Submitted by Sabina Hitchen on | 0 Comments
Being one of the co-founders of Tin Shingle has its perks! These include knowing wow-factor members "personally" (I count e-relationships as personal these days) and being able to spot them in seconds when I see them popping up at different events around my hometown of NYC/Brooklyn that I'm attending.
Today I'm getting a bird's-eye view of the preliminary judging process for the 7th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards (a member-founded event) and when I arrived I sensed Tin Shingle-ness there...and I wasn't mistaken. The event was filled with fashion and accessories tastemakers, bloggers and trendsetters and as with many industry events "what's in the gift bag" was one of the first questions people asked after arriving and finding them in their seats.
I'll tell you what is in the gift bags: HOTNESS! I was drooling when I had a peek inside: goodies from Pantone, Timberland iPad cases, Voga Wine, Figenza Vodka, Brother Sewing swag, Rafe (the *independent* accessories designer) delivered some HOT canvas clutches and then (drum roll please...) two fabulous Tin Shingle members' goodies:
- Simple Sarongs - This Atlanta-based company's towel/sarong combinations in a beautiful print for summer beach and pool trips was a huge hit. Their "Brighton Beach" print is eye-catching and chic and was quickly trending in the judges' Twitter feeds! These are definitely something you'll want in your beach bag.
- Purely You Minerals - Hello, perfect lip color, nice to meet you! Also, I don't know about you but the thought of putting toxic (!!) makeup on my face freaks me out. No worries! Their lipstick (and all their makeup) is all good for you! The gloss I'm lusting after from here, the Berry Red, is made from rose bush seeds and other goodies from nature. Beyond that, the color is perfection. I recommend you hit them up if you love any of the following: makeup won't harm your face or body, beautiful lips, small businesses or all of the above!
This opportunity and "member mash-up" made my heart flutter for many reasons.
- Firstly, it was the preliminary judging event of an awards show created (7 years ago) by an entrepreneur and Tin Shingle member that has now gone global and attracts the likes and support of Bloomingdales, InStyle Magazine and beyond.
- Secondly, today's event featured sponsors and gift bags that were a mix of big names (Timberland, Brother, Rafe) and our own members: this was a major get-in-front-of-people opportunity.
- Thirdly (and I saved the best for last) these members TOOK ADVANTAGE of this opportunity and leveraged it! They live-tweeted at judges who were tweeting their goodies, they participated in something that grew the visibility of their brands, and they are now known by some major trendsetters and editors and stylists in the fashion and accessories world.
As a small business you have to screen opportunities when they come up (especially things like giveaways and gift bags) but when a great one pops up you go for it, and then you don't just drop your stuff off and call it a day - you leverage the opportunity before, during and after!
You both did that Simple Sarongs and Purely You Minerals, and for that we salute you!
Follow them both on Twitter:
Simple Sarongs
Purely You Mineral Make-up
Want great opportunities like this gift bag moment delivered to your doorstep (or email inbox)? Sign up for membership today!
