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.
The Style Bar, Local Boutique Interview
This week I am very excited to bring to you another boutique owner for the interview section of the blog. Natasha Langford is the owner of The Style Bar, located at 2601 Leeman Ferry Road. I first met Natasha at January’s Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville networking mixer. Natasha is a well-educated and highly polished business owner, did I also mention she is beautifully stylish? Well of course she is… enjoy the interview.
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When did you start your business?
I opened the boutique in July 2011.
What made you decide to start your business? History.
I have been in retail since the age of 16. As a senior in high school, I started designing prom dresses for classmates and they loved them! From that moment, I knew I had to be in the fashion industry. I later went to school for Fashion Design and Marketing. After graduation, I worked as a Visual Merchandiser and a Buyer. I decided to open the boutique a year after being laid off. I guess everything happens for a reason. :-)
Tell me what you do.
I handle all retail operations and I do all of the buying. I also love working the sales floor and assisting my ladies that come in to shop.
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
My dream client is someone who isn’t afraid to try new trends. I love “styling” my clients. It’s like playing dress up everyday.
How do you network? Build business?
Social Media has been a great way for me to build my business. I update Facebook & Twitter daily. I post pictures of new merchandise, send out coupons, and launch contests for my followers. Also, word of mouth has really helped me!
What is your key to success?
I believe my key to success is proving excellent customer service. I try to make my customers feel like my girlfriends. My girlfriends call me for fashion advice and I am always there to assist them.
Can you share a tip about your business?
Fashion fades, but style is eternal. Find YOUR style and make it work for you!
How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
I enjoy reading industry newspapers like WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) to trend forecast. I also attend trade shows to keep current with the trends.
What was your most rewarding moment?
Receiving a card from a customer that said “Thanks for living your dreams out loud and providing us with The Style Bar”. I received that card two months after opening and it has been on my desk for motivation every since.
Community involvement?
We do a lot for the community. In October we teamed up with The Susan G. Komen Foundation and had a “Shop For The Cure” day. A percentage of the sales went to the foundation. We have also partnered with The Women of Excellence. It’s a wonderful group that feeds the hungry, holds clothing drives and much more.
Is there anything you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions, specials?
In the month of March we are launching The Prom Project. We will provide prom dresses for girls who can’t afford them. We are accepting new or gently used formals on March 17th. I am so excited about this project and I am praying for a great turn out. Every girl deserves to feel like a princesses at their prom and we want to be their fairy godmothers.
In your own words.
Owning a boutique is very challenging, but rewarding at the same time. I love meeting all of the ladies that come through the boutique doors. Some of the women come in lacking confidence, but will leave the boutique feeling like a million bucks. This is what I live for!
[End of Interview]
Coming up this week, Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville will have their second networking mixer. The Style Bar is providing the clothing for the models in a mini fashion presentation that night. The event is Thursday, February 23rd and will be at The Eaves Restaurant. More details here.
The Style Bar
2601 Leeman Ferry Road Ste. C
Huntsville, AL 35801
256.429.9065
www.stylebaronline.com
Fern Brazda, Rodan + Fields Consultant
Here is my interview (in full) with Fern Brazda, one of the leading sales consultants with Rodan + Fields in the Huntsville area.
When did you start in your business?
December 24, 2009 as a holiday present to myself! My own business!
What made you decide to start your business? History?
I taught special education for over 20 years. A year after my child was born we moved from Northern Virginia to Germany. I was able to be a stay at home mother full-time…but I wanted more!
For 3 years I looked into many different home-based businesses, but could not find the right fit for me. I have always loved skincare products and I even admit I was a bit of a skincare junkie trying every new product that claimed to do miracles for your skin.
We moved to Huntsville in 2008 and I decided I did not want to go back to teaching. In the Fall of 2009 I looked at 2 of my friend’s skin and wanted to know what they were using since their skin was flawless. I found out they were consultants for Rodan+Fields a new company by the same creators of Proactiv. I had just purchased 2 products that cost $250 and thought if these products do not give me results I would try Rodan +Fields. After several months on my new products I saw no results, but my friends skin look radiant.
December 2009 I went to a business opportunity meeting. I decided then to become an independent consultant because of the fantastic real results the products gave people, ground floor business opportunity, partner with 2 of the most trusted names in skincare, debt free company, and to be one of the first consultants in Huntsville! I have never regretted this decision. I cannot believe the difference in my skin and the added income it has brought my family!
Tell me what you do.
I partner with Dr.Katie Rodan and Dr.Kathy Fields and share their mission to change people’s skin and change their lives! Changing skin and lives by giving the gift of healthy younger radiant skin and by giving people the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and work for themselves but not by themselves.
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
My dream client is someone who I can make a difference in their skin and they tell all their friends and their friends tell their friends…. I would love to have someone like Gail King or Kathy Lee because they always shout out to the world about products they purchased and who they purchased it from! My business is based on word of mouth.
Who is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
Someone like me but who does a better job…a rock star consultant who lights up a room when he/she walks in the door. A person with integrity, passion, and truly loves what they are doing in helping people change their skin and change their lives. I have a passion and a fire in me to make my business explode…I would like someone who wants the same but more!
What is one of your recent accomplishments?
Since January 2010, I have made the top volume leader list in sales for one of the fastest growing teams in Rodan + Fields!
How do you network? Build business? How do you network?
I network through networking events, The Huntsville BNI, Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Grapevine, Friends, Family, Facebook, R+F Events, develop relationships with people I met socially or in my neighborhood, LinkedIn , Temple Bnai Sholom , volunteering at school and sports programs , if a person has skin…I network with them ☺
What is your key to success?
Patience, Passion, Perseverance, Determination, and Dreams!
Can you share a tip with the readers?
As for skincare, the one product everyone should use daily is sunscreen. UVA rays…aging rays are always around us…even on cloudy days, cold sunny days in winter, and hot sunny summer days. Reapply sunscreen every 60-90 minutes when you are outside. Protect your skin! UVA rays are aging rays! These are the rays that give us wrinkles and age our skin.
As for my business, since I am passionate about the quality of RF products and business my enthusiasm and energy attracts others to listens and purchase products or get involved by joining my team! I love making people feel good about themselves
How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
I am continuing my education by weekly live training webinars, calls, and attending classes, seminars, leadership conferences and conventions through Corporate Rodan + Fields or my direct business partners sponsor, reading books about the industry, and industry magazines.
What is your most rewarding moment?
My most rewarding moment is continuous, when I get calls from people telling me they love the results they get from the Rodan+Fields Products! One customer cried to me and thanked me for helping her skin become radiant again. Her malasma is now gone! She said her boss even noticed!
Community Involvement?
I am presently class mom for my daughter’s class, 2011 U8 Eastern League assistant cheerleading coach,2009-2011 Past VP for Fund Raising Sisterhood, Temple Bnai Sholom, Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Alumni member, and I will be volunteering this year at Huntsville Hospital.
Is there anything special you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions?
I will be attending Rodan+Fields 1st leadership conference this March in Nashville . It is so exciting to be part of a young company during their explosive years. I am looking for new team members to join me in this exciting endeavor!
My promotion is New Year, New Skin, and New Complexion! Every new Preferred Customer will receive one of my favorite full size products when they let me know they heard it on this blog, all new team members who build it big will receive a free regimen of their choice from me! Two great promotions until February 28th. fernbrazda.myrandf.com for products and fernbrazda.myrandf.biz for the business.
In your own words….
I show people how to utilize a simple business system to acquire residual income while maintaining healthy skin with pharmaceutical grade products. I help men, women, and children have better self-confidence because their skin has a healthy radiant glow.
This concludes our interview.
Thank you Fern for taking the time to share your passion and time.
Interview w/the Creators of Bird Bath Soaps
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It’s Tuesday, so this means it is interview time on the blog. This week brings us three lovely birds who took soap making into their own hands to create Bird Bath Soaps.
I absolutely love doing these small business interviews on my blog. I learn so much!
On with the interview. Allow me introduce you to Brandi Sims, Jill Lohrman, and Jen Britton - creators of Bird Bath Soaps.
When did you start your business?
We started making soap in March of 2011. There are three of us: Brandi Sims, Jill Lohrman, and Jen Britton.
What made you decide to start your business? History?
When Jen was getting fitted for her wedding dress, we came across a shop that sells soap. The soaps in this particular location are quite pretty, and we immediately bought some. Since Jen had more than one fitting, we found ourselves going into the soap shop frequently. We were intrigued with the idea of making our own body care, and we began researching. We quickly discovered that the little business we had stumbled upon was not making soap from “scratch,” but using a method called melt and pour. We originally started out by playing with this kind of soap, but we were taken by the method of cold process soap- uniting lye and oil. From the first batch of “from scratch” soap, we were hooked. Three soapologists were born.
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Tell me what you do.
We make the best gosh darn cold process soap youʼll ever introduce your skin to!
What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
Helping brides is such a rush. We love helping her pick a perfect soap favor to compliment her big day. There are so many possibilities!
What is one of your recent accomplishments?
We are extremely excited about our new website, birdbathsoaps.com - we are in the process of creating a beautiful platform for our customers to interact with us on. We look forward to showing off our “portfolio” of wedding favor soaps, which we have been developing now for some months.
How do you network? Build your business?
Until the website was born, we built our business primarily through word of mouth and Facebook. We have had an Etsy shop from the beginning, and we are anticipating some print advertisements around our wedding favor soaps.
What is your key to success?
Love what you do. We are still a very small business, but we have dreams of a bigger nest. Psychologists speak of “flow time,” a time when a person has no awareness of time passing. Making soap is our “flow time.”
Can you share a tip about your business?
One thing that we have learned- expect the unexpected! We have had events that we thought would be blowouts, but in the end were painful. Alternately, we have pursued some small leads that turned out to pay off in a big way. Also: relationships count. At the end of the day, itʼs people who matter most.
How do you keep current in your area of expertise?
One great thing about the soap making business- it is art. We are amazed at the feeling of community and support shared by all who own small soap businesses. We are constantly scouring for new ideas, or dreaming of new ways to do things. The learning never stops.
What was your most rewarding moment?
When we got our first order of wedding favor soaps, we were so floored! At the time, it was the biggest order weʼd ever received- 250 soaps. There was a lot of celebrating that day.
Community involvement?
We have a great fundraising program for schools and church groups.
Is there anything you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions, or specials?
In March, we are celebrating our first birthday. To honor this milestone, we will be having a special sale all month: Buy two bars of soap, get one free. Visit our website for more information.
In your words.
We have had an amazing first year of business. We dream of a time in the future when we will have our very own Bird Bath Soaps boutique in the Huntsville area……. but for now, we are working on perfecting the small, so we can excel at the bigger.
## [This concludes the interview] ##
I loved their key to success. I agree and it is how I feel about blogging. And when I read about their most rewarding moment, I was right there with them getting excited about it all over again. I love to see the birth of a small business. It is just so danged exciting!
Thank you Brandi, Jill, and Jen for taking time out of your schedule to do this interview. It is greatly appreciated.
Bird Bath Soaps
birdbathsoaps@yahoo.com
Chef Merle Phillip Interview
♦ Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville [FWAH] ♦
The Eaves Restaurant and The Budding Chef Cooking School are under one roof. The two are owned and operated by Chef Merle Phillip. I had the privilege recently to sit down with Chef Philip to do an interview. The next FWAH networking mixer will be February 23rd and The Eaves Restaurant will play host to the event.
Growing up in New Jersey, Chef Merle Phillip’s parents were avid travelers and were the ones who gave Chef Merle her love of food. She graduated from the University of Maryland and trained/studied in the New York City area, the Mecca of all things culinary.
So let’s get on with the interview shall we?
When did you start your business?
I started The Budding Chef Cooking School in October of 2008. I wanted to share the love of the culinary arts with others. We started with children and teen classes first. We wanted to teach them to prepare healthy meals, educating them how to make intelligent choices in the kitchen. I’m a strong believer of bending the tree while it is still young. The Budding Chef started to evolve into the catering business as well. Then in February of 2011 we opened our restaurant, The Eaves.
Tell me about some of your recent accomplishments.
The Eaves Restaurant has been on the Top 10 list on Urban Spoon and we’ve been rated one of the Top 10 restaurants in Go Magazine for the year 2011. Most restaurants don’t survive their first year, let alone flourish, so these two accomplishments are very meaningful to us.
What is the key to your success?
I do my job well. I am constantly raising the bar on my staff and myself. By doing my job well, touching every plate, and striving to do better every day. I don’t ever want to get so full of myself where I think I can sit back and relax.
How do you keep current in your area of expertise?
Personally, I keep up to date on industry trends. This year I will attend a professional culinary boot camp. Remain open and learn from people who have achieved excellence. As far as the staff and servers, I consider them having an additional role, our sales force. They share the backbone of the business. We have a training program in place where we continue to cultivate the craft of fine dining.
Community involvement?
I am a member of the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. I’m a supporter of our local NPR station, WLRH. Wounded Warriors is a philanthropic endeavor near and dear to my heart. I host a special cooking class for the spouses of Wounded Warriors.
Is there anything you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions, specials?
The Budding Chef Cooking School kind of took a back seat in 2011 so I want to let everyone know that we will be back in full swing for 2012 with the cooking school. We are filling up our calendar with all sorts of fun classes. One of which I am extremely excited about is called Art with An Appetite. So be sure to get on the schedule for that one! Of course The Eaves Restaurant is also expanding into social events and activities more and more in 2012. We are going to do a series called Dinner & Dancing!
Remember to check out the websites for class information as well as hours of operation for the restaurant.
The Budding Chef Cooking School and The Eaves Restaurant
The Eaves on Facebook
501 Church Street
Downtown Huntsville
256.489.1752
For more information about Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville you can visit their website at www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com Be sure to LIKE their Facebook page as well to stay up to date on all the news and activities.
Come on out February 23 (6-8PM) for a fun and glamorous networking event.
