and Rescue Dog sites since January.  I knew we would get a puppy this Spring or Summer and have spent many a night (or maybe a few hours at work) surfing the net searching for my little pup.  It was a fun search, sometimes frustrating but a family affair for sure.  We are officially finished searching....

Puppy Parties

We picked up our little Beagle puppy on Friday morning and we named her Stella.  And, yes I am having a hard time calling her Stella and not yell, "STELLLLLA!!".  She is a cutie-patotie and we love her to death already.  She has settled in just fine at the crazy Lentzner home, we have had a trail of people visiting to prove it.  My sister, the self-proclaimed Dog Whisperer of San Mateo County claims puppies need to meet a 100 people in the first hundred days of their life to be I guess good dogs.  If that is correct Stella has met about 54 in the last 48 hours so we are moving right along.

We had a little casual dinner party last night (hence the blow-up cactus in the for Cindo de Mayo in the corner), and  more people over tonight (just family).  I am squeezing this blog in between visitors. 

At least she takes a nap every hour or so and we (that would be me) get a break.  Oh, and the fact that her little face melts my heart and she has had like no accidents in the house....yet.  I am sure I will be forced to create some beagle inspired products for the fall, I mean really how can I help myself?

I hope everyone had as fun a weekend as I did.  Oh wait, I hope you all got more sleep then I did - this little pumpkin whimpers and I jump out of bed like a crazy lady (yes four times last night).  The term punch - drunk tired is not just for new mom's of babies....

Maria Shriver came to Town

April 30, 2008.

So, this whole blogging thing has been therapeutic for me, and it (I hope) has helped other female entrepreneur mommy types of women too....so I have been told.  I did not start blogging for the perks  that would soon be reaped by me and my stellar blog.  However, every once in awhile you do get a perk, and I got one last night.  Since I also blog for the Silicon Valley Mom Blog I got invited to a private book signing and apparently a "Gab Fest", as reported by the San Jose Mercury News.   Well la-de-dah, at least our "gabbing" was done in private, a  private book signing that is.  We were also treated to a new ice cream, from Lovin' Scoopful that Maria and her brother came out with, and they donate 25% of proceeds to Special Olympics, thank you very much.

Just Who Will You Be?

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of her book a few weeks ago and read it in a few hours.  It is a sweet little book about what you will do with your life, how will you make yourself happy. I think this book did exactly what she wanted it to do - make people take a long hard look with how they are spending their lives.  I mean not what you do but who you are.

Better than the book was meeting Maria in person, and she was sweet.  She is very passionate about her dreams, her life and her family.  I got to actually speak with her and she asked about what I did, and if I was living my dream (she actually asked ME?).  I of course answered I was and she asked me how my husband handled that, did he support me?  I told her he did and she asked how I got him to do that - I told her,  "He is just like that"  Maria laughed and repeated what I said a few times and said, "I like that".  I am pretty sure I made a major impression on her, and she is calling Madam Oprah to tell her all about me.....(kidding, kidding)

My two favorite quotes from  last night were these two quotes; When she was asked about finding balance and Maria said: "I've kind of just discovered at this ripe old age that one of the great gifts I found is to mother my own mother, and to give to my own kids the gift that they are enough at any age.  They don't have to go off and score or do great on their SAT for them to be loved."

At the end of the Q&A session and her short presentation she left us with this; "The question is what are you going to do with this wild and precious life of yours?  I decided to put my wild and precious life at the end of the line is no longer acceptable. The gift I'm trying to give my children is letting them understand that they have a wild and precious life and they should live it."

It was very refreshing to read her book, Just Who Will You Be at this time in my life.  I am happy, I am doing what I want to do, I do have a great supportive family also.  I am very, very lucky - I know.  This book just makes you stop and think about what you are doing with your life, and who are you spending it with?  Her speaking was even better though - she really makes you stop and think about what is important to you and your family.

Now What?

Which brings me to my next topic..........blogging.  If you are a frequent reader, or just stop by every once in a blue moon you have probably noticed the blogs are less frequent, especially the last few months.  And in my opinion (it's okay I can say this, I write it) not as good.  I am trying not go to that cross-road place and NOT stop, I really am.  I am not stopping, I am just taking a break, like you know Ross & Rachel, "we were on a BREAK!"

At this time I am really busy; I have a few (that would be 4) very large projects, a trip, new Christmas products, running the business, 2 blogs to write and just living my life.  There are not enough hours in the day it seems for me to blog these days.  The worst part is I miss it, I really do.  I may even go back and post some of my favorite posts........or send you to some other great blogs.  I am not sure what is next, but I do know that time is of the essence and I don't have any extra time!   I am not quitting (I don't think I could) I just may need to take a blogging sabbatical for a few weeks, if I can stay away that is.

You Had a Bad Day

April 25, 2008.

Yesterday sucked, I am sorry to use that word, I could use a worse one - but it did.  Some days are just um, sucky days.  You look around, you are feeling sorry for yourself, no one is in the office to chat with, no one emails you back, projects fall through the cracks, orders are down.....it's raining.  Yet, when the phone finally rings....it is just another business owner friend person, who complains about business and is having a bad day too.  I love that we can commiserate, but it sort of feels like that book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" - you know the drill, one thing after another, and next thing you know you are up to your elbows in 14 pieces of chocolate, a diet coke, and tears....oh wait is that just me?

The Day to Day Dilemma

I am not sure if it is due to the being the boss, being a female entrepreneur, wearing too many hats, or being a mom as to why we (yes I am lumping us all together) tend to get down on ourselves.  I am sure I am not the first or the last mom that owns her own business that does not sometimes hold her head in her hands and think what am I doing?  If I was flush with seed money, employees, stock options, venture capitalists and oh let's see Oprah's endorsement maybe, just maybe I would not be taking a swim in lake Jamie.  If I may digress, I love that expression, I had a friend who was going through a divorce years ago (not to worry she is happily re-married to a great man now) and her friends would gather around her and feed her, give her wine and pretty much prop her back up, but all the while we would go swimming in her lake of sorrow.  I loved that she had a name for it.....hence where we (me) were yesterday.

I won't bore you with the how to, why to, or what transpired just know - not good day.  That was then, this is now - tomorrow is a new day right? right?  I can sleep this off and start fresh.  Even if I don't always  get a good night sleep - kids, dog, kicking, husband, snoring, sprinklers....yes I am a light sleeper.

It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day

So, the nice thing about being the boss is that I get to start my days when I want (that would be 7:00 a.m. as soon as I roll my old body out of bed and I grab my blackberry) and I get to do what I want (not really but it sure sounds impressive) when I want to.  I woke up this morning to this...............wait for it...............this picture I found her at a breeders home near our home:

Is she not the cutest thing you ever did see?  We are going to see her on Sunday morning to put down a deposit (if we like her, ya right!) and then we can get her the following weekend.  An early Mother's Day present for me....though according to my children I will have to share her with them.  Even if you do not love dogs, or do not want a puppy, please tell me that face does not make you go, "Ohhhhh!"

Puppy Fever Helps this Entrepreneur 

She put a skip in my step this morning, she lightened my loafers, or a jump in my coffee? Whatever it was I was in a good mood.  And since I was in a chipper mood I started to do some "stuff" and get things off my ever growing to-do list.  I sent out licensing proposals, I worked on my portfolio, I just kept going, no distractions.  And oh I did keep taking a gander at this little cutie-pie as I worked.

A funny thing happened the more I worked the better my mood got, and then good things started to happen.  Well, first...the puppy first, second I got an email from a company interested  in seeing my work to license, and next a chain store wants to carry my products possibly.  I literally wanted to do that Risky Business Dance, if I had a couch in my office I would have jumped on that too - I mean good things do come in threes right?

I don't know if there is a meaning, or anything or if these three things will all fall through the cracks (have to be realistic) but they cheered me up.  They got me working, got me moving and got me feeling there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  That little innocent puppy makes me stop and think about what I do, and realize it's just a job.....right?  Right?  Hope your day was good too.... 

   

 

Picking a Contract Apart

April 15, 2008.

To sign contracts or not sign contracts, now that is a good question.  I have signed many a contract in my day and no I am not an attorney, or an expert - these are  just a few things that have worked for me.   Some business owners believe that contracts are bad, and that they are all controlling, you'll sign your life away, etc.  I think they are good - they protect you, and the company you are going to work with.  Getting it in writing is a good thing, for everyone, and for the record, ALL contracts are up for negotiation.....ALL of them. 

Never assume that this contract is the one to die by and that you must sign and agree to all that the company is asking.  I have found that almost everything is up for debate, especially if you can state your case clearly (read without emotion).  If I find a section of a contract is ridiculous....er, I mean I disagree with it I will argue my case with facts, not emotinal out bursts.

I think with any contract you will want to sit on it for awhile, chew on it if you will.  I found that what sounded assinine and ass-back crazy when I first read, sometimes made sense after a few deep breaths and um a drink or two (kidding, no really drinking and signing contracts is a baaad idea).  Responding to an email or a contract for that matter in the "heat of the moment" never ends well.....I think I might have touched on this before.  Here are a couple "sticky" sections of contracts I have run into:

Exclusive Designs

This tends to get everyone all riled up and frothing at the mouth at the mere suggestions of exclusive designs.  Artists and authors alike tend to run for the hills at the mere mention of this, and I have been known to do the same.  Some contracts will demand that you create exclusive designs only to be sold in their store.  At first this sounds terrible, awful, you would never want to let them do this.....or maybe?  What if you were to create 5 exclusive designs? Or just two to try out the channel?  Could you create two designs - maybe just adjust the color on two of your best-sellers,  that you know will sell well.  Can  you negotiate some sort of exclusive arrangment with your product line? Or one product? 

I suggest you consider this as a possible "good thing" before giving them the hand and screaming NO (again, I may have done this).  Exclusive designs can mean a number of things, so ask questions.  How long do they own the designs?  Are they paying for them?  Can you re-work one of your old designs (psst, get out that best seller)?  What kind of coverage, PR or marketing will they do for your "exclusive creations"?  Will they give you credit, list you as the artist?  Could they license your art for a year to use on their product?  Could this get your products seen by millions of eyes in tons of stores? 

I work with large companies and I have done, and will continue to do exclusives.  I also have been paid to do them, and sometimes I have not been paid.  You may want to look at the big picture, the long term investment and the possible partnership for years to come.  For the record,  I have also said no to some exclusive designs.  This is strictly a personal decision, and I know some artists are adamant about not doing this - for me I feel, heck I am creative I can think of something else to do.

Exclusive Sales

Now....if we are taking exclusivity, like their website/catalog/physical store has ALL your  products and you can NOT sell them anywhere else.  Or better yet you can not sell them direct, not even list them on your own personal site.....uh ya that would be a NO.  This is a bad idea, a bad business decision and an overall losing situation for you.  I would never agree to this, and you can quote me on this.  If this were in a wholesale agreement I was signing I would strike this and say I refuse this, no matter what the circumstance was.  I have been asked to do this and I refused - in most cases (all but one website) they were okay with this.

This "All or Nothing" contract is put in place to intimidate new artisans and to try and lock them into a contract that they can not break.  Even some sales representatives have been known to try this manuever.......it just reeks of intimidation.  I would not trust a company that did this.  I would give them the benefit of the doubt, say no and wait and see - let them be the one to explain this. 

Mistakes, Bloops & Blunders

Some contracts have strict guidelines and requirements for fixing errors, and they may assume the worst of us artisans.  If you run into some sort of crazy demand, just state your case, and don't agree to it - because you will make a mistake some day.

There will be mistakes, sometimes by me, sometimes by the customer and sometimes the sales channel that sold our product.  I would like to think (and brag) that we never make mistakes - we ussually catch them before they go out the door.....but sometimes we do screw up.  When we do make a mistake, we first apologize, next we make it a priority to get it done ASAP and out the door.  We do not believe in charging for this - it was our mistake, and we need to make it right.  And....if the customer needs it by a certain day, then by golly we ship it two day or overnight and eat the cost.  I believe good customer service is really important - especially these days.

Now, let's just say that the customer or the channel made the mistake, and want us to replace it. We will try and get it out quickly, and we will be understanding and sympathetic.  However, they will pay for the replacement, they will pay for shipping, drop shipping - we will not eat the costs for the "wrong" product (note this is why we put this in our wholesale documents).  This is not negotiable, most of our products are personalized - and we can not re-use your son's birth certifcate with the name Nebulon Zolar (you think I am kidding, we di