Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Wednesday's Woman: Anne-Marie Faiola: One Woman who is WORKING IT!

Anne-Marie Faiola is the CEO and Founder of Bramble Berry, a business that offers more than 2500 soap making products. Anne-Marie recently won the 2009 Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year award. She is indeed an inspiration as she is a woman who is doing what she loves! Check out her bio below as well as images of her lovely soap projects. Check out her "Soap Queen" blog here.

“A good business,” according to Anne-Marie Faiola, “comes from finding something that works and capitalizing on it.” For Anne-Marie, that something came from making soap, a business concept she started as a hobby and then turned into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

As a teenager, Anne-Marie learned how to be business savvy from her father, a doctor who also ran a network of clinics and who encouraged her to find her own business opportunities. Taking her father’s advice, Anne-Marie started making personalized soaps to sell to friends and family. Years later, after pursuing a career as a correctional officer and about to apply to the FBI, Anne-Marie realized that her true passion was business and decided to become an entrepreneur. Determined to start her own company that would provide the highest quality of products and ingredients for soap making, Anne-Marie left the criminal justice system and founded Bramble Berry Inc. in her living room. Desiring formal business training, she went back to school and received her MBA in 2007 while running her rapidly growing company.

For those looking to expand their skill sets, Anne-Marie launched www.SoapQueen.tv in 2009, a free Do-It-Yourself soapmaking series on YouTube where amateur and seasoned crafters alike can learn all the basics including picking your fragrances, mixing your colors and pouring your soap, all the way to more advanced techniques like swirling, embedding and layering.

With new products and DIY videos added frequently, Bramble Berry looks forward to meeting the needs of crafters for a long time. Look for customized soap mold options to be launched in early 2010.

“Success doesn’t happen over night,” she says. “It’s about replicating small victories everyday.”


And JUST FOR FUN...a few things that make Anne-Marie the HAPPIEST:


A great book – I’ve been enjoying “Olive Kitteredge” “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and “The Girl Who Fell From the Sky” lately.


A successful workout – I work out five times per week (on average) and a workout that lasts long enough and is tough enough to get the endorphins flowing makes me happy.


A date night with my husband – My family is the most important thing in my world and my husband is at the top of that pyramid. We’re both self-employed so when we can grab an evening together, it feels like all is right in my world.


A great hike in the PNW – When I go hiking, I always go with one of my girlfriends and between the incredible nature in the Pacific Northwest and the camaraderie of having meaningful connection with a friend is a perfect weekend event.


Inspirational learning – I love to learn new things and reading a great new business book (Linchpin by Seth Godin is making me pretty jazzed right now) or going to a continuing education course (I’m headed to see Jack Canfield in Seattle when he comes) keeps me energized and happy.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Tuesday Teen Talk: Introducing Maryah


Hey! My name is Maryah Kennedy.

I am 13 years old. Some of the ways that I love being creative are, dancing, photography, drawing with pastels and charcoal, and because I’m a girl I LOVE putting together fun and crazy outfits and probably try on at least 10 outfits a day!!! I am also excited that I am learning how to play the piano... BUT… I just don’t like to practice!!! J

I also love listening to all kinds of music. Some of my favorite artists are, Aly & AJ, Selena Gomez, Group 1 Crew and Demi Lovato… (Demi is one of my fashion icons… next to MaryBeth Freet of course! J)

One day I hope to travel the world! I want to go to Africa and work in a children’s orphanage, I also want to go to New York City to SHOP! Where I’ll be able to find my own clothing line in the stores on the rack! AND I want to go to LA or Hollywood California and audition for TV show (or a movie)… and GET the part!!!

The three things that make me happiest in my life are my family, my friends and volleyball! OH and if I could choose a fourth… TEXTING!!!

I took this picture at my grandma’s house last summer… I just LOVE PINK!!! So I am always taking pictures of pink… pink and more PINK!!!

Two more of my favorite things…. FLIP FLOPS and the BEACH… Let’s get something straight… I love the sandy part… NOT water part! J

These are my journals that I have made out of old magazines! This is my favorite thing to do in my spare time and I love making them with my friends. I also like to personalize them for my friends for their birthday parties!


Happy Thought for the Week: Gratitude

May we be grateful for our hearts that beat.
May we be grateful for our breath of life.
May we be grateful for our creative minds.
May we be grateful for that special spot in the center of our belly that leads us in the right direction when we listen gently.
May we be grateful for the sun that shines and for the rain that renews and for the snow that creates enchantment in our children and in the children in ourselves.
May we be grateful for our hands that touch, heal, cook, create, draw, and express.

May we be grateful for all that we have.

A Beautiful Soul

I am working on developing a logo for one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. Her name is Jeanne and she makes cookies. She makes cookies from the heart with love and tenderness and they are healthy cookies! I won't give too much away as this is just the beginning of her cookie journey. I am excited to see another woman at the beginning stages of her business and I am SO excited to help bring her product to life with a combination of our ideas. Today, something truly magical happened when we met at Whole Foods and collaborated on ideas for her design. I am a true believer in collaboration! And best of all, she shared her 5 lessons to live by with me. I hope they inspire you!

1. Just for today, I will not be angry.
2. Just for today, I will not worry.
3. Just for today, I will be grateful.
4. Just for today, I will work well.
5. Just for today, I will be kind to everything, including myself.

Print and Pattern



My dear friend, Khristian Howell and I designed the following piece together which was published in Print and Pattern book! I haven't gotten my copy yet, but I am very excited to see it! But most of all, I'm excited to see Khristian in NY in May! She will be showing at Surtex in May for the first time and I am very excited for her! We used to see each other EVERY DAY and sit approximately 10 feet apart while designing at Nordstrom. It's been almost a year and we're a country apart! Here's to "Spending time with good friends MORE often!"

This piece was created for a business that Khristian and I had started together that didn't quite get off the ground. I know that as we are passionate about doing good in our world that we will find a way to work on a fabulously creative project in the future. As I must say...we were a bit of a dream team at Nordstrom....we managed to pull together some fab art like no other team I've seen. Seriously. :)







On a Mission

Hello to my loyal readers. This will probably be the longest blog I will ever write and I am just going to say what's on my mind and in my heart. When I made the "leap" to leave Nordstrom last June and start my own business, I had many goals. My mission statements are all over the back of my business cards and although I cannot say I'm perfect, these are just a few of the "missions" I intend to practice each day:

1/ Greet Each Day with love in your heart.
2/ Do what you love!
3/ Practice yoga daily
4/ Have Fun!
5/ Recycle
6/ Spend time with good friends often.
7/ Inspire!
8/ Smile!
9/ Laugh out loud. Repeat.
10/ Practice Gratitude.
11/ Let your light shine!
12/ Dance!
13/ Radiate Love!
14/ Enjoy Silence
15/ Pink Happy Thoughts Daily!
16/ Be the change you want to see in the world!
17/ Cultivate Peace.
18/ Spread Joy!
19/ DREAM BIG!
20/Take a Child under your wing.

If you haven't seen it...this is the back of my business card:


With that being said, I have the deep burning desire to combine my ABSOLUTE LOVE of DESIGN with my PASSION for being a positive role model for teens and young women. I have always been inspired by positive, successful business women and have always worked hard to do the best and be the best that I can be, every day. With that being said, one of my goals is to inspire young women to be successful doing what they want, being creative, as well as having a positive self image. The pressure to be "perfect" and look "perfect" can often overwhelm, I believe, many women and young girls. Particularly being in the fashion industry. One of my main focuses over the past few years has been to find a balance between eating healthy, exercising, and being happy with my curves. Although it would be nice to fit into the jeans that fit me last Summer, I am happy with my reflection in the mirror and I have definitely embraced my curves. They are mine and there is nobody else exactly like me! With that being said....Life is very interesting. As I have been thinking about finally taking a step toward fusing my love of design and my passion for inspiring young girls, I received a magazine named "KiKi" in the mail on Saturday. It is a magazine "for girls with style and substance." They actually have articles about designers, articles about starting your own blog and website (for young girls!!!) and about healthy body image issues in the issue that they sent me!! This is just another sign that I am following my heart and moving in the right direction.

We are starting this week with posts from Maryah, the daughter of my dear friend Maggie. Maryah is a beautiful, creative tween who also has a love of design and fashion. Our new Tuesday posts "Teen Talk" will be launched by Maryah! I am so excited to hear her point of view on design, fashion, life, and anything else she hopes to share with us! We will eventually be adding a number of other teen perspectives each Tuesday!

In addition to teen perspectives, Wednesdays topics will be "SUCCESS! Women who are working it!" and will be dedicated to sharing stories of successful business women and what makes them most happy about their mission and lives. My goal is to create a network that will link young girls and young women with positive, successful, business women role models. What fun this could be!

If you have a teen or successful business woman who you think would be a great person to add to our posts, please email me at marybeth@pinklightdesign.com.

I am so excited about this as I know it is just the beginning. One of my goals I mentioned above when leaving Nordstrom was to do a card deck and/or book that has positive affirmations for teens regarding healthy body image issues. If you would like to collaborate with me on a project such as this, please email me at the address above. Here's what I'm thinking: any woman artist who has ever struggled with body image issues and would like to design or illustrate how they now embrace their body as well as add a positive affirmation to the design, let's chat! If I hear back from a number of women who would like to be involved, I will organize something official.

Thanks! Here's to healthy, happy, and successful girls and women everywhere!




Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Happy Kids Fabric


Saw this fabric wall art at the pediatrician the other week. I don't know who the artist is, but I love it!


Special Announcement!-Happy Blogging!

I am SO excited to announce that starting next week, Pink Happy Thoughts will be blogging DAILY!!!

MONDAYS: Happy Thought of the Week
TUESDAYS: Teen Talk--fresh perspectives from young ones with big dreams and an abundance of creativity!
WEDNESDAYS: SUCCESS!!! Women who are Working IT!!!
THURSDAYS: What's inspiring me now!
FRIDAYS: In the Pink: Pink Light News!

Please spread the news and stay tuned for inspiration, success, connections, and loads of creativity!

Happy Blogging! :)


Sunday, March 21, 2010

Loving Service

May we all go forth with the consciousness of serving with love. Serve yourself with love. Serve your family with love. Serve your work with love. Serve your friends with love. Serve your community with love.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Color Trend..."Hello Honey!"

Bright yellow, honey, and camel are hitting the runways! These yummy colors give the feeling of happiness and relaxation. The feeling you get when your true love has been gone for a few days and finally walks through the door and says "Hello, honey!". The colors are exuberant and heart warming. Add the bright yellow as pop colors to your designs or use the honey tones as neutrals with other pop colors, such as pink ;). Either way....it's a SWEET deal!


Responding with Love

Do you ever have those moments when you don't respond the way you had hoped but don't realized it until 10 minutes later? I am currently practicing "Responding with Love". When you're in a situation where you need to reply or react instead of your first "fight or flight" response...take a moment...go into your heart...and let your response come from a deeper place than your ego self. This is a wonderful practice and you will be surprised at the words that come out of your mouth. The key is to notice the moments right before your response and quickly ask yourself..."How would LOVE respond?"


Finally on Facebook

Pink Light is finally on facebook! Lots of little kinks to work out when I have a chance. Please become a fan and there will be lots of great things to post soon!

Here's to new happy internet adventures! ;)

The link for now...or just click on the fan page to the right.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-LIght-Design/376158978757?ref=ts

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Announcing...Saky Sacks-"Green Style on the Go!"





all photography© natalie g. | photography

I am so excited to announce that Rupa Wickrama, president and founder of Saky Sacks has launched her new beautiful, eco-friendly product this week! Check out the fab site here to learn about the uniqueness of these recyclable bags and how Rupa has taken the recyclable shopping bag to a new level of sophistication! I worked with Rupa on everything from her logo to business cards to website and print package. It was such a fun project and I had a wonderful time seeing it all come to life! I cannot wait to get my samples on Friday. I'm sure I will be sporting them everywhere around Seattle!

I hope you enjoy your Saky Sacks as much as I will! They are truly fun to carry and there's a print for every style! Enjoy! www.SakySacks.com






Sneak Peek...trend report


Here's a sneak peak of color direction...
Hello Love!

The romance and drama of red is a strong statement on the runway. It's shown mixed with hot pink and orange as well as neutral colors for the freshest takes. Red takes on a new aura when mixed with olive as inspired by the military trend. Many designers are mixing neutral tones with pops of colors, red being one of the strongest current expressions. Red is a classic color that expresses timeless beauty, elegance, luxury, power, romance, love and grace. Use red on your products and your customers will be saying "Hello love!"



Stay tuned for Hello Honey...Think Pink...and Olive (I luv) Green!






Currently Obsessed With...

Hot pink Valentino handbag...
and these gorgeous Christian Louboutin shoes...

Yummy!


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Marchesa makes me happy...

In the spirit of "Dreaming Big", one of my intentions for 2010, I decided to treat myself to this lovely little number for a formal event I attended last weekend. Red + Couture + Complimentary Luxury Hotels + being with my true love...certainly...makes me very happy.


And for all of you Big Dreamers and Romantics out there...here are two quotes I came across today that hit the spot. Enjoy!

"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans. Aim high in hope and work. Remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die."--Daniel H. Burnham

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams"--Dr. Seuss

May we all remember that our world is bursting with infinite possibilities. Remain open to your dreams unfolding in unexpected ways. Most importantly, notice when interesting "synchronicities" occur as these are your clues that you are moving forward with your heart. And when we go with our hearts, we will never be led astray. :)

I saw this quote today and it made my heart happy...

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."--Oscar Wilde :)

Must follow blogs

Just wanted to share these two lovely blogspots with you. They are a must see!
Habitually chic and this is glamorous! Hope you enjoy as much as I am! :)
Have a LUXURIOUS and HAPPY DAY!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Pink Light at Whole Foods




Just ran to Whole Foods for a Papaya journal (my favs). Look what I found! Pink Light print for Jillson and Roberts. They recolored and added polka dots and the cupcake. So cute!!!


What's inspiring me now...






I love these images and they are inspiring my new Valentine and Wedding Collections named..."Meet me in Monaco....Marry me at Midnight". Super sophisticated as they are part of our new Pink Chandelier line. Stop by booth 317 to view them at Surtex in May.




NYIGF find! This made me happy!


This was the first print I saw when I walked into the NYIGF in January! It was a pleasant surprise. I think I know the artist...and she likes Pink! ;)


Nordstrom Kidswear Prints




I think these may be my last prints to hit the Kidswear floor...


I fell in LOVE today...


at The Design Center in Seattle! I visited for a bit of inspiration and was swept away by all of the lovely patterns, colors, and texture! I only have one picture to share, but I think it "sits" on it's own. Enjoy!




Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Lean into Freedom

I learned a great new practice today. If you aren't sure of the right decision to make...lean into that situation (visualize yourself moving in the direction of that decision) and if it opens up and feels like it would bring you more freedom...it's the right decision. If it feels constricting, and like it brings less freedom, then it might not be the best idea.

Let's play!