LaunchHER Re-Vamps in 2011!


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



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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

      How can you get Launched? 

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

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

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

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

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

      Sallisha:

      1.  I am addicted to using Crest White Strips.

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

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

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

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

      Kara:

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

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

      3. I have been on QVC.

      4. I adore coffee

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

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


      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    THE BEAUTY OF TURNED WOOD

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











      To read about these pieces visit here.

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

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

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

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

      HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!
      Teresa
      xoxo
      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    Color of the Year!

      Pantone just announced the 2011 color of the year and well, we couldn't LOVE it more! Also, because it is very close to what our new website color will be!  Honeysuckle is the color cupcakes! What's not to love? 



      A Color for All Seasons
      Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. 
      It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    cupcakeMAG gets crafty with The Crafting Chicks!


      Oh, The Crafting Chicks. How much we adore them? When we came across the site via Ana White it was immediately love at first "site". It is an endless place to get crafty! We could go on and on but we will let this interview and our favorite little things from their site speak for themselves!
                                                                                              {yes, you can make this beautiful kitchen here}
      {click here to learn how to make the perfect Quiet Book}
                                                  {Fun & Festive Candle Decor here}
      Read our sit down with one of the fab crafting chicks, Kirsten Wright!



      1.) What inspired The Crafting Chicks?


      Three years ago, Crafting Chicks Becky and Jamie were looking for a central location to share their crafty ideas.  Then and there, The Crafting Chicks "hatched", ha ha.  Along the way, the four other crafters gathered together to complete the six-person team we have today.  We all weave creating into every part of our lives, because it's what we love, and we get to share it now with our ideas with our many friends on the Internet.

      2.) Do you each have a favorite craft you have shared? If so which one and why?

      I think Jamie's would have to be her quiet books that have received quite a bit of attention.  Kirsten's would have to be Quincie's play kitchen.  Brooke's, her hutch makeover, which is literally to die for.  Nikalla's would be her silhouettes.  Becky even announced she was pregnant through Nikkala's sillhouette tutorial, that would have to be her favorite.  Jen's favorite is her Happy Board.  I think for each of us, they are our favorites because we really took a lot of time and creative energy to come up with something we could be proud of.  It makes it really fun when our projects receive a lot of attention, which all of our favorites have.  This is definitely the icing on the cake.  We have been lucky enough to have some of these favorites featured on popular sites like Ana-White.com and Re-Nest.com, a branch of Apartment Therapy.




      3.) Besides your amazing site - what other sites do you all read or constantly stay up on?

      We love the sites:  allthingsthrifty.com, Martha Stewart of course, Apartment Therapy, oneshetwoshe.com, Eighteen25, SimpleAsThat.com, My Computer is My Canvas, Ana-White.com, and any others that catch our eye on any particular day.

      4.) When you aren't crafting what can we find you doing?

      We have 21 1/2 kids between the six of us, so MOST of our time you would find each of us taking care of our families which we all know is more than a full-time position in itself.  When we have spare time other than that, you could find some of us playing sports like soccer, playing the piano, cleaning crap off our kitchen floors, ya know, the regular. 

      5.) The kitchen and quiet books on your site are just...well, we are speechless! How do you come up with such wonderful and crafty ideas? 


      For most of us, we will see an idea somewhere and think, "I can make that, for cheaper, personalized, and cuter."  There are so many things in my house that I want to do or make and I 99% of the time, I plan on making it myself.  I could be busy from now until the end of time thinking up fun projects I would like to have finished.

      6.) What are things you should always have when starting your first craft area or space?

      Mod Podge, A good table, and back up plans for when your project doesn't turn out how you would like it too. I know for most of us, it's really important to have things up that inspire us:  quotes, pictures, etc.  I don't think any of us have our dream craft rooms yet, one day.

      7.) Favorite places to find everything you need to make your ideas come to life? Stores, sites, etc. 


      Thrift stores for things we can re-make, and we love Hobby Lobby and local craft stores.  Most of the time, we use craft supplies we already have.  This way, we save money and use that things we knew we needed to have at one point.


      See, don't you just LOVE them? We hope to have opened your eyes to a new site to add to your favorites! 

      All things Crafting Chicks


      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    Goodbye 2010 Hello 2011

    PARIS CHIC

      These chic Paris apartments were designed by several different interior designers.  ENJOY!












      To read more about these rooms and their designers visit here.
      See you soon,
      Teresa
      xoxo

      Architectural DIgest Jan 2010Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    It is New Years Eve! Get your DRINK on!

      Bryant Park Hotel’s Cellar Bar is at the heart of New York’s fashion industry and is the ultra chic hangout where fashion designers and celebrities such as SJP, Kevin Spacey, Marc Jacobs, and Jordin Sparks go to celebrate

      Here are the secret recipes behind New York City’s most fashionable NYE bash.
      CABIN BY THE CREEK
      1 ½ of Knob Creek Bourbon
      ¾ oz of Pistachio liqueur
      ¾ oz Kahlua Coffee
      ¾ of Heavy Cream
      ¾ of Milk
      1/8 oz simple syrup
      Method: Shake and Strain
      Glass: Martini
      Garnish: Crumbled pistachio

      SILVER SOLSTICE
      2 oz of Absolut Vanilla vodka
      1 oz of Midori
      1 oz of Pineapple juice
      1 fresh squeeze of lemon
      Dash of Sambuca
      Method:  Shake and strain all ingredients into a glass except for Sambuca, then flame Sambuca into a different glass and pour it over the concoction.
      Glass: Martini
      Garnish: Silver Flakes floating.
       
      KISSED BY MISTLETOE

      1 ½ oz of Frangelico
      1 oz of Crème de Banana
      1 oz of Pineapple
      Dash of Bitters
      Method: Shake and Strain
      Glass: Rock
      Garnish: Crumbled almonds

      CHRISTMAS IN JULY
      1 ½ Warninks Advocaat
      ¾ Amaretto DiSaronno
      ¾ of Malibu Coconut rum
      ¾ of Orange juice
      ½ of Heavy Cream
      Dash of bitters
      Method: Shake and Strain
      Glass: Martini
      Garnish: Bitters
      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    Trends From 2010 That Are Still Huge In 2011

      By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

      While at the New York City S/S 2011 Fashion Week in September we noticed many trends that were from 2010, but that were continuing to be strong players in the Spring fashion wardrobe. Here are my favorite carry-over trends:

      1. Faux Fur

      2. Leopard

      3. Platforms, the Spring/Summer runway shows presented platforms as one of the biggest shoe trends for the season.
      4. Boots! Yes, the boots you have been enjoying will continue to be on trend until it gets to warm to wear them.
      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    One on One with Kyle Richards - she is one FAB housewife!

      We are all big fans of Kyle Richards from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Every week, we can't wait to see what is going on in her life and of course, what she is wearing! We couldn't wait to share our one on one with the FABulous and uber-stylish housewife! Read on to see what you can find in her make-up bag, where she loves to shop and what advice Paris Hilton gave her before the show. 






      1.)  This season has already been a show stopper. What has been your favorite part of filming this season?


      My favorite part has definitely been just the fun girl time- when we get to travel together and just have fun with each other.


      2.)   Besides Beverly Hills, what other housewives do you love to watch?


      I watch all of them! Especially OC, New Jersey and New York.


      3.)   What can we find in your make-up bag?


      Tons of different lip glosses—I am obsessed with lip gloss. Bobbi Brown cream concealer. The Balm blush in “Hot Mama.” Clear mascara for my eyebrows.


      4.)  What is your favorite item in your closet? What is it and who is it made by?


      A bright disco-silver-colored classic Chanel bag.


      5.)   We must say - you have a pretty fab wardrobe! What are your favorite places to shop?


      My go-to places are Neiman Marcus, Intermix, Madison, House of Petro Zillia, Barney’s.


      6.)  We loved watching your niece, Paris Hilton on her reality shows over the years, especially The Simple Life. Did she have any advice for you when you started filming? 


      I asked Paris for advice when I was going through difficult times on the show that were unsettling to me and said “how did you do this?” She told me, “This should be a fun time in your life. Don’t stress about every little thing. Just be yourself and go for it!”


      1-       I’m named after a football player- Kyle Rote. I was supposed to be a boy!
      2-       I can do the Chinese splits
      3-       I am allergic to bees
      4-       My favorite food is sushi
      5-       I am a lot smaller in person than people think- I am only 5’3”

      Make sure you tune into The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills every Thursday night on Bravo and follow Kyle on Twitter! 
      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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    TERRY HUNZIKER ~ INTERIOR DESIGN

      These rooms, created by interior designer Terry Hunziker, are way up there as far as I am concerned. ENJOY!





      To read more about Terry Hunziker visit here. 

      See you soon,
      Teresa
      xoxo

      Architectural Digest 2005


      Source URL: http://idiesse.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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