spotlight – lauren rosen (tyler mackenzie designs)

Rachel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:51:52 +0000

1. Company profile
Tyler Mackenzie Designs are beaded, stackable bracelets using various wood and gemstone beads mixed with gold and silver accents. Stylish and affordable!

2. How did you get into this business?

I bought some beads and started stringing bracelets for fun. I was wearing them all the time and then started making them for my friends. They all suggested that I start selling them. I wanted people to be able to wear them in a stack and not just purchase one, so each bracelet is priced between $15 and $22! I saw so many similar designs out there that cost a lot more, and most people want to be able to buy 3, 5, 7 or more…and not break the bank!

3. What/who inspires your designs?

No one, really. I just sit on my bed with my box of beads and my box of spacers. I start stringing with the beads and then grab spacers and see what works!

4. Biggest business moment?

My proudest moment was selling to my first store, Just Between Friends, in Deerfield, IL. They have a great business with great traffic, and I was thrilled to have my designs there!

5. How do you find the time to create your designs with a family? How do you manage your work and your family?

I am very lucky that both of my children are very independent (7 and 2 and 1/2). If I have a large order to fill and need to bead during the day, my daughter will play by herself with her barbies, dress up clothes, animals, etc… At night, I am usually sitting on the bed beading while they are both watching tv before bed. My husband has become accustomed to being with me…and my box of beads!!! When we watch tv or a movie at night, I’m usually making bracelets! It has become a part of our routine!

6. What are your hobbies/what do you do for yourself?

I spend a lot of time at the gym. I am currently OBSESSED with spinning, and get such a rush out of the sweaty workout! I also enjoy bargain shopping, either in stores or online…when I have the time.

7. What is your favorite mom tip or advice?

I want to tell all new moms that don’t have time to shower, are up half the night with screaming babies that won’t go back to sleep after their bottle, or have kids that won’t take naps during the day when they need a little break….IT GETS BETTER…I PROMISE!!!! I have two amazing children that were both very difficult the first six months. My son whined all day long, and my daughter would not sleep unless I was holding her! They are now WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL kids!!!

8. Describe your (collection) style in 3 words.

Trendy, Stylish, Affordable!!

Check out the Tyler Mackenzie Facebook page for more info on Lauren’s designs. Click here to win a set of Tyler Mackenzie Designs Bracelets.

spotlight – aiko decelles (dan dan)

Michelle — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:04:03 +0000

1. Company profile

“dan dan” in Japanese means gradual or step-by-step. The concept behind the brand is clothing that grows step-by-step with the child, focused on the common frustration that kids grow out of their clothes too quickly. Our design is about function: wear it for longer and/or wear it more than one way.

2. How did you get into this business?

My mother is the craftiest person I know. She was the inventor and seamstress of many of my clothes growing up. When the opportunity arose for me to leave the corporate world to start a venture of my own, I knew kids fashion is where I wanted to be.

3. What/who inspires your designs?

There are many. Early on I based much of my vision on womenswear and concepts that could be recrafted to meet my requirement of clothing that provides growth and versatility for kids. While I still keep an eye on womenswear, my inspiration now comes mostly from my target audience: infant and toddler girls in their natural being of self expressionism, individuality and creativity.

4. Biggest business moment?

Within 18 months of launching into this new venture, I landed a private meeting to show my collection to one of the most highly coveted luxury department stores in the country!

5. Who is your role model?

Inventors, entrepreneurs, artists .. people who create something from nothing. I continue to amaze and have a true appreciation now for the enormity, passion, burden and sheer tenacity it takes to seek an idea through to fruition.

6. Three things you would take to a deserted island?

My husband, a solid pair of shoes and an extra pair of eyeglasses.

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Beach living with my husband and a family of healthy kids and two dogs close to the ocean, “dan dan” boutiques to tend to, philanthropic efforts to save animals from cruelty, and perhaps some time living abroad.

8. Describe your (collection) style in 3 words.

cheerful, accessible, useful

Check out Dan Dan on momtrends http://momtrends.blogspot.com/2009/08/dan-dan-clothingsomething-special.html

Spill the Beans » Spotlight

spotlight – lauren rosen (tyler mackenzie designs)

spotlight – aiko decelles (dan dan)