Bella Ink Blog

Shop Girl Focus: Sheryl of Stationery Station

This month's Shop Girl Focus featured retailer is Sheryl of Stationery Station in Highland Park, Illinois. Sheryl was inspired to open a card shop of her own when a store she had ordered "Thank You" cards from failed to provide her, and others, with the customer service and efficiency they deserved. Sheryl and her team has obviously hit on a winning formula. She's been in business for over 32 years!  Stationery Station was also one of Bella Ink's first customers five years ago this coming January.  

So Sheryl...

Q: Do you think, due to the current economy, that stationery purchases will veer more towards gift items and less towards invitations as some people believe?

A: No, parties will continue but without going to extremes... less frill, more clean, sharp, and often letter-pressed looks.

Q: What would you like to see that hasn't been done, or done well, in the world of stationery?

A: Custom stationery priced under $100.00 for teens, and gifts with sharp, modern looks, of course!

Q: Where do you get your window inspirations?

A: The news, the season, new merchandise...

 
(Photos courtesy of: RubensFoto)

Q: Besides the stationery shows, where do you like to scout out new products?

A: In trade magazines, and at art fairs.  I like designs inspired by the fabric industry.

Q: What snacks do you like to stash behind the register?

A: Hershey kisses, Voges Chocolates and cocoa from Starbucks (50 yards away).  Chocolate disappears quickly!  

Q: Living or passed on, who would you invited to your party?

A: My husband, the quintessential dancer!

Q: Stay in or go out this New Year's Eve?

A: A casual restaurant with old friends and then back to someone's house.

Q: How long before you break a New Year's resolution?

A: I rarely make one, so I don't risk breaking it!

Q: Fashionably late is...

A: Not all all to a formal event, and between 10-30 minutes to a more casual party.

Q: What one talent do you wish you had?

A: To be able to carry a tune.

Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?

A: I love to travel to far away places with my best and oldest friends.  

Q: What is your worst shopping habit?

A: Buying as I see... but not always the items I should have bought.

Q: Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?

A: Using glitter and crystals to decorate at home and in the shop window.

Q: Do you wrap the present yourself or have it wrapped at the store where the gift was purchased?

A: Myself, but at my shop where we stock loads of gorgeous ribbons!

Q: What would the name of your autobiography be?

A: Vitality!

Thank you for your participation, Sheryl!  You can find Stationery Station at:

610 Central Ave.

Highland Park, IL 60035

P: 847-432-3044

W: http://stationerystation.com/

Shop Girl Focus: Sandy of AliKat Boutique

Shop Girl Focus is back!  This month we're featuring Sandy of AliKat Boutique in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. We love stopping by AliKat whenever we're in need of a fabulous and affordable gift for the fashionable women in our lives.  Don't tell anybody, but we often end up gifting ourselves as well.  It's hard to resist because Sandy stocks some of the best products in town, from clothing and accessories to gift items and more, including Bella Ink of course!  We also love that, like Bella Ink, AliKat's name is a tribute to her daughters.

So Sandy...

Q. Why did you start your business?

A. I wanted to bring a fresh new store to Glen Ellyn that caters to young women and busy moms, where you can grab a gift for a friend and a pair of earrings for yourself.

Q: How are you making your business recession-proof?

A: By continuing to search out new and unique items that fit most budgets.

Q: What has been your best moment as a businesswoman this year?

A: Celebrating our third anniversary and hearing our customers tell us how much they love having us here.

Q: If you could move your business anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Glen Ellyn... What's the expression?  There's no place like home.

Q: How will you get ready for Black Friday this coming November?

A: A couple of glasses of wine with my family the night before!

Q: What are you celebrating this year?

A: We are celebrating our 3rd anniversary.  We keep getting better and like the changes we have made each year.

Q: What is your favorite method of communication?

A: Email.  I'm still trying to figure out Facebook and Twitter!

Q: What is your favorite era in fashion?

A: Everything with jeans!

Q: Did you attend any of the year's Fashion Weeks?

A: No.  But we did a Fashion Week kickoff at AliKat!

Q: Do you have a necessary extravagance?

A: Jeans, jewelry and bags!

Q: What advice do you have for men when buying a present for the women in their lives?

A: Get advice from her friends and go to her favorite store to shop.  At AliKat, we love helping men buy gifts for the women in their life... and we gift wrap!

Q: What will you be for Halloween this year?

A: A soccer mom!  I'll be at a tournament.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?

A: Nope!

Q: Heels or flats in the shop?

A: Yes... a pair of each!

Q: What is your favorite at work soundtrack?

A: I love the music that my daughter and the high school/college girls that work at AliKat make for the store.

You can find AliKat at: 

499 West Pennsylvania Avenue

Glen Ellyn, IL 

Web: http://www.alikatinc.net

P: 630-469-5760

Shop Girl Focus: Sheridan of Paper Affair

Shop Girl Focus is back and we're featuring Sheridan of Paper Affair in Lombard, Illinois.  Sheridan opened up her branch of the popular Paper Affair stores in 2008 at the Shops on Butterfield, part of Lombard's Yorktown Center.  Since Lombard is Bella Ink's hometown, we made a visit as a group to Sheridan's store during the 2008 Holiday season.  We've been begging her to take part in our Q&A feature ever since.  We are thrilled to share her responses with you now.  

So Sheridan...

Q: What motivated you to open your own business?                A: Initially, my desire to stay home when my daughter was born.  I have always had a love of paper and typography.  Starting a small-scale stationery business out of my home seemed like a great plan.  As time passed it became evident that my "stay at home" concept had challenges that would ultimately limit its potential, and we began exploring our options for growing into a physical space.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in the last year?

A: Aside from the economy, which certainly isn't discriminating to new businesses, I think our single biggest challenge is exposure, getting our name out there and letting people know who we are and what we do.  Word of mouth marketing has been our biggest success to date and we continue to evaluate which media channels provide us with the best return.  I'm sure that will be an ongoing challenge.

Q: What are you most thankful for?

A: First, I have such a wonderful support group in my family and friends.  Not only have they been supportive of me fulfilling my dream of opening the store, but they have tolerated my absence, my obsession & my oh so many mood swings that come with the labor of love we call retail.  Second, obviously, we wouldn't be anything without the fabulous clients we get to work with on a daily basis!  We are very fortunate to work in an environment where, 98% of the time, our clients are celebrating.

Q: What is your favorite celebration of the year?

A: I can't even pick one.  There are SO many things about each that make them unique and fun to celebrate.  The 4th of July is a fantastic bash at a neighbor's house, but there's also the fun of planning a family costume theme for Halloween, organizing the menu for Thanksgiving, decorating the house at Christmas... 

Q: What stationery trends do you think have staying power?

A: I think it'd be safe to say that Letterpress is going to take off.  Maybe not until the economy starts to turn a bit more, but there is definitely more buzz around the process.  Another trend that I think is catching on here is personalization.  I grew up in Kentucky and know from personal experience how prominent personalization and monograms have been in the South for years.  I am amazed at how many people come into our store and have been blown away at the idea of having note cards printed with their name or monogram.

Q: What was the first stationery show you visited?  

A: My first show was The Chicago Living & Giving Mini show in August 2008, just before we opened.  The best thing about the shows is getting to see all of the lines in one place.  The worst thing is hauling around all of the literature and trying to cram the whole show into a short visit.  We primarily use the show to "see" things, then schedule follow-up appointments so we don't spend too much of our time writing orders.  

Q: What design adorns your personal stationery?

A: My monogram or my name.  I'm sort of simple like that, I guess?!?!  Perhaps it has to do with my interest in typography, or that my name is unique enough that it usually isn't pre-printed on anything in a store?  On something more casual I would usually have polka dots, which would explain at least half of the official name of my business, Polkadot Pinwheel.

Q: In what time frame do you think thank you notes should be mailed?

A: This is a trick question!  I'll answer with the caveat of do as I say, not as I do or else my good girl friends will surely rat me out!  I would say that, for smaller events, it is best to have thank you notes mailed out within 2 weeks.  With larger events, or if you are encouraging children to write their own notes, the timing is going to be stretched out a bit.  Definitely the sooner the better... then it's off your to-do list.  

Q: What is the biggest temptation in having your business located within a large shopping complex?

A: I wish I could say it was handbags or shoes or something that sounds really chic, but anyone that knows me would know that it's the stinkin' food court!  I'm a fast food junkie... and I would venture to say that if you stop by and I don't have a Diet Coke in hand, it's probably because I just finished it and haven't made another run.

Q: Is there a favorite snack food you like to stash behind the register?

A: I personally have been trying to keep my protein bars on hand, but, inevitably someone will bring M&Ms (you know who you are!!!) or some other deliciously evil treat that is impossible to resist!

Q: Do you have a favorite in-store soundtrack?

A: We use Pandora Internet radio in the store, so we have a wide variety of play lists that we cycle through on any given day.  There are definitely two favorites you'll hear when I'm in control of the tunes... I pick Michael Buble for any day/anytime, good music.  But there are definitely times, usually in the evenings near closing, when I'll flip over to the Zac Efron station to get my High School Musical and Radio Disney fix!

Q: Living or dead, who would you invite to your party?

A: Oprah Winfrey.  She is such an inspiration to so many people.

Q: Whose diary would you like to read?

A: Oddly enough, my own.  Unfortunately, I haven't started writing it.  When my grandfather passed away several years ago, a few of the neatest things we found amongst his belongings and photos were a journal and a bunch of letters that he had exchanged with my grandmother when they were younger.  The letters were amazing stories from his travels in the military.  The journal was more of a chronicle of his life, which he started documenting later as he became interested in his ancestry and family heritage.  One day, perhaps, I'll start so that I have a similar treasure to look back over down the road.

Q: What is your personal motto?

A: Enjoy each day for what it is and don't sweat the small stuff that you likely can't control anyhow.

Q: What is your favorite off-duty activity?

A: Spending time with my family and friends, just being lazy and watching everyone live and play!

You can find Paper Affair-Lombard at:

340 Yorktown Center

Lombard, IL 60148

P: 630-627-2222

E: yorktown@paperaffair.com

W: www.paperaffair.polkadotpinwheel.com

Shop Girl Focus: Jill of Westwood Paper Co.

Twitter is a useful vehicle for businesses to communicate with one another.  More and more of our customers are becoming Tweet addicts... and we LOVE it! When Jill of Westwood Paper Co. opened a Twitter account, she became a follower of Bella Ink, and we in turn became a follower of hers.  And thus began a dialog between two companies, which has led to Jill being this month's Shop Girl Focus featured retailer!  

Jill opened her custom stationery store, Westwood Paper Co., three years ago.  The company's primary business has been wedding related, but now that her bride's families are beginning to expand, so is Westwood Paper Co.'s baby business.

So, Jill...

Q: What gift from your store would you want somebody to purchase for you?

A: I would love for someone to give me a greeting card or a pretty note (all of the notes in my store are pretty) with a personal and loving message from their heart.

Q: Will you be attending the National Stationery Show in May?

A: Yes, I have been to the show every year since I opened, and I look forward to attending again this year.  I enjoy visiting with my vendors and meeting designers.  I like to find new vendors, too.

Q: How are you approaching the buying process this year compared to past years?

A: I am definitely thinking about each purchase more and not buying product just because I like it.  I am buying with specific customers in mind and waiting until they are ready to place their order.  I appreciate that many vendors are reducing minimums so that I can buy only the amount the customer needs.

Q: What was your best moment as a businesswoman in the past year?

A: Being asked to be on the Advisory Board of RetailSpeaks has been an honor and a new avenue for me.  Cinda Baxter is a true mentor in every sense of the word and to have her on my side has certainly aided me and given me more knowledge of the retail game.

Q: What motivated you to open a card shop?

A: I had been in this business for many  years, working for other owners.  My oldest son passed away in 2000 and I had difficulty making other people's priorities be my priorities.  So, I took some time to start healing and finding out what was important to me.  I realized that making happy moments for others was the answer.  Shortly after I opened my store, the local newspaper wrote an article about me and focused on how this place was a source of comfort and joy to me.  Three years later, I still have mothers who have lost children come in to meet me.  So many just want to feel the hope that someday they will have a "normal" life again.  That gives me purpose, and for that I am grateful.

Q: When you were 9, what did you think  you were going to be when you grew up?

A: I used to play "store" and "school" and I'm glad I went with the store game! 

Q: Which words or phrases do you feel are overused on invitations?

A: It bothers me when people say, "Please RSVP," or add the zip code at the end of the address on the invite.  I have seen, but would never do this myself, when a bridal couple puts their registry info on the invitation.  I don't do tacky!

Q: What is your favorite method of communication?

A: Email.  But I certainly would NEVER invite someone with an e-vite.  Those things are awful!

Q: Favorite snack to stash behind the register?

A: I eat M&M's in the back room!

Q: Heels or flats in the shop?

A: Flats, for sure.  Flip flops when weather permits.

Q: Necessary extravagance...

A: Gotta get those roots done every four to six weeks.  Not an extravagance to me, but my husband thinks it is. 

Q: Tonight's dinner party is potluck, what do you bring?

A: Whatever looks good in the deli.  I have done my time in the kitchen while raising my family and now I've retired from that chore.  

Q: Fashionably late is...

A: Late enough to be noticed but not too late that it angers others.

Q: In what time frame should a "thank you" be mailed?

A: It's never too late to say "thank you," "I love you," or "you are wonderful." 

Q: Should an email address be substituted for the traditional phone number RSVP?

A: I suggest to my customers that they include both.  I tell them that not everyone wants to phone someone they don't know, and some people have different schedules than others.  If their only time to sit down and respond is at midnight, you wouldn't want that call.

Thanks, Jill!

You can find Westwood Paper Co. at:

20 Executive Drive

Carmel, Indiana 46032

P: 317-843-1212

W: http://www.westwoodpaper.com/home_page.html

Shop Girl Focus: Kerri of Paper Trendz

This month's Shop Girl Focus spotlight is on Kerri of Paper Trendz, located in Oklahoma City, OK.  Kerri's love of paper products began while she was planning her wedding a few years ago.  The invitation selection process made her realize there was a need for stationery businesses offering a relaxing environment in which to view and purchase quality invitations at reasonable prices. In 2006 she opened her by appointment only home studio and corresponding online store.  Shopping from bed in your pajamas is definitely relaxing!

So Kerri...

Q: From where or whom did you get the best advice about starting a business?

A: From my better half.  He said to make sure I started small, paid the bills and continued to enjoy what I do... and so far those three things continue to pay off.

Q: Why have you opted to sell stationery online over other products?

A: I love parties and planning and everything paper.  I decided that this is my "calling."  I get to be creative and help people at the same time.  Paper Trendz is a passion that I have cultivated over the last few years, and I hope to build it into something even more than just stationery.

Q: What factors into the buying process when selecting which brands to sell?

A: Ease of dealing with the vendor.  Being a home studio/online retailer limits me on what I can keep in stock.  I like to be able to place an order today and have it out in the mail to me by the next day.  Also, the willingness of the vendor to drop-ship.  

Q: What was your best moment as a businesswoman in the last year?

A: When I tripled my sales from the year before!  But my best moment as a retailer in a service industry was when I helped a young woman paying for her wedding on her own.  She had no money really budgeted for invites and we found a way to work with her to make her day special.  That is why I do this...

Q: As an online retailer, do you feel that online businesses will replace or outnumber bricks and mortar businesses in the future?

A: I feel there is a place for both.  Some people are overwhelmed at the online process and choose to go to a bricks and mortar.  Even though we sell to many brides a year [online], I still have people that just want to go to a stationery studio.  At the same time many people enjoy the process of just buying at the computer, from their house, at 2:30 in the morning.

Q: Do you feel it is appropriate to replace a phone number with an email address for the RSVP?

A: Yes and no.  I feel there is a sentimental/traditional feel to the phone RSVP.  However, we must adapt to the time that we are in, and most people have said it would be much more convenient to respond via email.  There was a time that we responded via written word long before phones...

Q: How far in advance should invitations be sent out for a destination wedding?

A: A "Save the Date" is a must in this situation.  I would send the "Save the Date" out no later than 5 months prior.  Really, 6 months is acceptable.  Make sure to include accommodation options and other important information.  After that, I think 12-16 weeks is plenty of time [for the invites].

Q: Where is your favorite place to buy/download fonts for your cards?

A: We have found that scrapbook font sites are the best for our industry.  They weed out all the "scary" and "plain" fonts and give us a great selection of whimsical and fun fonts.

Q: Stationery designers are turning to the digital printing process more and more, especially for photo cards.  How will this positively/negatively affect an online retailer like Paper Trendz?

A: I really think that this will help us.  I love the look of letterpress and other print options, but digital is so crisp and clear--and much more cost effective for most people.  I can see us moving to 100% digital on our everyday items (leaving room for special requests and weddings, etc...)

Q: Designers are also preparing their holiday lines for the National Stationery Show in May.  Based on this past holiday season, what do you believe customers will be looking for more/less of this coming holiday season?

A: Our trends indicate that they will be looking for less of the formal gathering invitation/holiday card and more of the fun and unique.  Zebra/animal prints are still very much a hit for us right now... as are blues and pinks and browns at holiday time.  Also, people are really migrating towards the photo card that has the photo printed on the paper instead of attached to the paper.

Q: Do you have a favorite stationery show city?  

A: Obviously NYC was so much fun for us.  But being close to Dallas, we love to go to the show there as well.  Many retailers think there isn't a way to get to NY and make it work, but I am here to tell you that it can be done and it can be done on a budget (with a great hotel)!  

Q: Any must visit locations outside of the show in NYC?

A: Go to Pete's Place for pizza.  I think it's on 47th--the Times Square location.  If it's your first time [in NYC], don't waste precious moments inside a museum.  Take a 1/2 day red bus tour... you will see so much more of the city!

Q: What types of stationery do you find to be resilient in this economy?

A: Babies and weddings... They both need showers, parties, announcements/invites...

Q: Who is more selective, new moms or brides-to-be?

A: Has to be brides... but not always in a bad way.  This is just an important day for them that, hopefully, only happens once.  I think new moms are too tired to be extremely selective, but they still want cute announcements.

Q: If somebody freezes up when they need to write a "Thank You" note, what would be your best piece of advice for them?

A: Think about how that gift/gesture made them feel.  Also think about the person giving it.  If all else fails, make sure to write: "Thank you for _____."  Then tell them what you did with the gift and tell them how thoughtful it was.  People want to think you didn't hide it in a closet or throw it away.

Thanks, Kerri!

You can find Paper Trendz online at: http://www.papertrendz.com

Oklahoma City area residents, call for an appointment: 

866-556-1617 (between 10AM and 6PM CST)

Snapshot of an Entrepreneur: Melissa of Bella Ink Designs

After several Shop Girl Focus features, we've decided that it's time to turn the tables on the people behind Bella Ink Designs.  This time around we've quizzed Melissa, who started Bella Ink Designs a little over four years ago when she was searching for some creative freedom and extra family time.  Zeroing in on her passion for painting, Melissa began designing stationery for friends and family, amongst other creative side projects.  She eventually took six designs to the Chicago Merchandise Mart and found herself a rep group.  In January of 2005 Bella Ink's first orders started rolling in, and the glittering began.  Today, Melissa runs Bella Ink Designs out of a studio and warehouse space rather than from her dining room table.  

So Melissa...

Q: Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

A: I love walking around Chicago neighborhoods.  The city's antique stores, boutiques, the architecture, the people, the energy, just about everything.  My gears are always turning, it's endless.

Q: Describe your personal style as it relates to fashion and decor?

A: Decor: Very eclectic, I love the simplicity of modern design and the warmth and history of old architecture.  My personal style is pretty similar.  I love a good vintage coat with a new pair of boots!

Q: What trends do you think will be big this spring/summer?

A: Color: Natural grays, purples, pattern mixing...

Q: When you're not working...

A: Funny, even when I'm not working, I'm working!  I'm thinking, creating in my head, sketching, researching.  I actually refer to it as my "free" time because I enjoy it so much.

Q: Favorite method of communication?

A: Visual.  I love it when you feel emotion from something without having any words attached to it.

Q: Do you prefer big blowouts or small gatherings?

A: Small gatherings.  I used to love a blowout, but now I like quality moments with quality people.

Q: What is timeless when it comes to stationery?

A: Letterpress

Q: You work best...

A: At 4AM

Q: Personal style icon?

A: Twiggy meets Janis Joplin

Q: Favorite expression?

A: Cheers!

 Bella Ink Designs

 1121 N. Main St.

 Lombard, IL 60148

 www.bellaink.com (for retailers)

 www.twitter.com/bellaink (for updates)

History of the Q&A

As many of you know by now, Bella Ink Designs posts a monthly Q&A feature called Shop Girl Focus. We ask our retailers and other business associates a mix of serious and funny questions in order to get to know them better.  We are inspired by the countless magazines and bloggers who do their own version of the Q&A each month.  One of our favorites is The Fashion Informer. 

But where did the Q&A originate?  We recently found out while reading the beautiful coffee table book, Influence, by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.  Midway through their interviews with influential architects, artists, fashion designers and photographers,  Mary Kate and Ashley take a moment to interview each other using the Proust Questionnaire.  

According to Vanity Fair, which includes a version of the Proust Questionnaire in every issue, it began as a "parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature." Be sure to visit the Vanity Fair Proust Questionnaire archive and get a little insight into people like Carolina Herrera, Margaret Atwood and Proust himself, circa 1892.

And now, we present to you the Proust Questionnaire:

1. What is your most marked characteristic?
2. What is the quality you most like in a man?
3. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
4. What do you most value in  your friends?
5. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
6. What is your favorite occupation?
7. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
8. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
9. In which country would you like to live?
10. Who are your favorite writers?
11. Who are your favorite poets?
12. Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
13. Who is your favorite heroine of fiction?
14. Who are your favorite composers?
15. Who are your favorite painters?
16. What are your favorite names?
17. What is it you most dislike?
18. Which talent would you most like to have?
19. How would you like to die?
20. What is your current state of mind?
21. What is your motto?

Shop Girl Focus: Sara at The Inviting Place

Sara and her team at The Inviting Place in Tulsa, OK took part in this month's edition of Shop Girl Focus.  She told Bella Ink that her and the girls had a great time discussing the questions below.  As you can see from the picture above, taken in a photo booth at the wedding of one TIP's employees, this group truly has fun together no matter the occasion!    

Sara purchased The Inviting Place in 2005 after working for IBM's Consulting division.  They have been fabulously loyal Bella Ink customers since 2006 and we share a peanut M&M addiction with them!  We thank them for participating in this feature and wish them all the best in 2009!

So Sara...

Q: What has been your best moment as a businesswoman in the past year?

A: Being fairly new to the stationery industry, I'm always encouraged by the kind and generous comments from our customers as to our service level and knowledge of the business.  The staff and I truly enjoy what we do and are so thrilled with the complimentary notes and letters we receive from our customers.

Q: Favorite place to scout new merchandise outside of industry shows?

A: My sister-in-law lives in Manhattan and is constantly sending me ideas for merchandise she finds in great New York City stores.  We also have great customer suggestions on items they have seen or heard about!

Q: Your easy to make, go-to party food is...

A: Generally, it is a yummy and fattening dip with chips!

Q: Heels or flats in the shop?

A: Definitely flip-flops!  We are lost in the wintertime!

Q: How far out from an event's date should the host/hostess mail invitations?

A: We recommend sending invitations three weeks prior to a social function.  If an event is close to or during a holiday, we'll suggest mailing the invites four weeks prior.

Q: What design is on your personal stationery?

A: My monogram!

Q: Do you have a preferred in-store soundtrack?

A: We recently went through a "Mamma Mia" movie soundtrack phase... we have now moved on toTaylor Swift's latest CD release.

Q: What are you thankful for this year?

A: The girls and I have had a very rough year, personally.  We've battled the loss of a dear husband, a cancer scare, surgeries and fertility problems.  Fortunately, we are extremely close and couldn't have made it without each other.  We are truly thankful for the promise of a great 2009!  We are also very thankful that we have baby girl twins arriving in December!

Q: If you could relocate your business anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Sarah, Terry's daughter and my dear friend, lives outside San Francisco.  We'd both love to be closer to her!  (Ok... maybe Tuscany, too!)

Q: Fashionably late is...

A: Maybe five or ten minutes.

Q: Your off duty outfit...

A: I'm really either on-duty all the time or the clear opposite and wearing my PJ's.  I really don't have much of an in-between!

Q: What snack do you stash behind the register?

A: Peanut M&M's... we all have an addiction!

Q: Confess... when was the last time you sent an EVITE?

A: Never!  Never!  Never!  I'm not sure I'd even know how to do it?

Q: Favorite method of communication?

A: Email!  It is the best invention (besides TiVO) of all time!

Q: Which words or phrases are overused on invitations?

A: We've heard from customers that RSVP or Regrets information on an invitation isn't worth it.  No one replies to you!  So, we suggest including an email address.  We have found that people are more comfortable with emailing their RSVP!

You can find The Inviting Place at:

5970 South Yale Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74135

KingsPointe Village

P: 918-488-0525

W: www.invitingplace.com

Shop Girl Focus: Candy of Where's the Party?

Where's the Party? opened its doors on April 1, 1990 after Candy and her then business partner, Robin, had met and bonded over their love for parties at a balloon class one year earlier. "We absolutely had no idea of how much work this would entail, starting from "scratch," but of course we jumped in with both feet. The first couple of years were a lot of learning, laughing and late nights."

Eventually Robin moved on and off to Oregon, but Candy kept the business growing, expanding the store three times in her 18 years in business. "Going to the store daily still gives me so much joy. It is not unusual to sit with a wedding client for two hours and get to know them and become friends. But now I have 26 smiling, beautiful faces to say 'Where's the party? How can I help?'"

So Candy...

Q: Why did you start your business?
A: I was ready for a change in my life and right around that time I had met a woman (my would be business partner) who shared my love for parties.

Q: If you were a product in your store, what product would you be?
A: I've been told that I make people laugh and smile and I like to have a good time, so I guess I would have to say a "Pinata."

Q: What was the last book your read?
A: "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks.

Q: Halloween is coming up, do you have any superstitions?
A: No, but I do love Halloween.

Q: How do you unwind after a day at the store?
A: Sit with my husband, have a glass of wine and watch the news.

Q: In what time-frame should a "Thank You" be mailed?
A: In a perfect world it would be within a week, for weddings a month... but a thank you at any time is appreciated.

Q: What is your favorite method of communication?
A: Person to person.

Q: Fashionably late is...
A: Not good!

Q: Where is your favorite place to shop, other than your store?
A: Nordstrom's

Q: What design is on your personal stationery?
A: A shell.

Q: Oprah Winfrey or Kathy Griffin?
A: Oprah Winfrey.

Q: What is your favorite in-store soundtrack?
A: Mama Mia!

Q: What was your strangest pet, ever?
A: I had a gerbil when I was a little girl.

Q: Which holiday do you like to dress your store up for most?
A: Christmas!

Q: What was your best moment as a businesswoman in the last year?
A: My best moments would have to be when I come into the store and see the smiling faces of my customers and knowing that even during the rough times with the economy, they still keep coming!

You can find Where's the Party? at:

270 E. 17th St.
12A
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
P: 949-722-1803
www.wheresthepartyink.com

"Life Between Blinks"

If you've ordered Bella Ink photo cards or recently browsed through them online, you've probably seen the handiwork of Dani and Anna (above), the talented duo at Blink Photography in Bend, Oregon. Their images are crystal clear, as if you're looking out your window at a group of people having an enviably carefree day in the field next door. Visit their online portfolio and you'll find some of their "models" lounging on couches amongst tall grasses, looking couture against giant redwoods and canoodling in cars. At Bella Ink, we have a soft spot for their adorable baby portraits. (Bella Ink photo cards pictured below: PC-25, PC-42, PC-39 and PC-43)

In addition to baby, family and wedding photo sessions, the girls at Blink offer a fabulously fun sounding session called "trash the dress." This is a popular new trend amongst today's fun-loving brides who understand, and even welcome the fact, that their gown may get wet or dirty during the photo shoot. You can find all sorts of brides trashing their dresses at trashthedress.com. (The website is not affiliated with Blink Photography)

And now for how Dani and Anna view "life between blinks..."

Q: When/Where was the above photo of the two of you taken?
A: It was something we did with a camera propped up inside a phone booth out in the middle of nowhere! It was the end of a long/fun family session at one of our many state parks... and let's just say that the first thing you reach for after one of those is a good old fashioned huckleberry ice cream cone!

Q: Describe each other using three adjectives.
A: Goofy, energetic and creative!

Q: What has been your favorite photo shoot location?
A: Smith Rock State Park... Bend, Oregon.

Q: If you could give amateur photographers one bit of advice on how to snap a great picture, what would it be?
A: Don't be afraid to try new things. And make sure you do something new on every shoot!

Q: Black and white or color?
A: We do both... but Blink is known for our crisp, clear, color with a POP!

Q: What is your dream photography vacation?
A: Anywhere sandy, warm, with our families and a good book during the kiddos nap-time.

Q: When you were 9 you wanted to be...
A: (Dani) A mommy. (Anna) A teacher.

Q: What's the best thing about being in business together?
A: We get to laugh together!

You can find Blink Photography (and their blog) at:

www.lifebetweenblinks.com
P: 541-350-6976
E: info@lifebetweenblinks.com