My Mom Rocks - Justina Gilliam

My Mom Rocks simply because she is my peace of mind. My mom a.k.a Dearheart is one of the few people that actual see the complete me. That is probably because personality wise, it's as if I am looking in a mirror and all that’s being reflected is the very best of me: my mom. Words will never begin adequately express the love, respect or admiration I hold for her. My life has been truly blessed for simply being her daughter. She is so much more than just my mother. She is my confidante, my best friend, my rock, my inspiration, sounding board, comforter, cross-bearer, girlfriend and my saving grace. If I told her “I loved you” every second of everyday I still would not have expressed a fraction of the love my heart holds for her. GOD has divinely favored my life by allowing it to be covered by hers. Many may have one similar; but mine is in a class all her own!

My Mom Rocks Contest

Mother's are the ultimate heroes of all time. They are our first teachers and first love. Their is no one in the world that could take the place of a mother. We love mom's so much we thought it would be great to celebrate them for all that they do!

The "My Mom Rocks" Contest helps you celebrate mom and provides a chance for you to win a 18" Diamond Accent Pendant Necklace from Zales (valued at $119) as a special gift just for her.

Official Rules:

1. You must make a purchase of $3.50 or more (not including S&H) in order to qualify. (This is only valid for Mother's Day Cards) This offer is valid for Order and Pre-Order Cards. Shop Mother's Day Cards Here

2. Write a 200 words or less telling us why your mom rocks. (Don't forget to provide your first and last name and working email address to be sure we are able to contact you)

3. Provide your favorite picture of you and your mother. (no less than 600dpi)

4. Send your entry to Contest Entry. The entry period begins April 16th, 2014 and ends April 30th, 2014. Your entry must be received by April 30th, 2014 at 11:59:59pm EST. Any entry received after that time WILL NOT be considered for the prize.

5. The winner will be notified May 1st, 2014 and will be announced May 2nd, 2014.

Note: By entering into this contest, you give The Gift Is Yours, LLC permission to place your entry on it's pages via Blogspot, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter in support of the advertising the contest. Your personal information (phone number and email address) will not be shared with the public


We look forward to hearing about all of your awesome mom's!!!

Best Wishes Everyone,

The Gift Is Yours Contest Team

Industry Expert: Julia Minasian of Julia Minasian Designs

I was so excited for the opportunity to interview Julia of Julia Minasian Designs. She is absolutely one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of coming into contact with. In a world full of emails, text messages and instant messaging; Julia insisted that we see each other face to face. Well, face to face via Skype because we live on two different coasts! It was my first interview with an expert via Skype and I must say, it was my best interview to date.

Julia’s work is AMAZING!!! New ideas and inspiration for creative projects are a constant in California artist Julia Minasian’s life. She has been painting since as far back as she remembers and successful in the commercial art world for the last 15 years. Known for her fresh sense of color and innovative style, she has licensed widely in the home and garden décor worlds.  Her designs are on china, bedding, kitchen linens, paper, clothing and more. Her whimsical art is spirited and the delight she experiences with the creative process shows through in all her work. When purchasing any of her pieces, there is absolutely no doubt that you now possess a labor of love.



How did you get into the art/licensing industry?

I have been creating art for most of my life and selling my art since 18. I did massage therapy and would always sell my art on the side. I began working in house as an artist and got excited about the industry. I could tell that my work was not bad and people responded well to it.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process never stops. It’s everywhere I am. Sunlight on the trees and the pretty autumns and California inspire me. Everything inspires me. Sometime, clients ask for something specific. I start with nothing in my mind, however, I do start with a color pallet. I mainly paint. I love the feeling of the paint brush against the paper and the smell. I paint, scan it into the computer and then bring my mind into it and form it.

What Research did you do before starting your business?

NONE! I JUST JUMPED IN!

How long did it take for you to gain clientele?

It takes a long time to get clientele. It’s not about what you want but about what the industry wants. You have to find a way to provide what the industry wants and maintain your integrity as an artist. For 10 years I struggled to find a brand. It was frustrating because I felt like I had to paint a certain way. If you really love something, it will show up and I absolutely love having the ability to create. Now my esthetics are kind of in sync with the industry and what’s in trend. But no matter what I remain authentic to myself.

How important is business relationships in your line of work? How do you go about maintaining healthy business relationships?

VERY IMPORTANT. I try to stay in touch with all clients at least four times a year by sending them new work presentations or just a hello and "are you looking for anything" type of email. Active clients send new work as I finish it. This could be weekly. I find it hard to know the right balance of being pushy and not being pushy!!! There's an art to it which I am working on.

What is one major goal you have for your business that you haven't obtained? How are you going about obtaining it?

I would like to sell my designs to an actual fabric company. Many designs have been sold and used on fabric for Kitchen Linen, Clothing, Bedding, etc. but it would be great to have yardage. I am working on building contacts.

With so many other artists to choose from, what makes a licensing company say "I'm going to Julia M. Designs." What makes them become a returning customer?

I think/hope I'm easy to work with. I have been both Design Director as well as Freelance Designer so knowing the business from these two perspectives helps me know more of the needs of the person who is licensing my art. Ultimately I know it is not about what I want but only about what will sell. I never question a client's wish to change something but I may suggest options. I stay positive and meet good news with about the same energy as not such great news. Also, people love my colors and there is a trust level that I understand the market and trends.

What would you say is the most significant aspect in gaining clientele?

GOING TO TRADE SHOWS!


What advice, if any would you have for beginning artists who would like to have their work licensed?

My advice would be don’t start off with a licensing designer. I would say work in house with a designer and learn the industry from the inside out. Don’t rush it! Try to build a brand and authenticate yourself. Go to shows as an artist/student and check things out. People who jump in tend to spend a lot of money. You want to have a dynamic look and be industry savvy. You want to wait until you’re really strong to launch. When you do that, you’ll have a better chance. You also want to build your contacts and social networking from the very beginning.

Where can people find you in order to view your portfolio and/or contact you for services?

Julia's Website is for MANUFACTURERS ONLY BUT you CAN CALL her at 925 943 1047 FOR ACCESS TO IT.

Also if you want to take a look at her work be sure to check her out on Facebook . Don’t forget to give her page a like too.

You can also purchase some of her beautiful pillows on Overstock .

This Holiday Season Greeting Cards

Grant Application Seminar: Arts Education Partner Grant

For small business owners and community based organizations, grants and small business loans become the means to funding dreams. As many of you already know the grant writing process can be a long and tedious one, and paying someone to write one: EXPENSIVE! If you're not experienced in grant writing, the Brooklyn Arts Council offers assistance for someone just like you.

The Brooklyn Arts Council will be offering a Grant Application Seminar. Based on the information provided by their website, all application seminars include:

• An overview of their guidelines and various grant opportunities offered by BAC



• A detailed explanation of the application process and their updated online application



• Tips on writing a successful grant application



• A question and answer session



• A chance to meet BAC staff and other applicants

DATE:
October 22, 2013

TIME:
6:30pm-8:30pm

VENUE:
Brooklyn Arts Council
55 Washington St. (at Front St.),
Suite 218 DUMBO

You must RSVP for the event. For more information about the seminar and the Brooklyn Arts Council go to http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/documents/2229

This sounds like a great opportunity for all who are eligible. Let us know how it goes!

Entrepreneurs On The Rise: Takiyah Broomes of Kiya Kakes

Takiyah Broomes studied pre-med and graduated with her BS in Biology, so when she made the switch to full time baker, it shocked many who knew her. Kiya Kakes is a home-based bakery that came into existence in April of 2012 and owned solely, Takiyah Broomes. She is the baker, decorator, accounts payable and receivable, and marketing coordinator. This beautiful woman does it all. She was previously a co-owner of a former baking company named Haute Cakes Bakery before it dismembered. Takiyah credits her time at Haute Cakes with testing her baking skills and allowing her to hone her craft. Kiya Kakes is new and original in its own right simply because Takiyah never received any formal cake baking or decorating training, yet she has managed to solidify a word of mouth based clientele that continues to grow day by day. Everything you see on any of the Kiya Kakes social networking sites, have all been mastered by a method of trial and error. Kiya Kakes features some of the most up to date creative pastries that are out in the market. Cake pops, push pops, Fondant cakes, butter-cream cakes, cupcakes, cookies and so much more.

1. How did you know that you were meant to go into business for yourself?

I knew I was meant to go into business for myself when I fully understood the power of my own attitude lol. I am someone who does not like to be told what to do, nor constantly supervised, therefore I knew I was not fit to work for the "man."

2. When did you finally decide to start your business?

I decided to start my business immediately after me a former business I had with a group of friends dismembered I knew that it was something I already enjoyed doing, therefore I continued with it.

3. How did you come up with your company name?

My company name "Kiya Kakes," was actually a joke amongst friends. "Kiya Kakes with a K" to be exact. For me it was simple and catchy, so I dropped the "C" and replaced it with a "K" and kept Kiya Kakes.

4. What is your favorite aspect of baking?

My favorite aspect of baking would have to be the decorative side. It 's where cake artists such as myself have a chance to truly make something stunning and creative on their own. It's like giving a painter a blank canvas, or a rapper a beat. There are endless things that someone can do with a blank canvas or a plain cake.

5. Do you have a signature flavor? Describe it.

Yes. My signature flavor would be my "famous" red velvet. It is my number 1 selling flavor. Although Red Velvet is a very popular cake, I tend to think mine is slightly different from your typical red velvet cake. I can't let out too many secrets lol, but I put my little personal spin on it and it seems to be a winner.

6. Out of all of your cake flavors, what is the current customer favorite?

It would definitely be my Red Velvet cake.


7. What has been the best thing about owning your own business?

There are so many! One would be the freedom to do as I please. I set my own rules, my own prices, my own schedule (which may be the most rewarding) and another would be the fact of escaping uncomfortable or stressful working environments that I have encountered in the past.

8. What has been the most difficult thing about owning your own business?

The most difficult thing about owning my own business would be the lack of time. I am an over achiever and at times, I like to take on the impossible. Baking is only one of my full time jobs, so I have to find the balance between baking, school as well as my 8-4 job schedule. There are literally but so many hours in a day, so trying to fit everything in can sometimes be a handful.

9. If you had one piece of advice to give to other small business owners like yourself, what would it be?

My single handed advice would be to work ALONE (she laughs), and if that is not possible, do not work with friends or family. It rarely ever works out and the problems that may arise from working with family and friends is simply not worth it.

10. Is there a blog, webpage or social networking site where we can find you?

At the moment, my work can be seen on social networks, Facebook and Instagram

5 Crazily Delicious Desserts For Your Trendy Late-Night Reception

Are you having or thinking of having a late-night reception? Well this one is just for you. A few days ago, I came across a blog post by Zoe Bain titled: “Are Waffle Tacos Coming to Taco Bell?” Somehow, it prompted me to think of fabulous breakfast-like desserts for those now trendy late night receptions that lead into the wee hours of the morning. I know one could wonder “how on earth did she make that connection,” but if you absolutely adore weddings and you’re even more of a “foodie,” then the connection wouldn’t seem too far fetched.

I mean let’s be honest here, while many guests head to a reception to wish the now newlywed couple well on beginning their lives together, they also go to the reception to: dance, drink, eat a great dinner and secretly hope for even better desserts.

In order to help all of you beautiful brides out there who believe in setting their reception apart from the rest and making their guests smile, I decided to seek out awesome desserts and create a list just for you. This list contains 5 delectably delicious, show stopping desserts, that would be absolutely perfect for your late night wee hour of the morning reception. These desserts can be placed at a “good-night station” to give reception goers an extra boost of energy or be a great doggy bag treat as a little something extra to say thank you to your guests for sharing in your special day!

1. You just can’t go wrong with these tasty Caramel Glazed Sticky Buns. www.babble.com

2. These Bittersweet Chocolate Waffles with Chocolate Chip Ice Cream will leave any guest feeling satisfied. www.yummly.com

3. The not too sweet taste of Cocoa-Pepper Waffle Cookies will be sure to please many. www.foodandwine.com

4. How could anyone not love Breakfast Buns filled with toasted nuts, butter and raspberry marmalade? www.delish.com

5. Cappuccino Doughnuts are topped with creamy icing and dustings of cinnamon. They scream one word: delicious.www.delish.com

While I personally love them all, I’d love to hear from you. So, which of these show stopping super tasty desserts would make an appearance at your late-night reception?

You can comment on our Twitter feed or our Facebook page.

Photo Credits: Brooke McLay, Joy Wilson, Ellie Miller, Ann Stratton

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