Driving Traffic

Today I read some great information on driving traffic to your website. The first was “31 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website” (http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/ecommerce/a/drivetrafficmm.html by Maria Marsala for about.com) and the other was from SCORE - “Free Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website” (http://www.score.org/eb_29.html by Karon Thackston, KT & Associates). The readings were very helpful, and have at least inspired me to stay proactive in this beautiful business that is l’Amore Intimo. Passing this on to all you other entrepreneurs.

Dream Sweet

I'd Rather Be

As I sit here listening to the chatter of the office, I am wishing so deeply that I was at the home front working. Getting into the design of the l’Amore Intimo Every Day Collection vice being here. Not to be deep and sentimental, because that would just make me gag, we do some mighty awesome things to get where we want to go.

On the lighter side of l‘Amore Intimo, I did order some new business cards last night - 500 for under $8 on 100 lb card stock.If those turn out well, I will order the hang tags from the same place. Not too shabby.

Dream Sweet

l'Amore Today

Today it was another trek down to my favorite fashion district. I rushed downtown to pick up some stretch binding - got it and rushed back. That was my day. Oh yeah - the quarter that i put on the broken parking meter was taken in the 5 minutes that I was in the trim shop. Oh yeah - I am just about done with the keynote presentation that I am making for the meeting with the people in charge of the charity l'Amore Intimo is sponsoring in November. Oh yeah - I have decided that l'Amore Intimo will give 10% of every sell to a woman's charity. And the biggest oh yeah... a new fan joined the Birthstone thong Fan Club and will receive 20% off her first l'Amore Intimo order.

l'Amore Intimo is a big oh yeah!

Dream Sweet

Sponsor

The next l’Amore Intimo PR event is in November. We are the main sponsor of this event. It’s another charity function but this time benefitting a women’s group home in Santa Monica. One of the missions of l’Amore Intimo is to support women’s charities, and fortunately enough this is a worthy cause to champion, and maybe it will help everyone involved. This is an opportunity for l’Amore Intimo to introduce the l’Amore Intimo Every Day Collection which is not your ordinary every day pantie. The challenge will be to create what could possibly be a large number depending on the donations given on this evening.

Dream Sweet

Don't Stop Believing

I love that song by Journey. So edifying and uplifting. I hope that everyone is have a don't stop believing week. Don't let anyone steal your joy. Joy is within any way and it can't be obtained from anyone outside of the Spirit. But don't let anyone distract you from your heart's desire. All things are possible. Things may not come when you want or expect them to come but that does not mean these things are unobtainable. Just don't stop believing. Take control. It's your business. It's your life.

Dream Sweet

A Very Joyful Day

Things might not always seem to happen the way I wish they would but every day I try to build l'Amore Intimo. Today after spending the afternoon in Dodgertown I picked up a gift card from Claim Jumpers. I found out that the company who makes their Gift Card caters to the restaurant community. But that didn't stop me. I googled retail store business cards and found plenty of companies. Now I get to wade through them and find the one for l'Amore.

Always learning.

Dream Sweet

Learning Curve

This is real from my heart, so listen up. When you own a business, you have to own the business. Don't let anything go by without first checking and re-checking. You will avoid mishaps if you look at it through discerning eyes that have your interest in check. No one can see your dreams better than you can. No one can make them happen for you either. So it's important to make sure you always have last looks on everything.

Today I received some gift cards in the mail from an online print shop. The cards were printed wrong with the wrong copy. I can only blame myself for not having the last looks before they went out to the printers. It's going to cost me PR for this weekend, but I learned and will come back with a vengeance to never let that happen again. Lessons are good, and learning them early in the game is even better. l'Amore Intimo has only been online for 2 and a half months, and things will get better when the e-commerce site is up and running. Plus I still have a charity event before years end - this should bring in some PR with the right press release going out about it.

That's all I got. No -- one more thing. The Chocolate Sweet (rose flavored) and the Chocolate Heat (cayenne pepper flavored) candy that I gave away last night for a ladies movie night out - went over huge! They all raved about both flavors. Now I just need the right molds to form the perfect rose and heart.

Dream Sweet

Positive Reflection

Yesterday's post ended with positive reflection. Today I open this post with positive reflection. I saw it today.

I have been working on everything I can motivated myself to work on once I get home from my 8.5 hours in the office. This week I finished the Dodger blue dress for a birthday present and took on solid chocolate making. Last time we made truffles that were awesome, but I wanted to try molding solid pieces of chocolate. Without a thermometer, it's not accurate and doesn't work well. I did get some beautifully delicious rose chocolates or chocolate sweet and cayenne pepper chocolate or chocolate heat made.

This morning I boxed a Chocolate Sweet (Rose) solid heart in a brown linen box and tied a l'Amore Intimo blue ribbon around it. I thought the package was brilliant. I gave it to a co-worker who always greet me each morning with a smile. She wasn't expecting it but admitted how Friday's are her favorite day and holding up the box with a grateful smile, she added "this is why". This was a nice thank you.

The day went one with lots of reading for the job and after lunch she called me. What she said was humbling and right on time. She told me thank you again, and added that from the packaging to the flavor the chocolate was simply perfect. She went on to add her sincere wishes for l'Amore Intimo to grow bigger than big. WOW! Confirmation when things seems slow that it is all worth it.

Forge ahead is what I will do. Thank you.

Dream Sweet

Stick to Your Business Plan

Every morning when you open your eyes do you feel thankful?

Today I opened my eyes and felt sleepy. Thing is, I went to sleep early last evening (around 1030). It’s not that I am not thankful for the new day and new hopes and prospects, it has nothing to do with that for me. But, I am feeling a bit weary in well doing. I got attacked by a naysayer again. They’re out there - so watch for them if you have a dream, because they will attempt to squash you like a bug. The bad thing is, most of the time these naysayers are close loved ones. It doesn’t even matter if you have always been encouraging or supportive to them. They may not grasp positive reflection.

The attack came yesterday when I was reminded that I don’t have orders bogging me down. Probably wasn't meant maliciously. I came back with, one day soon I will have that many and more orders. But then I started thinking what if I never get any orders? I have put so much time and effort into this business. I don’t have the funding to back me when it comes to the necessary PR so I try other avenues and have to depend on others who I can’t pay right now. And no I don’t have orders bogging me down. How much and how long does one go when one doesn’t have the support of a loved one or how long can one listen to the naysayers whose words cut even if they are true?

I’ll say this from a place deep inside my heart. I appreciate everyone who has supported me in the building of l’Amore Intimo (especially the readers who commented so positively on yesterday's post, I needed that boost) - it’s a viable venture and I will work hard and do all that I can to build it, even if that means having to cut loose the naysayers. You can’t go forward if you allow negativity to drag you backwards.

To all you entrepreneurs out there - stick to your business plan, know when it’s time to revise it, and don’t stop believing. I won’t stop.

Dream Sweet

All Together Now

Haven’t seen the twelve l’Amore Intimo Birthstone Thongs together? Now you have. l’Amore Intimo representative’s will be on hand at a few charity events here in Los Angeles and will be swag bagging in a few spot as well. Keep up to date of their whereabouts and maybe you can snag a golden ticket - 40% off any one Birthstone Thong gift card! All this just in time for the holiday gift giving.

Get a better look at this collection on our website www.lamoreintimo.com.
Dream Sweet

l'Amore Every Day

Today I have to decide on the design for the l’Amore Every Day collection. It would seem that this collection will be featured at a charity even in November. I have lots of ideas and I’m sketching - and still waiting for that new butt model to arrive in the mail.

The design I think will be easiest sewn in white and then dyed the Rainbow colors that I want for the collection (red, orange, yellow, green blue, purple and white or should the 7th color be black). We’ll see. Either way, this collection will be sold in a package of 7, and promises not to be just another boring pair of every day panties. Would you expect anything less from l’Amore Intimo? I hope not.

Dream Sweet

Dodger Blue and l'Amore Intimo

Today after the office I will rush back to the factory to finish a Dodger Blue sun dress for a birthday gift for someone special. As I was sewing on it yesterday, I thought to myself about the fact I need to put my label on it. The l’Amore Intimo brand. Then I thought, it’s not lingerie so do I need to put a label on it? Yes, it’s still an exclusive design by l’Amore Intimo because that’s who I am. So I choose to label. Soon I will need a full body form mannequin not just a butt mannequin. Cool.

Dream Sweet

l'Amore Intimo

One day my sister called me to tell me about someone who had stolen her heart. Something was different in her voice - a tone of contentment, joy, happiness, and peace. I could feel her heart and was/am very happy for her. She deserves every bit of happiness that comes into her life. Besides I've apologized at least once for sticking her finger with a pin while I was twirling around being a high schooler, way back when. Then the majority vote was to prick my finger so that the two of us would be always joined by blood. It was childish but she couldn't be closer to me in mind, heart, and spirit if she were my biological sister. So her happiness is an utmost priority.

Here's looking at you kid, and the love who has entered your life. You both have touched my heart with the love you share. It's not sickening, it's real.

l'Amore Intimo interpreted is the intimate love, and the two of them have found that kind of love - the love who you want to spend all your time with. We all should experience this kind of love. My hope is to toast them at your wedding.

Dream Sweet

NEW AGAIN

As I sit here (seems like I am always saying that), but as I sit here after the morning fire alarm (I was called upon to search the office for a missing something. Couldn’t find it, because it’s not here like I told them) -- any way, as I sit here practicing the peyote beading stitch, I decided it was time to take a peek at the finished hang tag and gift card sent over to me from Idiom+ this morning. They’re perfect, quite l’Amore Intimo indeed. The copy I added fits nicely and the design a masterpiece -- but what else would it be.

Slowly maybe, maybe not, everything is coming together and it’s looking a lot like what I envisioned or simply think about all the time. Here’s the front of my new BC.

Dream Sweet

Your Special Offer

Today as I plugged away at the ad copy for the l’Amore Intimo’s first promo gift card and that all important hang tag that will be around for a while, I ran into my own thinking and had to call on some very special ladies. I sent a text to 7 very diverse women. My question to them was “does a woman want to be desired or cherished?” Within seconds - I know it wasn’t a full minute, four out of the 7 sent their response. My mother called with hers. WOW! That kind of support, encouragement, and love got me all misty eyed at the office where several dead spiders or maybe they are sleeping, waiting, are gathered in a corner.

Gracias mi familia e mi amigas! I love you back! Check out the l’Amore Intimo hang tag to see the concensus. I thought so too but I had to ask.

Dream Sweet

The Entrepreneural

What makes an Entrepreneur? According to the FASHION ENTREPRENEUR by Sandra Burke www.fashionbooks.com, entrepreneurs possess certain character traits. One of those traits she defined brilliantly I think.

"Internal Locus of Control: Fashion entrepreneurs who have a strong internal locus of control believe their lives, their destiny, and their successes are determined by their own actions and not by the actions of others. By analyzing their own actions and addressing their shortcomings, entrepreneurs know they will be successful next time round. It follows that if entrepreneurs feel they are in control of their lives they also feel in control of their risks - if they have a problem they will fix it.
In contrast, external locus of control applies to people who believe their lives, their destiny and their successes are determined by the actions of others. They expect other people to make decisions for them, and if there is a problem, they expect other people to fix it - entrepreneurship is not for them."

When I first read this I immediately understood that I possess the internal locus of control trait, along with all the others Ms. Burke penned. Since this web log is a study in starting and building a small business - let me ask do you possess internal locus of control or external locus of control? Always learning

Dream Sweet

Maybe So

Today I visited some a premium outlet to look. And that's what I did. I browsed through 10 stores or so looking at clothes, handbags, lingerie. I was told to stop inspecting seams and stitches by my shopping buddy, who informed me that she hated it when her roommate - who is in film production - would analyze every movie while they were watching it. At least I am not the only person who gets on her nerves.  I will be apologize for loving the creativity behind l'Amore Intimo and wanting to become better at what I do through research.

The lingerie I looked at was shapewear. They carry shapewear in the S size. Very strane to me. Do people with 24" waist (the regular S) really need to wear girdles? Do I answer this question out loud? Will l'Amore Intimo eventually carry shapewear? With the tremendous request to take the mundane of the present day shapewear and make it something more beautiful without losing the shape, all I can say is -- I'm considering this very much. Stay tuned.

Dream Sweet

"FAN"tastic

The Birthstone Thong Fan Club is set and ready to join. Only a few pics are missing from the new ones taken in August. Soon they will be available too. I feel like I am sometimes at a deficit when it comes to maneuvering PR on Facebook. But ya can't keep me down for long -- sooner or later I will figure it out.

Join the Birthstone Thong Fan Club and receive 20% off your first l'Amore Intimo purchase -- just in time for the fast approaching holiday season and the upcoming debut of the Sassy and Bridal collections. This special offer will be extended until further notice.

Dream Sweet

REAL TALK

This is exactly what I want for one of l'Amore Intimo's future magazine regular articles -- a voice so fresh and honest and REAL. Can you dig it?! Check out this blog by Cornelius, he's a friend of mine - more family, but outside of that he's what we've been looking for but didn't know it. I caught his first web log on yahoo, where he had a tremendous following for the short time he was there, and deservedly so. My Sis will get the first Wedding Thong by l'Amore Intimo for their nuptials. Read, follow, and take to heart the raw words of wisdom. Real talk by Cornelius. Thank you very much.

Dream Sweet

Back and Forth

This weekend has to prove successful in the time I spend designing and creating. I am back and forth beween the "Sassy" collection and the "Bridal" collection. Something in a little leather for the Sassy, and of course traditional white for the Bridal. If I can knock two beautiful designs out of the park this weekend, I will be more than happy and feel progressive.

Today I order a not too used fabric mannequin. This butt model will be better for designing and crafting. The other one that I have is awesome for displaying, and I have to keep it in good shape for the shows coming up. Today I sent in my application for the Head to Toe Women's Expo. Today was a great day!

Dream Sweet

My Future Office

Dream and Dream BIG is a good motto. Today in the quietness of the office that I guard on the oath I took to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, I found my solace. A place I can go to dream and dream BIG. Since a very young child I would sketch like a seasoned architect - or so I thought - my office. When I was younger it was a doctors office. As I grew and found my love for creating it was a store. Today? Today it is l'Amore Intimo's fashion place. A place where inspiration turns into designs, where designs turn into patterns, patterns turn into intimate treasures, and intimate treasures turn into passionate memories.

I stood there in that office, and in my mind transformed it into the world of l'Amore Intimo. It was wonderful. There was the reception area where all hopeful designers, pattern makers, seamstresses, attorneys, accountants, p.r., models, photographers, my people, and me will have to walk through to the other side. Then inside there's the designer's brainstorming room with a door, the pattern making station, the cutting station, the machine sewing station, the hand sewing station, a huge meeting room for those morning meetings and lots of space for a huge theater screen to have viewing of movies, office party videos, red carpet events, project runway, etc., an over-sized storage room - big enough for many many bolts of fabric on shelves and a recreation area for some gym equipment or pool table or video games whatever will do to relieve the morning work rush and work off lunch. On one side. Then passing through the lunch area - where washing hands is always required when working - there is my office with a beautiful classic desk with all the usual on it, and a table, but instead of the round table there's a sewing table with the best machines at my will, outside my office there's my assistant (he or she has to be able to finish my sentences), he or she is very much overpaid but worth every penny. There's also on that side of the office a quality control station and customer service station. Nice.

I could see everything in all its blanket blue and personal brown colours. I could see it, can see it, and I love it. I am also thankful for the opportunity to dream and work hard toward seeing this dream become a reality.

Dream Sweet

New Photos New Logo Coming!

I'm very excited! Have been completely way too busy though - but that's a good thing. Back with the Census Bureau - inside this time, THANK GOD! But even though the knowledge of knowing this is a helpful gig to supplement l'Amore Intimo, and I am completely grateful - it still takes away from the factory. I will get as much done as I possible can. At least at this point, I am able to catch up on the business side of l'Amore Intimo while in the office and waiting for the official start of work. Right now it's slow but I have no internet thus far and can't get in my business email or blogging or Facebook and Twittering is just out.

Stay tuned though because Idiom+ has developed a beautiful brand name logo for l"Amore Intimo! I LOVE IT and can't wait to transition. It's going to stand tall with the big hitters. Now we're working on the brochure and gift card for the Cystic Fibrosis swag bag. This is a super promotional opportunity for l'Amore Intimo.

PHEW

Dream Sweet