Monday, June 28, 2010

tweet, tweet, my sweets!


i love twitter. 
i know, some people say they don't get it
...or they're not interested, but i love twitter.
if you are a twitter lover or even if you're just curious...
get to know a little bit about these inspiring women below 
and then follow them on twitter...
their names will link you directly to their twitter accounts.
tweet, tweet, my sweets...

Giovanna: How do you promote your business? What works best? I do it through my blog and the different communities on the internet (facebook, twitter, etc.) My blog is something that's very personal for me and the good thing about it is that I can fully express my point of view as a designer and artist. I love getting inspired by people as well and I'm happy that my blog has given me the chance to met so many lovely people who inspire me in different ways. You Kerri are one of them :)

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Oh inspiration comes from anywhere,  a flower, a painting, a piece of fabric, photography, etc. It can happen at any time as well that's why it is good to carry a camera or a notebook wherever you go :) 

Lucy: How do you promote your business? What works best?
I am new to having an online shop...and still learning what works and what doesn't. Continually honing my craft and offering new items, seems to draw interest....also....working with others....I've met online. I think you can gain a lot of exposure...by having an online shop and blog...even when business is slow.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everything...vintage cinema, poetry, literature, natural light...design,  fashion...music..dance.. I don't want to misquote...but there is a film maker (American Beauty)..that was inspired by a plastic bag being lifted by the wind...in an alley in New York, the light hitting it just so..made it incredibly beautiful to him....I would say...that is how I feel...I can be inspired by anything.

Charlotte: How do you promote your business? What works best?      Promotion… gosh all those things you’d think… Twitter, blogging, Facebook, ads. But moreover, I think it is really operating from a full and complete business standpoint, holistically, promotion from every direction. Whether it is an email or an advertisement, I think putting forward something kind, beautiful and standing by it… really completes the promotion cycle. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from? The idea of inspiration is so interesting me… the deep down feeling of what inspires me and not someone else. I suppose it is that sort of eclectic thinking that moves me. And so to be moved… gosh… it is color, especially in dreams, art, nature. Night-blooming flowers, fashion photography or just a feeling that bubbles up. I also think that I honestly inherited my Mom’s love of fabric and pattern. I have not always thought this… I often wondered curiously why she kept remnants of my brothers and my childrens clothes, of favorite outfits, of memorable things… just a basket of beautiful “pieces.” Only very recently do I understand. Interestingly, I was reading recently about traits that pass through genetically… that there are more than just physical traits. Loves, likes and dislikes can also flow through from a hereditary standpoint. I truly believe my love and my aesthetic came from my Mom…. And I’m so very, very grateful.

Sana: How do you promote your business? What works best?
Although I was hesitant to join twitter in the beginning, I have found it to be very helpful because it allows you to connect with like people that affect all aspects of your business. 

Aside from Twitter we have a lot of fun things on our site besides the shop. For example; guest design bloggers, a charity section, seasonal DIY tutorials and our weekly blog series "Meet Your Match". These have all worked well as we want Pip & Estella to be a source for inspiration and information as well as a shopping resource.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration is often changing as I meet new amazing people each day. Whether it be a new client I'm styling for, or an awesome person behind an online shop that blows me away with positivity and creative talent (that would include Tenthings and the other 9 women I am so lucky to be amongst!)

Susan: How do you promote your business? What works best?
Art shows help, a web site is a must, but now there's so much else: my blog, Facebook Fan Page, Twitter, regular Facebook page too.  Magazine articles & press always help also.  As far as what works best I think I'm still enjoying the learning curve of all this new technology so ask me a year.  I think being yourself & genuine in all avenues works best.  Not to mention to good old fashioned low-tech way of simply handing someone a business card after a conversation.  I love having people visit my studio too, it's lots of fun for me.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 
The ocean, nature, relationships, music.  Love gone right, love gone bad, moments in nature that allow us to calm our minds and reflect like out in the ocean bodysurfing, swimming or surfing for sure.

Leigh: How do you promote your business? What works best?
I'm not yet at a point where I'm promoting the business I'll be launching next year. But, I do promote both of my blogs, primarily through facebook and twitter. Recently, I've done a few guest posts. I think the absolute best promotion is sincere and authentic promotion or recommendation from someone else. Be it their blog, twitter, facebook, or e-mail. Those are the people who stick with my blog(s) by following, subscribing or continuing to check back. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 
A tough question. Hours upon hours of scrolling my google reader. Flickr. Going out and seeing the world with my own eyes. The markets here in Cambodia. Books. I love losing myself in a good book. In visualizing and living that alternate reality for a while. Collaboration and conversation.

Wende: How do you promote your business? What works best? 
I use a facebook fan page, twitter, and my blog. But, honestly, fabulous customer service is about the BEST promotion I have for my business. I have so many repeat customers because ordering from Mireio is a wonderful experience. And while social media avenues are very helpful, I’d never underestimate the power of treating a customer like a celebrity! 
Where do you draw your inspiration from? A major voice from my previous life once said, “The world is my parish.” (John Wesley) And it’s true, really—the whole world is my inspiration. Everything has the potential to send me running into my studio to make something or to my computer to write. Opportunities to be inspired are all around us. It’s a matter of having the right “lens” to see it . For me, it’s a daily practice to see beauty and recognize the power that it has in my life. Gratitude and compassion and generosity inspire me---and I’m always trying to take those ideals into the studio or when I write.
Alex: How do you promote your business? What works best? I promote my business with social media - my blog, Twitter, & a little Facebook & flickr.
I've traded ads with other shops, have ads placed on several blogs and in an online magazine. On Etsy, http://www.etsy.com/
I really enjoy making treasuries, little curated collections. I promote other sellers, and many times they promote me! Outside on Etsy, I participate in several other juried sites.
I really should pay more attention to where my sales are coming from, but I really just do what feels right. I've been approached by sites to put up links on my blog, but I really only do so, or blog about something, because I want to.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from jewelry I've seen in fashion magazines and catalogues, as well as places where I shop. I'll see something I like, and think, "I can make something like that!"  I'll put my own twist to it and usually have to make another one to put in the shop. Lots of inspiration comes from sorting through all of the jewelry I’ve collected … “Oh, this would look great if I did this.” or “I can just move this and take that off and put this there….”

Rachel: How do you promote your business? What works best? I used to use blog banners- but I don't really do that now. I think the popularity of my blog has helped people find my shop.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Everything! People, trees, plants, animals, plastic toys, clouds, CARNIVALS!

Tricia: How do you promote your business?  I use everything I learned from my ten years with Estee Lauder/Origins to drive my business each day. PR, marketing and growth are essential.   What works best?  I understand the incredible value of a referral and strive to make each initial customer a client for life. So that means engagement, then wedding then maternity then family portraits. Charity is a big part of my monthly business as well.  I feel I was so lucky to have started this brand, paying it forward is a must.  A portion of my my proceeds help my small rescue horse farm as well as REINS therapeutic horsemanship program for children and adults with special needs.   A great website, blog, facebook page and and Twitter are invaluable pieces of my everyday business.  

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Definitely mother nature. Flowers, nature, natural light and texture.  I love to photograph animals because they give you everythingand hold nothing back! They live in the moment are a great example of Carpe Diem! Living on a small horse farm in the country is such a gift. I am inspired by the balance of light and dark.  That is where Equinox comes from. EQUI- equine and equinox the day that there is an exact balance of light and dark.  Also growing up in Chicago I also have a grittier, grainy, black and white side that has a very vintage feel.  I love to take an over looked object like the tail light of a vintage car and shoot it in way that becomes art.