**Smooth & Simple is Key**

Hey Hey Peoples!!!

How's everyone doing?!

I had a meeting with the SBDC about the Women in Business Conference and showing Rehcy Vonne there. Jeremy, designer of Avid Ymer and a Creative Ambitions producer, was there also. (I had to utilize his fashion show production knowledge. Thanks Jeremy!) It has been decided, I will be their entertainment for the conference.

I want this show to go on as smoothly and as simply as possible. It will basically be a repeat of the last show just without an actual runway. The models will be walking through tables set up for dinner. However, a few changes will be made to the garment line up, but not many. Hopefully I can get the same girls from the last show to model again, that way there is no training needed.

Thanks again to the Small Business Development Center of West Florida for giving me this opportunity.

Now I have to find a team to do hair and make-up...

Daily Concern: Editing the collection for the SBDC show.

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes." quote by Jack Handey

Model Casting & Grandma in Stilettos

Yesterday we had the first day of the model casting for the fashion show for the American Cancer Society. Only a very small amount of people auditioned, and now I'm a little worried that we will not have enough models for the show. Looks like we're going to have to scrounge up more some how...GRANDMA!!!! :-P Tomorrow will be a better day, right?

In business news... I am registering to take a Starting a Business seminar at the Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida. My contact with the center recommended the seminar to me. It cost $35.00, and I'm broke so it better be worth it!! lol

Other than that, I have been working on some garments and accessories for the show. (Will post pictures soon)

Lots of work, and lack of sleep!!! An assistant/intern definitely is needed, and I will be taking on one soon.

Tips for the day:
Girls, when you show up for a model casting, make sure you bring a pair of heels with you and stand up straight, please.

First Consult

Hey Hey!!

Just wanted to inform you guys on my first consultation with the Small Business Administration.

The telephone interview is to let the entrepreneur learn what the SBA offers, where the start-up company currently stands, and where I see it going . The counselor started by telling me about their organization and gave me an overview on what services they offer. As far as I can tell, the administration offers a large range of services from one-on-one specific counseling to group seminars on certain areas of starting a business. My local SBA also has a resource library that is open to me to use during business hours. They recommended I attend their "Starting a Business" workshop (fee: $35.00), afterwards, which, they would schedule me for an in person interview with a counselor. This is their typical path, however, if I can not attend the workshop, they would go ahead and schedule the interview (fee: free). Since I am not sure I will be able to attend the coming workshop, I let them know I would register closer to time when I know for sure of my schedule. They also asked me questions about my business and what kind of information I thought I might need.

As the summary of the experience, I will inform you that all counseling is free, while seminars/workshops have moderate fees. These fees cover software and resources given to you to take home and use after the workshop. The interview was very informative, the counselor was very polite, and overall I am impressed with the services offered and the response time.

Working on Dreams,
Anna Maria

Busy-Ness

Hey Hey People!!!

Several things have been going on these last few days. Time to fill you all in...

The SBA returned my call, and I now have an appointment for a phone interview on Tuesday 19 January 2010. Hopefully that goes well.

A new manager took over Stella, the boutique in Fort Walton Beach Florida that carries some of my accessories and paintings. The new manager told one of my close friends that she really likes my work and wants me to call her about putting in some more product. BLAH!! Phone calls!!! lol This is a blessing and a curse all wrapped up into one. The blessing comes from more product in store equals more sold. The curse part being that more product equals a lot more work!! Also, the manager stated that she's thinking of going with a particular theme in the store. Uh-oh, I don't know how that will be.

Next, the government sent me a prospective jury summons for a case scheduled to begin soon. Now I am all for serving my duty as an United States citizen, but the case is expected to last three months!! Yes, three months, Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm!!! The case would continue through the date of the fashion show. Now how am I supposed to create a collection for the benefit of the American Cancer Society, start my own apparel/accessory company, keep up my freelance work, and work a stable job while I'm spending nine hours everyday at the dang courthouse which is located over an hour drive both ways!!! Keeping my fingers crossed that this case settles out of court.

Lastly, I've done some sketches for the show. These are very quick sketches just to get my ideas down. I may or may not go back & add more details. For the collection I'm thinking layered sheers contrasted with black leathers & pleathers. I'll load the sketches for everyone to see.

Fashion Show

Hey Hey,

First off today, the SBA called me today, but I missed the call. Wow, they contacted me a lot quicker than I expected! I returned the call, and left a message on the woman's answering machine that contacted me. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak with someone tomorrow.

Now for some exciting news... I will be showing a clothing collection along with my accessories in a fashion show for the benefit of the American Cancer Society on 7 May 2010!! A friend of mine, Tim, is putting on this show in honor of his late mother. This is going to be a whole lot of work!! Exciting though!!

Tim and I met today to go over some paperwork and deadlines for the show. I signed a contract stating that in the event that I do not meet the deadlines/requirements I would not be allowed to participate. Better get on it!! lol This will be the first show I've done since college. Have to say I'm a bit nervous!! :-P

I'll keep you guys up to date on the goings on in preparation for the show.

Exciting, exciting!!!

First Step

Hey Everybody!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I completed Step 1 on the list for Chapter 2. The local Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free counseling to those wanting to start their own company. This must be signed up for online, and then the SBA will contact you. I'll let you know when they do, and how it goes.

SBA offers seminars/classes a few times a month on different areas of starting a business. The seminars I looked at cost $35.00. Next month I plan on attending at least one. So I'll post all the information about it.

Yes, this part of starting an apparel company is boring, but you were warned! lol
Don't worry, I may have a little bit more exciting news involving a fashion show to post soon...

Working on Dreams,
Anna Maria

Step by Step Plan: Draft 1

Alright Everybody,
Here is a list I made to simplify and break down the tasks in Chapter 2 of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide. Each tasks will eventually have to be broken down into smaller sections, but for now this will suffice. At least now the chapter seams far less mind-boggling! And that's always good!! lol

Chapter 2 Step by Step

1. Look for local classes provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
2. Write Rough Draft of Company Overview
3. Research my company's Market
4. Write Description of Target Customer
5. Write Draft of Sales Strategy
6. Research and list my Direct Competitors
7. Figure out and list my top three Indirect Competitors
8. Write Draft of Operations Plan
9. Complete First Draft of Business Plan
10. Check out Lawyers (for Setting up Business/Discussing Business Options)
11. Design Company Trademark
12. Talk to Small Business Owners about Starting my Business
13. Look into Bookkeeping and Accounting (Quick Books Pro?)
14. Talk to Lawyer
15. Financing Options

Note: This plan can and most likely will change, grow, and be updated at anytime, but of course I will post those changes so you guys can stay up to date about everything.