Small Businesses Do It Better

I am "borrowing" the above phrase from Ovaleye, a local business that really does it better, and does it differently as well. I had the pleasure of meeting the powerful mother-daughter duo at The Power Chicks networking event, and was impressed from the get-go. Kathy Nelson and Jennifer Donogh, blonde, vivacious, and sharp, yet very approachable and friendly, are the faces (and brains) of a cloud services company providing a multitude resources for small businesses, but that's not where my admiration ends. As if running a business was not enough, they are involved in a number of organizations in the region, and promote other small businesses in the area.

Last night I was their guest on the weekly Ovaleye.tv program called "Small Businesses Do It Better".  I was interviewed my Kathy and Carissa, who were also modeling designs from my S/S12 collection, and looked gorgeous!  Yes, I was a bit nervous, it was a live interview, but it turned out to be so much fun! We were talking about the power of accessories, the importance of presenting yourself and your brand well, and the role of social media in running a small business.  For me it was also a chance to look back at how my business was started and what it takes every day to make it happen.

Thank you Kathy, Jenn, and Carissa!

 You can watch the interview by clicking on the Ovaleye.tv logo below.

Shopping Local, Shopping Smart

When I'm out looking for new treasures for my closet, I always gravitate toward smaller stores and merchants to find the unusual, the unique items that will add an unexpected detail and flair to my wardrobe. Recently I was fortunate to be invited to one of Dana Sustalux' trunk shows. If you live in Seattle and don't know Dana you're missing out on quite a lot. I don't know how she does it, but she has a knack for unearthing vintage treasures like noone else I know. I was lucky to snag three vintage clutch-style bags and a slinky summer-style sweater in neutral tones I usually prefer. All in excellent condition, cost a fraction of what one run-of-the-mill mass produced bag would have cost me. Giving older items a new life - sustainable luxury - is the kind of recycling right up my alley, so to speak. Apart from trunk shows, Dana has a permanent space in Sodo, by appointment, take a look at her site for details.

My second stop for exciting finds this week was a local high-end consignment shop - "My Dressing Room" - owned by always fashionable Bea. Since it's in my neighborhood (Queen Anne) I often drop by to check for what's new, which can be a blessing and a curse, let me tell you! Bea's keen eye, fashion industry experience, and an unbelievable sense of style ensures that her little shop is filled with a variety of exciting fashions that will please even the toughest shoppers. She will also tell you honestly if an item you're trying on does not look too hot on you... This time I found a gauzy graphite colored summer dress, fitted on top, with a full skirt - a perfect style and color for me. As always, I walked out happy, knowing I will not look like anyone else, feeling like a million dollars.

The third stop this week was also in my neighborhood, at "Three Birds". This perfectly edited and curated Queen Anne lifestyle shop offers fantastic objects for home, gift items, as well as a selection of tasteful accessories such as bags, jewelry, and beautifully colored scarves. It hasn't even been a year since it has open its doors, and it has become the destination for all of us in Queen Anne. The pretty proprietress, Robin, personally selects everything she offers in her spacious boutique - from globally to locally sourced goodies. Everything is arranged beautifully, looking ready to be photographed for a glossy decorating magazine. If I had a larger house (and a bigger budget!) I would buy out the store for sure. For now I picked up a long, summer weight, pastel colored shawl in dreamy shades of dusty pink and lavender. It will look smashing with my new dress from "My Dressing Room"!

So, when you're out there on a shopping trip, don't go to a mall. Wander through small neighborhoods, discover local merchants, you will be surprised how much more exciting it will be. Great for your wardrobe, great for the local economy.

My finds: grey dress from "My Dressing Room", shawl from "Three Birds", vintage clutch from "Sustalux", jewelry my own "Joanna Morgan Designs"

Summer in Winter - Photoshoot (Part 2)

As a relatively new Seattle "transplant" I always consider myself unbelievably lucky to have found my new home in Queen Anne. Extremely walkable, filled with cozy cafes, boutiques, it was already a dream come true to have found it, when a new French bakery opened last year - "Le Reve". It quickly became the place to meet for lunch, or just coffee - though usually one cannot be satisfied with coffee alone and is tempted by their incredible selection of desserts. So I was very fortunate when the very friendly owner of "Le Reve" graciously agreed for us to shoot Joanna Morgan Designs Spring/Summer collection there. The space is filled with light, European ambiance lending itself to the "upscale bohemian" vibe we were going for. Mind you, outside it was your usual January in Seattle grey, rainy afternoon...

In this part of the photoshoot Natalie was wearing a dress from Bri Seeley Designs "Illumination" collection - a perfect look for summer. You get the feeling that this beautiful girl came to "Le Reve" for brunch and is waiting for her friends, possibly eyeing some cute guys at the next table. Again Amanda's talent shines in this session, and Natalie looks positively radiant. My jewelry adds the pop of color in dreamy blues, off-whites, and greens.

I dream of summer!

Amanda and Natalie at "Le Reve" shooting Joanna Morgan Designs Summer Collection; on Natalie - Wardrobe: Bri Seeley Designs; Hair: Matthew Lawrence; Make-up: Liz Kiss