Small Business Challenge: The recap.

Small Business Challenge:
The recap

As the challenge continued though the month of May, I didn’t have to look far to find the list of businesses to feature. Without realizing it, I am surrounded by business owners. Many that I have known for years, some I have met in passing. Although the challenge, per se, is over as June arrives, the need and excitement to find ways to support these businesses, in any way possible, will continue.

The need to support ‘the little guy’ is paramount. In the age of this turbulent economy, having a ‘side hustle’ has become a way of life for some. Whether that hustle is a product or service, it fills both a financial and community need. Although many businesses may not transition to an actual ‘location’, it still serves a purpose and is important to our economy.

Although it was not my intent of the challenge, there has been an increase in my business as well. New clients have emerged from referrals, other business owners and some who just want to meet the (seemingly obsessed) person behind all the Social media posts. Each and every client, old and new, I am grateful and each and every client, I welcome as supporters of my dream.

From day one, the platform has been to support other small business owners, on any level. This is key. There is NO JOY in being the only man on the block. To see growth, in any level is a positive.

This mission, this movement, this work, will continue. This concept, as I see it, is catching on…

And I’m loving it!

Still moving,

Drue

Small Business Challenge, Day 31 Home is where the start is: Dru Christine Fabrics & Design

Tags

Cleveland, Dru Christine, Fashion, Ohio

Small Business Challenge, Day 31
Home is where the start is:
Dru Christine Fabrics & Design
1623 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
1.440.941.0052
http://www.druchristine.com

More often than not, when people visit my store, after looking around at the fabrics, dress forms and accessories, people manage to still ask, “So…what do you do in here?”

My primary profession is a fashion designer, as years and experience has developed, my skills as a designer has opened up opportunities in fashion styling, costume design and consulting. Although I would love to sit at a sewing machine all day, I knew there was a need to create more interest besides making great clothes for my custom clientele.

While living in Cleveland, the need to engage customers was necessary to keep these doors open month after month, year after year, decade after decade. Besides Fabrics & Design, the business is set up for that and much more…..

Located a 1623 Lee Road, in Cleveland Heights, the base of Dru Christine Fabrics and Design is in the name:

Fabrics- sells unique fabrics and vintage textiles. DCF&D also sells Dill buttons and is one of the only local retailers carrying this brand.
Design – services custom clientele, making garments for women and men, all occasions.

Somewhere between the ‘Fabrics and Design’, some other services fall into place:

Houses apparel from current and previous collections – these items are available for immediate purchase or can be ordered in custom sizes and fabrics
Sells ready to wear “off the rack” pieces from Dru Christine. Many of the items are small runs, meaning the items are limited editions and truly unique.
Alterations/ Garment Deconstruction
Sells rare, unique accessories for women and men, produced by local artisans and/or business owners.
Sewing classes
Events, including ” Fashion Forward Living” A series hosting monthly events developed to create a stylish ‘lifestyle’ inside and out.

I’m even convinced to slow down for a quick minute for speaking engagements and the occasional fashion show.

Without even realizing it, DCF&D has also become a meeting place to networking and fellowship. The walls have become filled with endless hours of laughter, wisdom, love, hard work and sometimes, tears. Many creative ideas have been birthed here and the words, ” yeah, that’s a great idea” are heard on the regular.

Personally, I have met so many awesome people, once clients and customers, who have turned into friends. People make my shop a LAST stop, knowing when they arrive, the departure time is unknown. The comfort level and great vibes usually overtake those who, ‘just want to pop in’. On any given day, there is ALWAYS something going on in here. Never the same day twice, never a dull moment, always something unexpected.

Not even a year old, DCF&D has become much more than a store, shop or studio. Each time I turn that key, it stands for the beginning of a dream, evidence of years of work and sacrifice, and a constant reminder of how much more work that lies ahead…..

Fashion your seat belts. There is more to come.

Feel free to stop in visit the website or keep update through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Foursquare, Linked In, Pinterest or any other social media sites I can get into. (All searchable by DruChristine).

See you soon,

Drue

Small Business Challenge, Day 30 Inside Edition: Demetri, EyeCatchers, The Whatknot, Urban Vibe Chic

Tags

Cleveland, Dru Christine, Earrings, Fashion

Small Business Challenge, Day 30
Inside Edition:
Demetri – http://www.shopdemetri.com
Eyecatchers – eyecatchers.bigcartel.com
The Whatknot – http://www.thewhatknot.com
Urban Vibe, Inc. – http://urbanvibechic.tictail.com/

As I began my business, I decided early in the process that I wanted to use my store as a resource for other business owners. Since opening in August of 2012, my platform has been reached by opening my doors to other businesses through events, networking opportunities and most importantly, as a place for other business owners to gain exposure to their products. I created this opportunity for several reasons; to create a retail presence for their brand while simultaneously generating clientele for my services and products as well. Equals = WIN WIN.

Dru Christine Fabrics & Design houses independent accessories lines from as far as California and New York to proudly, right here in Cleveland. There are so many creative, talented designers here, I would love to have an opportunity with them all….

This concept has been adopted in several retailers throughout the city, because business owners finally get it. Creating such opportunities for other businesses WITHIN their business is a key to longevity. Definitely a new day from when I pounded the pavement trying to add my line to local boutiques. What was an unheard of not even 10 years ago, has turned into a common practice for business owners, and I couldn’t be more pleased.

Here’s a bit about some of the creative minds and businesses housed at DCF&D…..

Demetri is a jewelry company ran by Amber Hammett. Based out of Cleveland, OH, the brand carrying a huge variety of accessories for both men and women. Demetri has been on board at my store since opening and has continued to be one of the best sellers with chic, trendy merchandise and affordability. To check out the full line of Demetri products, log on to: http://www.shopdemetri.com.

Started in 2012, Eyecatchers was birthed by designer Imani Allen by having “earring party” fundraisers to raise money to pay for her Doula training. The name Eyecatchers derived from the level of compliments customers would receive while wearing the earrings. All earrings are handmade with love and made for customers who like to have a simple but beautiful ear candy and for women who like to “eyecatch”. A newer brand to Dru Christine Fabrics & Design, Eyecatchers has become a fast favorite in my store. (And I’m not just saying that because she’s my cousin – I am truly thrilled to watch how far her line has developed). To learn more about Eye Catchers, log on to: http://eyecatchers.bigcartel.com.

Formerly Red Beets Fashion, The Whatknot is a original, affordable line of casual bow ties. The niche behind The Whatknot brand comes from the use of cottons versus commonly used silks. All bow ties are self tied, (or I refer to as ‘Big Boys’). The whimsical prints used by designer Mark A. Mathews was the catalyst behind the creation of the men’s accessories section within DCF&D. (The brand also was the catalyst behind me learning to tie a bow tie, who knew?). To see the full collection of The Whatknot Bow Ties, log on to: http://www.thewhatknot.com.

Gotta love the Internet. Some way or another, the work of Urban Vibe came across my newsfeed and I emailed Sheba Chastang immediately asking ( ok, begging) for her line to be featured in my store. All the way from Oakland, California, my installment of crotchet earrings and hair bows arrived soon after. Sheba is mad creative with so many designs for handmade crochet styles, from earrings and hats, to purses, EVEN shoes for her brand, Urban Vibe, Inc. To see her full line, log on to: http://urbanvibechic.tictail.com/

Be sure to check out a few, or all of these unique businesses. Via website, or stop in. See you soon.

Creatively Surrounded,

Drue

In honor of May being National Small business month, as a small business owner, I decided to actively seek out and use at least one small business per day for the month. To read more about this challenge, and join in, click here.

Small Business Challenge, Day 28: RAW: Natural Born Artists

Tags

arts, Cleveland, Fashion, RAW

Small Business Challenge, Day 28:
RAW: Natural Born Artists
http://www.rawartists.org/

Okay, okay, TECHNICALLY, RAW is not a small business, but as an artist, I think it is a organization that needs to be supported.

I first heard of this organization a few months back once through an inquiry email, then again through a Facebook request. It finally came full circle when I attended an event a few weeks ago and met Tira Heard, a jewelry designer (amongst other things) participating in the event. Like most of my FB friends, her name sounded familiar, then when we talked, I realized she contacted me about RAW.

Okay, got it. Reel me in, I have a short attention span.

RAW:natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists. Its a community made up of creative individuals across the nation. The mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity. The group welcomes all genres of art including independent film, fashion, music, visual art, performing art, hairstylists, makeup artists and more. RAW currently operates in 54 cities across the United States & Australia and the number is growing.

Through my usual ‘research’ (Yes, I’m nosey), I learned first hand that while the organization flourishes and sells out in other cities with mass consistency, with a few tries, CLEVELAND IS ONE OF THE CITIES THAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT TO GRASP THE CONCEPT.

Fueled by my usual passion, I immediately purchased tickets to support Tira, jewelry designer and founder of Totally Twisted.

Why?

I watch comedians come here, sell out and even add additional shows, I see performers like Future return to Cleveland repeatedly due to mass interest, and lets not talk about how Cleveland loves sports, but we can’t support the arts? Ughhhhh…..

The object of the frustration can come from the fact that the Cleveland Museum of Art still offers FREE general admission and has a $600 million endowment, making it one of “the wealthiest in the nation”. We also have the Cleveland Orchestra, which is considered one of the country’s most highly acclaimed symphony orchestras. Added to this fact is that Ohio has several highly ranked fashion programs and art institutes in the country. So, what gives?????

We have the resources to make Cleveland more progressive, we simply can’t let organizations like RAW fall off and count us out as a city.

Be sure to check out the latest installment of RAW Cleveland: EXPRESSIONS, tomorrow night, May 30th at The Avenue Tap House, 18206 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, from 8-12. To purchase tickets, learn about the artists, and to find out more about this organization, log on to:
http://www.rawartists.org/cleveland/expressions
Let’s go.

Drue

Small Business Challenge, Day 27: Manic Vanity

Tags

Cleveland, luxury, Manic Vanity, Ohio, T-shirt

Small Business Challenge, Day 27:
Manic Vanity
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ManicVanityClothing
http://www.manicvanity.com (relaunch coming soon)

I first met Lawrence Knuckles of Manic Vanity in 2011 when we collaborated for a high fashion clothing line under their label. As a designer, I receive several calls a year with such request, but when I finally met Knuckles in person, something told me he wasn’t playing. The initial meeting that I thought would be a one on one, turned into a full staffed power hour with Larry and 3 other members of the company. (ALWAYS bring your A Game – you never know what walking into). It became obvious quite early that this was definitely going down.

FYI: Larry is one of the only people that talks faster than I do. Whether it be a meeting or just a quick call to see how things are going, I know have to make sure I have my Wheaties so I can keep up.

Furthermore, the real truth to any meeting is when after the designing is done, is when money comes into play. Where other companies I have dealt with in the past fall off at this point, Manic Vanity delivered once again, with no BS.

BOOM. We’re in business. Manic Vanity by Dru Christine was born.

Founded in 2006, Manic Vanity is a high end t shirt line for men and women that capture the movement of high fashion, chic apparel “to be consumed by vanity”. Designed with larger than life graphics and the distinguishable label on t shirts, hoodies and leggings, this brand captures the life style of the company motto: Live Life Fresh.

Indeed.

Everything about this brand is just that – about the brand. From the labels to the company website…. all top notch. Manic Vanity definitely evokes a feeling of self love = vanity. The feeling is consistent with the brand. There is a method to the madness of Manic Vanity, carefully planned and executed.

Watch and learn. (Yes, me too.)

Manic Vanity also has a following throughout the city. I had the opportunity to pop in a few events from time to time and the turn out has always been pretty good. Worth noting as proof of the upward movement of the brand are the random calls about some of the fashion pieces selling in boutiques throughout the city. Without any warning, it was quite a task explaining to customers that that collection was under the hands of Manic Vanity and not me. “You need to call Larry.” This collection has even shown up at a few fashion shows that I happened to attend…..

Manic Vanity is currently available at Twisted Blu Boutique, 718 Broadway Avenue in Downtown Bedford and Unique Melodies 2180 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. Be sure to check them out, but the way this brand moves, you probably have peeped the line already.

All about vanity,

Drue

In honor of May being National Small business month, as a small business owner, I decided to actively seek out and use at least one small business per day for the month. To read more about this challenge, and join in, click here.

Small Business Challenge: Day 19, 20, 21 (Hessler Street Fair Edition) Simply Betsy Company, Fraiche, UFilME

Tags

arts, Business, Cleveland, Fashion, Hessler Street Fair, Simply Betsy, style

Small Business Challenge: Day 19, 20, 21
Hessler Street Fair Edition
Simply Betsy Company – 216.688.7576
Fraiche – http://www.fraicheclothing.com
UFilME (on FB as Red Strype)

For one reason or another, I seem to miss out on The Hessler Street Fair each year. Somehow, all my ducks were in a row and I was able to make it down to the event. Even though this is usually one of my busiest seasons, I managed to take a break and head down on Sunday.

The Hessler Neighborhood Association was founded in 1969 as a non-profit corporation engaged in activities to enhance the social and architectural quality of the neighborhood. The HNA is involved with may projects, including the Hessler Street Fair that takes place every May in Cleveland’s University Circle area. Current projects of the HNA also include
The City Works Neighborhood Matching Grant, Administrating Neighborhood Improvement Program and Revolving Loans for Restoration and Repairs.

Events like The Hessler Street Fair serve several purposes to me as an artist: the sights, sounds and energies of being around other creatives rejuvenates me, there is usually some great food at these events and I get to catch up with a lot of people i hadn’t seen all at one time. Always multitasking and always working in one form or another, I was also hoping to find a few new accessory vendors for my store.

Before anything, I knew I had to catch up with Betsy Gates of Simply Betsy. I met her back in college and thankfully, we kept in touch through Facebook. I say thankfully, because kids and running a business pushes us along with hardly any time for the phone or otherwise. Betsy is another one of the KSU budding creative entrepreneurs that I came up with back in the day.
Yes!!!! The grind continues….

Simply Betsy was created, along with husband Renaldo to change skincare by providing natural and healthy skin care products. The company philosophy is built upon the following concepts: To provide a new and healthy way of bathing, to provide a new and healthy way of moisturizing and to create another path toward a healthier lifestyle.

When I found her stand, the products looked more like candies than soaps and before I knew it, my small white bag turned into a large brown bag with handles. My shopping experience and choices were made by what looked good and by actually smelling the products. I purchased a few things including The Wonder Bar, Sugar Scrub, Shea Butter, Mud Bath and of course, Betsy’s signature item, The Betsy Bar. She had many other items, but I think I grabbed a nice range to start.

Next, I headed to my friend, Red Strype, a handcrafted jewelry designer for his brand, UFilME Art. His work is truly unique using twisted metals with various stones, many with holistic effects. The ring I purchased a few weeks ago was copper with a Sodalite Gemstone which brings inner peace (need that) and is good for endurance (definitely need that). Looking for more peace and endurance, I knew I needed to check him out. He had several rings, pendants and bracelets at his stand, so it was hard to pick just one.

Then I saw it. All alone, waiting for me.

This bracelet is the perfect compliment to the peaceful ring (that I happened to be wearing that day). I have to remember to ask what effects the stone has in my bracket, but at that moment, I can say: fashionably satisfied – is there a stone for that?

There are few things to stop me from shopping, but, my stomach reminded me that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and in between the vending and catching a live performance by Carlos Jones and The P.L.U.S. Band, I was overdue.

What started as a break led me to a discover a few new vendors that I missed during my first tour through the fair. Perfect timing also. Nothing excites me more than arts and music, but having the opportunity to meet a new business owner and / or designer. I try to make it a point to pay attention to what’s going on in the city…who’s doing what, where, etc. Yes, I’m nosey, but, overall, it’s important to me to seek out others in the arts community. Just when I think I know just about everyone and everything, I’m pleased to learn something new….

I am SUPPOSED to wear glasses. I rarely do. (Maybe it’s vanity or the fact I think there is something ironic about a designer that can’t see too well). My glasses are often left in my car for driving at night. In an effort to coach myself into being motivated to wear them, I was on the hunt for different frames to try before I changed my current style.

Then, I actually SAW Fraiche, a local eyewear designer. Great. I headed right over. There were so many fun, chic colors and frames, I knew I was in trouble. In my usual shopping fashion, before even asking the price, I had about 3 pairs in my hand- for research.

Fraiche is a Cleveland based company selling unique eyewear, t shirts and sweatshirts.
He had a sample of his eyewear on display, and I was hooked. The line is definitely something I would consider for the store. But for now, I settled on these:

The Hessler Street Fair = SUCCESS! Shopping, music, good people, good food…what more can you ask for?

I’ll be back…..

Drue

In honor of May being National Small business month, as a small business owner, I decided to actively seek out and use at least one small business per day for the month. To read more about this challenge, and join in, click here.

Small Business Challenge, Day 18: Barle Soup and Sandwich

Tags

food, healthy, Restaurant, vegan

Small Business Challenge, Day 18:
Barle Soup and Sandwich
2483 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
216.371.3050
http://www.barlesoupandsandwich.com

More often than not, I forget to eat. Especially on weekends. By the time I reach my store, I’m starving. A piece of fruit here and there usually doesn’t cut it and on Saturdays it’s worse since my sewing classes start right at 10am.

This Saturday, same story. Parking is usually scarce and I lucked out with a space, leaving the option to leave out to even more risky. My first meal needs to be pretty light, that’s where Barle Soup and Sandwich came into play. In walking distance and pretty healthy eating.

First chance I had, I ran across the street. The law of a small business owner says that as soon as you leave your post, at any time, for the smallest time, a customer will arrive. but, I had to risk it…..

Opening in April of 2012, Husband-Wife Team, Jim Barle and Samantha Glickman opened Barle Soup and Sandwich offering a selection of homemade soups, artisan sandwiches, gourmet salads and fresh baked goods. The menu also includes a variety of wine, beer and spirits. (Yah!)

Barle also does a bit of supporting local businesses through Coffee for A Cause, Heights Emergency Food Center with donations, Hope Garden for composting, homemade soups by Souper Market and bread by Stone Oven. In addition, they feature the works of local artists on the walls of the restaurant. It’s always changing: sometimes, paintings, sometimes photos and always information about the artist’s background.

I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and chopped salad, as much as I wanted to stay over and eat at the patio, I had to remember I was still open for the day. Within 10 minutes, my order was ready.

Just in time….as soon as I hit the door, my phone rang. My 12 noon appointment was waiting…

Told ya.

Drue

Small Business Challenge: Day 16 Love Star Galaxy

Tags

a fashion, accessories, Cleveland, Small business

Small Business Challenge: Day 16
Love Star Galaxy
LovestarGalaxy.bigcartel.com
216.925.6824

I can’t help it….I’m all about my accessories right now. I’m finding the best way to grab unique pieces to add to my wardrobe is through some of my small business colleagues. The madness (and support) continues…

I met Tiffany when she came to my Personal Styling workshop back in January. Without even mentioning it, I knew there was something ‘artsy’ about her….as the workshop ended, the networking began and she spilled the (fashionable) beans that she designs a line of jewelry called, “Love Star Galaxy”. Although she didn’t bring any to the store that day, I knew I would check her out.

LoveStarGalaxy is an accessory line created by Tiffany Ector of Cleveland, Ohio. What started out as a hobby, LSG has become a way of life for this artist as she designs handcrafted earrings, necklaces and rings for everything from wood to feathers, metals and fabric. She currently sells online as well as several local boutiques including Unique Melodies, located at 2180 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights (yep. We are kind of neighbors)

While attending a Love Star Galaxy trunk show, I was able to pick up a pair of earrings and the love affair began.

I picked up these beauties:

Yes, there are brass knuckles. But I liked them. Tiffany immediately told me, “Yes, those are you.”

Why would she think I would like brass knuckles?

But I did and get major compliments every time I wear them, or people ask, “Are those….?”

A few weeks later, sensing my eagerness to shop, I received an email from Tiffany about some earrings she designed for me.

For me?

Sold.

I ran into Tiffany a few weeks later for MY earrings that she designed for ME.

Wait. There’s a trend here. Brass knuckles, now scissors. What is she trying to say? Oh, that I’m Dangerously Talented? Cool. Thanks, sis.

Along with the earrings, I copped this antique gold NON WEAPON THEMED necklace. All items which rotate in my accessory wardrobe often.

Be sure to check out. But don’t even think about asking for the ones like mine. I have scissors, remember?

Catching up,

Drue

In honor of May being National Small business month, as a small business owner, I decided to actively seek out and use at least one small business per day for the month. To read more about this challenge, and join in, click here.

Small Business Challenge, Day 15 Roads Ahead et al.

Tags

Business, Organic, Roads Ahead Et Al, t shirts

Small Business Challenge, Day 15
Roads Ahead Et Al
http://www.roadsaheadetal.com

As business grows, I’m moving faster than usual and the need for low maintenance, yet cute comfy clothes are what I tend to reach for in the mornings. I get ‘on it’ with certain things from time to time and now, I’m on this t shirt thing. Thankfully, there are tons of new styles that vary in color and fit and I am always looking for more to add to my work wardrobe.

Enter Roads Ahead Et Al.

I met owner, Chris a few years ago during a fashion show back in 2010 and this past February, I had the pleasure of being apart of one of their events as a featured designer alongside the brand. Despite the snow storm that preceded the show, it was a success as Roads Ahead always seems to have a ton of support for all of their events….even in adverse weather.

(Here are a few pics from that show. We actually combined our collections for the finale.)

Roads Ahead Et Al is a Cleveland based apparel company providing high quality clothing focused on positive, inspirational themes. Roads Ahead et al.™ signifies the journey we all take individually or with others. “Roads” is plural because there are a number of different paths towards success; defining success as goal-achievement, rather than society’s common definition as simply attainment of wealth.

I have purchased a few of their t shirts, henleys and hoodies in the past, but the one I currently love is the women’s long sleeved t shirt, with images of signing LOVE across the front- clever and cute. (See first pic). The current offerings from the brand include a few color changing t shirts and Roads Ahead et al. even has winter scarves, hats and a complete women’s line as well.

Roads Ahead Et Al is all about being positive, reaching goals while being environmentally friendly. Pretty cool concept for an even cooler brand. Check them out: http://www.roadsaheadetal.com.

Fashionably Conscious,

Drue

In honor of May being National Small business month, as a small business owner, I decided to actively seek out and use at least one small business per day for the month. To read more about this challenge, and join in, click here.

Small Business Challenge, Day 13: Born So Beautiful Maternity & Children’s Boutique

Tags

Fashion, Ohio, Retail

Small Business Challenge, Day 13:
Born So Beautiful Maternity & Children’s Boutique
6084 State Rd Parma, Ohio 44134
440.842.5540
customerservice@bornsobeautiful.com

Founded with the client in mind, Kellie and husband, Everett recognized a families importance fashion and affordability. As parents of 5, they are no strangers to little-ones grew out of their clothing at a rapid pace.

Hence, Born So Beautiful was, well…..born.

Born So Beautiful Maternity & Children’s Boutique, located at 6084 State Rd, in Parma is a resale shop specializing in maternity and children’s clothing. Their mission is to offer solutions to the rising cost in maternity and children’s fashions without sacrificing fashion and quality. The boutique pays customers up front for once loved items!

Check them out, they even made the Fox 8 Hot List.

Catching up,

Drue

In honor of May being National Small business month, as a small business owner, I decided to actively seek out and use at least one small business per day for the month. To read more about this challenge, and join in, click here.