Orange County Boutique Vendors

Name:  Amanda LaRosa
Business Name:  Earrpix.com
Email:  info@earrpix.com
Website:  www.earrpix.com
Contact #: 949.636.4749
Twitter:  @earrpix
Facebook:  fb.com/Earrpix

How would you describe yourself?
A career-changed corporate drone, taking command of my destiny by selling the hand-made guitar pick earrings I would design and construct to relax at night.

How long have you been involved in your business?
As a business, about nine months. As a hobby, over two years.

What keeps you motivated? 
Following a couple of downsizings and outsourcings, I don’t want to return to the corporate world.  I am motivated to succeed in my business by looking at the bills that must be paid each month.

Tell us a little about your family.
I am blessed to have been married to my soul mate and will be celebrating our 25^th anniversary next year. We have a terrific son who is a first-year BFA/Musical Theatre student at Cal State Fullerton, whom we hope will be wildly successful and support his loving parents in their old age.

How do you prioritize family and your business?
Family comes first. However their (limited) demands are such that I can easily work around their commitments. And each is very supportive and generous with their time, supporting me just about any time I need it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Doing the same thing but busier.

Biggest life lesson learned?
You only get one chance with raising a child, and when it’s gone, there are no do-overs.

Biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
There is no company loyalty or sense of responsibility to employees other than the direct quid-pro-quo of doing your job and getting paid. The ‘sense of family’ that employers and employees once shared is a thing of the past. ‘Doing more’ than is expected is no longer valued in such a way that it will help you keep your job, it’s simply a pending source of disappointment when nothing extra comes of it (or your extra efforts fail to be rewarded).

What is your secret to success?
I’ll let you know when I’m successful. But it will likely have to do with perseverance and not listening to people who aren’t supportive.

All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours?
Stop what I’m doing and do something that makes me happy (usually get out of the house).

What was your sweetest success story?
Hmmm….

How do you relax?
Get out of the house and connect with people in meaningless ways with no expectation of return (go to the mall and people-watch, hang at Starbucks, read my Kindle and nosh on blueberry scones.

Do you send out a monthly newsletter?
Not yet, it’s coming once I build up a mailing list.

How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
For now, either buy something (preferred) or e-mail me at info@earrpix.com and I’ll add it to the list being accumulated.

Name: Brandy Castillo
Business Name: Candy Band
Email:   Brandy@CandyBandShop.com
Website: www.CandyBandShop.com
Contact #: 562-221-8120
Twitter:  @CandyBandShop
Facebook: Candy Band http://www.facebook.com/pages/Candy-Band/324608209182

How would you describe yourself?

I am a stay at home mom that is a Jill of all trades.

How long have you been involved in your business? 

I have been making the personalized candy wrappers and party favors for over 5 years now.

Why did you choose your particular business?  

It’s a great way meet people. Plus a little piece of me gets to be at all the parties. LOL

What keeps you motivated?

Even when times are hard, helping someone create something fun for a special event can’t help but put a smile on your face.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am married to a wonderful man that makes me crazy and I have 2 of the most remarkable teenagers. Our daughter just graduated from high school and our son is a sophomore.

How do you prioritize family and your business?

Family of course comes first but with this business, I never have to worry about conflict.  I work at my own pace on my own time. That’s the beauty of a home based job. I am extremely lucky because they are so supportive and helpful.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

It’d be nice to maybe have a little shop near the beach.  Something fun and super casual.

Biggest life lesson learned?

I guess a big life lesson for me is to let your friends and family help you. I often take on everything by myself not taking their lending hands.

Biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?

Not to take things so personally.

What is your secret to success?

Just relax and have fun with it!

All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours?

Good coffee and a great laugh always help me.

How do you relax?

Just chilling with my family or friends is all I need, I’m a simple girl.

Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” — Coco Chanel 

How can we get more information about your business?

FaceBook, Twitter, or my Website

Name: Allyson Reams
Business Name: Cookie Lee Fine Fashion Jewelry
Email: randally13@verizon.net
Website: www.cookielee.biz/allysonreams
Contact #: (909)465-3976

How would you describe yourself?
Happy and ready to share the opportunity of Cookie Lee Jewelry with everyone!!

How long have you been involved in your business?
4 and a half years

Why did you choose your particular business?
The jewelry was gorgeous and affordable.

What keeps you motivated?
Staying home with my children.

Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 10 years and we have a 5 year old son and a one month old daughter.

How do you prioritize family and your business?
Family always comes with me, but fortunately I can schedule my own hours and my children can come with me to many of my events.

Where do you see yourself in 5yrs?
Happy in my family life and further in my business.

Biggest life lesson learned?
Don’t spend more than you can afford!!

Biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Always go for what you want!

What is your secret to success?
No secret, just work hard!

All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours? Go home to my family. Every event isn’t gonna make money and everyone isn’t gonna always be interested in your product. Just keep trying and pursue everyone.

What was your sweetest success story?
Having a home show and booking a few shows from that and then a few shows from that one!

How do you relax?
Unwinding with my family. Or reading a book.

Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:
?? Don’t really have one

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Cookie Lee Jewelry is so affordable and up to date with all the latest styles and fashions. I have many discounts throughout the year with items up to 70% off!

Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
I send out monthly emails with the new specials. We get new pieces each month that are exclusive to Insider Club members and only last a limited amount of time. I send out those emails each month, as well as sale items, and hostess incentives and customer 50% off items.

Name: Betsy Rodriguez
Company: Lia Sophia Jewelry Advisor
Email: betsy.liasophia@gmail.com
Website: www.liasophia.com/betsyr
Contact #: (949) 633-6979

How would you describe yourself?   

A mom, wife, friend and business owner.  I’m energetic and love to be involved in as much as possible.   I live life to the fullest & with a positive attitude.  I surround myself with equally positive people and energy

How long have you been involved in your business?  

I started my Lia Sophia business April 3, 2010.  Was involved in a different direct sales association from 1995-2001

Why did you choose your particular business?  

I chose Lia Sophia, for the high quality jewelry, low cost investment and the enthusiasm from friends about the product.

What keeps you motivated?

The incentive trips help me keep my goals in front of me.  I started Lia Sophia because my husband is in construction and had been out of work for half a year. Once I began Lia Sophia he returned to work, and with my additional income from Lia Sophia we were able to catch up quickly.  In July 2010, he broke his ankle and was out of work for 6 weeks, the additional income once again helped my family stay afloat.

Tell us a little about your family.

My family consists of 2 very supportive men.  My husband and my 14 year old son.  Both are active participants in my business and my biggest cheerleaders.

How do you prioritize family and your business?

When I first began Lia Sophia, not only was I working full time, but I was going to school studying pharmaceutical and training and fundraising for 2AvonWalk for Breast Cancer.  I have certain days and hours that I focus solely on my business and others where I focus solely on my family.  I also allow time for my friends.

Where do you see yourself in 5yrs?

I see myself completely debt free, my son off to college and my husband & I in our first home.

Biggest life lesson learned?

My biggest life lesson occurred at the end of 2008.  From December 22^nd – January 11^th.  I lost 2 girlfriends & my cat Luna.  Losing 2 girlfriends (1 to Hellp Syndrome & the other to Breast Cancer) was a huge wake up call since they were both in their early 30’s.   I transformed many aspects of my life and had a rebirth in my personal spirituality, my friendships & my family.

Biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?

That I am not alone.

What is your secret to success?

To always continue learning.  Talk to others, share ideas and to constantly be starting over to keep your business fresh.

All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours?   

Venting to my dear friend and manager.  I allow myself to sulk for a day, then when I wake up, I need to dust myself off and start over.

What was your sweetest success story?

In just 3 months with the company, I was in the top 100 advisors in sales.

How do you relax?

Walk…..

Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:  

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would love to share the love of jewelry with women whether it’s by offering them a high quality product with a lifetime guarantee, spoiling them as a hostesses and helping them update their wardrobe or helping them start their own business and reach their goals & dreams.   I also offer fundraisers.

Do you send out a monthly newsletter?  How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?

I do have a monthly email, just email me at betsy.liasophia@gmail.com

Name: Vera Gremling
Business Name: Celebrating Home
Email: vgremling@hotmail.com
Website: www.celebratinghome.com/sites/shoppingwithvera
Contact #: (714) 263-5607

How would you describe yourself?

friendly, adventurous, incapable of saying no very often

How long have you been involved in your business?

almost 6 years

Why did you choose your particular business?

I was a customer for 3 1/2 years. I trusted my up-line and knew she would tell me the total truth about how it works.

What keeps you motivated?

I really love my business and all the wonderful people I have met through my adventures. Money is also a great motivator. I want to make enough money so I can do it full time someday!

Tell us a little about your family.

I have a wonderful family…a loving husband, 4 kids ages 13,14,21 and 24. I am also a grandma of baby Braeden!!

How do you prioritize family and your business?

I block out the dates that are important to my family first and NEVER book any event for those days. That means birthdays, church events, 4H or school events are blocked! Sometimes that eliminates events I want to do, but my kids are only this age right now, and I do this business for them, so no compromising there!!

Where do you see yourself in 5yrs?

I want to be an Executive with Celebrating Home.

Biggest life lesson learned?

Credit cards are EVIL….I do not use them anymore. My husband and I have one card that we pay off every month. We are in control of our money instead of the reverse!!

Biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?

Graciousness will get you everywhere. People like you when you are like-able,helpful, kind.

What is your secret to success?

God. I am a success no matter what because of Him. If an event has low sales, but opportunities to connect, to build relationships and to grow, then it was a successful event and I was a success. I put my life in his hands, for him to use for his purpose. Maybe I am at an event only to bring comfort to someone, maybe I am supposed to learn something that I will use down the road. I think about all the very scared people I have met over the past 2 years during this economic crisis. I have talked to them about how what we have is really God’s and just on loan to us. If we put it in that perspective, there is comfort in that. Maybe I want financial success but God wants me to gain experience for some other reason-counseling others, to help a friend, for a job I will have in 5 years. I don’t know the plan yet, but HE does.

All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours?

I talk it out with my husband, vent or whatever. He encourages me and reminds me of my dreams.

What was your sweetest success story?

My $500 profit day….two shows in one day….my profit was $500! Yahoo! If only I could do that every weekend!

How do you relax?

Reading or movies with the family

Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future!” Reminds me that God is in control and he wants me to be happy and successful.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you Teresa for creating opportunities for all of us to network. You are a blessing to us.

Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?

Not yet…I am working on it!!

Name: Kimberly Franzen
Business Name: Private Quarters Consultant
Email: FranzenInteriors@socal.rr.com
Website: www.PrivateQuarters.net/kfranzen
Contact #: 714-552-3499
Twitter: @DezinerDancer
Facebook: Kimberly Franzen
Blog Address: http://kfranzendesign.blogspot.com/

How would you describe yourself?
mmmmmm…Shy, but I enjoy spontaneity. I’m a loyal friend and love outdoor activities along with indoor. I guess I’m more like a chameleon to where I change a little to fit the situation.

How long have you been involved in your business? 
I’ve been with Private Quarters for just over a year and LOVE IT!!!!! I’ve been designing for 5 years.
Why did you choose your particular business? It’s works very well with Interior Design and I love the products.

What keeps you motivated? 
New clients, new products and money honey.

Tell us a little about your family.
That’s a VERY long story. My husband and I will be having my Mom come to live with us and my niece. My Brother passed away in February 2010 and the other side of the Family is not good. We are dealing with them and courts as we speak. It’s been a difficult time and that’s another reason to keep me motivated and making money.

How do you prioritize family and your business? 
Time blocking is the only way. Just like going to the office.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Group Leader with Private Quarters and doing lots of school stuff with little Kady Bug.

Biggest life lesson learned?
Use your head and your heart equally. You’ll get a better outcome and Karma does exist.

Biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your customers and “NO” is not personal.

What is your secret to success?
Love what you do. It always shows in how you treat people, do things and live your life.

All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours?
Depends. Usually talking to my husband works. He has a different perspective and it really helps. Friends are good for that too or a glass of wine and a good movie.

What was your sweetest success story?
I taught Ballroom Dancing for Arthur Murray Dance Studios and I was the top female instructor in the world. Which came down to selling the most lessons which means I was teaching my booty off.

How do you relax?
I enjoy a good movie with my husband and dogs. The best is the spa day, but can’t always do that. Shopping works me too.

Do you send out a monthly newsletter?
Yes.

How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
Just let me know and I’ll add your email to my e-newsletter list.