Doors Opening

When one door opens for me, as I travel through the process of growing my manufacturing company, another door seems to open for me. It is quite amazing.  There are so many stages to conquer in order for my business to grow. I have finally entered the public relations and marketing stages. Meeting people, networking, and lots of phone calling has helped me acquire several names to assist me in this process.

 I made an appointment and met with a Professor in the Mass Communications Department at Southern Miss. After the meeting, I was asked to be a "client" for a couple of his classes in November. I am thrilled! Let me just say, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

A BIG Hug!

Photo Shoot lasted all day. As I described in my previous blog, me hugging the mannequin. Well, here it is. The photographer and friend, Carlton Mickle from New Orleans, La, captured my true feelings. Standing in his studio, white backdrop, lights shining on my "company" apron. I was soo excited. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming, I just had to give it a big hug. 2 1/2 years worth of hard work. Thank you to everyone that has supported me. I can't wait to see what happens in the next 2 1/2 years.

Photo Shoot

Photo shoot, today in New Orleans, was a huge success. I am exhausted but so well worth the work. I cannot wait to post my favorite from the day. I actually hugged the mannequin draped with my company apron. The photographer captured that moment and it was perfect. I actually had tears of joy in my eyes. It has taken a very long time to reach this stage of creating my line of laminated aprons.  A ton of hours, long work days, and dedication. Truly, a wonderful feeling!

Inspiration

One of the many people I have met throughout the process of creating my laminated aprons is a professor in the fashion merchandising department at the local university. She was excited to see all of the aprons I have designed. This was her first visit to my office. Her face lit up when she saw all of my aprons. Finally, I have bulk to market! She has listened to me talk about my need to mass produce, so I can have a variety of styles for the consumer to select from. Her reaction when she saw the aprons was so inspiring to me, I am truly grateful. Each time we meet, she gives me helpful advise for my free google website. It may not be very dramatic, yet, but it is work in progress. A QR code was added. Feel free to check it out.

Thursday, I received my first shipment of aprons that were mass produced in the U.S.A.  So exciting! Finally, after 2 1/2 years of setting weekly goals, hard work, commitment and dedication, and the support of special friends.

Friday, was the first day of work for an intern majoring in Fashion Merchandising from the local university, to help me with certain tasks of my business. Perfect timing! She was able to help me inventory each style. Some of the totals from the work order were not adding up to what was the delivered. This is the part of the hands on real life process of manufacturing. After making a phone call to the cut and sewing company, the fourth box was missing. After checking the tracking information, the fourth box was delivered Friday afternoon.  I was relieved and excited!!

Next step is to prepare for the home shows and Christmas shoppers.