Monday, August 3, 2009

Hidden Treasures...

No sense in buying backpacks when we have tons of bags here rt? Jimmy gave his work backpack 2 his little nephew, who absolutely adored it.. He walked into Posh Land while I was adding some POSH touches to his sister's backpack and wanted his name on his too...

Jim gave a little back pack that was a promotional gift to his niece.. It had the company's logo on it so i decided to cover the logo with fabric and add her name/initial to make it cute..


I'm getting GOOD people! :)

Rae'Jean's Pillowcase Dress

My niece Rae'Jean asked me for a dress the last time she was here. At the time she was a cheerleader for Chargers. I didn't have enough fabric to make a entire dress so I just did a band. I gave her the dress this weekend when she was her this weekend. Since then she's changed cheer teams, but still wanted her dress..




I'm extra excited about the bow too :)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

I'm addicted to...

POSH!


Wow... I had no idea how much Posh consumed my time.. Well I did but not really lol...

Yesterday, I took the day off to celebrate my mother-in laws bday... I had a really nice time with our family and even took a dip in the pool! Yippee!!!

Though it felt good to have a break, I couldn't stop thinking about Posh and responding to email questions and doing just a little something like cutting fabric for my Sunday morning project.

It hit me that I'm really ALL IN! My husband keeps asking me when I'm gonna stick to the office hours I set. My challenge this week is to know when to turn Posh off!

So here goes 8am-8pm. period. I know... 12hrs, but that's better than 7:30am-3:30am or until my body decides it can't take anymore.

To help me I've made up a few new rules.
Communicate all orders via email.
Give customers a realistic production time for custom orders
Don't begin anything until I've gotten the estimate/work order approved by my client, billed invoice and received payment (it takes 2 much time for me to remind myself to bill and remind customers to pay after orders have been finished.. that way nothing ships that hasn't been paid for)
Allow for rush orders but with an added service fee.
Get a catalogue/price list together to put on the blog for clients to reference
Add all custom orders to the website as an additional reference point...

I'm still growing and learning... I love Posh.. but she can't have all of me all the time :)

Love Chandra

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Texans inspired sparkle converse




Like?

Posh Doggie Couture

Today we're hosting a luau themed bbq 2 celebrate Jimmy's mom's bday! Jimmy decided to break out some old luau shirts that he got jazz and zigg a while back.. 2 problems, zigg is 2 little for his "man" shirt and Jazz looks like a boy in hers..

Problem solved..

Cut jazzie's completly apart and re-configd it into a dress so she can look like the sweetheart she is... it ties around her neck.. i didn't want 2 disturb her relaxation.. maybe she'll let me get a better pic later :)


cut ziggs sleeves off.. now he can trot freely around the house...



Happy Birthday Bobby Jean!!!!!

Friday, July 31, 2009

God's working thru me!

I'm constantly amazed at the things I'm able to do! Way back in the day, when I was 10/11ish I visited my cousin in Ohio. She put me in vacation bible school where I learned this verse

"All things are possible, through Christ who strengthens".. Philippians 4:13

I've never forgotten that verse and am reminded of it everyday as a new idea develops in my mind. You can truly do anything you set your mind to. I'm a living testament to that fact. I can't believe I just learned to sew, and am constantly challenged with wanted to make something else.. I'm never bored!

I'm so thankful, that God is nurturing this underlying talent of mine.. I feel so humbly blessed!

Thank You Father :)

Love,

Chandra

For Parker :)
I had no idea how to even start this project, it turned out beautifully... Congrats Michelle and Eddie on your beautiful baby boy! I can't wait for him to model this for me :)

Ryan's first birthday tank/tutu... Had to re-work the original design. I should just calm down sometimes and come back to things instead of working myself up about not being able to figure something out. After a good nights sleep, I came back to this with a fresh idea that worked even better than the original plan!


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Just Some Stuff for Friends

8/8/09 Update.. Just made this halter dress version of the pillowcase dress :)




I've been extra busy lately, and had promised some friends a few goodies for their Posh Babies :)

Hope they all enjoy their goodies, I had fun making them and realized that I can indeed fill multiple orders within a few hours if necessary. Everything has to be in its place and most importantly I have to take it 1 step at a time :)

I'll post pics later...

pics as promised :)

For Little Miss Frankie.. my girlfriend Gladys' little princess



For Katie & Parker.. Toya's beautiful baby girls... Watch out Oxford!

and we couldn't forget about Mr. Reid Emmerson... can't wait 2 meet u buddy :)

Monday, June 22, 2009

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Posh Flip Flop Party (Sale)

I'm sooo excited about my flip flop party! For months now, I've wanted to host a Posh event, but I can never get caught up in enough time to really produce enough products to host a viewing Party. So last weekend I decided to "Just Do It"! Set a date, and put it out there. Hopefully, I'll get a good turn out. More than anything I can't wait to get feeback on the flip flops and price.

I have over 50pair of flip flops in different colors and sizes. Each flip flop featured at the party will be original. No two pair will be alike. In addition all flip flops will be available at up to 25% off. I've done a few pair for myself and my nieces, but I've researched a few techniques and just ordered a bow template. The template should help me crank out bows quicker. I'll post back on that once I get it, hopefully before midweek.

I've already gotten some really sweet rhinestone buckle charms to add to the flops! I'll post a few pics as I complete a few pair :) I plan to get started today.. I only have a week until the event.

I've sent out evites
Face Book-vites
Printed flyers to hang on neighbors doors
Printed flyers to give-away
Sent bow-cards to print
Ordered more business cards

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Speaking of Happy Customers

Just wanted to touch on the subject I wrote about last night.  The client that I made the red, black, white themed set for  (which included those darling zebra posh sparkles)  called me last night after the baby shower she hosted.  She was super excited that the baby shower was nice and that her Posh Gift was a hit!  She mentioned that her girlfriend couldn't stop smiling and raved about all of her Posh Goodies :)  I melted!  I love to hear when Posh Gifts are given and the recipient immediately falls in love.  I guess its because I'm in love before it gets sent out... sometimes its hard for me to let got... lol Those items become my babies!

Posh Zebra Sparkles & Beanies that were included in the Set



Other items in the Set (drawstring dress, bibs, burp, and paci clip)


Anyways...  Just wanted to report the good news...  She also got a gift set a few weeks back for another friend of hers having twins.  She delivered the basket this past weekend to a very excited girlfriend who loved every drop of her Posh Basket!


Gift Set for the twins


O Yeah... I almost forgot!  I crossed a huge hurdle this past week.  It seems that I can never get an order done in one day.  So it's been my goal to complete an order as it comes in and have it ready to ship same day!  I'm so excited that I did that this week.  It wasn't a hugh order, so at least I know my boundaries.  I think I'm good with getting 4pieces done (no more than one personalized), if I get the order early morning and have it ready to ship by late afternoon.  


4piece Gift Set - Sent out same day! Yipee!!

My client was soooo glad that I could get her something last minute!  I was super gracious that she thought of Posh vs going to a local store.  All are happy in Posh Land!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Happy Customers

I want to build Posh on consistent, quality customer service! I will always go above and beyond and hope that each client feels that I am attentive and exceed their expectations. Though we live in an age that "quality" customer service seems non-existent, I pride my self on providing the type of customer service that lets my customers know that I care.

I can't stand the rude cashier-who treats you like your getting on her last nerve.



I hate the manager that never listens to the customer and quickly sides with the rude cashier.

And I am easily agitated with excuses.

I was supposed to send out a headband to match the Birthday Girl set that I shipped before my trip. When you make a mistake you should own up to it, so I'm taking my own advice here. That headband should have been ready to go before I left, but I wasn't happy with what I had on hand and wanted to make something a little nicer for the birthday girl. I convinced myself that I had enough time to get it done when I got back. Realistically I figure I had enough time as long as it was out by Tuesday.. No big deal, def do-able. Well as I was loading pics on the blog, Sunday, I realized that the number 1 on daddy's shirt looked off center. My client did not mention anything being out of whack, but I noticed it and immediately planned a replacement shirt. Only I didn't have the shirt in stock! There went my get it out by Tuesday deadline! I did a rush order on the shirt. This time I ordered 2 just in case. The only good thing that came from this was, while I waited on the shirt I experimented with a bunch of different headband options for bday girl. I sent all of them along with a sincere apology to my client on Fri evening (yesterdday). The birthday party was today! Can you say astronomical shipping cost! Next day on a Saturday.. It killed me, but it was my own silly fault!

Even though she never mentioned the shirt, I did what I would have wanted had I been in her shoes. I'd rather have a happy customer than a profit any day. You can always make up for lost profits. You can never make up for a lost customer. So the lesson learned here is to always factor waste into pricing so that we can order a just in case item on custom orders and not get left eating the cost if the just in case is really needed.

Friday, June 5, 2009

I missed the boat, while on the boat!

I can really kick myself. One of my girlfriends left me a message about flip flops going on sale at Old Navy for a dollar! Only I was gonna be on the anniversary cruise with hubby.. So i think to myself no biggie, I'll just catch it when I get back.. Now I'm not as insane as that last comment seems. Though I didn't expect to find much left after the sale, I had no idea the sale was only for one day! I'm screaming right now. This blog partially serves as a documentary, so hopefully I can look back a year from now and be reminded NOT to miss the $1 flip flop sale at Old Navy. You'd better believe that I'm already staking my claim on any flip flop in the store within a 50mile radius of me, (including online) lol... at season's end....

So most are probably wondering what the big deal is with wanting so many flip flops rt? Well, I plan to embellished them with bows, ribbions and of course sparkles :). I've done a few trial pair for the Posh Babies.. (Lauren, Tay, and Jeanie).


Now that summer is officially here, I'm determined to host a Posh Party. I just got the bright idea today to have a FLIP FLOP party before months end. So I'm setting my sights on 2weeks from tomorrow. I bought about 50 pair of flip flops from Old Navy today, and will make each pair unique.. "no two pair the same" I'm hoping that will help them sell.. I'm gonna host the party at la Masion de Williams.. :) and offer all flip-flops at a 50% discount! Crazy right... Well if my marketing strategy works, I'll make enough money to cover my expenses, build a catelog, put samples out, and hopefully build a client base.

I looked into wholesale flip flops, but most of them require minums and only come one size to a case.. Remember i'm a "small" business owner for now, so its imperative that i control cost. I hadn't found a quality style either other than cararis.. (hope i spelled that right). Only thing is they've discountinued the toddler flops with the band around the ankle.. So the search continues.. Until then OLD NAVY it is!

Other stuff I did this week...

First "bottle cap" bow design (its pictured attached to a braided headband)

First neck tie embellished onsie

First zebra design posh sparkles

I really feel like I've had a productive week... Now I just gotta start getting those flip flops cranked out :)

O..BTW Dorcas is heaven sent.. she's really helping to get me organized...

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Leave No Stone Unturned

I've been away for a week.. on a spur of the moment trip with hubby..  We just celebrated our 7th anniversary.  It's hard to believe its been 7yrs.. boy does time fly....  

Our trip sobered, as we learned of a fellow cruise guest (17yr old on his high school class trip) going overboard of our ship (Carnival Fantasy).  We can't begin to know or understand what his family is going through put pray that God can help them through each day.  

Before I left I finished a few custom sets for clients....  



One of which required a lot of rhinestone setting. 

Currently I set all of my rhinestones by hand...  I know crazy right :)  Well I'm aspiring to one day own one of those fancy-smacy machines that do all of the placement of stones.  I've been working with a client to make a special 1st birthday outfit for her beautiful daughter.  I really consider it a privilege to be given such a responsibility.  Though I don't yet have babies of my own, I know how big of a deal 1st birthday's are especially for Mommies and their princesses.  I really like the finished product, and thought I should write about the process.

Mommy thought it'd be fun to get dad and big brother in on the action too... so we were confronted with the task of making something that wasn't too fru-fru-y...  I used a felt type material in the design of their names and number in a jersey style shirt.

I really like the theme that my client chose...  Lt Blue/Navy Blue for the Boys (Her son and hubby) and Lt Pink/Hot Pink for the girls (she and her little princess)....

Click on the pic to see a closer view

I literally used every stone, and was looking around for them like little crumbs when it came to finishing off the number one on back of the shirt.  The number one alone features over 300 stones.  It takes a steady hand, but isn't as bad as it seems when stoning the design.  I had alot of fun with this set... and only hope that all that behold it will think its as EXTRA FLY as i do :)

Custom designs are my favorite because I know in the end I'm making something that clients can appreciate as exclusively theirs :)

-Chandra

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

As another day sets

I started this blog a few months back in an effort to have a dialog about all things "Posh". I begin writing as the day nears an end and my period of daily refection begins. Today, begins a new phase for me... I'd like to think of it as documentary Posh. LOL.. Yeah I know... :) I work so hard at creating things, that I sometimes forget to slow down and enjoy life's moments. There has been a recent series of events that has encouraged me to reflect on "why" I'm working so hard. Even though this blog is about Posh, I feel the need/urge to personalize it a bit.. So I'm making a commitment to try and jot something down via my blog daily. Today begins my journey of documenting my moments, whether they be "Posh" or "Personal"...

So here goes...

On May 7th, I had a tea date with a new friend that I'm sure will be a lifelong one. I'm such a nerd about certain things that are always on my list of things I want to do but never have anyone to do them with. Tea at the Ritz was def one of them. I had such a wonderful time chatting with Ms. Jolyn and her daughter-inlaw... We talked about Posh quite a bit and they both had great advice on things I can do to try and stay sane :) Of the things that I jotted down, I felt most urgent to fulfill these three:
  1. to journal about posh daily
  2. GET A HELPER
  3. join facebook

I know these things sound really simple but for me they are a huge deal.. Mainly because I just don't have any extra time to spare.

Until today I had not begun journaling.. So I decided to start here.

Until today, I didn't have a HELPER (other than my dear.. sweetest husband in the world.. who would do anything I ask.. except cut fabric..lol) But now I do.. Her name is Dorcas and she's in charge of "Mission Organization" at Posh Headquarters.. The plus is that she has retail experience in inventory control! Boy I hit the JackPOT

Until yesterday, I didn't have a facebook page.. and even though I'm still officially ANTI-SOCIAL networking.. I must admit that I like the structure.. Still don't have time to message alot but the idea is to get all of my stuff on the page and try to keep my network of friends updated on all the stuff I'm doing without them having to visit my site.. I'm bringing Posh to "their house".. lol OK .. i know im rambeling

Until "Belle" went missing, I didn't understand the meaning of appreciating love while its around.. We are never guaranteed another day.. (BTW Belle was a Yorkie my husband found in our driveway... I still think she was an angel sent by God to make me slow down and remember to LOVE!)

A special thanks to Mrs. Jolyn for encouraging me to do this during our Tea date.. You'll never know how much your words meant.. I'm still working on my other "homework" assignments..

Tea at the Ritz with Mrs. Jolyn and her DL :)

To Belle.. wherever you are.. thanks for stopping by and gracing my home with your warmth
Belle, the night we found her


I'll end here saying, remember yesterday, enjoy today, and embrace tomorrow..

Jesus is Love :)

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