Interview with LeJeune House of Fashion
I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. Her name is Ellena Smith and the name of her design label is LeJeune House of Fashion. I have had the privilege of working with LeJeune and getting to know her as a business woman has been very beneficial to me. I’ll let her do the talking though. Here is my interview with the founder of Alabama Fashion Alliance and Fashion Week Alabama in HUNTSVILLE….
LeJeune House of Fashion, 256.585.4452
When did you start in your business?
I started in my business professionally in 1997, while working a part-time job. In 2000, I worked almost a 10-year stint in the corporate sector, but stayed connected to fashion by spearheading and participating in fashion oriented initiatives.
What made you decide to start your business? History
I have always designed since the age of 12 in my hometown of Birmingham, AL. In elementary school I made Barbie Doll outfits and sold them for 25 cents. I also made chokers, wallets and purses out of upholstery fabric that my father had left over after fulfilling upholstery services to his clients. In college I made most of my money by selling a line of blouses that I created out of scraps and end piece of fabrics that a neighbor donated. Her name was Lydia Aqeel, and she was a seamstress, and her daughter Zenobia was my best friend. Because my line of blouses were extremely well received, I decided to sell my designs through upscale boutiques when I relocated to Huntsville in preparation for marriage. I begin to realize that in order for me to truly express all side of my creativity, I need to work in an environment that was less controlled, thus I opened my boutique and design studio in 1997 in downtown Huntsville, off of Clinton Avenue. It was then too that I desired to establish a professional fashion group to help with the success of business, which giving back to community. Out of that came the birth of The Huntsville Council of Fashion Designers, an all volunteer group that make up the annual event “Designer Against Breast Cancer”, a fashion show honoring survivors and raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
Tell me what you do.
I design a line of ladies apparel sizes 2-18 that help expand existing wardrobe options. I also plan business and fashion-related events. I have a passion for business marketing and development, empowering women through example, education, and personal interface, and positively impacting the lives of people that I come into contact with. I am coming to realize that I am a visionary, full of insightful ideas, and because of that most of my aspirations are outside of the box - - but I believe in them.
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
My dream client is someone who first appreciates the work and creative thought of a fashion designer. They are confident, smart, and open to new ideas. They love purchasing, wearing LeJeune and shares it with all of their friends and acquaintances.
What is one of your recent accomplishments?
My most recent accomplishment was launching Fashion Week Alabama in 2011. I, along with a committed team, pulled the huge undertaking off on a shoestring budget. It was groundbreaking. I am presently working on Fashion Week Alabama-Hsv 2012, where plans are to expand the Fashion Week vision statewide and beyond.
How do you network? Build business?
Social Media is mostly how I network. But most importantly, I believe in connecting with people - - to know their dreams and aspirations, along with what they are presently doing. I can draw a lot from just these 3 things. I’m not afraid of reaching out to someone I do not personally know. I attend various networking events across the city of Huntsville, when my schedule allows and I always try to make the most of that opportunity.
My business is built, undoubtedly, by word of mouth, with the use of social media being an awesome tool .
What is your key to success?
My keys to success are sincerely connecting with people, staying current, being consistent and follow-through. I am always working to improve in these areas.
Can you share a tip with the readers?
Connect with people. Not just for what you can get from them, but for what you can bring to the table. There’s power, empowerment and opportunity when we sincerely connect with people.
How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
I stay current with fashion and business trends by reading, pictures and video, surfing the web , talking with business owners, talking with people I know and don’t know. I believe that just as a business has to diversity its streams of income, a person has to diversity its streams of people, business, and life experiences.
What is your most rewarding moment?
Giving birth to my daughter Celine, and my husband and I experiencing that joy. Launching my first fashion & design studio in 1996.
Community Involvement?
Founder of Designers Against Breast Cancer (1997-1987), a charity fashion show that featured breast cancer survivors on the runway, and involved upwards of 100 volunteers. We raised $11,000 for the American Cancer Society. Served as Director of the Huntsville Council of Fashion Designers and Creative Business Alliance, both initiatives supporting business and various local charities.
Is there anything special you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions?
Events:
Fashion Week Alabama-Hsv, scheduled for June 9 through June 16. More information at www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com. Hosting a monthly networking mixers in support and promotion of Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville as well. Check website for dates and registrations.
Promotions:
Special on Basic Sewing & Design Classes by LeJeune. Regular price $100/Specially Price at $50 if you register during the Month of March. Students will take a basic pattern, and ad their own flair, creating their own designer garment!
LeJeune also offers Basic Sewing and Intermediate Sewing Classes at Hancock Fabrics-South Memorial Parkway. For class schedule, send request to lejeune@lejeunehouseoffashion.com
In your own words:
May the way I live my life speak louder than my words.
### End of Interview ###
This concludes the interview. I hope you have enjoyed getting to know LeJeune. She is quite the lady I tell you. I admire her immensely and I am proud to know her.
Honoring Women
Etcetera Trading Company Hosts Women’s History Month Event on March 24
Etcetera Trading Company (ETC) will be holding a special in-store event on Saturday, March 24 in honor of Women’s History Month, beginning 1pm. Features include exhibits of select women owned businesses, fashion show, and special presentation by motivational speaker, LaSonja Greene (lasonjagreene.com). Valeesha Knight, songstress, will also be featured.
- ETC is located at 6275 University Drive, Suite 27 in the Target Shopping Center, next to Hancock Fabrics.
- This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.
- Refreshments will be served.
- Donations will be taken for the American Cancer Society.
Etcetera Trading Company is an upscale resale clothing store. ETC also offers to its customers new accessory and clothing items. For more information visit etctradingcompany.com, or on Facebook at “Etcetera Trading Company.”
Etcetera Trading Company
6275 University Drive
Huntsville, AL 35806
256.922.1010
I plan to attend this event and will blog about the experience. I would also like to land an interview with the owner.
Alabama Fashion Alliance
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[/caption]Alabama Fashion Alliance Accepting Applications for its 2012 Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville (FWAH)
The Alabama Fashion Alliance is now accepting applications for featured fashion designers and retailers for its 2012 Fashion Week, scheduled for June 9th through June 16th in Huntsville, Alabama. Vendor opportunities are also available. Deadline for application submittal is April 6, 2012.
As Alabama’s premier fashion event, FWAH mission is to support and inspire new creative businesses through planned networking and marketing forums, education, and outreach efforts. Proceeds from the 2012 FWAH will go to the Kids to Love Foundation, the John Stallworth Foundation and the Studio for Teens.
Applications can be requested by sending an email to info@fashionweekalabamahsv.com or calling 256.585.4452.
Get instant FWAH updates on Facebook and Twitter at “Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville,” or visit www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com.
About the Alabama Fashion Alliance
The Alabama Fashion Alliance is a key group of fashion industry professionals, community leaders, business owners, and volunteers. The Alliance has set a goal of uniting and advancing the fashion industries on a local, state, and national level.
Butterfly Project
Prom night will be even more magical for some local students, thanks to the Junior League of Huntsville (JLH). 161 high school students, or “butterflies,” will have the opportunity to choose a prom dress, plus accessories, February 24 - 26, 2012 at the Butterfly Boutique at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
The students, from high schools across Madison County, were chosen by their high school guidance counselors and teachers. All have overcome tremendous adversity, shown outstanding academic record or experienced financial hardship. The dresses, shoes, jewelry and purses were donated by local individuals and businesses. Each young lady will have a “personal shopper” to help her make her prom night selections.
The Butterfly Project was created by the Junior League of Huntsville in 2006 as an effort to boost self-esteem among local high school girls. Our hope is that a simple gown can be the catalyst to help these young ladies unlock their full potential! In just five years, the Butterfly Project has grown into one of JLH’s signature projects and one of the League’s most meaningful contributions to the community.
We welcome the media to visit our Butterfly Boutique, February 25, 2012, and interview any of our “butterflies” as they choose their prom night attire. You can also get pictures and video of their stunning transformation.
They will shop at the following times:
Friday February 24, 2012 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday February 25 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday February 26 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Lee Shaw, butterfly@jlhuntsville.com
What is Junior League of Huntsville?
Junior League of Huntsville is a diverse group of women dedicated to improving our local community through volunteering and developing women into future leaders. JLH members provide 20,000 hours a year of volunteer service in the Huntsville/Madison County area. In addition, the group awards numerous local grants annually. Originally founded as the Grace Club Auxiliary in 1949, the organization became a Junior League in 1975 and has been serving this community for more than 60 years.
The Cemetery
This is a photo I took when I was in Portsmouth, Ohio in July. It is the cemetery where my grandparents are buried along with other family members.
I know it may sound morbid but I love this cemetery. You could probably drive right by it and not know it is there or it may look small from the outside. However, once you are inside, it seems to sprawl out forever and a day. It is one of those strange anomalies; you know, how you look great in a new outfit in the department store mirror but when you put it on at home and look at yourself in your own mirror you think, “What the heck was I thinking?” Yes, one of those kind of anomalies.
The cemetery is called Greenlawn Cemetery and it is the only public cemetery in Portsmouth, Ohio. It is spread across 40 acres and established in 1829.
The plush green grass, large shade trees, and old weathered tombstones make for a peaceful retreat for me. I know that sounds bizarre but it was so quiet in there and the outside world faded quickly from my mind. I probably could have taken a blanket and picnic basket and just stayed there all day. I wonder if people would look at me like I was crazy, or if I’d be kicked out.
I told my kids that I could spend all day in that cemetery and if I lived in Portsmouth I would probably visit there every day. They looked at me like I had just grown three heads but when they turn 40-something years old and become parents of teenagers then maybe they will get it.
Now, I have been in other cemeteries before but I have never had this feeling of contentment from any of them. I wonder what it is about the Greenlawn Cemetery that put me at ease so quickly and has me longing to return?
Original photo, before Instagram:
Just thinking about the cemetery, and remembering the day I visited in July, makes me take a deep sigh. Maybe the feeling of contentment came from seeing my grandparents grave and re-living all the great memories I had with them. Times were different just a short few years ago (27 years ago) and I was still somewhat innocent, not yet jaded from this big ole world. The last two years of my high school days were lived with my grandparents as my guardians. I wish I had paid more attention to them back then.
Interview w/Nancy Finnegan, Makeup Artist
When did you start your business?
I branched out on my own as strictly a self employed freelance makeup artists (MUA) in August 2011. I do have a place I work out of at SO VAIN SALON on Meridian street in downtown, Huntsville. Before that I had been employed as a MUA for several cosmetic lines for 7 years.
What made you decide to start your business? History.
After much thought and waiting for the right time I decided to branch out on opportunities I felt I was missing by not being self employed. I am very lucky to be real good friends w/ the owner of So Vain Salon, she knew I was unhappy employed w/ my current job & thought having a MUA at her Salon would be beneficial for us both.
[caption id=”attachment_5294” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Nancy”]
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Tell me what you do.
I provide a variety of things for my clients. I just added to my menu of services by listening to what my clients want and have asked for. Since I do not sell any products my clients often ask me what they should wear. Now I offer personal shopping for clients after they answer a few questions about skin care and makeup. They make an appointment with me and we go shopping for what I think will best suit their needs and lifestyle. I also teach lessons for any age on how to do makeup and how to use what you already have as well. I mostly stay busy with doing makeup for weddings and photo sessions with several photographers.
Event and special occasion makeup usually keep me busy, especially with all the high school Dances and fundraisers Huntsville has. I also do a GNO (girls night out) that has been picking up lately. Husbands have been purchasing them as gifts for wives and a few of their friends and women have been buying them as an additional fun “pre game” party to going out or Bunko!!
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
I cannot say that I really have a “dream” client. What I would like to fulfill more is a “dream” and that is to have return clients and clients enjoy my services so much that they refer me to their friends.
[caption id=”attachment_5295” align=”aligncenter” width=”448” caption=”Some of Nancy’s makeup work”]
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What is one of your recent accomplishments?
SMYL (Stylists Making You Lovely). I have two children with a rare life threatening blood disease that qualified them to have Make a Wishes Granted. After seeing them have them granted and knowing as their mother what I saw, felt and witnessed how a giving heart can have an affect on someone w/ a diseased body can have, I wanted to do something similar for others. With the right timing and also part of the reason I decided to freelance was to form this group. I pulled together with a recently formed group of other MUA’s I’m in called M.A.T, hair stylists from So Vain Salon, several photographers and stylists, boutiques in the area to create a day of beauty for those who have suffered a life threatening disease or survived a tragedy. I recently went on the news to promote this and people will submit their stories to me via email at nancyfinneganmua@gmail.com, so that I can review them and hopefully provided a satisfying day of beauty for them followed by a photoshoot.
[caption id=”attachment_5296” align=”aligncenter” width=”448” caption=”More of Nancy’s makeup work”]
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How do you network? Build business?
I talk A LOT!!! That is how I mostly network! I take my job seriously and do what I can to promote my business, by meeting people, Facebook and advertising. I do not yet a website set up, but that is my next step.
What is your key to success?
I think I am a success mostly because I waited for God’s plan and timing, not my own. What also drives me is I like being a business woman and I want o succeed at it!! I am a single mom with three children, two with a disease and one of them in college. I want to always provide for them, keep a roof over their head and send them to college! I want them proud of their mom for making it successfully as a makeup artists and following a passion as my source of income. THEY make me work hard, because they have needs and if I am lazy or don’t believe in myself, then their needs eventually won’t get met…that will not happen! Their too precious to me!
Can you share a tip about your business?
I would have to go with believe in yourself. I know it’s generic phrase, but a true one.
How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
I READ, watch, listen and practice!!! It might be makeup and skin care, but there is always something to learn to stay updated. I touch products, sample them and use them on myself and others for feedback and opinions.
[caption id=”attachment_5297” align=”alignleft” width=”150” caption=”Makeup by Nancy”]
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What was your most rewarding moment?
My most rewarding moment is when I find out a client or photographer I have worked with likes what I have done and refers me to someone. I love to make an appointment and the person making it tells me that “such and such” referred them to me.
Community involvement?
That would be SMYL, Fashion week Alabama 2012, Radar Magazine fashion show 2012 (with M.A.T) , The inner city learning project (with M.A.T.), I also do NUMEROUS Bone Marrow drives with Lifesouth and fundraisers for families w/ sick children.
Is there anything you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions, specials?
If anyone reads this blog or mentions your name and books an appointment w/ me I will offer a 10% discount off a service I provide. Clients can also find me on Fb to view tips and specials I occasionally post.
[caption id=”attachment_5298” align=”alignright” width=”200” caption=”Makeup by Nancy”]
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Nancy’s contact information:
Nancy Finnegan on Facebook
or
Nancy Finnegan, Makeup Artist on Facebook Fan Page
So Vain Salon
609 Meridian St
Huntsville, Al 35801
256-551-1010 (work)
256-970-9234 (cell)
Oh, and one last thing….
In your words.
…How much space do I get? I can really talk a lot!! I believe in myself, my talents and those select few that I choose to network with! I would like to thank you for the interest in wanting to share me on your blog and to thank those who were interested enough in reading this! Check out my page, call or email me for an appointment or any questions you might have about what I provide for my clients. I simply am a woman trying to succeed in doing what she loves -life is too short to do otherwise! I think being passionate about my job makes a big difference! I am blessed to come across many walks of life and to learn something new with each and every person I sit in my chair or network with. People are fascinating and I would love to be able to be a part of someone’s special day, be it doing makeup for a wedding, prom, photos or providing a life changing experience through makeup.
### [This concludes the interview] ###
I hope you have enjoyed the interview this week. Nancy truly is a delight and such a pleasure to be around. She is honest and hardworking. I don’t believe I have ever heard a single complaint come out of her mouth. She is living her passion and pursuing her dream, that is quite evident if you spend just five minutes with her. I am impressed with Nancy’s work ethics.
Please contact her today and tell he I sent you for that 10% discount on any of her services. Proms, senior portraits, and the wedding season are right around the corner ya’ll. Give her a call.
Networking Mixer, #3 for FWAH
Huntsville, Alabama – The Alabama Fashion Alliance (AFA) will be holding their next Fashion Week Alabama-Huntsville (FWAH) Networking Mixer on Thursday, March 22nd at Mei Wei Asian Bistro, located at 6290 University Drive, from 6pm-8pm. Guests are encouraged to be fashionably dressed, wearing black and white to celebrate the formal launch of the 2012 fashion week t-shirt. FWAH is scheduled for June 9 through June 16. This Mixer is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.
Business features for the March Mixer are Photography by ZamZam, Writer/Blogger Carol Marks, and Make-Up Artist and founder of Stylist Making you Lovely (SMYL), Nancy Finnegan. In line with the FWAH t-shirt launch, the AFA will also be auctioning off an original t-shirt design by Auburn University’s Fashion Design Student, Katie Azzam. Katie is from Madison, Alabama.
As Alabama’s premier fashion event, FWAH invites you to be a part of its success. For more information call 256.585.4452 or visit www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com. Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville and the Alabama Fashion Alliance is also on Facebook, and Twitter @FWAHsv.
Huntsville Adventure Boot Camp for Women, Joe Martin Fitness Interview
[caption id=”attachment_4798” align=”alignleft” width=”199” caption=”Joe and his lovely wife, Jess”]
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I’ve been waiting and waiting for this interview. I am so excited to have Joe Martin in the interview section of the blog this week.
Joe Martin is not only a fitness expert and all around nice guy, he is also a successful author. In this interview Joe says he changes lives. I am here to testify that he is absolutely correct. I am one of those lives he has changed.
But this isn’t about me, on with the interview. This is such an inspirational read, thank you Joe for taking time out to do this one:
When did you start in your business?
I started my business in July of 2009. When I first started the only thing I did was Huntsville Adventure Boot Camp.
What made you decide to start your business? History
I have been doing personal training since 2000, so I have been in gyms nearly my whole career. Something I kept seeing over and over was how very little people actually MOVE at the gym. They sit in the car on the way to the gym then go to the gym and sit on a bunch of equipment for an hour and then go home and sit on the couch. It’s no wonder people aren’t getting results! Something else I thought about, was people like my mom who are totally uncomfortable with the gym. They just don’t like that gym atmosphere if you know what I mean. I wanted to have a place where women could exercise amongst their peers, not worry about how they look, how to use the machines, guys hitting on them, etc… Plus give them a chance to learn how to use their bodies again and get outside in the fresh air.
Tell me what you do.
I change lives. Sounds egotistical, sounds unrealistic, but that is what I do. It is my goal to change someone’s life every day. When someone gets into a regular exercise program, everything changes. Confidence, strength, and energy levels go up. Depression, cholesterol, and blood pressure go down. They start becoming a whole new person. I know way too many women that are successful in everything that they do (family, career, spirituality, etc…), but because they are overweight, they consider themselves a failure in life. It’s my job to change that.
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
My dream client is anyone who refuses to use the word can’t. I consider that a dirty word. Anyone can make great strides in their life by eliminating that word from their vocabulary. If you are willing to do your best, never give up, and give it your all you are a dream client in my book. I don’t care if you’re 18-80, blind, crippled, or crazy. Just give it your all at your pace and level.
What is one of your recent accomplishments?
Something I’m really proud of is signing a publishing deal with Celebrity Press to release an upcoming book called The Wellness Code. It is going to be an amazing book made up of the best tips from the top fitness professionals from around the country. I was honored to take part in the book and can’t wait for the release on April 19th.
How do you network? Build business?
I do a lot of public speaking, even though it terrifies me. That just makes me want to do it more because I hate being afraid of things. I will speak to any group, any time. I spoke to a packed room of 2 at a hospital. There was free lunch upstairs and you just can’t compete with free lunch. And I’ve also spoken to a room of 600. With my business people like to see that you are an actual person and not some drill sergeant.
Social media is great for me, mainly Facebook and Twitter, to meet new people, share information, and show them I do have a sense of humor. It can backfire though because I am a little nuts. I can admit it.
I’ve recently joined a BNI group that I am very excited about. Finally found a time slot that works with my schedule, so I am really excited to see where that takes my business.
Other than that, the biggest way my business has grown is through referrals. People want to hear from someone who has done the boot camp that it is worth the time, money, and effort they will be putting into it. I have been blessed with some of the greatest clients in the world, who help me spread the word. Without them, I would probably be by myself in a parking lot doing pushups all alone.
What is your key to success?
My key to success is relentless positivity. Let’s face it, we are living in a Golden Age of haters. With the Interwebs, people can anonymously tear you apart. People write things on a computer that they would never say to a person face to face. When you come to my camp, I am going to unleash the relentless positivity on you. I will never give up on a person, I will always encourage them, and I am always in a good mood. I don’t wake up and go to a job every day. The people that come to my camp allow me to live my dream, so they will get my absolute best every day. Doesn’t matter if I’m sick, tired, had a bad day, whatever. When the class starts it’s on. Period. I owe it to my clients, so that is what they will get.
Can you share a tip with the readers?
Approach every day with a sense of purpose and a sense of humor. You should be all about getting stuff done, but quit taking things so seriously! If you don’t laugh every day, you need to change something in your life. Life isn’t about getting rich and famous, it’s about being happy. Focus on being happy in your life and your work and you will be amazed at how much you can achieve. I’m living proof.
How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
I study for hours every day in my field. The health and fitness field changes so rapidly that if you don’t stay current you look like a dinosaur. My wish is that I had liked to study this much when I was actually in school. My parents do too I’m sure. Attending conferences is one of my favorite things to do. You get the chance to learn as well as meet and discuss new ideas with your peers.
The business side is where I put a lot of my efforts as well. Learning SEO, marketing, advertising, payroll, etc… is a necessary evil. Not my favorite part of the game, but if it means my business will grow I will do it.
What is your most rewarding moment?
My most rewarding moment is seeing someone “get it”. When that light bulb turns on in their head that they are stronger than they think, they can be successful, they can eat healthier, that they are ready to take on anything life throws at them. That’s sweeter than Yoohoo to see that.
Community Involvement?
I’m heavily involved in my church and we have a very active Sunday school. It’s great to be around a bunch of difference makers who want to help others.
Through my boot camps, I am lucky enough to have a fund raising platform to give back as well. For instance, we raised about $10,000 worth of cash and donated items for tornado victims last year. It was an amazing outpouring from the community. We do several charity camps throughout the year and I am always amazed at how much people are willing to give to strangers. Very cool.
Is there anything special you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions?
Right now I am working out the kinks on offering another time slot for boot camp. With 40 people in morning and evening classes it can get a little tight. I would like to begin offering a 9AM class within the next 2 months.
Other than that, a couple of products I just released The 21 Day Tight and Toned Transformation and The 21 Day Belly Blast 2.0 have been selling well, so I hope that keeps up. Other than that, just pumped about The Wellness Code coming out in April because I honestly think it will be a best seller.
## [This concludes the interview] ##
See? I told you he was awesome! Look, if he can get ME up and exercising every morning at 5:30 then surely you can give it a try too. I promise, promise, PROMISE you will not regret it. I have so much fun at Boot Camp. I attend the south Huntsville Boot Camp, with some pretty fabulous women I might add. Those of you that know me as a grouch wouldn’t recognize me at Boot Camp. :-)
I have lost several inches since I started Boot Camp, I’ve dropped a pant size, soon to be two. I have more flexibility. I FEEL STRONG and fit. I feel healthy. Recently I’ve started counting my calories and caring more about what and how I eat. I even quit smoking. It’s all because of Joe. He got me caring about myself again. And that, my friends, is what I once thought was a lost cause.
Thank you Joe Martin! You rock!! HUNTSVILLE ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP FOR WOMEN and you don’t want to miss out on his educational blog at JOE MARTIN FITNESS
Joe even has a YouTube Channel that you definitely don’t want to miss. No really, you need to check in with him on the YouTube because you never know what you’re gonna get with Joe.
[caption id=”attachment_4799” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Antoine, Defender of Calories”]
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I think I have found his winning formula. He likes to educate while having fun. For example, here is a photo of him as Antoine, Defender of Calories. Yes, it’s on YouTube. I mean come on! Who doesn’t want to work out with Antoine?!
Thanks for reading.
FWAH February Mixer
On February 23rd I had the privilege of attending the second networking mixer that was put on by Alabama Fashion Alliance, the group behind Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville.
The mixer was open to the public and everyone wore red to show support of Heart Health Month and the American Heart Association. The event was held at The Eaves Restaurant.
Business features for the February FWAH Mixer/Networking Event included Aaron Lacy Photography, Victoria Pennington Model and Talent Management (VPMTM) and Sheer Happiness Salon II.
- Aaron Lacy (photographer) debuted pictures from his recent photo shoot themed, “Contagious.
- Victoria Pennington Model & Talent Management gave a mini fashion presentation using select agency models. Fashions for the models was provided by the Style Bar Boutique.
- Khrista Dees of Sheer Happiness Salon II provided information on the services her Salon offers.
- The Eaves Restaurant offered appetizers that were “fashionably” titled just for this event and ranged in price $8 - $13.
Donations to the American Heart Association were accepted at the door. Proceeds from FWAH will go to the Kids to Love Foundation, the John Stallworth Scholarship Foundation and the Studio for Teens.
The following photos are from Aaron Lacy, and used here with special permission.
Make sure to visit the Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville website where all the news, updates, and schedule of events are listed.
You can also find them on Facebook for Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville and the Alabama Fashion Alliance and Twitter @FWAHSV.
They have just now started selling Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville tee-shirts too. Get yours today and help support the fashion industry in Huntsville.
It was a fun event to attend. I saw some familiar faces and I also met some new people. What did I wear? I wore a long (floor length) and sleeveless dress that was beige with black horizontal stripes. The dress was by Red Haute.
I wore red flower clip in my hair. I also broke out the 1920s Jazz bling to accompany my outfit. I wish I had gotten a picture now. Duh.
However, I’m wearing it again tomorrow to an Oscar party. I’ll make sure to get The Gent to snap a photo.
The List of Bloggers
Allow me to introduce our local area bloggers in the Rocket City. I had no idea we had so many bloggers until we started this blogging community.
Rocket City Bloggers formed an online community and you can join us if you’d like on Facebook. See the guidelines before requesting to join.
I’ve listed all of the Rocket City Bloggers here on the page in no particular oder except this is the order they signed up as they joined the group. I encourage you to go read all of them and add them to your favorites.
Rocket City Bloggers:
Jennifer
rocketcitymom.com
Twitter: @rocketcitymom
FB: Rocket City Mom
Kim
thisbellerocks.blogspot.com
Twitter: @thisbellerocks
Miss Zoot
misszoot.com
Twitter: @misszoot
Amanda Conger
thediningdragon.com
http://mrsdragon.net/
Twitter: @mrsdragon
FB: The Dining Dragon Page
Sarah Lena Brown
theanviltree.com
Rebecca Buckner
theresplendentbeauty.com
trbeinc.com
Twitter: @RebeccaBuckner
FB: The Resplendent Beauty
Russell Winn
geekpalaver.com
Twitter: @russwinn
FB: Geek Palaver Page
Courtney
twirlingontiptoes.wordpress.com
Rebecca Leigh
rebeccaleighphotos.com
shutterbugwife.wordpress.com
Jenny
auntgeebakes.com
Tiffani Hill-Patterson
soundcheckmama.com
Twitter: @SoundCheckMama
Suzanne Crow Haggerty
entirelyadequate.com
Twitter: @shaggerty
Heather Smith
calluna.wordpress.com
Twitter: @calluna79
Bo Williams
bowilliams.com
Twitter: @wmwmsblog
Dave Edens
sevendead.com
Joani Cunningham Edens
neonjade.com
Twitter: @neonjade
Heather McIngvale
heathershints.com
tnvmomsnetwork.com
Anna Claire Vollers
acvollers.blogspot.com
Lee McBride
foodfromtheyard.blogspot.com
David Hitt
storiesinmypocket.wordpress.com
http://www.spacecamp.com/mu/blog
Twitter: @davidhitt
Carly Jordan
cutienews.com
Nina Soden
ninasoden.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Nina_Soden
Mendy Loyd
rocketcitysavings.blogspot.com
Monica Yother
art-of-inspired-living.com
my-designs.net - the blog
Harold James Johnson
unstablemind.com
Twitter: @Harold
Joe Martin
joemartinfitness.wordpress.com
Twitter: @HsvBootcamp
Laurie Frost
havealittletalk.wordpress.com
imagespublicdomain.wordpress.com
bowiesattva.wordpress.com
abouthcs.wordpress.com [Merts Center Monitor]
pactsandfictions.wordpress.com [kept up for archival purposes, not updated]
Ty Fauscett
dragonfireonline.com
Charlie Rogers
duckwritings.com
Twitter: @tehdux0r
FB: Duck Writings Page
Laura Bradshaw Droege
lauradroege.wordpress.com
Twitter: @lauradroege
FB page: Laura Droege
Kristin Scroggin
tipsfromthedisneydiva.com - Disney blog
www.scrogginsnoggin.blogspot.com - Communications blog (UAH)
Twitter: @ProfessorKScrog and @Scroggintweets and @WdwDisneyDiva
Ruben Dryden Valle
monsternoises.com
Barry Rich
blehwithbarry.com
Twitter: @BarryR22
Rebecca Klein
rebeccakleinonline.com
Ciera Marie Elledge
cieras28hours.blogspot.com
Twitter: @cieramariee
FB page: Ciera Marie Elledge
Linda DeLuca
Blog for the anywhere worker: azione-scopo.com
Blog for presentation coaching: presentationyou.com
Twitter: @LindaDeLuca (The Existential Coach)
Chuck Puckett
yearsofbeing.com: essays on music, politics, science, theatre, metaphysics, etc.
Twitter: @chucklespuckett
FB: Chuck Puckett
Web sites I maintain:
puckettpublishing.com - My plays, poetry, songs, etc.
chuckpuckettsongaweek.com - Last years project, ongoing: song video repository
theatrehappenings.com - Provides theatre info for North Alabama groups
Sharon
webberstories.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MommyMayhemBlog
FB: Sharon R Webber
Loreli Deleon
oneminutemantra.blogspot.com
Twitter: @lorelideleon
Pinterest: lorelideleon
Website: www.deleonfitness.com
Laurie
OurValleyEvents.com
Twitter: @OurValleyEvents
FB: Our Valley Events
