Discussion with Mimi Love, Architect and Principal at Utile Design

January 13, 2009

Mimi Love, principal of Utile, Inc., (http://www.utiledesign.com/) an architectural and urban planning practice located in downtown Boston, will discuss her entrepreneurial life in the competitive architectural design world. While a working as an associate and lead designer at Machado and Silvetti, an internationally known firm, Mimi and her husband made the leap to entrepreneurship when they started their successful firm, Utile, Inc. They handle all types of design projects such as the master plan and renovation of the Advent school in Beacon Hill, master plan for Emerson Hall at Harvard University, and a new retail center in Marshfield, Massachusetts to name a few.

Salon members will be treated with an up close and personal account of Mimi's successful career from her design work for Utile, Inc. to the book that she co-authored Color Space Style, published by Rockport Press. Mimi will highlight the importance of the service side of the Design Industry (critical to all designers in competitive fields). We will hear about her firm’s philosophy for running a design practice (as a business), distinguishing Utile, inc from other firms, and trying to stay hip in the ever-changing design world!

When: January 13, 209

Where: 81B Wareham Street, S. End

RSVP: Jill.Palese@comcast.net

Limit 30 people

Biz Night

December 9, 2008



Mark your calendars! We have assembled a terrific panel of talented ladies to walk you through some of the biggest business issues that design businesses (small and large) confront. The event will take place 12/9 and be located at Mimi Love’s lovely architecture studio Utile Inc. in Downtown Crossing. Mimi can only handle 25 people, so please RSVP pronto to reserve your spot!





Jill Shah – Founder of SoLuxe (http://www.soluxe.com/) as moderator





Jill Cartwright – Founder of Go Ga Ga (http://www.gogagalife.com/) who will be speaking about pricing strategies (calculating your per item COGS and pricing your product in the market)





Moria Flynn – Co-Founder of M Flynn Accessories (http://www.mflynnjewelry.com/y.com/) who will be speaking about positioning your product (how to differentiate yourself or your product)
Christine Frieze – Accountant and Color Consultant (what a combo!) who will be speaking about month-end financial statements and budgeting (why to do it? What can you learn?)




Lisa Mims – Co-Founder of Mod Green Pod (http://www.modgreenpod.com/) who will be speaking about writing a business plan (where do I start, and what are the pros/cons)

WHEN:
12/9, 7pm

WHERE:
Utile Inc.
50 Summer Street in Downtown Crossing
at the corner of Summer and Chauncy Street (above a 7-11)..

PLEASE BRING SNACKS!! And, please review topics and be sure to let us know if you have any specific questions that you want covered.

Last but not least, don’t forget to RSVP!

Licensing Night with Lilla Rogers, Lisa Dejohn and Jill Rosenwald.

October 14, 2008

Illustrators, artists, and surface designers skipped home from our Salon evening on October 14Th with their creative juices rushing and heads full of new opportunities for licensing their work. Lilla Rogers (www.lillarogers.com), a straightforward agent with a passion for art and artists, spent the evening with our Salon to discuss

her side of the design biz. Lilla has been highly successful in her role of representing talented artists and selling their work to reputable clients in the U.S. and Internationally.

Lisa DeJohn (lisa@lisadejohn.com), one of our Design Salon Boston members and a talent in Lilla's portfolio was on hand to talk about the benefits of hiring an agent. Lisa's story goes something like this: While Lisa was scraping by as a fine artist, Lilla Rogers saw the incredible young talent and approached her. Lisa quickly developed a portfolio and was immediately signed on to the Lilla Rogers studio. Because of their successful Artist/Agent relationship, Lisa's talent has not been overlooked. Her unique style is now a driving force behind the whimsical looks of Land of Nod (www.landofnod.com), Chronicle Books (www.chroniclebooks.com), Crate and Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.com) to name a few.

"I am happy with the amount of money that I am making as an artist", says Lisa. "Your agent is a problem solver and a great mentor when things get sticky with a client. I always have Lilla to turn to. Because of Lilla, my clients tend not to take advantage".

Witty, humorous and full of real life experience is what our beloved Jill Rosenwald (www.jillrosenwald.com) , Design Salon Founder, brings to our gatherings. With stories and experience galore, Jill reminds us that we can be successful with Licensing ..."but make sure that you get a great contract in place first". Says Jill "I have made so many mistakes, but I keep learning and learning". "There have been some years when I had 11 employees and years with just 1". "If you product does well, ROYALTY, that is what you want!" Regarding an agent, "make sure he/she is a good one".

If you are thinking of licensing your work, here are some tips from Lilla:

• "The better your work, the more clients you have, the more work you will get"
• Agents have contracts that are (hopefully) based on trust and integrity
• You must have a link to your website that is QUICK and easy to use
• Typical cut that an agent takes is 20% of net sales
• Protect yourself. The more distinctive the work, the easier it is to recognize and less chance of being copied
• "I receive 100 e-mails per day, please make sure that when you submit your work, it is clear and concise. Also with a personable note. You have to be someone that I would like to work with, both your talent and yourself"

Thanks,Kate Maloney of Kate Maloney Interiors (www.kmidesign.com), for her generosity in hosting us at her studio!

Aid To Artisans

On September 16, Carol Campbell and Colleen Pendleton of Aid to Artisans http://www.aidtoartisans.org/ presented an inspiring view of the design world to Design Salon Boston. In the spirit of generosity, Heather Wells of Heather G Wells, LTD. Architectural Interiors offered the use of her posh studio space for the evening.

We heard from Carol and Colleen that it is possible to develop our craft alongside artisans in Third World countries, blending our skills and knowledge with the cultural craftsmanship of men and women in impoverished countries such as Mali, Columbia, Afghanistan and Peru. These skills are not only creative skills. They are also business leadership, sales, marketing and collecting money. Most importantly, the skills are bringing an income to an individual, a family or an entire village.

O.K., I know that it sounds incredibly altruistic, but we are savvy business owners. So how does working with Aid to Artisans help us??? Many big name designers and product companies such as Steven Burk, Jonathan Adler, West Elm, and our own Jill Rosenwald have been successfully developing product through Aid to Artisans. All of the designers seem to have gained not only a place to produce their wares, but a deeper understanding of other cultures and innovation. In many cases, it is simply an injection of inspiration that brings a new product to life.

I have to confess that before I attended this salon event, I imagined that I would find an opportunity to help someone in a less fortunate part of the world. As it turns out, however, perhaps it is the Bostonian designer that benefits the most.

If you would like to learn more, please contact Colleen Pendleton, Marketing Director. T: 860-947-3411, colleen_peldleton@aidtoartisans.org.

First Annual Design Salon Holiday Sale

Calling all Designers: Request for Applications to Sell Your Products at our First Annual Design Salon Holiday Sale (November 14th and 15th 2008!)

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the First Annual Design Salon Holiday Sale this year on November 14th and 15th and want to invite you to submit an application to participate in this great retail event.

We are planning quite a bit of press and marketing for the event, proceeds of which will support the Kingsley Montessori School in Boston. We will utilize Kingsley’s beautiful space in the Back Bay for the event. Kingsley is located on Exeter Street between Newbury Street and Commonwealth Avenue so we expect lots of foot traffic.

The event will consist of a preview cocktail party and silent auction on Friday, November 14th (mark your calendars – details to follow!) and then a full day of selling on Saturday, November 15th.

We welcome manufactures and designers of all types of products to submit applications to the Holiday Sale Review Committee by Friday, October 3rd. We would love to have every Design Gal participate, but unfortunately space is limited – and so, we encourage you to submit your applications as early as possible.

Participants of the event will be required to pay a $25 administrative fee and will be asked to donate on of their pieces to the silent auction. Additionally, 20% of gross revenue (less taxes) will be donated to the Kingsley Montessori School.

To apply to participate in the DS Holiday Sale, please send an email to jill@jillshah.com with answers to the following questions. Additionally, please attach 2-3 photographs of the products which you would sell at the event.

Questions:

1. Your name, company name, website address, description of company, and EIN number.
2. Please describe the products that you would sell at the DS Holiday Sale. Please include details about the materials that are used in your products.
3. Which retailers sell your products (if you sell to retailers.)
4. Have your products been covered in any online or traditional publications?
5. What are the price points for your products?
6. Who, typically, is the target audience of your product?

Please email your application by October 3rd at the latest. Decisions will be made by October 7th.

Please email any questions as well as your application to the ATTN of the Holiday Sale Review Committee at jill@jillshah.com Thank you!

Next Event: Designing with Artisians

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to travel to Africa to collaborate with the traditional artisans, this Salon is for you.

Colleen Pendleton, Director of Marketing for Aid to Artisans, and Carol Campbell of Atuto, which is a fair-trade producer and former ATA project, will discuss their experiences working with craftsmen all over the world. Topics will include how to work with artisan-producers, adapting to local conditions, and working in "project land."

After the presentation, Colleen Pendleton would like to invite anyone interested in either paid or volunteer work in overseas projects to submit a CV to Aid to Artisans.

Our hostess for the evening will be Carol Campbell, a former luminary of The Baker Furniture Company and current product developer for many leading furniture/accessory companies, including Atuto.

The event will be held on September 16 at 7:00pm at Heather G Wells, LTD. Architectural Interiors located at 359 Boylston St #2, Boston MA, 617-437-7077.

Space is limited so please RSVP to Jill Rosenwald at mcrae2@aol.com. See you there!

Wrap Up: An Evening with Storey Hauck from Turtle

Storey Hauck, the lovely owner of the lovely South End store Turtle was kind enough to have us over for a chat about all things retail.


Storey shared her trials and tribulations of having not just one but two! Boston based stores Turtle and Tadpole).

It was a great evening of discussion and learning, plus we got to check out all those hot clothes that Turtle carries!

Design*Sponge's Boston Ladies Biz Night, Tommorow!

Hello Salonistas! We thought that we'd put the word out there that tomorrow night, Thursday August 14, Grace Bonney from Design*Sponge is holding one of her Biz Ladies nights here in Boston. Making it even more special, to of our Salon members will be speaking at it! Kate Klapfish from Three Square Design will be talking about online / web matters and Kristen from Urban Living Studio will be talking about all things retail.
So support your local salon members and check out the Biz Ladies night at west elm boston, 160 brookline avenue from 7pm - 9pm!

Next Event: An Evening with Storey Hauck from Turtle

We just got very exciting news that Storey Hieronymus Hauck, the owner of the 2 South End shops Turtle (www.turtleboston.com) and Tadpole will be sharing the history of her retail business with us on August 12th.

Turtle sells designer, artisan, and handmade women's clothing, jewelry, and accessories made by emerging fashion designers and artists. They offer products that are wearable, that challenge convention, and that enable people to express themselves both within and beyond established fashion trends.

Please join us all at Turtle, 619 Tremont St., Boston at 7pm. Bring yourselves and some drinks and/or snacks as we are going casual for this one. You can RSVP to hostess Jill Palese at jill.palese@rcn.com.
If you have any specific questions in mind for Storey please email them to Jill at jill.palese@rcn.com and she will send them on. See you there!

DESIGN SALON EVENT..PR NIGHT WITH STACY KUNSTEL..A SMASH SUCCESS!!! AT ACHILLES!!! SO WRETCHEDLY COOL!!!!

stacy takes a break from the maddening hordes!

On the last night in June 2008 our Salon was graced with the presence of New England Home's own PR brainchild Stacey Kunstel! Our Salon meetup was held at Achilles the new chic clothing store/bar/restaurant located in the très happening Fort Point district (where my studio is!). As our salonistas began arriving and schmoozing, we were spoiled by the super friendly staff and our hostess for the evening Liana Peterson. Having our first ever event at a bar was quite a treat for all of us, and we enjoyed the hospitality of this inviting space and dined on yummy snacks and refreshing cocktails.

seema..two cool cucumbers fabric designer seema krish hangs with entrepreneur jill shah!

The evening got rolling after we introduced our guest Stacy who told the group about her career in the mag trade as an editor, and stylist for some of America's top publications such as Country Living and Traditional Home. Stacy left us with the following guide to getting ourselves into an editor's hands, and we have reprinted it for you here.

Design Editor Stacy K tells us show to make it happen..You gotta work!

Jill Rosenwald asks: How in the heck can I get my work into mags?

TIPS:
• Work every angle—a.k.a CROSS PROMOTION
You have a great store/product. When you multidimensionalize it you make it more attractive. When I see a great design I immediately ask, “What’s your house like?”

• A lotta times, it’s WHO you know.
Know who’s on the masthead.
Know if the mag has a regional editor or call to find out.
Mine your friends and colleagues for contacts.

• Attend events.

• Interact online.

• Once you’ve got an editor’s attention be straightforward. Don’t dangle, don’t overwhelm. It’s a delicate balance.

• One magazine at a time—multiple submissions can bite you in the ass.

• Befriend the blogs
Send your ideas/products/stores/stories and how they relate to bloggers’ interests.

• Photography is important. Having high-res shots immediately available is sometimes a make or break point.

• ALWAYS FOLLOW THROUGH

• ALWAYS FOLLOW UP

Stacy was a warm and engaged guest who was very enthusiastic about our group and it's mission. Everyone learned a ton from everything she had to say, and I think she liked us back... she may even want to become a member. Go Stacy!!

After Stacy spoke for about an hour she took questions from the group and was adamant about the fact that you need to be super nice and energetic and memorable yourself if you want to get noticed by publications..But I think my big takeaway of the night was that if you want it you gotta WORK!

The jills ....swimwear designer jill palese gives kudos to the
founder of design salon genius jill rosenwald (me!)

Thank you to everyone who came and particularly a big thank you to our host Liana and our guest Stacy. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next event in August!

bye.
xo
jill

ps. if you join our yahoo group here you can have access to pdfs of stacy's tips!

Doreen Hing shows off Plank bag..beyond gorgeous!

jennifer hill designer of places i have never been makes a splashy entrance with janet kim of RSVP Press

kelly of etcetera media and kristen of Urban Living Studio say that Black is Back!

kara butterfield of make ready tells molly that she has never learned so much about PR in her life!

Kristen with Liana Peterson hostess with the mostest is the poshest!

Bloggers Ball Wrap Up!

HEY THERE Salonistas!
The Ball was a smash hit! A home run for all of us. Thank you for coming, all of Y'all who were there. Kelly of Etcetera media opened up her amazing studio on Wareham street to all of Boston's hot designgrrrllls, and I believe we must have had 50 people in the room. There was plenty of time for the meet and greet portion of the evening before we got rolling with our headliners, Traci,Grace, and Shannon who were introduced to us by jennifer of jhill design. It was great to have such different points of view about bloggerland, as Traci and Shannon are writing personal blogs whereas Grace is more commercial, and has made blogging her business with 30,000 visitors to her site every day.

"the experts of blogland strut their stuff"

A large variety of topics were covered, but I think most salient among them were the following..
1. The internet is still the wild wild west..no rules dude.
2. Stay true to your vision if you plan to have a blog..it's mayhem out there...lotta voices.
3. Blogs need to have a true personal voice to be a success. People read blogs to get to know you.
4. Everyone can smell a bullshitter online, and readers are sure to find you out.
5. If you want to get your work out there, be clear,brief, have great photos, know your audience.

"design salonistas networking away"

We all had a ball and wish all of you who missed it could have been there. Be sure to make it to PR night on the 30th. Ciao.

"it was worth coming for Ann's cupcakes alone"
"shmoozin' and boozin' at the ball"
"our fearless hostesses local bigwig design gurus... jhill and etcetera media's kelly"
"arriving at the scene legendary mover and shaker jill shah!"

"design salonistas"

June Event :: Blogger's Ball with Design*Sponge and Girl in the Green Dress!

It's here ladies, the long waited for Blogger's Ball. Come learn about all things bloggy including what a blog is, how having a blog and being on a blog can benefit your business, and how to approach blog writers.
We are so lucky that Grace of the ever popular design blog Design*Sponge will be coming to talk to us. She will be joined by local blogger, Traci, of Girl in the Green Dress.
Have any specific things you want to learn? Email the hostess for the evening, Jennifer at jhilldesign@mac.com, and she will pass your questions on.
The Ball will be held at the Etcetera Media's studio at 81B Wareham Street in Boston on Thursday, June 19 at 7pm. R.S.V.P to Jennifer at jhilldesign@mac.com. Also don't forget about our PR Night at the end of June (see below post).
See you there!

June Event: PR night with editor Stacy Kunstel

We are excited to announce our next event taking place June 30 with master editor Stacy Kunstel.

Stacy is the Home Editor for Boston-based New England Home magazine and as a contributing editor to more than a dozen other national publications, she writes about, styles, and art directs photo shoots in the region’s most beautifully designed houses (she did Jill's and was apparently a genius at it!).

A former travel editor and design writer for Southern Accents magazine, she has
written about architecture, interior design, personalities, and luxury destinations for publications such as Country Home, Traditional Home, Coastal Living, Renovation Style, Country Living, Entree for Neiman Marcus, Oprah at Home, Better Homes & Gardens, Beautiful Homes, Garden Design, and Decorating.

Stacy works for many of the same magazines as a stylist and producer on photo shoots. She was a contributing editor on the book New Classic Style: Mixing Modern and Traditional for a Fresh New Look.

So come join us and talk about things all P.R:
Host: Jill Rosenwald (r.s.v.p to Jill at mcrae2@aol.com)
Location: Jill Rosenwald's Studio, 369 Congress St, 2nd Flr, Boston
Date: June 30, 2008
Time: 7:00pm

April Event : The Road to Success with Plank Designs + Bob's Your Uncle

April's Design Salon event will feature Doreen Hing of Plank Designs and Michele Yeeles of Bobs Your Uncle. Hing and Yeeles have a lot in common. They both are former footwear designers who used to reside in the U.K and now live in the Boston area where both run their own design orientated businesses.

Plank Designs is a sophisticated resource of cheeky, unique and beautifully designed accessories for yoga and life. Plank's line includes beautiful canvas bags, unique yoga mats, soap and even bathrobes made of bamboo. See more at www.plankdesigns.com
Bob's Your Uncle also is a cheeky business. Their line includes note cards, planners, notebooks, placemats and more. With their iconic bold saying note cards you're sure to recognize their products instantly. More at www.bobsyouruncle.com and to see more of their designs click here.

Come and Join Us!
Host: Jill Palese (r.s.v.p to jill.palese rcn.com)
Location: Jill Rosenwald's Studio, 369 Congress St, 2nd Flr, Boston
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 7:00

Join the Design Salon!

How fun does meeting once a month to network with other design ladies, chatting about design and business issues and drinking a little wine and eating a few cookies sound?
Join us, we'd love to have you. The events are all free (bringing said wine and cookies of course doesn't hurt), are generally on Tuesday nights and held in Boston at one of the member's studios.
Join our yahoo group here and you will get email reminders about each upcoming event and news about what is going on. Any questions, email designsalonboston (at) gmail.com.