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Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses
March 2004's Diva
Keira Lemonis-Wolf
of retro bubbles
Keira Lemonis-Wolf is the owner / designer of retro bubbles. She specializes
in creating funky, vintage inspired, urban, girl tees, raglans, undies &
more... The clothes are meant to be stylish, fun, and most importantly comfy.
A perfect blend of practicality and hip, unique style! retro bubbles can be
viewed and ordered at http://www.retrobubbles.com. If you have any questions
for Keira you can contact her at info@retrobubbles.com
| The Gallery |
Pear Berry Milk Body Bar
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Bad Girl Tote
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The Interview
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The Basic Lowdown:
Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Keira Lemonis-Wolf-owner/creator/designer of retro bubbles
Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
The Victorian City of Saratoga Springs, NY
Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
retro bubbles
Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Interested people can go straight to us at
http://www.retrobubbles.com. retro bubbles designs are also available in
some retail locations in the US and Canada.
Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
I love bright colors,
kitsch from the 40's & 50's, music, dancing, chocolate, rollerskating, my two
fluffy kitties, and my handsome husband! I constantly like to be busy...mostly
doing things that allow me to be creative. I am a very passionate person, when
it comes to my work, relationships, my views,...basically, I am passionate
about most everything in my life, but in a good way.
The Nitty Gritty:
Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
designing stuff: my whole life, operating
retro bubbles: about a year now, (seriously operating).
Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
I consider myself to be a creative individual and was basically
growing tired of the 9-5 gigs that I kept landing, despite my art degree. I
decided I'd better seriously get myself in gear because a creative position
with full time benefits was not just going to fall from the sky in to my lap
and rescue me from the dull days that were making me feel numb... so I got
started!! I always had design as part of my work though. I'd do freelance
graphics and illustrations for people on the side. As for clothing... I would
design for myself and friends. I really enjoy design and fashion, so I guess
it was just natural to take my "hobby"/"side job" and turn it in to a business.
I thing a person is truly lucky if they cand do what they really enjoy and make
some cash while doing it.
Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Yes, I did have previous business experience. My husband, and I, opened
a dance studio, where we instruct Latin, Argentine Tango, Swing...social
dances. It is his studio but I definitely know the ins and outs of running it,
marketing, customer service, record keeping, teaching, ect. If you can run one
business, you can figure out how to run another. I also have lots of freelance
design experience, which is helpful. The business aspects of things are
definitely not as fun as the creative aspects, but need to be dealt with in
order to keep things running smoothly.
Girlposse.com: Are there any resources you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? (books, websites, etc.)
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Hands on experience. I would recommend to work at a job/internship where you
will have the opportunity to work closely with management. Observe what they
do, things you like about what they decide, and decisions you would make
differently if you were in their shoes. You can take what you learned from
"real life" work experience and later apply it to the work that you are
passionate about. Probably the best way to learn the tricks of the trade.
Girlposse.com: What is your opinion of Arts / Crafts shows as a place to sell? As a place to shop?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Any place that you have a chance to show & sell your designs is a good
place, especially in the beginning. Selling at Arts/Craft shows also gives you
the opportunity to get away from your office, computer, ect. and meet other
people who share similar work. Shopping at Arts/Craft shows is great in my
opinion! So many unique items to choose from all in one location. Some of the
funkiest things I have ever found, I have found at Arts/Craft Shows.
Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Probably the
same obstacle that any new entrepreneur will come across and that is letting
people know you exist on limited funding. There are so many talented people
out there, trying to push some great ideas and products, but, unfortunately,
opportunity is not always easy to come by. You really have to work hard at
promoting yourself..be shameless :-)
Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Not really. I am
constantly thinking of new things, writing my ideas on post-its, shoving them
in my purse, sticking them to my lap top, steering wheel, ect. This does not
mean all of my ideas are good ones. Sometimes I have to ask myself "Am I the
only one who thinks this is cool?"
Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Always! I am always
thinking of things that may be a great addition to the current retro bubbles
line. We recently just came out with a bunch of new undies, tees, and some
funky new designs for babies actually. So if you're a mama you can now shop
for yourself and the little one!
Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
I think of all the positive things I have
got going. Dwelling on one or two negatives will only make me depressed and
less productive( I will basically end up on the couch with a pint of ice
cream). My husband also keeps me going. He is very supportive of me and my
business. He is extremely encouraging and I am lucky for that.
Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
No one place inparticular
really. Geographical location: Montreal, that city is just filled with awesome
shops! My favorite "chain" store to shop at would be Urban Outfitters. I
really enjoy shopping vintage/recycled clothing shops too. Of course...online
you can find just about the coolest stuff anywhere! Go to my links page http:/
/www.retrobubbles.com/links.html and shop any of these online stores for some
of the niftiest, funkiest, stuff you'll find anywhere in the world!
Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
Probably not to take
everything personally. When you start a business, of any kind, you will most
likely hit some rough spots, resistance, negative remarks, ect. These
negatives will probably be so minimal in comparison to all of the positive
things you will here. So... do not take negative remarks personally, it is
simply business and there is always going to be new, bigger, & better
opportunities ahead.
Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
The same that was told to
me and also to simply do what you like and what you believe in. Things will
start to fall into place, even though sometimes it may seem like they never
will. Do what makes you happy as long as you are not hurting others while
doing it.
Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know
about?
Keira Lemonis-Wolf:
There are so many that you should know about! All the lovely
entrepreneurial ladies on my linkspage http://www.retrobubbles.com/links.html.
Thanks so much to the wonderful ladies at girlposse.com for taking the time to
get to know me! xoxo-Keira
~March 2004
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Your Chance to Win!
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 This month retro bubbles is giving you a chance to win this fabulously girlie tote! Contest ends March 31, 2004. Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!
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Are you a Crafty Diva and Entrepreneurial Empress? Or do you know one that should be featured in a future Girlposse.com issue? If so, visit our Crafty Diva Info Page for the details.
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