Will We Soon Be Able to Design & Print Our Own Clothes From Home?

Book Review: KIDPRENEUR$- Young Entrepreneurs with BIG Ideas

Recently I purchased KIDPRENEUR$ for my daughter to further provide inspiration to encourage her entrepreneurial pursuits. The book was written by two brothers, Adam and Matthew Toren, who are successful adult entrepreneurs that got bit by the self-employment bug as children thanks to their granddad who gave them model airplanes to sell at a local fair. Since that fateful occurrence, the brothers have gone on to own several successful enterprises. Their goal is to teach business techniques to children and show them that it is never too early to get involved in business in ways that are fun, creative and safe.
The book is an quick read and should be easily understood by children as young as age 7. It is practical and straightforward. I believe that it provides all a kid needs to turn their ideas into money-generating pursuits.
And best of all, the book is FREE! I simply paid for shipping and handling and the book arrived within 2 days.  Get yours here.

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Here is my 2nd Youtube tutorial. I'm lounging around the house looking unkempt and decided to turn on the camera spontaneously while baking so forgive the ultra-casualness. :)) You'll even see my man walking around the house as well. Recipe works like a charm tho!

Top 7 Tips to Market Your Kidpreneur's Business

Photo of  Moziah Bridges of Mo's Bow
courtesy of Forbes.com

Over the last few months I have channeled my energy to focusing on the youth, specifically creative entrepreneurship for children. I've come to realize that there is a MAJOR gap between what children naturally enjoy doing ie: drawing, building, crafting, making and what they become when they grow up. I've found that the option to utilize one's creativity is not only lacking at many schools but even shunned. With this being the case, where will our future innovations come from? How will the next generation create a better world without being encouraged to simply create anything?  I've built the Dream BIGGER Academy to serve as a bridge over that gap, empowering kids to turn their curiosity and natural born skills into career options and entrepreneurship.

Since building Dream BIGGER Academy, I've been asked by parents who have encouraged their children to build their own businesses, how can they "get the word out" and marketing little Johnnie's creations.
Here are my top 7 tips:

Photo courtesy of Mayasideas.com

1. First determine what your kid actually has to market: Is it just a product or is it a business. What is the difference? A product is a pair of Air Jordans. A business is Nike, producer of Air Jordans, Air Force Ones, and countless other styles of sneakers and active wear for men, women, girls and boys. They have a logo (the swoosh) and a slogan (Just Do It). There is an online presence and in-person experience. Nike's packaging and all of it's marketing supports its credo/mission. So getting back to your child, does he/she have a product (hand-painted ceramic bowls) or a business (3 or more types of products, an online presence, a logo, marketing materials, mission statement)? This will determine how you will market and even if it is ready for marketing. Grandma may buy a bowl or two from little Johnnie but why should the rest of us? This leads to #2...

2. Have a compelling story. Why is your pumpkin making these ceramic bowls or wood carvings? Does she have a family history of wood artists and she is the 3rd generation, keeping the family tradition alive? Did you discover her talent at a local art school? Has she been drawing since age 2? Does a portion of the proceeds go to support a charity dear to her heart? Tell us! People don't buy products, they buy experiences. "Today, at the local farmer's market I bought these adorable hand-painted bowls from a 7-year old 3rd generation ceramic artist who donates 20% of her profit to the Red Cross! It felt so good to support such an amazing cause!"--This will be what people post of your little babyfaced mogul with a photo of her holding one of her wood carvings to the camera and this is magical word-of-mouth marketing. This is the stuff that gets the attention of the local media and anyone within driving distance of where she sells her goods. Create great products with a compelling story and more than half of the work is done.

3. Get it in the hands of the public soon. If your kid's products only sit on his bookshelf, chances are they will only collect dust. Sure you can sell a few online to a supportive aunt but if you want to market your little one's business to the world, you have to get it out into the world. If you focus strictly on online sales, you'll soon run out of people to send links to your store. As the parents of this young enterprising creative, you'll email your friends and family a link to support your child's endeavor...but then what? You'll post it to your FB page a few times and your friends will promise to make a purchase. Some will, most will conveniently forget to do so. And now what? Who else can you tell? You have to get the products in the hands of strangers sooner than later. How do you do that? Apply to set up a booth at your local craft fairs, street fairs, farmer markets, or flea markets. Why? For one, the consumers will give you more honest feedback that you can use to tweek her products. Secondly, your kid wants to FEEL like a business owner and LOOK like one too. Not better way to make their dreams of business transactions a reality than setting a table full of their labeled products and marketing materials, with a banner that has their logo, and a SQUARE reader and hip pouch to handle credit card and cash transactions (with the help of an adult, of course).
Lastly, not only will you add the new customers to your network of supporters (be sure to have a form to capture their email addresses for email marketing) but when they share your products with their network, they help grow your network. Make sure you give them plenty to share and brag about...this is where great customer service and branding comes in.

5. Branding counts A LOT. Design a logo with your kid's fave colors and/or one that reflects his/her personality. Create adorable/cool/quirky/awesome packaging, business cards, flyers, labels, refrigerator magnets, postcards, etc. that no one would dare toss in the trash. The longer they keep your marketing materials around, the longer it serves as reminder to order more from you and as a conversation piece. Word-of-mouth marketing is the most effective marketing.

Photo courtesy of Papermart.com

6. Make your business easily found and shareable online. When your happy customers post about what they bought from you via social media, be sure they have a website/fan page/blog url to direct their followers to go purchase or learn more about your child's work. All of the marketing materials should have your mini-me's url and social media handles.

7. Tell the world...or at least your local news outlets. Whether you live in a major city or a small rural town, there is nothing the local paper likes to write about more than one of it's locals doing BIG things. Gather your customer testimonials, photos of your child and his/her products, and make a list of upcoming events where you'll have a booth and create a PDF file. This is your child's press kit. Find out the name and email address of the journalist at your local paper, county magazine, or local cable network (don't forget bloggers!) and send them a short email pitching your kid's business with a link to their website/fan page. Have your press kit and high-quality photos ready if they reply asking for it.Be ready to be the mom/dad of a local kid celebrity!

Marketing a business is a job within itself but without effective marketing, your kid's business endeavor will go unknown. Their young age is a novelty so use it to your benefit. People WANT to hear good news about the next generation. Kids running businesses is a warm-fuzzy story so share it far and wide! The business will grow and so will your child's self-confidence. Below are some links to help with the above tips. Leave a comment if you have questions are would like further explanation.

Are you in NJ. PA, or NYC? Do you want Dream BIGGER Academy to host creative entrepreneurship workshop or birthday parties at your school, church or community center? Just shoot me an email at Terina AT dreambiggeracademy.com

Resources:

How to Pitch to Bloggers (podcast): http://www.launchgrowjoy.com/promote-your-online-store-with-bloggers/
How to Create a Press Kit: http://www.launchgrowjoy.com/how-to-create-a-press-kit-for-your-ecommerce-business/
Find Local Craft Fairs: http://streetfairs.org
Order Business Cards/Marketing Materials: http://www.moo.com/us/
Order Packaging Materials: http://www.papermart.com/food-packaging/id=19088-INDEX
Inexpensive Logo Design: http://fiverr.com/
Email Marketing: http://mailchimp.com/
Build a Website Easily: wix.com

2 Fab & Easy DIY Clutches

Hello everyone, I've been gone for a little while to focus on other projects but I am VLOGGING now on Youtube. Catch my first tutorial here. There is a little sound issue in the intro but it passes in 1 minute. Let me know what you think! And please be sure to subscribe to the channel, loves.

Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum Review

Can I tell you that I LOVE this product? First, I must admit that I have rather decent skin to begin with. But there are these little dark spots, two on my jawline and a few on my neck, that drive me nuts. I had pretty much determined that they are now a permanent part of my body and accepted failure at my attempts to dissolve them....until NOW. 

This amazing serum claims to diminish dark spots and it tells no lie. In under a month, the two on my jaw line are nearly invisible and the spots on my neck are practically gone, as well. These spots have been with me for over 7 years and now, they are nearly gone in under a month. 

AND, I still have 75% of the content left. It is a HUGE value for the money ($19.95) and worth every dime.

Forget the facelift, lasers, and chemical peels! Vitamin C has been shown to be just as effective at reversing the effects of time and environmental damage to the skin.

Notice brighter, smoother skin after your first use of our Vitamin C Serum. As the serum penetrates deep into your skin, you can feel confident knowing you are reversing skin aging and preventing further damage at the same time.

-Increases the production of collagen to bring back skin's natural elasticity and counteract fine lines and wrinkles

-Powerful antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals to reverse damage caused by the sun, pollutants, and cigarette smoke

-Protects your skin from UV damage such as age spots, discoloration, and fine lines

-Improves skin texture to give you a smoother, brighter complexion

-Combined with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid for extra powerful anti-aging effects

Only good stuff inside: They use the best, natural plant-based ingredients available, with no parabens, no alcohol, and no animal testing. Natural, Vegan, & Cruelty-Free. Made in the USA. 

Plus, they have the highest level of customer service and money-back guarantee:
"All our products are backed up by a hassle free 365-day money back guarantee (no returns necessary). We follow up personally on every purchase and are always available to answer questions or address any concerns our customers may have." 
(This post is sponsored post but all true.)

Get The Anti-Aging Power Of Vitamin C: 

http://amaraorganics.com/products/vitamin-c-serum

Weight Loss Product Review: Zenwise Labs Advanced Green Tea Extract + Vitamin C

3 weeks ago I received a bottle of 120 gluten-free vegetarian capsules of Advanced Green Tea Extract + Vitamin C from the kind folks from Zenwise Labs. Hmmm, two of my fave nutrients in one tablet? Definitely down to be their guinea pig after reading the benefits:

• Assists with weight loss by increasing fat burning & improving physical performance
• Cholesterol reduction
• Lessens the risk of heart disease
• Loaded with powerful antioxidants 

I love fitness, vitamins, clean eating, juicing---all that GOOD STUFF. And I weigh myself a few times a week just to know where I am, not for dieting but just to stay on point.

Therefore, I notice changes in body pretty easily. And what I noticed with this vitamin is that my energy level has really improved. But weight loss? Not really. I have lost 2lbs in 3 weeks and I can lose that just by skipping a meal or two in a week. On the flip side, I have been doing more toning lately and so I could be losing fat and gaining muscles (which weigh more) which may be what is keeping the scale steady.

Who knows? All I know is that I weigh the same now as I did 3 weeks ago, pretty much. 

But again, my energy has increased and the tablets are tasteless so it doesn't both me to take them in the morning with my daily multi-vitamins.

But hey, give them a try yourself and let me know your results!

https://www.facebook.com/ZenwiseLabs

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Water Company Converts Couches into Running Shoes

To get folks off of the couch and moving more, which of course leads to more water drinking, water brand Vittel--based in the UK, has come up with an innovative idea. Customers upload a photo of their sofa to Vittel’s website and send in a cut of the fabric of their couch. A team of designers and shoemakers then use the fabric to create a pair of unique sneakers, based on a custom design created for the project. Shoes are sent out within a few weeks.
Many previous creations can be browsed on Vittel’s site.

 

I think it's clever...just not clever enough to ruin my furniture for. Luckily, I am already very active. What do you think?

Art Star: International Model and Fine Artist, Alek McLean

1. Please introduce yourself.  My name is Patasha 'Alek' McLean and I'm an international model and award winning visual artist.

2. What do you create? Art. That's the best and simplest way to describe what I do. Let's say ... if you can visualize it, I can make it a reality.

3. How did you get started on your create path? I started as a young child; at the age of two. My family thought my behavior was not one that was "normal" when art was involved so they signed me up for everything artistic you could think of; even performing arts. 

4. What inspires you to create? I'm inspired daily, whether by experiences or others' stories, nature, random thoughts etc. I always feel the need to create something bigger than my previous creation so I always try to outdo myself.

5. How have you been able to make a living by being your creative, authentic self? I'd say this to the modern man, don't ever think that settling is an option. Find your target markets and aim your business towards them. If you feel stifled creatively then do personal projects that will allow you to create outside of the box by also market yourself to gain more clients.

6. What new projects are your working on? I am currently working on my 's.e.l.f by self' art exhibition in Miami. S.E.L.F means Someone Everyone Loves Forgetting. This exhibition is about the individual and how they may get caught up in other people not take the time to care about themselves. I took the role of being the main subject, dissected my feelings about how I view myself and the things I may have forgotten about me and just expressed that on wood, using paint, ink and lacquer.

7. How can people find and support your work?

Instagram: @i.am.rightbrainactive

Instagram: @alekmclean

www.behance.net/rightbrainactive

www.facebook.com/ rightbrainactive

The New Edition Story Could Be Coming to a Theater Near You!

I am a full-blown NE fan. I would stand in line for hours in the rain to see them live, still today.
So yeah, I'm checking for this:

Learn more about the project here: http://www.nethemovement.com/

Color Field Painting & The Work of Sam Gilliam

In the Contemporary Art Seminar course I am taking now, I recently learned about an art movement that I hadn't heard of before: The Color Field Movement. It started in the 1950s after Jackson Pollack died. Willem de Kooning became the biggest name in Abstract Expressionism and an emerging artist at the time named Mark Rothko pioneered Color Field painting to resist influence from Kooning.

The blocks of pure color without any representation of anything "real" is what I like. Here are some of my faves:

Morris Louis, "Alphia Pi" 1960

William T. Williams, "Trane" 1969

Sam Gilliam, "Ionesque" 1965

Within the Color Field Movement emerged a Black man from Mississippi named Sam Gilliam. Gilliam received his B.A. in fine art and his M.A. in painting from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.  He was the first to remove paintings from the boundaries of the canvas frame. He was inspired to do this by observing laundry hanging outside his Washington studio. His drape paintings were suspended from ceilings, arranged on walls or floors, and they represent a sculptural, third dimension in painting. Gilliam states that his paintings are based on the fact that the framework of the painting is in real space. Gilliam's draped canvases change in each environment they are arranged in and frequently he embellishes the works with metal, rocks, and wooden beams.

Sam Gilliam in W Magazine last month

Sam Gilliam

Sam Gilliam

Sam Gilliam

Because the art I study seeps into my subconscious, I notice how it shows up in my own artwork. I have designed bags inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphics, Abstract Expressionism, and most recently, over the weekend, I painted canvas seats and added leather patches; inspired by the Color Field Movement.

My Color Field inspired benches

My Egyptian Hieroglyphics-inspired clutch

My Abstract Expressionist-inspired hobo bag

Does art history seep into your work or style? 

"Classic Man" by Jidenna

My favorite new video. All these beautiful people with extra fly vibes excite me plus it has a dope message.
 

My Bedroom, My Mini Retreat

These days I spend 90% of my time, when at home, in my bedroom. This was never the case in the past, preferring to sprawl out in my livingroom or lounge in my backyard. But in my current dwelling, my bedroom is my everything room just because it's the one room in the house that is all about me. It's the place I do yoga, write papers for school, sketch new designs for Jypsea Leathergoods, mediate and of course, sleep.
I even have a sewing machine in here behind a beautiful Asian screen.
Here are some shots:

Get great bedding sets, amazing scented candles/incenses, comfy pillows, a few pieces of furniture that really speak to your personal aesthetic, and art that you enjoy; you'll barely leave your little retreat either. 

What's your favorite room?

DIY: Make Your Own Heart Gloves

I'll be rocking Jypsea Leathergoods "LOVE" fingerless leather mini gloves this Sat 

but for you, here is an awesomely easy fashion DIY.

Gentrification Humor at it's Best (Videos)

And SNL...

How Does Your Heritage Affect Your Style?

I would love to go back 1000 years and have a makeover to look like my ancestors. Very cool experiement.

10 Valentine's Day Handbags under $100

No matter your style: Corporate, Housewife, Eco-lover, Party Girl, etc.; we all want to look great on a Valentine's Day date with a color-coordinated handbag that suits our personality. Here are a few great budget-friendly finds!

Erin Crossbody Bag ($98)

Fossil - Women's Fossil 'Small Erin' Crossbody Bag - $98.00, Free shipping - Available at Nordstrom
(2 reviews)

Vecceli Alligator Embossed Red Handbag ($66)

Vecceli Italy - Italy Alligator Embossed Red Handbag Designed by Ronella Lucci AS-173-ALLI-RED - $65.99, See Site shipping - Available at Overstock.com

Classic Crocodile Pattern Handbag ($48)

Keral - Womens Classic Crocodile Pattern Handbag PU Leather Shoulder Messenger Bags Red - $48.75, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Leather Purse Hobo Shoulder Handbag ($30)

HESHE - Heshe Women Fashion Genuine Cow Leather Purse Hobo Shoulder Handbag Bags Cross Body (Jester Red) - $29.50, 5.00 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Zippered Expandable Tote Handbag ($40)

Tosca - Zippered Expandable Tote Handbag (Red) - $39.95, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Crocodile Embossed Handbag ($85)

MYBB - MYBB Genuine Cow Leather 1st Layer Crocodile Embossed Handbag Cross Bag Women Bag (purple red) - $85.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Leather Printed Braided Tote ($82)

Life - 100% Genuine Leather Printed Braided Tote Hand Made Fashion Lady BV Inspired Handbag Tote Bag (Red) - $81.87, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Vegan Leather Blake Hobo ($50)

Shiraleah - Vegan Leather Blake Hobo (Red) - $49.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Leather Shoulder Bag ($52)

PASTE - PASTE Women's Style Cow Leather Totes/Shoulder Bag,Handbag bag With Tassels Watermelon Red - $51.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Cotton & Leather Market Bag ($60)

Jypsea Leathergoods- Distant Lover Market Bag with leather trim and Tassels in Croc Red Leather - $60, Available at Etsy.

Bonus! Cotton & Leather Tote Bag ($55)

Jypsea Leathergoods- Distant Lover Coton Twill Tote with leather trim and Tassels in Croc Red Leather- $55, Available at Etsy.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Get Through Winter FABULOUSLY and On Budget!

Target: Make An Entrance Scarf only $14!

Here in NJ, my kid has another snow day. It's been cold and wet a lot lately AND I seriously abhor the winter. The only way to survive this arctic freeze is to don the warmest gear when leaving the house. But trying to do so and while remaining cute can be a challenge so here are my Favorite Fabulous Winter Accessories. AND, to help everyone stay on their New Year's resolution budget, every last one of these is currently ON SALE or otherwise priced right! You're welcome. :)

Gap: Fur Trim Puffer Sale

Gap: Cozy Striped Colorblocked Scarf Sale

Barneys New York: Long Puffer Coat Sale

Barneys New York: Buffalo Checked Scarf

Target: Black Leather Gloves on Clearance

Target: Vintage-style Knit Beret on Clearance

Target: Headband/Earmuff  on Sale