Thank you!!

Our newest additions for vendors are Rhonda Harpley with BeautiControl and Lulu Bella Children’s Boutique. Welcome!

Womanologie is pleased to provide this in-depth look at local entrepreneur Nicole Semanchik of Chik Nic.

I’m a crafty mom of 15 month old twin girls aspiring to become a stay at home mom.  I come from a long line of handcrafters, so it comes as no surprise that I have a love for all things handmade.  I’ve been making things by hand as long as I can remember.  I learned to crochet and knit at a very young age and as I’ve grown I’ve continued exploring the handmade world and a few years ago I added sewing to my resume.   I started my Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/ChikNic) less than a year ago so I am still very new to the handmade business world.

I love making one of a kind gifts for others and one day I decided to share some photos online of gifts I had made.  I couldn’t believe the compliments I began getting and the inquiries from others about buying these items!  So with that little ego boost I got the courage to create ChikNic.

Originally (before twins), I figured I would sell my handmade items as a past time to pay for the expenses of my crafting.  After twins, my hope is to become successful enough to be a stay at home mom.

I’m a people pleaser so my favorite thing about my business is making others happy with the items I’ve made for them!  Seeing and hearing how happy they are is the icing on the cake.

My favorite product is my applique birds on their tree branches!  I have so much fun coming up with all the coordinating fabrics and colors.

I love meeting new people and getting their feedback.  And I love making custom items for people.

]]> http://womanologiect.com/2012/05/30/the-women-behind-your-favorite-brands-womanologie-spotlight-chik-nic/feed/ 0 geethasemail Chick Nic Chik Nik owner Nicole Semanchik http://womanologiect.com/2012/05/30/556/ http://womanologiect.com/2012/05/30/556/#comments Wed, 30 May 2012 15:38:34 +0000 geethasemail http://womanologiect.com/?p=556 Continue reading »

Womanologie is pleased to provide this in-depth look at local entrepreneur Judy Aron of Soap by Judy.

Over the past ten years I have been making soap for my family and friends. A friend of mine taught me how to do it and I have been “hooked” ever since! It was in October 2010 that another friend inspired me to start my business. Her success with her own business was an inspiration to me. I started my company in January 2011 and have enjoyed great steady growth since then. I really love what I do, and I love that I created a business that is flourishing even in this tough economy. I have learned so much along the way, and have shared my experiences with others as well, and I have made many new friends.

I love making handcrafted soap and I love using and selling the soap that I make. Making soap, designing new products and selling them is interesting and just plain fun. For me, there is something truly miraculous that happens when two dubious ingredients, lye and oils, meet to create a beautiful and pure bar of soap. I especially love it when people tell me how much my soap has helped their skin problems or was a much appreciated gift for someone they purchased it for.

Since learning to make soap, I have developed a passion for creating fine handcrafted soap from all natural and organic ingredients, and I love it when people use it and appreciate it. I am awestruck with the color palette and skin healthy results that can be obtained from all natural plant based ingredients. I also love all of the essential oils that I get to work with. They are aromatic and so very good for your body and spirit. I enjoy being able to be creative with combining ingredients and packaging. While one of my favorite soap bars is my chocolate almond bar, I really like them all. Each has wonderful properties all their own. I also love the new body butters and sugar scrubs that I have created. One of the most fun aspects of my job is making custom soaps for people; for their special occasions, or special skin care issues, or for promotion of their business. It’s so interesting to work with my customers to create soap just for them. I also find it satisfying to educate people about the benefits of the ingredients I use in making Soap by Judy products.

What I love most about the soaps that I make is that they feel different, and every bar is one of a kind. Handcrafted soap is genuine, soft, rich and soothing. It takes away the waste on your skin while leaving behind beneficial emollients and rewarding your skin with other fine properties. Commercially produced soap and handmade soap may functionally do the same thing, but I am convinced that we can all do without chemicals and fillers when it comes to bath time. Women especially need to take care and understand what they put on their skin, since they tend to use so many different products. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and is assaulted with a myriad of toxins and environmental debris every day. Your body has to work hard to protect itself from damage and we need to be mindful of what we add to that when we use soaps, and other body products.

Finally, I could not have done all this without the great help, love and support from my family, especially my husband. They have all cheered me on, encouraged me, schlepped boxes to and from events and have been my cheerful test subjects and honest critics. Most of all, I could not have done this without my fabulous customers and business associates. They have made this journey very worthwhile.

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Why did you decide to start your own business?

I started my small business Pruna Designs back in 2008, while I was an Art Teacher and Art Director on the auction committee. I was sitting home one day and I just decided this is what I want to do. I enrolled in classes right away to freshen my computer skills, and better my design skills and understand the typography world since I was a fashion and fine art major, I had no background in graphic work. I just love paper, the designs, the special meaning when you send or receive a card. I have saved every single card I’ve ever been given since birth. 1st communion, graduating, birthdays and each card has a special meaning to me and the person who took the time to give to me. I have them all filed in a box and book. Two on my desk, one wishing me a special Birthday from good friends last year, and one thanking me for being a great friend and blessing in her life.

What is your favorite thing about your business?

That it is my own, and I can develop as much as I want, or as little as I want. When I first started I was so afraid of making the wrong decision, a business mistake. Through the years I have made so many mistakes, but have learned so much from them. I would not of been able to grow without learning from them. If I had never printed something with a typo I wouldn’t of learned, double check a million times before something goes to print. Working alone, isn’t always the easiest. I don’t have a second pair of eyes to look over or guide me. I often have to go with the flow. The stronger I become the more confident I am in my work.

Why I decided to PartyLite, was I felt like I’ve been working with stationery for long enough that I’m good enough at what I’m doing to take on a new challenge that I could meet new people, and expand. I also feel like it goes along so well with invitations. My invitation customers always come over and I have candles going. For me, I feel getting married, baby are all important times, moments in life that you want to be magical and candles can add to that!

What does having your own business mean to you?

It means so many things, on so many levels. I learn from new customers everyday. I can see the difference in love relationships. Most of the couples, people I’ve attracted are truly in love, and wanted something special. Every time I am faced with a challenge I learn to over come it and grow and a person and a small business owner. Sometimes I think to myself wow i have a small business to some may seem like nothing, but I’ve worked hard to build what I have. It is quite amazing to think 5 years ago, there was no Pruna Designs, now I am a fully running website and small boutique. The possibilities of adding on, like I did with PartyLite, growing, or choosing to sell one day are endless. I don’t see myself shutting down, but there is always that option. I do see myself growing, building, getting married and making a family and being able to help provide and take care with Pruna Designs & PartyLite. Hopefully the man who wants to marry me, will support my business and maybe even partner up with me!

Inspiration or Mission?

I find inspiration in everything, I sometimes think I live in my own little world. In the gardens, i see flowers, floral designs for papers. In street signs I see words, text. clues for signs for new ideas, love, relationships, beauty. I am a fan of over 250 pages on facebook sometimes I find inspiration in photos, quotes. Love watching music videos and you tube for visual inspiration. Listening to musical artists as well. I’m a very peaceful person, so when I am designing or working with someone in love, I can feel the joy and it just makes my job so worth while. Seeing a someone cry, because they love their invitations makes the hours worth it. As far as candles, I love seeing what people choose as far as scents, items. It always expresses who they are in the pick berries, herbal, woodsy. If they like the holiday items, or summer lanterns. I personally have my scented glow warmer going all day everyday, it just adds a beautiful smell and touch at all times.

What do you love?

I truly love designing, and helping others with invitations and being able to enjoy special moments with them in their lives. As far as the candles, I just love having candles around, always have, always will. They add just a little extra light to every moment. So I enjoy being able to share that with friends and loved ones. PartyLite has also given me some amazing moments, I have met so many great people during the journey. Learned so much about myself and others, lessons that have made be better in life, career and love. I’ve enjoyed every moment and I plan on continuing to make every moment count, and make a wonderful, beautiful life.

The candle journey. It just happened, like a blessing. I contacted my leader Jamie, she has been amazing, she is always there for me, keeps me strong, believes in me every moment every day, pushes me when I need a push. Love and cares for me, is family person and a stay at home mom. When I threw my candle party not one person showed up, I was in absolute tears, my heart felt broken and she said to me the people who matter, the ones who care will be there, they will support you. It was so true.

We lose something wonderful when it becomes more important to us to the one who knows than to be the open who’s open to the everyday wonders around us. “Those who think they know it all have no way of finding out they don’t,” wrote Leo Buscaglia. Fortunately, our sense of curousity and wonder can be rekindled and refreshed.

Artists and photographers are taught to observe the world through the eyes of a child. “Every child is an artist,” said Pablo Picasso. “The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

Inventors and product developers are taught to see things as an amateur would, rather than as an expert. An expert looks at two spoons and sees two spoons; an amateur looks at two spoons and sees a musical instrument.

Zen practitioners are taught to approach every moment of life with a “beginner’s mind.” As Abbess Zenkei Bianche Hartman says, this is a “mind innocent of preconceptions and expectations, judgements and prejudices.” It’s a mind full of curiosity, wonder, and amazement. The beginner’s mind revels in being naive and not knowing.

Imagine seeing everything as if for the first time.

The Pampered Chef offers a wide variety of high-end multi-purpose cooking and kitchen tools as well as a wide variety of Pantry products. As a Consultant, I perform “live” in home cooking demonstrations and teach wonderful simple and healthy recipes. I help my Hosts receive tons of FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products; but that only barely touches the surface of the Complete Pampered Chef Business Opportunity.

My story is probably very familiar to many women; I worked all my life in the field of Nuclear Medicine; specifically Nuclear Cardiology. I earned a very good salary and worked for almost 15 years.  During which time I met and married my Husband Francis, adopted a dog named Bosco and bought our home in Danbury,CT. The next step was to start a family. Our daughter Francesca was born in July of 2007.  I went out on maternity leave with all good intentions of returning to work. I underestimated the impact of having a child and soon came to realize that my obligations were now at home with my family and I never returned back to work.

As many Moms will know there is no greater joy than to have a family, but at times the toll it takes on you mentally, physically, and financially is sometimes overwhelming and it leaves you slightly lost and lonely. The Pampered Chef Opportunity provides so many different things to so many different people.  Maybe you are looking for some additional income, maybe you always dreamed of starting your own business and don’t know where to begin, maybe you are looking for more time with your family and not the constraints of a full-time job. Maybe you just miss being a “grown-up” and actually speaking to adults.  Whatever is lacking in your life it is very possible that a Pampered Chef business can help.

For me, The Pampered Chef has gone far beyond making a little extra income for family expenses, or enjoying the opportunity to get out and socialize and make new friends.  The Pampered Chef has actually gone deeper to help me restore my confidence, increase my self-respect and my ability to connect with both new people and also enjoy the time with my family; as opposed to resenting all the obligations that most Moms are responsible for.  I now have something of my OWN and something that I can be proud of.

The Pampered Chef is my own business but I am not in it alone.  The Pampered Chef offers tremendous information and assistance and guidance in a variety of ways. There are training resources and business resources available to me all the time.  For a very small investment, The Pampered Chef sets you up with a tremendous starter kit of kitchen products and recipes and also the start-up business materials are included as well. All of the products in your kit are yours to keep with no obligation.  Also Pampered Chef Consultants can work as much or as little as they wish and we are not responsible to keep any inventory of products. Of all the Direct Sales companies out there, Warren Buffet chose to buy The Pampered Chef because of its tremendous value, public appeal and reputation. He believed in the vision of Doris Christopher, The founder of The Pampered Chef. She wanted to offer Women the opportunity to own their own business.

The Pampered Chef has really changed the course of my life and there is no greater joy than to share that opportunity with others.  I am grateful that the Opportunity was shared with me and now it is my turn to “Pay it Forward”.  Maybe it is your turn to decide what path your life takes or maybe you want to be in charge of your own Destiny either way I am always available to listen and see if this business is right for you. My Team is always growing and expanding and there’s always room for one more!

Kathy M. Friscia

Independent Consultant for The Pampered Chef

 www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithkathyfrisica

914-320-7779

kathyfriscia@gmail.com

facebook.com/kathy.friscia

Check out our ticket page and buy four or ten tickets at a time! When you buy ten tickets, they cost only $10 each and, when purchased prior to Mother’s Day, qualify for a $25 Lord & Taylor gift card (while supplies last). Each ticket gets you a raffle ticket for a chance to win fabulous door prizes, free photo booth with a professional photographer for a new on-line portrait, free massage in a chair, free brow waxing, a free mini belly dance workshop, listen to speakers including life coach Patty Lennon of Mom Gets a Life and stylist Allie McConnell of Analogue Chic, fun shopping, hors d’oeuvres, and food samples.

“Moms, single women, or grandmothers can get out and enjoy a great evening full of fun, freebies, and prizes while supporting a children’s museum that will benefit our entire area. Macaroni Kid has been the go-to source for family time and now it’s a great source for ‘Me-time’,” said Kim McNeill, Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid for Bridgewater, Roxbury, Bethlehem, Woodbury, Southbury, Oxford, Watertown, and Waterbury.

Escape from every day life and spend the evening relaxing and pampering yourself. Shop the Vendor Gallery featuring some of the most amazing merchants offering the latest trends and home products. Some vendors will be offering free interactive elements at their booth including, chair massages, a waxing station and even a photo booth for a new “Facebook” picture of yourself. You will also have the opportunity to sell your unwanted gold or silver to Party of Gold, who is donating 15% to the EverWonder Children’s Museum.

The vendors have each donated raffle prizes, which include items from Tastefully Simple, Celadon Road, PartyLite, Thirty-One Gifts, Ridgefield Tennis Club, Park Lane Jewelry, CT Kids Closet, Arbonne, Soap by Judy, just to name a few. Each paid admission ticket will receive a free raffle ticket to enter to win one of the fabulous prizes.

Corporate Sponsors for the evening include Lord & Taylor and The Pampered Chef.

Relax with a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres while listening to keynote presenter, Patty Lennon, CEO and Founder of Mom Gets a Life. She is a mom advocate, coach, writer and speaker. She believes in the power of intuition, taking action and a world where woman can be successful mothers and successful individuals at the same time. Visit http://www.momgetsalife.com if you are ready to move yourself up on your priority list.

Personal Stylist, Allison McConnell, of the fashion blog Analogue Chic (http://analoguechic.com), will also be a guest speaker. Allie is a Connecticut native with a cosmopolitan streak. She loves travel, the arts, and irreverent fun. Blessed with a mom and grandma who are die-hard sewists, she’s been stitching and playing with fabric since grade school.

The evening will also consist of a silent auction with an “African Photo Safari”.

The Mother’s Day Special is through Sunday, May 13, 2012. Admission tickets can be purchased online for $15 each at www.womanologiect.com. The $25 Lord & Taylor gift card will be saved under the purchaser’s name and will be available to pick up at the door the night of the event, June 8, 2012. The giveaway is limited to the first 100 purchasers.

If you are interested in showcasing your business at this exciting event, please visit www.womanologiect.com and click on Vendors to download information. Any questions can be sent to Lisa Agresta at lisaa@macaronikid.com.

Macaroni Kid is the area’s leading on-line source of information for parents with a free weekly e-newsletter, and an on-line calendar with local events and activities for kids, teens, and families. Macaroni Kid is published in four areas in Western Connecticut which have more than 2,800 subscribers, over 90,000 monthly page views, and 2,100 Facebook and Twitter followers. Visit these websites to find the local edition covering your town. www.monroe.macaronikid.com, www.danbury.macaronikid.com, www.newmilford.macaronikid.com, www.southbury.macaronikid.com

I think a good photograph should bring out pieces of the subjects’ personality. Shy, bold, pensive, or crazy, my goal is to capture the subject as they really are. I genuinely enjoy getting to meet new clients, learn about them and put their true selves in every image whether it’s at a wedding, event, or during a portrait session.

Dan will be Womanologie’s event photographer; capturing images of your night out. We will be posting photos on Facebook after the event. You can tag yourself and show how much fun you had.

]]> http://womanologiect.com/2012/04/27/welcoming-dan-kane-photography-as-a-sponsor-of-womanologie/feed/ 0 geethasemail Dan Kane Photography http://womanologiect.com/2012/04/25/analogue-chic-runway-debut/ http://womanologiect.com/2012/04/25/analogue-chic-runway-debut/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:09:40 +0000 geethasemail http://womanologiect.com/?p=315 Continue reading »

Allie, of Analogue Chic, is going to be walking the runway in an original creation. Accepting the challenge to create fashion with a recycled theme, Allison McConnell is participating in Western Connecticut University’s Roots and Shoots club Green Gala.

Allison has created a special, up-cycled outfit just for the Roots and Shoots Green Gala. Roots and Shoots is Jane Goodall’s organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the natural environment. The WestConn club wanted to bring attention to recycling and local businesses.

The event is Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the WestConn Westside Campus Ball Room. Admission is a sugggested $5 donation. There will be live bluegrass music by the Stringfingers.

]]> http://womanologiect.com/2012/04/25/analogue-chic-runway-debut/feed/ 0 geethasemail Walking the Runway