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#SmallBizStyle: We Get A Major Case of "Ring Envy" Thanks to Peggy Li Creations Jewelry

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I get major jewelry cravings whenever I gaze at the photos in Peggy Li Creations Facebook feed.  It seems the San Francisco designer is always showcasing something gorgeous that I instantly begin picturing on my wrist, around my neck or on my fingers.  This week, after seeing some pretty amazing rings on her social media feeds I decided to test my self control levels and head over to her website to see more of her ring collection.  I wasn't disappointed. Her rings make you want to a) get your nails up with some fabulous nail art and b) buy a few of her rings and stack 'em up on multiple fingers.  So I headed on over to Peggy Li's website.  Good idea, bad idea.  Good idea because I was able to see the full range of her ring designs and they are stunners; bad idea because I now want all of them.  They are delicate, whimsical and perfect for stacking or wearing solo. 

It's impossible to pick just one or two to show you so I've included some of my nine (don't judge) favorite designs that caught my eye and put a dent in my self control.

1. Teardrop Ring, $34.00

2. Wire Wrap Rings, $49.00

3. Nested Wire Ring, $49.00

4. Herkimer Diamond Ring, $49.00

5. Initial Ring, $49.00

6. Hammered Dome Ring, $49.00

7. Geometric Shape Rings, $49.00

8. Twisted Knot Ring, $45.00

9. Tiny Script Letter Rings, $59.00

 

Now you get it - they're gorgeous and it's hard to pick out one.  Well, good news for you:  if you sign up for the Peggy Li Creations newsletter you instantly get 15% off your first order! Bam!

 

 

Category: 
SmallBizStyle

Monday Motivation Mix: GRACESHIP's Emily Gimmel Reveals How an Entrepreneur & Former TV Journalists Pumps Up

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I have a special place in my heart for this week's Motivation Mix virtual DJ because her accessories line that offers laptop bag/handbag has changed the way I travel and transport all my necessities.  Bonus points for them? They're certified vegan by PETA! Once you go GRACESHIP you'll have a hard time carrying another bag again.  Creating something so useful yet so chic doesn't happen over night, nor does running a business, yet founder Emily Gimmel made it happen. 

Before hanging her own shingle Emily worked as a television journalist, which is yet another career that takes drive, perseverance and tenacity.  A woman who has managed to gracefully handle two demanding jobs is just the kind of gal we love to have spinning the virtual decks over here at Tin Shingle because we're curious about the tunes that drive her.  My curiousity was sated thanks to the mix below that is definitely going into my own music rotation today and the rest of the week!

MOTIVATION MIX BY GRACESHIP'S EMILY GIMMEL

Tennis Courts by Lorde
In my opinion the next huge thing in popular music. She is 16 and ah-mazing.

Song for Zula by Phosphorescent
Beautiful. True art. A great soft song to work to and check emails with.

Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi
To me life is all about the pursuit. I love this song - and it sums up my outlook pretty well.

Intro by The xx
If I could pick a song to be a soundtrack to my life, this song would probably be it. There are no words. Words aren’t needed because the music is filled with so much emotion.

Work by Iggy Azalea
A catchy, vulgar, girl anthem about putting in work and living your dreams. It is very hard to just sit around while listening to this song, that “pledges allegiance to the struggle.” The video is super hot too.

On The Road by Houndmouth
A song from a band that is from my hometown. They are starting to hit it big and in the past few months have been on David Letterman and Conan O’Brien, and performed in at all the major music festivals. Great inspiration that success truly is obtainable for anyone!

Right Here, Right Now by Fatboy Slim
Reminds me of a high fashion runway intro. Great to start the day by feeling vogue.

Cracks by Freestylers
Another inspirational song that reminds me of an entrepreneurial cruise I went on to the Bahamas. It was a trip for 1,000 hand picked entrepreneurs and this was our theme song for the weekend.

We Own The Sky by M83
Airy, synthpop, European duo. You can’t go wrong with that in my mind.

On to the Next One by Jay-Z
It is nearly imporssible to dwell on a failure or mishap while bumping this track in the office.

Connect with Emily & GRACESHIP on Twitter & Facebook!

Category: 
Motivation Mixes

Snagged: Emily Elizabeth Featured in Lucky Magazine

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Emily Elizabeth KolinsMember Emily Kolins is no stranger to "snagging" great press. Using the tools and techniques she has learned through her Tin Shingle membership, Emily has become a pro at pitching her business, Emily Elizabeth Jewelry to the media.

In today's interview, Emily talks about how she originally began pitching to an outlet through Tin Shingle's PR Leads and over time has built a relationship with one of the editors to the point where she can now contact her directly to do a deal. Emily stresses that keeping and maintaining a good relationship with your contacts is crucial.

Read on to find out how Emily got "Lucky" and used her PR savvy to land amazing press!

How often have you been working on your own PR?
Since late 2011. Just me!

Lucky Deal of the Day Emily Elizabeth JewelryWhat press opportunity did you snag and how did Tin Shingle contribute to your success?
I originally pitched to Lucky from Tin Shingle's "Ongoing Leads". Through time I built a relationship with the Deal of the Day editor and now contact her directly about doing a deal.

How long did the entire process take?
Sometime a pitch works, sometimes it doesn't take. If the editor emails me back it can be within hours or a few days. Usually the deal is scheduled to happen within a month to two months.

Can you walk us through the process, from pitch to placement?
I pick items that I think Lucky would like, their readers/fans would like, what I can sell at a discount (50%) and if there is a possible theme that might work. For example, if it's Springtime I'll pitch flowery pieces.

I'll email the editor my pitch and if she responds they usually ask for samples for them to shoot for their website, Facebook, Pinterest Etc as well as a form I must fill out contractually stating that I will make sure the code runs, won't promote the sale without the link directing straight to my website but theirs first etc.

Usually within a month the deal is up and once Lucky promotes the deal I facebook, tweet etc it.

Did you learn anything through this process that you can share with other small business owners?
Keep your connections! Building relationships is important!

What made your pitch extra special? What type of highlights did you include in your pitch to make it stand out? Was your subject line snappy or clever?
The deal included all full-priced hair pieces. It helped to have a large variety.

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Great job Emily! We look forward to hearing more SNAGGED! stories from you in the future!

Want more SNAGGED! stories like Emily's?  Click here and don't forget, you can get access to juicy PR Leads and unlock other exclusive Tin Shingle benefits by becoming a member. We'd love to feature you in our next SNAGGED!

Category: 
SNAGGED!

#SmallBizStyle: I've been "HipKnotized" and I'm A Believer!

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As you may know, perhaps via our #SmallBizWedding series, I'm newly married and as many newlyweds do, we spent the week after the wedding catching up on sleep and stuffing our faces - I mean gazing romantically at each other on a beach...Truth be told, I personally did both.  I also ran screaming from the surf out of fear that I was being attacked by a school of baby flying fish (how embarrassing) but we'll leave that story for another day.  The point is, on September 15th my new other half, "A" and I headed to a warm, quiet beach and we were not alone. Oh no, we were accompanied by a massively overpacked set of suitcases.  The good news is that said suitcases (just barely) made the weight limit and thanks to their contents I was never without something to wear.  This was due in large part to one - yes one - outfit that I was able to wear multiple ways throughout the week.  That outfit, my new travel/life apparel must-have was my HipKnoties.

Since I was a young girl, I've overpacked.  You just never known what you will need.  In my younger days this played out with me packing 10+ stuffed animals in my travel pillow's pillowcase in lieu of the actual pillow - I just couldn't predict which doll I would need to comfort me on the journey.  As an adult, the stuffed animals became articles of clothing, sadly this often also contributed to overpacked and overweight luggage.  This could not happen on our wedding trip, as just like much in life now, I had to share luggage space with my husband.  Sigh.  But I needed so many things: wraps, dresses, beach coverups, skirts, you name it!  Enter HipKnoties.  It's one garment, and can be worn over 30 ways.  Extra bonus?  You don't have to be a genius (or spacially coordinated, or a fashionista) to figure out these looks.  You can simply "get it" or you can rely on "how to wear" videos that founder, innovator and totally sassy power-entrepreneur Sarah Yanover has posted on the website.

I've included one of my many HipKnoties looks from the weekend, which I call "Beach Sabina".  My HipKnoties garment also helped create "Travel Sabina", "Date Night Sabina"  and more - my point is that this garment works hard for her money.  This apparel works it.  I can already tell that if you have the right color HipKnoties it can easily transition from summer to fall to winter, just change the style and use of it.  As a new auntie to the worlds cutest baby ever, I know that my sister probably wishes I  scored her a HipKnoties while she was pregnant (it can easily accomodate a growing belly as evidenced by my eating binge on said honeymoon).

These days, even as a shopping addict, I am careful of my purchases.  That said I remain a sucker for #SmallBizStyle, fashion innovation and the rewards points in my heart I get from buying items created by entrepreneurs.  If you're like me, and want something you can add to your wardrobe without even the tiniest smidge of guilt to accompany it, head over to the HipKnoties website and snag your favorite color or style today.

Category: 
SmallBizStyle

#SmallBizSpotlight Featured Member: Diana Wright, founder Pulleez Ponytail Holders

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Diana Wright, Founder of PulleezRecently, a good friend came to visit after spending the week assisting Paul Mitchell and James Vincent in the NY Fashion week. The best part of her visit is, other then seeing her beautiful face, I hear about the new functional and beautiful accessories. That is when Pulleez Ponytail Holders first entered my life.  I was more then thrilled when I realized I had the privilege of speaking with creator and designer Diana Wright, in this week's #SmallBizSpotlight.

As featured on the Today show, Pulleez simply do as they advertise; make ponytails pretty! The functional but simple design, eliminates hair snagging and minimizes creases that happen with conventional elastics. Wright first introduced the luxurious hair accessories to models and designers backstage and on the runway. When, however, they all wanted to bring one home to share with a friend, her brand became born.  She shares with us not only her inspiration but, also her experience balancing family life with making her brand a success. Do check out her new affordable line of acrylic charms available in Nordstrom stores and online. And don't miss Diana's dark secret confession in our #SmallBizDiary series, where she claims she can't do her own hair...

Pulleez Holder Hair Accessory

What inspired you to get started?
I was inspired to start my business when I was freelancing as a producer at NY Fashion Week. I saw that makeup artists were using traditional black elastics to hold up models hair while they worked on their makeup. They were the same elastics that got stuck in my hair day in and day out when I wore my hair in a ponytail. I knew there had to be an easier way to hold hair up, and I wanted to make something that was beautiful enough to wear to work or out to dinner.

What was your background? Was it in what you are doing now?
I owned my own production company for many years that focused exclusively on producing fashion shows for New York Fashion Week. I "retired" to focus on raising my 4 young children, but always kept one foot in the industry by helping friends during fashion week. I never created a product before I decided to create Pulleez, and aside from raising my kids, the experience has been the most challenging and rewarding process of my life.

What challenge have you had to face that led to a big growth for your company
The challenge that we have had to face is fulfilling orders for larger retailers. Once we were able to get a handle on barcoding, packaging and shipping it started to look like a viable business. But we are still learning!

What do you have going on in your business right now that you're excited about?
We are very excited about a new line of acrylic charms that we are manufacturing here in the U.S.  The new beads are colorful and easy to wear, and will be affordable enough for women and girls everywhere.

Pulleez pony bar at Henri Bendel Trunk Show

Where would you love to see your business in 5 years?
I would love to see Pulleez become the mainstream way women wear their hair in a ponytail.  That would mean that in 5 years we would not only sell our product at luxury retailers as we do now, but at mass retailers as well. We are unwavering in our commitment to produce a quality product, so we will only make an affordable product that meets the same standard of fashion and function as our current Pulleez that sell at Henri Bendel and Nordstrom.

 

Category: 
SmallBizSpotlight

#SmallBizSpotlight Featured Member: Pam Pease, founder of PAINTBOX PRESS

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It's that time of year again.  The nights are colder, the mornings crisp, and the back to school routines are just starting. These things are just in time for this weeks #SmallBizSpotlight star, Pamela Pease, who is dedicated to the education, inspiration, and creativity of kids young, and old.  She is the designer, author, and creator of both PAINTBOX PRESS and KIDS DESIGN COLLABORATIVE, INC.

 
PAINTBOX PRESS was established in 2002 creating innovative books for children focused around nostalgic world class events, such as the Macy's Day Parade. Pease then created the KTD team and launched KIDS DEDIGN COLLABORATIVE,INC, a non-profit design resource for aspiring young designers. This non profit has created many exciting activities such as, DESIGN DOSSIERS® and KIDSTHINKDESIGN.ORG, which she discusses her motivation, challenges, and excitement for in this week's #SmallBizSpotlight interview. 

 

What inspired you to get started?
My favorite quote is "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it." So I did!
 
As a designer and entrepreneur, I wanted to create interactive books around things I enjoy: art, design, architecture, gardens, fashion, travel and world-class events. I started Paintbox Press after getting my Master of Arts degree and moving from New York to Chapel Hill, NC. Relocating provided the perfect opportunity to take a leap into the unknown.
 
Painbox Press Graphic Design interactive books
 
Paintbox Press interactive design books
 
What was your background? Was it in what you are doing now?
I have an design background in both the fashion and publishing industries. I studied at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture & Art, and began my career in Los Angeles as a swimwear and sportswear designer. Taking ideas from concept to finished product is what I love to do.

KIDS DESIGN COLLABORATIVE INC

What challenge have you had to face that led to a big growth for your company?
Being willing to put yourself "out there" can be daunting. But there is no reward without risk!

My biggest challenge has been having the courage to follow my own instincts about people and business. I have learned that putting yourself in the right place at the right time can open many doors. But that is just the first step. Finding and collaborating with others  whose talents and values complement my own has created the most significant growth opportunities for me.

What do you have going on in your business right now that you're excited about?
We are working on a series of books on creativity for kids 10+ that really have the potential to change lives. We hope to inspire the next generation of innovators by showing young people how they might bring their own great ideas to life in a variety of creative professions. Igniting that spark in kids has us very excited! This is not something kids are typically exposed to in school. 

Along with the Design Dossier series, we have developed a carefully curated ad-free website www.kidsthinkdesign.org, featuring KIDS DESIGN LAB, which keeps students up-to-date on news about design and extends our reach into schools nationwide. This school and museum initiative allowed kids to connect with creative professionals. The website also promotes design thinking and even provides a showcase for kids' original projects.

Where would you love to see your business in 5 years?
I would like to see design and creative thinking incorporated into both school curriculum and informal learning environments. These are competencies that will help kids thrive in the 21st century. I envision Paintbox Press playing a significant role as a catalyst to make that happen within the next five years.

PAINTBOX PRESS

Category: 
SmallBizSpotlight

Interviewing Tin Shingle Members for Our #SNAGGED! Series

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If you are a Tin Shingle member...now hear this!

Did you get press via any of your Tin Shingle membership tools? Because if you did, we want to feature you in our blog, in our newsletter, and all over our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. That's right - when you score press by using any of your Tin Shingle business tools, it's a major win for everyone and we want to share how you did it. Other business owners and their teams love reading success stories, so it's another way to get your brand out there and push the ripple effect of great press.

If you got press via:

  • PR Lead. Did you pitch one and land a story?
  • #TuneUp or #Intensive Series. Did you get an amazing idea after listing to one of our #TuneUp or #Intensive classes that led to SEO, Social or PR success?
  • Media Contacts or Editorial Calendars. Did you cold-pitch an editor or producer you found in the contacts, or did you get inspired by the Editorial Calendars and send in a winning story idea?
  • Pitch Whisperer Program. Did our Pitch Whisperers review and edit your pitch, which later turned into a winner?
  • Connections through members. Did you get a hook-up via a fellow member?

If you answered YES! to any of these questions, please click here to begin our interview process with you! You'll answer easy questions in our online form, and we'll be in touch with followup questions for an even hotter article!

Category: 
Publicity

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