Sharon Wollman - C'est Chouette

Here at Women Take Wing! we celebrate each and every member's successes. They all bring a special energy and perspective to our community. Several times each month we publish a Member Feature, so that the rest of the world can share in the richness of our community.

Sharon Wollman, owner and designer of C’est Chouette ~ The Vintage Needlepoint Pillow Boutique, embodies the balancing act of most women entrepreneurs today, wearing many hats. As a new mom she was inspired to think outside the box for creative outlet and financial benefit. By tapping into her talent for sewing, she has the honor of working in a medium that others have made beautiful: vintage needlepoint. Her long time love of vintage needlepoint, luxurious silks, and wonderful fringes, tassels and cords has naturally progressed to the creation of one of a kind needlepoint pillows that she lovingly calls tuffets. We think you’ll find her story to be as inspiring as her work is unique and beautiful.

Q. What gave you the courage to take the leap into your own business?

A. I don’t consider what I did as very courageous~ I was a soon-to-be mother and wanted to be home to raise my Little Baby. Baby Number Two came quickly thereafter and I never considered entering the workforce again. God blessed me with the talent to sew ~ so sew I did.

Q. Name one person who has inspired you, and how?

A. My mother was my inspiration. She always told me there was nothing I couldn’t do. Even at times when I took on more than I should or something I didn’t really know how to do she would say, “Learn to do it, now”. She was always impressed with my abilities and told me so.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your business?

A. Very early one morning, during a thunderstorm, I decided to open a website to sell my tuffets. I emailed a friend to tell her and she literally fell over laughing. She had been the one who would drive to my house to open my email for me. I had coerced her into publishing the PTA e-letter that was my responsibility, she literally taught me ‘copy and paste’ –step by step! But she kicked into gear and helped me in any way she could and made sure I never lost sight of my goal. With the help of another friend whom I lovingly call “the tuffet king” we built a website from scratch. I now speak ‘HTML’ fluently and my friend comes to me for computer help. I love that! To be able to sell tuffets from my little corner of South Dakota to the whole world via my website is very rewarding.

Q. What is the most 'bothersome' part of your business? How do you get through it?

A. I love the hunt and gather part of my business, but I have noticed more and more antique stores closing their doors, so now the hunt has become increasingly more difficult and time consuming, that does bother me a bit. It seems time is at a premium when running a business, time to dream, time to create, time to photograph, time to maintain a site and time to be a mother and wife. I love it all and would not give up any part of it; I just wish I had 8 days to a week.

Q. If you could start another business, what would it be?

A. I would love to open an tiny little shop to sell all things vintage needlepoint; chairs with needlepoint seats, pillows, home furnishing, office accessories, bedding…. the list goes on and on. I may redefine myself soon, as both of my daughters (my reasons for starting my business) will be in college in the fall.

Sharon is rather modest when it comes to her achievements. Her sweet pillows have been featured in a number of magazines! Please stop by Sharon's blog, Pillow Talk, or visit her online shop, C'est Chouette. You may just find the perfect tuffet to call your own!

Lidy Baars - French Garden House

Here at Women Take Wing! we celebrate each and every member's successes. They all bring a special energy and perspective to our community. Several times each month we publish a Member Feature, so that the rest of the world can share in the richness of our community.

As a little girl growing up in Europe, Lidy Baars developed a love for antiques with patina and charm, at the home of her grandparents. Her passion for antique and vintage treasures led to a career selling antiques. In 2007, she opened French Garden House, a virtual shop specializing in Romantic Decor with a French flair, with antique, vintage as well as new finds. She loves to find beautiful objects that give a home that lived-in look that's still relaxed and casual, so that it is a warm and welcoming haven for family and friends.

While opening French Garden House is the fulfillment of a dream that started at such a young age, it is the people she meets along the way that are the real treasures for Lidy. When not working in her California home office, packaging orders in her little "garden house", sharing her experiences on her wildly popular blog or traveling far and near to flea markets and antique fairs to gather new heartwarming finds, you can find her creating. We asked Lidy to share some of her journey to being a woman entrepreneur.

Q. What gave you the courage to take the leap into your own business?

A. It really just sort of grew. I have always had a little business since I was young. I have always been so in love with making things, that my first few businesses involved designing one of a kind home accessories, decorations, floral designs etc. for design shops. Growing up in the stately home with my grandparents in Europe gave me a love for antiques at an early age. I love the hunt of treasures, and can spot a find from quite a distance away!

Q. Name one person who has inspired you, and how?

A. My Grandmother. She raised six children in war-torn Europe, and was a strong, determined lady! She always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted, to try new things, and to do something that mattered every day.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your business?

A. Most people think the answer to this would be finding the beautiful things I sell. They are of a quality that is not too often found anymore, they are so beautiful, and they whisper stories of their (our) past. But the most rewarding part of my business is really the customers that I am blessed with. They are what matters. The friendships that I have with them, the stories they share. That's the most rewarding part of my business, helping people remember or create new memories with loved ones through the antiques I sell.

Q. What is the most 'bothersome' part of your business? How do you get through it?

A. That would have to be the accounting part. I am much more the creative person, not the number cruncher. It's not my favorite part of my business, but I will admit that it's not as hard as it used to be. Sometimes I think the fear of it is much worse than the reality.

Q. If you could start another business, what would it be?

A. Ahhh, I've already had so many businesses. I think they would be mainly artsy businesses. I would love to paint. I recently had the honor of attending a birthday party for a fabulous woman who just celebrated her 101st birthday. This inspiring, creative woman began painting in her late 50’s and still teaches art and painting today. She assured me “you have plenty of time to do anything you want.”

We have no doubt Lidy will continue creating, seeking and sharing beauty with her family, friends and customers for years to come! Please visit Lidy’s treasure filled shop, French Garden House, or her inviting blog, Little French Garden House. Both are a visual delight!

Bari Ackerman - Bari J.

Here at Women Take Wing! we celebrate each and every member's successes. They all bring a special energy and perspective to our community. Several times each month we publish a Member Feature, so that the rest of the world can share in the richness of our community.

A theatre major in college and a self taught textile artist and designer, Bari Ackerman has always had a hand in something creative. From 2001 to 2005 Bari made jewelry and collage art for local boutiques. But after creating a handbag for herself in 2005, her business, Bari J, was born.

Bari's goal is to create vintage inspired pieces for modern women. Her handmade fabric handbags are created to have a look and feel that evoke a sense of memory and history while remaining luxurious, durable and convenient for today's women. Busy preparing for summer shows, Bari took time to share some sage advice with us. Be sure and visit her website and don’t forget to check out her custom design feature, we’re sure you’ll find a bag you just can’t live without.

Q. What gave you the courage to take the leap into your own business?

A. Blind faith. I just really woke up one day and said, “If someone else can do it, so can I.” I started moving on it and just didn’t stop.

Q. Name one person who has inspired you, and how?

A. Oh, there were so many! I can’t give you just one. The first person that leaps to my mind is Alicia Paulson (Rosy Little Things/Posy Gets Cozy). I saw her on HGTV making a handbag. It looked like fun, and I needed one for an event I was going to, so I made one which sparked the whole idea for Bari J. Another is Amy Powers of Inspire Company fame. I think I discovered her right about the time I started Bari J. and fell in love immediately with the Inspire Co way of life. I also have to mention my favorite fabric designers, Tricia Guild and Amy Butler. When I first saw Amy Butler’s fabric about three years ago, I nearly fell off my chair. I’d never seen anything like it. Then while in London I discovered Tricia Guild and oh my goodness! All of these women have shown me what’s possible. And believe me, I could go on and on about each of them.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your business?

A. Without a doubt, the process of designing.

Q. What is the most 'bothersome' part of your business?

A. Ugh. Accounting!

Q. How do you get through it?

A. I finally got myself good software, Quickbooks, and have a system now for keeping track of everything… I just set a day every month that I am going to take care of it, and I muddle through.

Q. If you could start another business, what would it be?

A. That’s hard to answer because I plan on expanding Bari J. to include some of those dreams. I would eventually like to have a full line of home goods, my own fabric and paper lines, a national catalog, and possibly brick and mortar stores. I say, “If you are going to dream… why not dream big?” My husband jokes that I plan on creating a Bari J. empire. This makes me laugh and it’s a big joke around here, but not so secretly I think, “Maybe”.

Enjoy browsing through Bari's website or visit her blog to see what this talented designer is working on!

Working Your Brand

In the Forum this week we will be sharing different techniques we all use to work our brand. A common theme we hear from other successful entrepreneurs is that committing daily energy to our brand and branding is necessary to stay on track for success.
~Steph

Amy Smith - Goosey Press

Here at Women Take Wing! we celebrate each and every member’s successes. They all bring a special energy and perspective to our community. Every few weeks we’ll bring Member Features out to our blog so that the rest of world can share in richness of our community.

Amy Smith has been an entrepreneur since childhood. Her mother encouraged the development of backyard carnivals, neighborhood bake sales, and custom doll clothes to market from treasures gathered from flea markets and tag sales. It became evident that producing and selling goods or services was a natural priority.


Amy’s first entrepreneurial endeavor was owning a high-tech marketing agency for almost a decade. In 2006, at an outdoor antique fair during a vacation in New England, Amy was sifting through a basket of vintage children's books when she discovered something special — a turn-of-the-century, torn, tattered and extremely well-loved copy of the Original Mother Goose nursery rhymes. Honed by years of marketing and branding expertise, Amy's creative instincts kicked in. By the end of the trip, she had the vision for a new line of greeting cards, invitations, and coordinating gift wrap. Goosey Press was born bringing a nostalgic, warm and sophisticated modern stamp on beloved childhood classics.

As a busy woman entrepreneur, recently featured in the February edition of Romantic Homes Magazine, we asked Amy to share some of what brought her to where she is today.

Q. What gave you the courage to take the leap into your own business?
A. This is my second entrepreneurial birth - so it was much easier -however - I was clear that you need to create a business you love and remain focused on what brings you energy and joy.

Q. Name one person who has inspired you, and how?
A. My mother, Lois, was and continues to be my biggest inspiration - her memory nudges my creativity on a daily basis and I am so grateful that she encouraged me from an early age.


(Amy is in the process of writing a book, entitled “Gratitude & Faith”, about the relationship she had with her mother. ~D)

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your business?
A. The most rewarding part of the business is meeting and chatting with new retailers or individuals who share a common appreciation for vintage inspired products. As well as donating the products for non-profit organizations and school auctions – I love to share!

Q. What is the most 'bothersome' part of your business? How do you get through it?
A. Bothersome? Not being able to print new styles every month - I have so many ideas that I am yearning to develop - but I need to take a deep breath and take it one step at a time!

Q. If you could start another business, what would it be?
A. I would like to professionally consult for specialty events! I have been involved with numerous beautiful weddings and unique parties for friends and family. I truly enjoy developing the detailed planning from the invitation to the perfect take-away favor – then watching the entire vision unfold as the guests arrive - pinch me! Currently - I am offering custom baby shower or birthday party packages designed around the Goosey Press product line - and it scratches that itch a bit for now!

We encourage you to visit Amy at www.gooseypress.com to learn more about her and her fresh collection of greeting cards, invitations and gift wrap.

Staying Ahead Means Staying On Top

For most business owners the "business" side of business isn't what drew us to our chosen pursuits. I'm sure very few of us stopped and thought: "Oh, I will LOVE the paperwork that comes along with owning my own business! I can't wait to learn to be a file clerk, bookkeeper, supply manager, office manager, HR manager, inventory specialist, vendor relations manager and marketing guru!" Nope, I'm pretty sure THAT thought wasn't at the forefront when you were dreaming up a business plan. But tend our businesses we must.

In the forum this week our members are sharing their experiences with how to stay on top of the paperwork, how to manage all the hats they need to wear. Hopefully, through their sharing, we can discover new ways or perspectives to staying ahead so our business continues to thrive.
~Steph

Jerusalem Greer - Storia di Vita Design

Here at Women Take Wing! we celebrate each and every member’s successes. They all bring a special energy and perspective to our community. Every few weeks we’ll bring Member Features out to our blog so that the rest of world can share in richness of our community.


Jerusalem Greer began Storia di Vita Design with the idea that all design is just another form of storytelling. And in fact that is where the name came from – Storia di Vita roughly means “Story of Life” in Italian. From unique and personal interiors, to beautiful custom boutique websites, to vintage inspired holiday decorations and home accessories, Jerusalem helps bring the stories and dreams of her clients to light through the design process. Nothing is more fun to her than creating beautiful spaces.


Whether it is through a glittered paper banner, a website that conveys the true heart of a small business, or simply helping a client pick out a paint color that brings a smile to their face, Jerusalem loves to help make the world a little lovelier for her clients each chance she gets.


When we asked Jerusalem to answer a few questions about her experience as a woman entrepreneur she revealed a bit of her own story for us and the designs of her life.

Q. What gave you the courage to take the leap into your own business?
A. Honestly, there just didn’t seem to be any other good option to both work creatively and be home as much as possible with my small children… As hard has having my own business is, it is still a job I can do in my pajamas, home with sick kids when needed.

Q. Name one person who has inspired you, and how?
A. My grandmother, Ethelee Beverly, because she had the courage to go back to school when she was 50 years old and start her career as a Librarian, even getting her Masters Degree. Also, she is where all the women in my family get their creativity from. She is the original Nest Fluffer. She is 85 years old and she still rearranges the furniture in her house.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your business?
A. Seeing my designs go from my head, to something you can hold, to something someone besides me wants to buy. I LOVE when someone else is as excited about a product as I am.

Q. What is the most 'bothersome' part of your business? How do you get through it?
A. It would have to be all the legal and financial aspects. I am incorporated which is good for legal reasons, but makes all the financial and tax issues so much more complicated. And honestly I have not figured out a good way to “get through it” yet. That is still a learning process for me.

Q. If you could start another business, what would it be?
A. I don’t think I could start another business (my business now covers 3 areas – Craft design, Web Design and Interior Design Consulting.) I would love to have a Lifestyle Brand or Craft Design Line through another company who could handle all the financial, legal and promotional end of things. As much as I love creating my own products, I find that I have more ideas than I have time, ability or finances to produce, and I would love to have a larger mechanism behind me.

We encourage you to visit Jerusalem at her website or read her delightful blog, My Little Life, to discover more about her love of all things beautiful.

Website: http://www.storiadivita.com
blog: http://miastoriadivita.blogspot.com