Celebrating Women in our Community with Amie Lee, Owner of Inspirations by Amie Lee, a Local Paper Design Company

When I needed to find a unique, fun invitation for my son’s birthday party, I was delighted to find a local and exceptionally talented invitation designer.

Inspirations by Amie Lee specializes in creating unique, handmade invitations and stationery for any event or party.  Clients can custom-create their own designs or choose from one of her many samples and make it their own. 

In October of 2011, Amie brought her talent and love of beautiful paper to clients to create something exceptional for their special events. She enjoyed creating her own designs for her wedding and wanted to open a paper design business. When the economy had ended her 13-year career, the opportunity presented itself.

Amie now has a home-based office in Ormond Beach, where she invites clients to come and look at paper swatches and samples. She also works remotely, online as many of her clients are all over the U.S.  Amie works individually with clients to meet their budgets and will ship anywhere!  

Weddings are a big portion of her business. Typically, her wedding designs incorporate a save the date, corresponding wedding invitation with matching pieces such as wedding programs, place cards, menus, thank you cards and favors.

However, Amie has also created unique paper designs for a variety of events, which include Corporate dinners, trunk shows, bridal showers, baby showers, birthday celebrations, retirement parties and engagement parties.  Amie also creates custom stationery and decorative desk calendars!

Creating these unique paper designs started out as a hobby, but has led to a successful and fulfilling career for Amie Lee. The shock of losing her job after 13 years was rough, but she had a dream of owning her own paper design company and Amie says now she could not be happier. “I can finally say that I absolutely love my job!  I get to be creative, meet fantastic new people every day and bring smiles to their faces!  I love what I do and do what I love! My clients ask me to be a part of something special and I do my best to provide them with a keepsake worthy treasure!”

Amy encourages those who have a passion for something to make it a part of their life, even if starts as a hobby. 

To find out more about Inspirations by Amie Lee:

Website: http://www.inspirationsbyamielee.com/

Facebook: : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspirations-By-Amie-Lee/238488416170842

Blog: http://www.inspirationsbyamielee.com/meet-the-couples.html

** Amie is also a member of Etsy, Wedding Wire, Invitation Love and a designer for Envelopments.

Celebrating Women in Our Community with Laura Alois, owner of 3 Little Bird Designs

Laura Alois, Owner of 3 Little Bird Designs with her niece

After Laura Alois relocated from upstate New York to Port Orange a short while ago, she fell in love with her new Florida home and found an inspiration for a business.

3 Little Bird Designs opened in July of 2011, offering beautiful jewelry creations that include hair pins, earrings, necklaces, and hair accessories for young children.  Each product is uniquely designed using a variety of craft materials.  “Having always loved it by the beach, I was inspired to use freshwater and glass pearls in many of my creations.”

After seeing her sister spending  money on commercially produced hair accessories (that were not so unique) for her niece, Laura decided she would put her creativity and sea-inspired materials to use. Throughout  most of her jewelry line, you will find beautiful pearls wrapped in wire, a niche that you do not find out on the market.

Laura’s jewelry collection includes pieces that are available to purchase "as is", but she enjoys working with customers to customize designs.  The bird nest necklace is her most popular request to customize. The pearls can be changed to symbolize the customers’ children.  She also accepts special requests for color preferences in the pearls, beads, hair pins, flower accessories, hair bands, and ribbon.  Children’s hair accessories can also be made to match any outfit or for any holiday.

If you are a local, you can find her hair pins sold at the Ta’ Da’ Gallery & Gift Shop on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. Laura will also ship anywhere in the U.S. & Canada. Most of Laura’s designs can also be viewed on her Facebook Page. If you “Like” 3 Little Bird Designs on Facebook, you will receive offers/promotions.  With each order, customers receive a business card with a coupon on the back for 10% off their next purchase.  

Anyone who runs a business from home knows the challenges and Laura is no exception.  Laura says the biggest challenge is the constant distractions, however, she finds it fulfilling having satisfied customers, even her 19-month-old niece loves the hair accessories.   

3 Little Bird Designs has grown quite a bit since July of 2011 and Laura looks forward to continued growth and showcasing her ever-evolving, new designs.

To Find Out More About 3 Little Bird Designs:

Go to http://www.facebook.com/3littlebirddesigns

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Laura3LittleBirds

Laura@3littlebirddesigns.com

518.281.7929

Celebrating Women in Our Community with Karla Leschitz, owner of MerciBOWcoup

Karla created MerciBOWcoup, a customized and handcrafted hair accessory business, out of frustration of not finding unique accessories for her daughters. Creating her own accessories after her 2^nd daughter came along, she began to receive many orders from other people, and soon MerciBOWcoup was up and running. Two years later, her business has been thriving and continuing to grow.

Custom and special orders are her specialty! Her customers love her pre-made items available for purchase, but she truly enjoys making one-of-a kind, fun, and unique pieces that are created to match a certain outfit or for a special event.

MerciBOWcoup is a home-based business in Port Orange.  Karla is happy to deliver orders to local customers, but shipping is also available everywhere in the US (free with the purchase of 3 accessories). She has also shipped to Mexico!

For MerciBOWcoup Facebook fans, you have access to specials and contests. The following are promotions that always apply:

·         Free Shipping with the purchase of 3 accessories

·         And a wonderful 15% off the entire order when you purchase 5 or more accessories (which almost always equals the price of 1 accessory!)

When Karla is not creating beautiful accessories, she is taking care of her 3 kids (all under the age of 4). Balancing family time and business time is very important to her, but truly enjoys running MerciBOWcoup.  “I am a very creative person (I am a hairstylist as well!). My mind never stops imagining and dreaming of new creations, it is amazing when you see that people love and appreciate what you do.”

To Find out More about MerciBOWcoup, visit http://www.facebook.com/MerciBOWcoup

You will find out about current specials or promotions.  Karla will post dates and places where MerciBOWcoup will be featured or sold!

Celebrating Women in Our Community with Michelle Rutkowski, Owner of Better Health & Fitness by Mich

When Michelle Rutkowski isn't chasing her 15-month-old daughter, she is finding ways for herself and her fitness clients to lead a healthy lifestyle!  

Michelle answered a few questions about her successful fitness business...

What is Better Health & Fitness by Mich?

MR: Better Health & Fitness is my facebook page for my Independent Team Beachbody coaching page. Anyone can "like" the page, and become a fan. They don't have to be Team Beachbody clients, just anyone wanting health & fitness tips/support/motivation, etc.

How long have you been an Independent Team Beachbody Coach?

MR: I have been an Independent Team Beachbody coach since August of 2011 and have been involved with Beachbody workouts since 2009.

What was the inspiration for joining this business?

MR: I have always been into working out and eating healthy. My background consists of BMX racing, MHS Lady Bucs Dance Team, University of Tampa Cheerleader, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader. 

After I had my baby in February 2011, I wanted to be able to stay home with her, and now as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach, I am able to work from home. I make my own hours, workout, and help others. I truly enjoy helping others with their fitness goals; it is a great feeling.

Where do you operate your business?

MR: The great thing about my job is that I work from home in Daytona Beach. I am able to work quite a bit over the computer, or cell phone. I give clients my # and they can call/text me anytime. I am able to work with clients throughout the US and Canada. My furthest client is in CA and my closest is here in Daytona.

What can a Team Beachbody Client expect from your program?

MR: Team Beachbody is where your healthy lifestyle begins. Whether you're looking to lose weight, get fit, or earn money by helping others, we can provide a solution. We help you achieve your goals using a combination of proven home fitness programs, easy-to-follow -meal plans, nutrition advice, financial incentives, and a support system like no other.  Team Beachbody is proving that changing your body and your life is not only possible, but it can be fun, simple, and rewarding.

A Team Beachbody client can expect me as their free coach with any Beachbody workout or Shakeology). I provide guidance; help determine their goals, workout support/motivation. I also provide a closed/private FB group for my clients where they can post with others that are doing same workouts. The main Team Beachbody page has message boards, workout groups, and a virtual gym where they can find workout buddies, customized meal plans, supplements, fitness gear & apparel, win cash prizes daily, and more.

About Beachbody^®

Beachbody has been the leader in home fitness since 1998. We've created many of the most popular fitness and weight loss solutions, including P90X^® Extreme Home Fitness, INSANITY™, Slim in 6^®, Hip Hop Abs^®, ChaLEAN Extreme^®, Turbo Jam^®, Power 90^®, Yoga Booty Ballet^® Ab & Butt Makeover, and Kathy Smith's Project: YOU! Type 2^®.

Shakeology^® and P90X^® Results and Recovery Formula lead our Beachbody Nutritionals^® line of products, designed to help you get the best results from your fitness programs. All of our supplements adhere to the highest formulation standards in the industry. At Beachbody, we believe that good nutrition is a must for good health.

Backed by more than $100 million in advertising, Beachbody home fitness programs are extensively marketed through infomercial campaigns and our unique network of Team Beachbody Coaches.

At Beachbody and Team Beachbody, our mission is to give people the programs, tools, and support they need to achieve their goals and enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives.

  

What is the Beachbody Challenge?

MR: The Beachbody Challenge is our health and fitness contest that will help you achieve your fitness goals and give you a chance to WIN some serious cash. If you want to get fit, now is the time to do it. Use any Beachbody^® program and share your results for a FREE T-shirt and a chance to win over $100,000!

Daily Prizes: $500*Monthly Prizes: $1,000Quarterly Prizes: $5,000 and an expenses-paid tripThe Grand Prizes: $100,000!

Plus, share how Shakeology^® helped with your transformation to be eligible for bonus prizes!

What advice would you give to a woman who is starting or returning to an exercise routine post pregnancy?

MR: My advice would be to first, get your doctor’s “OK” before starting/resuming any exercise/nutrition program post-pregnancy. Once you have that and are ready to go, begin slow, and at your own pace.

I had a C-section, and did several short 10-minute workouts throughout the day for a few months (and post baby yoga); I waited 6 months before going back full force with a high-intensity workout, like Insanity & P90x. It took you 9 months to gain weight, so don't expect to be back any sooner than that. I set a goal for 12 months after baby (with a C-section).

Sometimes as Moms we have to fit in workouts while baby is napping. My advice is fit it in when you can! Hydrate! You need it! Consult with someone to see what fitness plan will be best for you, and find an accountability partner to help keep you on track. I am here to help anyone!

What is a challenging aspect of owning a home-based business? 

MR: My biggest challenge right now is balancing time. I have a toddler (15 months old) and she is on the go all the time. I make sure that I am here and available to my clients, so a Smartphone helps. I try to be online early in the morning before she gets up and at night after she's asleep so that I can catch up on things I need to take care of. Thanks to smart phones, my clients can text me a question and always get a quick response, message me on Facebook, or email me and I will always get it on my cell phone. I usually leave weekends open for family time, and do not get online often, but I do check-in.

What do you find rewarding about being a personal fitness coach?

MR: What I find most rewarding is when I wake up, and have an email or message from someone thanking me and letting me know how I have helped them. I feel so great that I have been able to help someone reach their goals, no matter what that goal may be.

It's not just about "losing weight". It is total health and a lifestyle change. I have had messages from people letting me know their BP/Cholesterol has lowered, etc. I enjoy being able to inspire others and help them on their journey. I am right there with them: I workout 6 days a week and eat healthy. I am full of energy and able to keep up with my toddler all day long-it's a great feeling.

To find out more about Better Health & Fitness by Mich

http://www.facebook.com/beachbodycoachmich

Team Beachbody Coach Page http://www.beachbodycoach.com/daytonafitmom

Phone: 813-857-7455

twitter @daytonafitmom          

 

My First Cash Mob: Downtown Ormond Beach

When I heard Ormond Mainstreet was organizing a cash mob to help support local businesses in the Ormond Beach Downtown area, I knew I wanted to be a part of a great cause So, I grabbed a girlfriend and we hit the “strip” last beautiful Saturday afternoon. A fun way to support the community, visit shops I had not before, and learn something new about the area.

We first stopped in to see the fabulous Todd Patrick & Company to pick up a couple of gift certificates as they were running a great Mother’s Day special with 20% off their gift certificates.

Stopped in to Frame of Mind. This is a shop I have said to myself, “I really need to get in there some time” and so happy I did. They have funky art work, beautiful frames, and great, unique gifts.

Stopped in the new cupcake shop, Cupcakes By the Sea, and had a key lime cupcake that was to die for!! 

Ended our cash mob by sitting outside Caffeine at their Tiki bar, enjoying the day!

I definitely walked away with a sense of community in how the shop owners support each other and enjoy seeing each one of their patrons.

For more information on Cash Mobs, visit: https://cashmobs.wordpress.com/ 

Great Job Ormond Mainstreet! Keep up events like Cash Mobs and ‘Browse the Boulevard’, and I see the downtown Ormond Area prospering through and continuing to build a community!   

Here is a comprehensive listing of local businesses in Downtown Ormond Beach area:

Ball of Yarn

Ben Butera, Architect

Bikram Yoga / We Are Yoga

Bill Partington’s AHC Safe & Lock

Bird Photography

Caffeine Wine & Bistro

Centerpointe Realty

Cupcakes By The Sea

Equity Closing & Title

Frame of Mind

Frappes North

Granada Upholstery

Hull’s Seafood

James Harper Fine Arts Gallery

La’s Bistro

Little Blog Dress

Living Waters Health Foods

Luscious Nails and Spa

Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce

Riverside Antiques

Rose Villa

Studio of Margaret S. Hodge

The Baseball Card Exchange

The Big Smoke

The Cutting Cove

Todd Patrick & Company Salon

Transformational Yoga

 

Celebrating Women in Our Community, Maria Mills-Benat, Owner of Salsa Addiction

Maria Mills-Benat had been making home-made salsa for years, enjoyed by family and friends.  After receiving a demand for jars of her salsa and being approached about setting up a booth at the Green Market in Port Orange, she decided this was the time to go into business.

Now a little over a year later, Salsa Addiction has been operating successfully, even delivering as far as Canada. The appeal of this salsa is not only the delicious flavors, but the healthy factor.

This fresh salsa is Organic, Sugar Free, Gluten Free, and MSG Free. The produce to make the salsa is provided by local farmers. Salsa Addiction presently comes in 4 flavors: Original Mild, Medium, Hot, and Chipotle Roasted Garlic with Maria working on more flavors to add in the near future.

Not only is Salsa Addiction health conscious, but also environmentally conscious. Maria has a "recycling" program to encourage you to recycle the salsa jars by returning them and you receive $.50 off your next jar. In addition to the recycling program, she has a rewards card, after so many punches you get a free jar!  

With salsa becoming a popular healthy snack alternative, it is no surprise Salsa Addiction’s jars of salsa are given as gifts. "Customers have bought Salsa Addiction for baby shower favors, birthday gifts, hostess gifts, and even client gifts."

Owning a home-based business comes with its challenges, but the rewards are far greater. Maria and her husband have to keep up with the operations while trying to gain the exposure for Salsa Addiction.  However, she loves hearing the positive feedback she receives from customers, the “I could drink this with a straw” kind of reactions.  She loves supporting the local farmers, as well, as working with non-profit organizations to increase their fundraising efforts by way of a % of sales at their events.

To find out more about Salsa Addiction visit them at the Green Market in the Port Orange Pavilion every Saturday.

Find them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SalsaAddiction 

(you’ll find recipes, salsa facts, and when they will announce their website is “live”)  

**Salsa Addiction will ship large orders or when needed!

Celebrating Women in Our Community: Darlynn Nangano, Owner of Little Blog Dress Media

Q: What is Little Blog Dress?

DN: Little Blog Dress is a social media marketing company that manages and maintains a businesses’ presence on Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and online reviews.

Q: What was the inspiration for starting this business?

DN: My background is in marketing and sales. I became more and more interested in how businesses could benefit from a steady presence on social media in addition to traditional marketing such as radio and print. I was also at a time in my life where it was time to shift gears and work for myself.

Q: How long has Little Blog Dress been operating?

DN: My girlfriend Megan and I started it part time in 2010.  After some not so favorable employment, she graciously let me make a “Leap and the Net Will Catch You” go at it in October of 2010 and I have been working at it full time ever since.

Q: Where does Little Blog Dress call home and which region do you serve?

DN: I have an office in Ormond Beach where I grew up and currently live.  Although most of my clients are local (Volusia and Flagler county), I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take on any client no matter where they live.

Q: What types of marketing services do you offer?

DN: I manage and maintain Facebook and Twitter accounts for businesses by posting, monitoring and engaging their likes. I create blogs and provide content for them, either provided by the client or articles that we aggregate that is relative to their business. I utilize Yelp, Google, Urban Spoon, etc. to manage online reviews. If they are good, we promote them. If they are bad, we address them.  I have had a lot of success with Little Blog Dress Media because a business knows they need to have a social media presence and needs to do it properly, but it is hard to stay consistent, learn new trends and do it right when you have to also run a business!

Q: Which Special Events has Little Blog Dress been involved with?

DN: I am so very lucky to be a part of Black Crow Events who does events all throughout Volusia County. I also am very involved with Ormond Beach Mainstreet who does events such as the Seafood Festival and Riverfest at Rockefeller Gardens!

Q: What piece of advice would you give to a woman considering starting her own business?

DN: Find like-minded individuals that you can turn for “What would you do?” experiences.  Make lots of short-term goals. Be good at 3 or 4 things, not 50. Don’t be afraid to say no to new business if it is not a good fit for you.  Find the best way to stay organized and always tweak it!

Q: What is a challenging aspect of owning a social media marketing company?  

DN: It is a challenge to not want to work all the time, 24/7, to try to perfect different aspects of my business. I am constantly trying to find ways to streamline and make it more efficient and that can be exhausting. Sometimes it is also challenging to wear the billing hat, the marketing hat, the owner’s hat, and the employee’s hat because that can make quite a long day if you aren’t uber organized!

Q: What do you find rewarding about running Little Blog Dress?

DN: To this very minute, I can’t believe that I am pulling it off! To own your own business and work for yourself is incredibly satisfying! It is a liberating feeling that is both exciting and nauseating at the very same time. I love that I have all the control to build this company exactly to the tee the way I want to.

To Find out More Information on Little Blog Dress:

http://www.littleblogdress.com 

facebook.com/littleblogdress

Darlynn’s Blog: http://www.thelittleblogdress.com

Read about social media and the adventures of a woman who owns her own business.

**Darlynn is also available for social media staff training or speaking engagements on how to do social media.