Rana Campbell

August 13, 2015

RANA CAMPBELLCONTENT STRATEGIST & FOUNDER OF RANACAMPBELL.COMORANGE, NEW JERSEY

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Rana Campbell, Princeton University alumni and Founder of lifestyle website: RanaCampbell.com. Rana and I instantly bonded over our passion for bridging the gap between vision and reality – as she shared her website’s mission to help individuals shine in their personal and professional lives. Rana’s work has been featured on FOX 5 Good Day New York, The Huffington Post, Princeton Alumni Weekly, and many more.

I tell this to everyone: be a student of your industry. Understand the space well. Understand your future customer's pain points and work on building relationships with them. No one can want your dream more than you want your dream. A lot of people talk about this in terms of “passion”, but I think this goes beyond passion. If you want to enter a field and create something that you actually want to see some tangible results from, you need to really be involved in the system and process of figuring out how to see something from ideation to execution. I think that’s where a lot of people have it wrong. They think talent alone will cause success. It may, but I think that having a larger bird’s eye view of the industry and the little intricacies can help insure long-term success.

How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?

I've always been a storyteller, talker, and question-asker. These parts of my persona have definitely translated into what I do now. For me, my site and brand is all about empowering and sharing the stories of others. That’s always been intriguing to me. I’m the type of person who admires and wonders “Why?” How did things get to be the way they are? At the same time, I’ve always wondered, “What’s the best way to share this and share with others? Perhaps that’s why I love marketing so much.

How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?

The women in my life have shown me resilience and strength. I think one of the most influential women in my life has been my mother. When I think of her I think of sacrifice and resilience. My mother went through alot in her life, and despite almost dying when I was a baby, she is still here with us. All along she has supported me and through her sacrifice I have been able to accomplish so much.

Other important women in my life such as teachers, mentors, and even former bosses have been instrumental in my life because they both believed in me and pushed me. They showed me new possibilities for my dreams and also showed me the ways that I can navigate those open waters as a woman.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

I’m obsessed with reading. I always try to have a book in tow, if possible. I’m always trying to find new information to consume via blogs, news, film, social media, networking events, music, etc… I am like a sponge and revel at opportunities to learn new things. I think if you’re constantly seeking new knowledge, staying ahead of the curve is easy. This is where my love for asking “why?” comes in.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

This one is a bit hard for me. Personally, I try to make sure to write everything down and revisit my goals from time to time. By keeping myself accountable, I’m able to keep track. For me, keeping track of my goals and staying creative don’t always go hand-in-hand. I feel that sometimes I have too many creative ideas which can cause an overload, which may cause me NOT to focus on my goals. There you have it… staying focused is what I find to be the most important thing. At the end of the day, I always try to remain positive. Burnout is real.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Mentors are everything. Having someone who did it already and can show you the ropes can save you a lot of time and also guide your own journey. Mentors are another part of your support system- which every creative needs. One of my mentors is Gabrielle Simpson, who is a director of Communications at NBC. I’ve known Gabby (as I call her) from when she worked at CBS Corporate and I as an intern. She’s always been a great support to me and has pushed me to pursue new opportunities. She also helped open up alot of doors for me, which I would have a really hard time gaining access to (quite literally.) Gabby sees greatness in me – having someone who sees that in you and wants you to achieve that is the best thing ever.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

I tell this to everyone: be a student of your industry. Understand the space well. Understand your future customer's pain points and work on building relationships with them. No one can want your dream more than you want your dream. A lot of people talk about this in terms of “passion”, but I think this goes beyond passion. If you want to enter a field and create something that you actually want to see some tangible results from, you need to really be involved in the system and process of figuring out how to see something from ideation to execution. I think that’s where a lot of people have it wrong. They think talent alone will cause success. It may, but I think that having a larger bird’s eye view of the industry and the little intricacies can help insure long-term success.

My dad once told me, “As long as you’re awake and have the ability to think, you should never be bored.”

Place that inspires me the most:

I get a lot of ideas while driving without the radio on. There's something about being on the move that gets my mind going. Honestly, I can get inspired from pretty much everywhere. Everything is a story to me. You just have to want to see it. My dad once told me, “As long as you’re awake and have the ability to think, you should never be bored.”

I feel most powerful when:

This may sound crazy, but I love being naked. I think there’s power in loving your body in its rawest form. True power comes from within and I think that moment of nakedness where you have nothing to hide behind is where we can start to build that power.

For the more politically correct answer, I’ll say, I feel most powerful when I’m looking good, feeling good, and am prepared. Those things give me confidence.

I love what I do because:

I get to meet so many different people and hear so many different stories. At the same time, I love inspiring others and helping others accomplish their dreams. This may be because I’m an ENFJ, but I really enjoy seeing other people smile and feel good about themselves. I also like presenting ways that individuals can start challenging themselves to open their eyes to something new.

I read a quote the other day that sums this up perfectly: “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.

Best advice I have ever received:

Don’t let what others think weigh you down. I say this is the best advice because it’s something I find myself working on every day. Having courage to pursue a journey that others may not fully support or understand is hard, but if you believe in yourself and start to care less about what “others” may say the possibilities are endless. I read a quote the other day that sums this up perfectly: “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

Connect with Rana Campbell on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram!

Noël Descalzi-Fiorentinos

September 28, 2014

NOËL DESCALZI-FIORENTINOS FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF WORK IT OUT HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY

Thank you to Noël for sharing her journey as an entrepreneur on HIMYB.com - and personally inspiring me to choose a healthy and active lifestyle.

Tell us about Work it Out and how long you have been in business.

Work it Out is a healthy lifestyle studio that offers fitness classes and wellness packages that are customized specifically for our community. With two Hoboken locations, our studios are like no other. We’re far removed from the world of impersonal big-box gyms, our unique facilities and wide variety of classes and offerings let you set your fitness free, while throwing away thoughts of a lonely unguided road to health. We also offer a children's gymnastics program that is organically intertwined within our model. We are approaching our 4 year anniversary.

How did you come up with the company name?

Let me give you a visual:

You’re getting ready for a night on the town with all of your friends. You had a hard week at work but it doesn’t matter because you look fierce and feel amazing. All of a sudden your most ‘fabulous’ friend yells out (with a Z shaped finger snap) “GIRLLL…you better Work it Out!” You take one look in the mirror and have all the confidence in the world.

What is your company's mission?

Our philosophy is steeped in the belief that our diversity in our offerings will shape your body, energize your spirit, and empower your soul.

And what do you think sets Work it Out apart from similar businesses?

Set your fitness free has been a tag line of ours that we’ve embraced and lived by since our start. We gradually came to the realization that keeping up with our changing needs as women is a big part of maintaining that freedom. So we asked ourselves how we could support our client in their evolution, whatever direction it took. The answer was clear – by offering fitness that evolves with them. Whether you are working your tail off, getting married, having a baby, had the baby or have a growing child – We’ve got you covered. All of this paired with studios that exude positive energy. We go out of our way to make sure each person that attends class is happy and content.How does your current role reflect your personal aesthetic?

In every sense possible - I’m the oldest of 3 girls, with 6 and 9 year age differences between both sisters which meant, I was always the boss. For about 15 years my household revolved around my gymnastics career. For the most part, Work it Out was built on two stages of my life: During and After Gymnastics. The fundamentals of our gymnastics program come from everything I’ve ever learned from my time with the sport, like hard work, goal setting, confidence building and perseverance. The adult classes come from everything I learned after it was over like understanding how to juggle real life and healthy living. Also - I’ve always had a creative side with particular taste. Classic, clean. I think that shines through in the visuals of the brand.

Who are the women who inspire you and how have they been instrumental to your career growth?

Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice Founders of SoulCycle. Also, Lauren Boggi Goldenberg Founder of Lithe Method. These women inspired me to start Work it Out 4 years ago. I was living in Manhattan and used to take SoulCycle classes in the original Upper West side studio and saw how magical bringing together a community of people was. I grew up in a gym environment and understood that working out could not be forced. There had to be something special that people identified with in order to keep them engaged and coming back. Their studios made me understand that your work out is personal and you need to connect with it in order to stay committed.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

I’ve always had an eye for trends. For one, just taking a step into NYC and opening your eyes to the culture, the fashion, the risk taking, can help inspire you. Being aware of people, places and things around you. I’m very visual, so naturally I connect with Instagram. I love following personalities in my industries, all different types, from all over the world. I find it interesting how certain countries are so ahead.. I always feel this way about Australia for some reason. I keep Work it Out relevant by picking and choosing trends that inspire me and remixing them into something that makes sense for the brand.

With that said, how do you keep track of your personal and business goals? How do you stay focused (even when you are exhausted)?

I’ve found that I am a big picture thinker. If I have a clear vision of the big picture, it makes it easier for me to set smaller goals. Staying focused is difficult for me in an ever-evolving business because the big picture is always changing, depending on what opportunities come your way. It’s important to be nimble. Being patient, trusting your gut and making smart, well thought out decisions is something I live by. An occasional risk here and there is also important.

Do you have any mentors? If so, who are they?

The closet thing I have to mentors, are my start-up savvy friends. These are people that have gone through similar business obstacles and triumphs or are in the process of going through them.

A recent study found a lack of mentorship among young women. How important are mentors to you?

I lean on this group of people quite frequently. It’s comforting to have supporters in your corner that will give you unsolicited advice that you are not afraid to hear. I like that they’re relatable.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Go for it! Just know – it’s difficult to do everything on your own. There is power in numbers. Do your best to find a team that believes in your mission. Be patient. Also, mistakes are bound to happen. Don’t let them discourage you.

What place inspires you the most?

Central Park.

When do you feel most powerful?

When I bond and feel connected with my team.

Why do you love what you do?

Because it is an extension of me. There is something so fulfilling about creating a place that people love. It’s a part of their everyday lives and makes them happy. I feel indebted to them and a responsibility to grow it.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Concentrate on your team. A solid team equals a solid company.

Connect with Work it Out on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram!

Work it Out's signature classes include: Ride, Zumba, Barre, Bands, Interval Training, Pilates, Toning, Go Mommy, and more. If you would like more information, please check out their site: Work it Out - and join Noël and her fitness loving team.

Marinell Montales

December 10, 2013

Image c/o Marinell Montales

MARINELL MONTALES | JERSEY CITYPHOTOGRAPHER & FOUNDER OF DOWNTOWN, NATCH!

Describe a day in the life of Marinell Montales in one sentence.

I wake up, check Instagram and Twitter feeds, then my two go-to fashion blogs (manrepeller.com & whowhatwear.com before getting to The Warehouse Cafe -- once there, I drink coffee, read/send emails, start/finish graphic design jobs, update Facebook pages I manage as a freelance social media strategist, drink more coffee, check downtownnatch.com, have a late dinner with boyfriend, and watch HGTV until I fall asleep.

How did you get started with Downtownnatch.com – and how does it reflect your personal aesthetic?

Back in college, a friend of mine, Rachel, started her own personal style blog and I was her photographer. But it was tough to keep it going consistently because we were both busy in school and I didn't have my own camera (we were borrowing her dad's point and shoot digital one), so that blog only lasted a few months. I got the shutterbug from that whole experience, so I saved up some money and bought myself a nice Sony NEX-5 and created Downtown, Natch!

Running a streetstyle blog is an opportunity for me to find inspiration and clarity of thought with regard to my own aesthetics. I pick up tons of design cues by photographing so many people, each with diverse styles, and some with similar styles that they've reinterpreted in a unique way. This keeps my aesthetic fresh and helps me stay away from having a cookie-cutter approach to my graphic design work.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

Man, oh man, it is not easy. Admittedly, I have yet to reach the top of this statistical bell curve, especially in the world of streetstyle blogging. You have your household names -- The Sartorialist, Street Peeper, Tommy Ton -- we're talking about heavy hitters here that I can't even dare to imagine being ahead of even if I take Downtown, Natch! outside the bounds of Jersey City and go international, which I don't plan on doing.

On a smaller, geographical scale, however, I think it's safe to say that more and more people are taking note of Downtown, Natch! But that makes staying relevant and ahead of the curve even more challenging. With overactive Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds, everyone is drowning in each other's enterprise, and trying to stay ahead of the curve ends up becoming counter-productive. Sometimes it's good to put the blinders on and have that tunnel vision to just keep doing what I do for as long as it feels right.

Image c/o Marinell Montales

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

I don't. Ha! I'm trying out this new thing where I set commitments instead of goals. A few months ago, I found this NYT interview with Hugh Martin where he talks about the concept of goals versus commitments. He made a lot of sense, and his advice really resonated with me. What I took away from it is that setting goals is like creating a bucket list of things that you wish you could achieve -- they mostly lie sometime in the hazy future and are very vague. Committing to something, on the other hand, is like "a firm handshake"--you hold yourself accountable and reap the consequences of failing to meet that commitment.

So now I often ask myself "which projects can I really commit to?" This has been a good exercise for staying wildly, creatively ambitious without being delusional. So far, it has allowed me to keep myself in check, measure my accomplishments, know my limits, and stay true to my passion of creating and making things happen.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

Mentors are definitely important, especially for creative folks like me. It's so easy to talk yourself out of things and very difficult to police yourself as a freelancer, so having one or two people who can be your voice of reason and protective figures is one way to keep sane. I have three people whom I call mentors:

My former boss, Danae Ringelmann.

Danae is one of the founders of Indiegogo. During my time with Indiegogo, she instilled in me that being happy at work is fundamentally important. You have to like/feel connected to what you do everyday because your attitude towards what you do make your impact greater and your own personal happiness higher as well.

My boyfriend, John T. Trigonis.

I don't know anyone else in the world who's as determined as this man. If one of these days, he wakes up and tells me he's going to be a storm chaser because it's his new passion, I wouldn't doubt him for a second. His approach to life is so fucking admirable that I have to use profanity to talk about it. He is my voice of reason. He gives me the mental push I need whenever I feel reluctant about jumping into new adventures and making crucial decisions. This guy is a prize, and I'm lucky I won him over.

My parents (okay, technically this makes the number of people I call mentors four, but I consider them a tag-team).

My mom and dad put the hustle in my genes. I'm a hard-worker because I come from a hard-working family. My parents don't usually say much about my personal and professional choices, which doesn't mean that they don't care. I know that their quiet yet confident nod of approval is their way of telling me that I'm onto something meaningful. My mom and dad are precisely the pillars for which my self confidence is built on. They keep me going.

Image c/o Marinell Montales

What is your advice for women interested in getting into photography?

Commit to it! The initiative is not gonna come from anywhere but yourself, so just get up, go out, and start shooting photos. Even if you don't own a camera, you can still use your phone's camera and practice composition. Once you get the camera that you want and you're willing to spend more money, take classes. If you're an introvert like me, find tutorials on YouTube and teach yourself how to use it.

Every skill that I have now –– from graphic design and photography to social media marketing –– I learned by doing. It's not about the resources, it's about your resourcefulness.

Place that inspires me the most: Coffee shops.

Most cafes in Downtown Jersey City have that environment that is conducive to creativity and therefore attract creative minds. I love to eavesdrop and listen to what other people are dreaming up. I also enjoy meeting new people, and although I'm that person who wears a DND (Do Not Disturb) face to avoid small talk and other distractions because I'm usually a bit timid, I appreciate time spent talking to others and learning about his or her creative process, habits, plight, etc, because ultimately, it leaves me motivated and inspired.

Image c/o Marinell Montales

I feel most powerful when: I stick to my guns.

Sometimes I can be very accommodating as far as executing my ideas when collaborating with other people, mainly because I want to avoid friction. This attribute that I've always known to a be a good trait to have turned out to be hurting my personal growth. When I say "sticking to my guns," I mean having the power to say "no." I learned that it's okay to disagree with someone especially if it means refusing to compromise on something that speaks to your authentic self.

I love what I do because:I do what I love.

My idea of success is: personal gratification.

Since turning 28 this year, I was blinded by the idea of notoriety, so I made a personal goal to make it into some 30 under 30 list. (See what happens when you set goals?) And then I asked myself: "Self, why would you want anyone else to validate your achievements but you?" If everything we do is catered to appease others and solicit recognition, we'll never achieve happiness, would we?

Best advice I have ever received: Don't take anything personally.

Follow Marinell on Instagram and Twitter --- and check out Downtown, Natch!

About Downtown, Natch!Downtown, Natch! is currently Jersey City’s first and only streetstyle blog. In addition to photographing around town, Marinell is a freelance social media strategist and graphic designer. You can also spot her sipping on Intelligentsia coffee at The Warehouse Café.

Image c/o Marinell Montales

Jelynne Jardiniano

December 3, 2013

image c/o nj.com

JELYNNE JARDINIANO | JERSEY CITY OWNER & FOUNDER OF LITM (LOVE IS THE MESSAGE)+AUTHOR OF RESTAURANT FROM SCRATCH

How did you get started with your career - and how does your current role reflect your personal aesthetic?

It all started with a simple job that I got at the age of 19: hostess of a small seafood restaurant in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I was taking a year off from college to rethink my initial plans to be a lawyer. During that year, I discovered my love for restaurants and returned to school and switched majors to hospitality.

Even though I have played (and continue to play) many roles in my business, I am a hostess at heart. I enjoy making people feel welcome and cared for.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

The marketplace is packed with noise on the topic of cultural trends and how to stay relevant. The pressure to implement the next best thing is a constant bug in the entrepreneur's ear. I am obviously speaking from experience. But what time has taught me is this: first know who you are and stay true to that. Once you accept that, listen to the people who matter: your customers, your employees, your community. Staying connected is the act of being open and humble. And staying ahead of the curve, I believe, is achieved when we let the moment inspire us.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

Time is essential. In this digital world of instant gratification, we forget what nature has always offered to teach us: the tree takes time to bear fruit. I believe that it is in our haste that we are most susceptible to losing track of our goals and suffering from burnout. Creativity cannot be forced.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

I find that anyone who inspires me (whether I know him/her or not) is a qualified mentor. I've worked closely with a few professionals in the field of restaurant operations and even had a life coach. And while I have taken much of their advice, I cannot say that there was one person who had my sole focus. You need other people to help develop perspective. But to have true impact, you must act out of your own sincere desire.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Enjoy yourself, enjoy the process and take risks. Whatever the outcome, know deep down that there was nothing to prove, nothing to gain and nothing to lose. You came into this world complete, and you will leave complete. So why not make the world your plaything?

Place that inspires me the most... Nature.
I feel most powerful when... I'm on a horse's back.
I love what I do because... I have creative freedom.
My idea of success is... When you can take delight in yourself, without needing a reason.
Best advice I have ever received... Pray.

Follow LITM on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @LITMJC!

About LITM:

An acronym for Love is the Message, LITM is Jersey City’s neighborhood destination for seasonal cocktails, American food and the local art and film scene.

Monthly art shows and film screenings are home to LITM, with over 100 exhibitions to date.

LITM140 Newark Ave.Jersey City, NJ 07302(201) 536-5557

Meika Franz

November 13, 2013

MEIKA FRANZ | JERSEY CITY OWNER & FOUNDER ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE

Describe a day in the life of Meika Franz in one sentence:

Wake up, feed baby, feed dogs, paperwork, pick vintage, steam/clean/ price/restock, eat, displays, manage employees, promote, put baby to sleep, answer emails, hang with husband, sleep well if baby lets me. ;)

How did you get started with your career – and how does your current role reflect your personal aesthetic?

As my family was in the sewing industry I have been involved in the fashion industry on some level for the past 20 years now. It was when I moved to London in 2004 however, to be with my now husband and business partner that I began working in vintage stores and found my 'career' in vintage. It has always been important to me to be unique and stand out from the crowd and vintage is a great way to do that as each piece is basically one of a kind.

Meika and her daughter Biba.

How have the women in your life been instrumental in developing your craft?

I am fortunate to come from a family of many interesting, creative and strong willed woman. My great Aunt May, the teacher and principal at the MGM studios school in the 50’s, taught everyone from Mickey Rooney to Judy Garland, my great grandmother an actress/singer and pre-follies Ziegfeld girl, my grandmother, a sewing shop owner, my aunt, an inventor of sewing products and my mother another creative, from designer to singer. My life has been full of inspirational creative woman. Growing up with this inspiration definitely helped to fuel my drive and taught me that I can do anything I set my heart on.

Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?

Vintage tends to attract a lot of trend setters so I can often see from my customers what is on trend for the moment as well as what is to come for the mainstream. I also sell a lot to the design industry so I can see what they are looking for to inspire their future collections and keep me aware of what lies ahead in fashion.

How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?

Doing my best to maintain a balance of both my personal and business life helps to keep me driven and clear headed in setting and attaining my goals. The goal is keeping focused and positive, try not to think too much! The fear of becoming irrelevant and the excitement of attaining my goals drives me to keep working hard no matter how tired I am;) The creative process is something that I enjoy and is part of what drives me.

How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?

I think mentors are very important. I have been very lucky to have several wonderful mentors in my life from family members, previous bosses, to past and present vintage store owners who pass down their tips and who offer advice to us. I know so many wonderful people I couldn't choose just one.

What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?

Do what you love, live your passion and stay positive no matter what. Never stop learning, and when things get tough, use that time to figure out what can be done to make things better and put it into action. Also, surround yourself with inspiring people!

Meika and her husband Warren in front of Another Man's Treasure in downtown Jersey City.

Place that inspires me the most... I think I would have to say England. I have always been inspired by its creative and colorful history; I even named my daughter after one of its legendary shops and clothing lines ‘Biba’. I feel English culture encourages self-expression and standing out in a crowd.
I feel most powerful when... I am not sure powerful is a word I would use, as I am always aiming to be better at what I do and I am easily my worst critic. However, seeing people wear the clothes that I choose and the positive feedback that I get about how the shop looks, and my eye for style definitely make me feel great .
I love what I do because... So many reasons! I guess I could start by saying now much I love clothes. Since I could talk I was writing songs about dresses and modeling every piece of clothing my parents bought me. Haha. It's always been a slight obsession. With vintage you are seeing a quality that is rare these days in clothing, hand details like embroidery and beadwork that would take months or years to recreate today due to the lack of skills, as well as richness in fabrics, prints and colors unseen in modern clothing. I love the hunt of finding each piece and the story that sometimes comes along with it.
I also love helping people find themselves with the clothes, creating a look that they feel expresses and empowers them. I have seen many people come out of their shell with vintage. Also helping women feel good about their bodies as you can dress for your body shape with vintage, choosing from every style and cut ever made, rather than just the modern cuts of the moment. I could go on and on...
My idea of success is... Success for me is being able to do something I love so much and having the time to spend with those I love whilst doing it.
Best advice I have ever received... To enjoy every day because life moves so fast!

Follow Another Man's Treasure on Instagram: @amtvintage and Facebook: amtvintage!

About Another Man's Treasure:Established in 2006, Another Man's Treasure is a kaleidoscopic array of vintage fashions, accessories, shoes and jewelry for men and women from the 1900s to 1980s, with a focus on classic vintage, high fashion trends and designer finds. The shop also includes an intriguing mix of records, books, collectibles and other vintage oddities. Another Man's Treasure has been featured in various publications including Paris VOGUE, Harper's Bazaar, Elle Mexico, Cosmopolitan UK, New York Magazine, Lucky, Time Out New York, NY Post, Vogue.com, Elle.com and numerous other blogs, video/movie shoots, etc.

Another Man's Treasure353 Grove StreetJersey City, New Jersey 07302(201) 860-9990

Chloe-Lynn Ordonez

May 13, 2013

CHLOË-LYNN ORDOÑEZFounder & Designer of Clo Hair Bows + Clo Bow Ties

Describe a day in the life of Chloë-Lynn Ordoñez:

I wake up and snooze for 10 minutes. Before my alarm goes off again, either I'll sleep or I'll check Instagram, see what's new on Feedly, and lightly scan my emails. I get out of bed and immediately make it -- I feel that accomplishing something so small and insignificant first thing in the morning prepares me for whatever else the day will throw at me (which hopefully will be bigger and more significant things).

When it's time for me to begin my day, I put on some music and take a look at my to do list from the day before. I jot down whatever I wasn't able to complete (along with new tasks) onto a fresh sheet of grid paper. While doing this, I'm checking emails and scheduling my day in half-hour or hour blocks on Google Calendar. This helps me split my time between all my projects, since I tend to be the type of person who has to start and finish something immediately, which isn't always a good thing. A typical day for me in terms of my freelancing, office work and actual manual labor (sewing, cutting, gluing, etc.) for Clo Hair Bows can be from 9AM to 12AM, so my Google calendar will be pretty with lots of colors.However, if I am freelancing for an agency (read: day job), then my usual 12-15 hour days will be split up further between the weekdays, squeezed into the hours of 6PM to 1AM, and take up most of my weekends. I couldn't really get into the specifics of my day, as it would bore the hell out of you -- but you should definitely know that while I try to plan my time ahead and write everything down -- nothing, and I mean NOTHING goes by how I schedule it! Wearing many hats and doing it all on your own doesn't give way to the comfort of normalcy.

Assortment of Clo Hair Bows

What’s the history behind Clo Hair Bows – what propelled you to start it (how did you come up with the name) – and how does Clo Hair Bows reflect your personal aesthetic?Long story short, in the winter of 2010 when I lived in San Diego, California -- I had set out for my "IT" accessory for the upcoming new year. I played around with the thought of accent jewelry or an article of clothing that people could associate me with, but those just weren't things I was able to keep up with in terms of trends and funds. I woke up one morning and decided on hair bows. I went to the mall but the options were slim not to mention, poorly made! I inspected what the big name stores made and thought -- hey, I could make this. So I left the mall, bought a travel sewing kit and a spool of ribbon from a craft store. The rest, surprisingly became my current side hustle!Clo Hair Bows was actually not the first name I had conjured up (it's the third!). One evening, I mentioned this random thought of making and selling handmade hair bows to my friends, and someone had called me Clo Bow... If only other things came as easy as that.As a person, I am all over the place -- my thoughts, my ideas, my opinions -- I am an array of so many things which is why my hair bows are really my perfect accessory. I offer many options in styles and colors that I can literally pick a bow for any outfit, any mood, or any message I am trying to convey. What were fundamental steps you followed before starting your business?Experimenting with what I already had was my very first step. I measured, cut, sewed, and jotted down notes on everything I did until I had my bows looking exactly how I wanted them to look. You cannot build a business on something that you do not know the in's and out's of.The next step was seeing if people were even into hair bows anymore, because I know the last time I had worn one was in '86! I celebrated my birthday [in 2011] with a bunch of girlfriends and as a thank you, I mailed each of them a handmade hair bow. The response was so tremendous and my friends were so encouraging about my newfound venture that I created an Etsy account and began selling them.Looking back three years ago, it was easy to get caught up in the idea of "hey I'm gonna sell this and money is just gonna poooour in" -- but that was definitely not the case. I learned about photo styling, did research on how to write better product details, I read about how to promote your business in social media sites, all the while balancing an internship and going to school full-time. So it was important for me to know exactly how to make Clo Hair Bows work for me, rather than me work for it -- by using what I had available to me in the time I was able to devote to it.

Clo Hair Bows

What challenges did you face when building Clo Hair Bows from scratch? How did you overcome such challenges?The first challenge I faced was that I had no idea how to use PayPal or even shop on Etsy, let alone make a store! But thankfully they were easy to learn and get accustomed to. My second challenge was overcoming the negative feedback I had received in terms of the pricing of my bows. While many people may think buying a $1.50 pair of bows from an accessory store at the mall is good enough -- My product not only is handmade but it is a symbol of my time, my effort, and the devotion I have for my brand. I would not sell you something that I thought wasn't good enough, as I am a perfectionist by nature. And the people that purchase my bows know this -- which is why I can overcome any feelings of defeat when someone chooses not to purchase from me.It’s empowering to see women making moves in the scene like you — how have the women in your life been instrumental in developing your hustle?I'm very thankful for the many women who I've come across who tell me they love Clo Hair Bows. Hearing their stories and their requests for new styles of bows, or even seeing their pictures and hearing how they use my product is what really motivates me to keep going.A huge part in what helps develop myself and Clo Hair Bows has been meeting other women who are making their marks into the world. To know there is someone else out there who is working hard at doing what they want (or in my case, something I didn't even know I wanted), in addition to going to school or tending to their families, along with rushing for that morning coffee to survive 8 hours in a cubicle, only to come home to work even more -- is sort of a superhero trait I admire. It's the fact that these women work literally 20+ hours a day with the desire to be discovered, that makes the struggles and failures all worthwhile.

Clo Hair Bows

What do you think it takes to make it in this business, especially for women?Have faith in yourself and your message. Surround yourself with people who not only inspire you, but encourage you to do better and provide you with support. Stay grounded and in tune with why you began doing what you do in the first place.Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?Because your business is prone to expanding once people discover you, you need to multitask, keep organized, and above all... do research! And the way I like to research is by reading blogs! Bloggers are HUGE right now, no matter if your blog is about food, fashion, or your art... having a space for what you like and what you do will always be discovered and taken into consideration by someone like me. I live off RSS feeds!How has social media shaped Clo Hair Bows? What’s your favorite platform? Why?I've done them all -- Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram but my favorite (as of right now) is my blog (www.clohairbows.com) which is run on Wordpress. It seems to be the easiest way to get my message across all spectrums thanks to their 'publicize' option, and easy is always better when you're busy!

Clo Hair Bows

How do you keep track of personal & business goals, prioritize projects, and stay creative at the same time – even when you're exhausted?I try to be as organized as I possibly can! I stay on top of my projects and goals by writing out lists (in multiple places). The three main things that have helped me prioritize and keep track of my daily to-do's are 1) my 5x8 inch three-ring binder (complete with grid paper), 2) scheduling my day in Google Calendar, and 3) writing down a single task on a Post-It, then sticking them on the nearest wall in order of priority.To stay creative, anything goes: an impromptu trip to NYC, perusing my RSS feeds or repinning things on Pinterest (this is probably the one thing I tend to do while laying in bed), creating mood boards from images I find on the internet, and flipping through the pages of a Japanese fashion magazines.What are your must-have tools or apps to run your day-to-day grind? What kind of gadgets would we find on your desk or in your bag?My must-have tools on my workspace are my iMac, sewing machine, scissors, sewing kit, P-Touch labeler (geek!), double-sided tape, and rotary cutter. In my bag, you'd find a pen pouch stuffed with fine point ball point pens, Staedtler pens and markers, a Moleskine expanding pocket portfolio (for collecting small, random items), and my iPhone charger. The apps that keep me going are Wordpress, Gmail, Feedly, Camera+, USPS Mobile, Pinterest, and iHeart Radio.

Clo Hair Bows' Workspace

In a fast-paced industry where last-minute-anything can happen, what's your fail-proof, go-to outfit that will last from morning meetings to evening events?I'd have to go with a pair of dark denim Uniqlo leggings, a pair of comfortable flats, a not-too-loose-fitting solid tee dressed up with a light cardigan (that I'd hopefully be lugging around in my Madewell Transport Tote). And a Clo Hair Bow!!!!How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?Mentors guide us in all aspects, I believe in one way or another we've all served as a mentor to someone and in turn, someone (unknowingly) has served as one for us. The number one mentors in my life are, of course, my parents. My father has been my strength and financial teacher, while my mother has been my nurturer and personal fashion icon (don't tell her that though!). Another mentor -- not really in terms of guidance but in terms of someone who I can learn with, is Hazel (of Sewbie). We have both jumped ship into the deep ocean of heading our own businesses. She keeps me motivated, encourages my ideas, is honest with me, and is always by my side when I need to go out and look for inspiration by either taking a class or just roaming the city.

Clo Bow Pins will be available on May 27

Define your idea of success:I don't know what my idea of success is. I'm still trying to catch my big break in whatever creative outlet allows me to be myself and do what I do, how I want to do it. I'd imagine that "success" wouldn't be so much of a lifestyle I'd be attaining from all my hard work, but rather the sense of accomplishment from completing the goals I've set for myself, then grabbing a pen and paper so I can write down what goals to work on tomorrow. I guess in a sense, success is a destination to me... a pin on a map that I look at and say, "I'll go there some day". Destinations don't really mean shit -- it's about the journey you take to get there.

Clo Hair Bows - Blue for Blue

What were Clo Hair Bow’s top achievements in 2012? What should we expect from Clo Hair Bows this year?Having started Clo Hair Bows in 2010 and finally making the move to make a name for myself in 2011 -- 2012 was incredible! I made new friends and connections with people who were discovering my bows. I began the hashtag #clohairbows on Instagram, which to this day still gives me goosebumps whenever a new picture shows up in the feed! I buckled down and got serious with more projects: offering bows as party favors, creating special orders, experimenting with fabric, and attempting to try getting my name out on social networks (which I'm still trying to do!).2013 is already more than I could have ever anticipated -- I've begun selling my bows in person at personally hosted brunches and birthday parties (Clo Bowtiques!). I'm coming out with more and more styles of Clo Bows to choose from, and finally will be introducing new products this coming Spring and Summer. This year also brings collaborations with other small businesses, so watch out for those!

Marvel comics clip-on Clo Bow Tie will be available on May 20

What's your advice for other women entering creative fields or starting their own business?Do your research. Stay inspired. Know your competition. Grow with your business. Always keep learning and improving. Don't be hurt by those who don't support your brand, and always be thankful to those who do.

Follow Clo Hair Bows on Twitter!Like Clo Hair Bows on Facebook!Hashtag: #CLOHAIRBOWS

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About the brand, Clo Hair Bows:Chloë, the designer and maker of Clo Hair Bows began making hair bows in the winter of 2010 out of the sheer need for them to be her IT accessory for the upcoming year.She searched high and low, but nothing was what she wanted: too expensive, glued together, and poorly made. After much thought and a little money in her pocket, she went to the local craft store and bought some ribbon. Needless to say, she made herself a hair bow — but what to do with all that extra ribbon?She used up the rest of the material, making more hair bows and giving them to her girlfriends who later encouraged her to sell them on Etsy.Clo Hair Bows has been a positive journey in her interest in crafts and sewing. In addition to selling on Etsy, she also sells on the awesome new marketplace, Sewbie.She loves sharing her bows with those who enjoy shopping handmade. To know that someone has spent time on something you own, and packaged it especially for you is a whole other experience than shopping at the mall!Please visit official blog for Clo Hair Bows — there you can subscribe/follow her on WordPress to find out what’s new, what she's up to, and see some things that give her inspiration to make more Clo Bows for you!