Q&A with CampusDibs Co-Founder, Scott Poniewaz
Happy MLK Weekend everyone!! As you know we love to connect with other young entrepreneurs following their dreams...so today we are thrilled to bring you an interview with Scott Poniewaz, Co-Founder of CampusDibs. CampusDibs is a fully functioning sale site dedicated to the needs of today's college student. We are super psyched to be apart of this week's CampusDibs Newsletter and hope you check out our interview with Scott as well as their awesome site.
CampusDibs Team: Garren Givens, Manish Vora and Scott Poniewaz
CMar: What is CampusDibs and how did you originate the idea for it?
Scott: It wasn’t long ago that we were digging for change in the cushions for beer money, and realized it would be awesome if we could help students live large on the cheap with brands they already know, while also introducing up-and-coming products, services and brands (like c. marchuska). Students have similar needs across the country, so we offer everything from deals at the local pizza place all the way up to products like dorm furnishings, textbooks, or spring break travel. We also provide the opportunity for amazing experiences like NJ Nets basketball games or touring Broadway shows like Rock of Ages.
CMar: Who currently is a part of the CampusDibs team and how did you meet?
Scott: We have a great team with Garren Givens, Manish Vora and I as the co-founders of the company. We were all born in Wisconsin and somehow connected in New York through various entrepreneur and startup channels here in the city. We also have a few full-time staff and interns from schools like Baruch, Columbia, and Trinity (and we’re still looking for more).
CMar: What role has social media played in your business?
Scott: Colleges have inherent offline social networks that are tightly knit. One person telling their 3 roommates has been a great benefit with campuses. Facebook and Twitter referral programs are also key to helping spread Campus Dibs to different campuses around the country.
CMar: Where do you see CampusDibs 5 years from now?
Scott: We’ll still be putting together great offers for students and introducing them to the best things out there. Given the pace at which things move in modern times and in technology, we have a feeling there will be a much different experience we’ll be building on to bring everything awesome to students. Who knows, maybe we’ll have space travel for spring break by then!
CMar: Have you always been an entrepreneur?
Scott: I definitely did not take a direct path to where I am today. I grew up in Wisconsin and started college at the University of Montana studying art education, graduated with a photojournalism degree, landed a job teaching photo programs in Southeast Asia for a teen travel company, then ended up building their India operations and other Asian markets before leaving the safety of a salary and jetsetting to take the leap of faith to help launch Campus Dibs. Along the way, I’ve done everything from ski instructing to graphic design to cooking. Versatility is an important trait for entrepreneurs.
CMar: What inspires you?
Scott: Success, but not in the financial sense. Everything I do, I want to do well. I think Garren, Manish and I all share the same workaholic ethic, simply because we have that drive to succeed in everything we do. You should see us at our company bowling parties, you’ll definitely see that drive come out in all of us (laughing).
CMar: What's the most important thing you have learned from starting this business?
Scott: Aside from keeping all of our students happy and saving them money, it is the ability to reflect on how each decision effects the business, then move our strategy forward or pivot quickly based on that information. From my time in India for my previous company, it would definitely be that a cup of tea can go a long way.
CMar: Will you be featuring more green companies going forward? Is it an initiative for your site?
Scott: As we grow, we want to definitely feature more green companies on our site. One of our partnerships is with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and they have been very adamant about doing a series of local, green deals for their campus. We think college students today are more conscious and supportive of eco-friendly brands and of course, we love them too!
Thank you so much Scott!!! Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
Until next time stay eco-fabulous,
CMar xoxo
Glitter, Glisten, & Gloss with k*ritt Jewelry
Looking to add a little "bling" to your life?
k*ritt Copper Lava Bangle - $75
Something that'll make sure you stand out at all of those swanky holiday dinners and make a statement at all of those LES parties?
k*ritt Citrine & Zirconia drop earrings - $60
How about the chance to rock handmade pieces that are just as unique as you are?
k*ritt Signature asymmetrical necklace - $220
Well, jewelry designer Kim Rittberg has exactly what your looking for. The New Yorker's handmade necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings have been featured everywhere from Women's Wear Daily and the New York Post to Daily Candy and Playboy. The television producer/jewelry designer is a self-proclaimed art-lover and her aim to ensure k*ritt fans "will never be another face in the crowd" has made her fashion-forward jewels an industry favorite.
Meet... Kim Rittberg!
Kim Rittberg of k*ritt Jewelry
Angel: What is k*ritt jewelry and how did you come up with the idea to start your own line?
Kim: I had been studying fine arts for many years and in college I studied Art History. I've always been extremely passionate about drawing, painting, sculpture - you name it, I made it! Or I hounded it down in museums and galleries to gawk at for hours!
I had been making clothing, purses and jewelry just for pleasure when I was young. But after college, it really kicked into high-gear. I travelled around the world for a year and I was incredibly inspired by the colors, stones and cultures I saw in Australia, Asia and Europe. I bought materials in the different countries and made jewelry throughout that year. Additionally - I realized the value of a few great necklaces when you only have one backpack to pick from!
When I returned to New York City, I kept wearing my own creations and got stopped on the subway by strangers asking about them! After my initial shock of having a stranger speak to me, I realized then, if people are so excited about unique art-inspired jewelry that they'll break the rule of not talking to strangers on the subway - then I'll make it available for sale!!
Angel: What challenges have you faced with being a young entrepreneur in NYC? Competing with other jewelry lines as an eco-conscious company?
Kim: As a small business, you are always challenged to find new ways to expand your market and introduce the product to new consumers. The good thing about being in NYC is that there are customers who really are looking for cool new artistic concepts and designs. Plus there is a strong network of entrepeneurs looking to team up and break the barriers together! It's a challenge going up against the big brands but i try to focus on what I do well, which is working directly with customers, one-of-a-kind pieces and making things people can't find elsewhere!
Angel: How is your line sustainable and what techniques to you use to ensure your work is as eco-friendly as possible?
Kim: I work in NYC and make everything by hand, I recycle and run many errands either on mass transit or my bike. When i have items that I am not selling or making anymore I almost NEVER throw anything out. When I have extra items, I donate pieces to charities like Safe Horizons (which aids battered women) for events. For example, I have donated my jewelry for many years for their Mother's Day. I also melt down scrap metals that can't be used right now and I refurbish vintage items to make new, eco-friendly pieces. I also try to find out as much as I can about the stones and materials I am using.
Angel: You also work in television. How do you manage the task of balancing work in the media with being an entrepreneur in the fashion industry?
Kim: You just don't sleep! I'm mostly kidding when I say that.
You have to really work hard and can't say no to opportunities, so there is a bit of an imbalance when it comes to relaxing. Television can be very unpredictable so I've had to figure out ways that I can work remotely, on-the-go and truth be told - necessity is the mother of all invention, right!! You push yourself to be more efficient, find ways to make your worlds meld and most importantly, find small ways to have some down time to recharge your batteries.
Angel: What inspires you to make a specific piece, and how long does it typically take to finish a piece of jewelry?
Kim: I get inspired by anything and everything! I'm a big art lover, so if I'm in a museum or gallery, chances are the wheels are turning in my head by what I'm looking at. Some of my pieces are really geometrically-inspired, like my Asymmetrical line, which has been featured in Women's Wear Daily and Playboy. For those, I decided in advance, I planned to make a necklace unlike any other - not a pendant on a chain and that it would lay in an unusual manner.
Other times I see an incredible stone or fabric that really sparks my creativity and I try to think of a way to utilize it that is unusual or hasn't been seen before.
Other times it's a chain reaction -- I worked on a fabric "lei" for The Hurricane Club in NYC for all their waitresses.
Hurricane Club - Commissioned Piece
Once I worked on that, I started looking at other fabrics in new ways. I gave a sidelong glance at a stash of leather that I had and decided i wanted to test the boundaries with what might work. That's now a part of my "mixed materials necklaces" collection! That is also tribally-inspired, I like that it reminds me of tribes and battle!
Angel: What's next with k*ritt jewelry?
Kim: It's top secret! I'm working on some great new pieces... the only hint is that they will be sparkly and beautiful! I have a trip planned to Brazil and London, so I'm hoping to get some great new stones and ideas!
Angel: Any last words???
Kim: I do a lot of custom work - for brides to give to bridesmaids or people for special events. So I want people to know I'm really accessible and love to work one-on-one with customers! Give us a shout!
If you're interested in purchasing items from Kim's line, visit krittjewelry.com. Her jewelry is also available at Outerluxe in Larchmont, NY; Presence in Woodbury, NY; Roseark in West Hollywood, CA; and Nora Blue at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV.
-Angel
Tia Walker Takes c. marchuska on the ‘Quest… for “It”‘
Dear eco-fashionista/nisto,
I do apologize for being blinded by HOLIDAY bliss... but I figured it best that I let you all enjoy friends + family over the Thanksgiving break without making them compete for your attention with the weekly c. marchuska Q & A.
But I do have a special treat for you all!
"It" is in the form of a (Norfolk, VA-born) New Yorker whose passion - and passport - have made her a successful blogger. She's written about celebrity and society from Los Angeles to London for the past four years. Her "it" factor stamp has landed her gigs blogging for famed photographer Patrick McMullan, and her own blog's content has been picked up by UPTOWNMagazine.com for exclusive scoops on African American society, celebrity, fashion and culture.
Who is this "it" girl, you ask? What made her quest for all things lifestyle & luxury a sought-after brand?
Well, now that you've forgiven me for last week's Wednesday hiatus, it'll be my pleasure to introduce... Tia Walker.
[Photo courtesy of Ann Watt]
Angel: What is "The Quest for 'It'"?
TIA: "The Quest for 'It'" brand was initially based on my experiences in art, fashion and media. Since its inception, it has been directed to an aspirational lifestyle concept. Originally it spoke of my personal goal of being the influential, trend-setting, party chick that lies deep within most women. The beauty of the brand and its evolution has been that it is all very organic and is no longer in my personal voice but rather done in the 3rd person, which is more universal.
Angel: And how were you able to develop that persona into the voice behind your blog?
TIA: To date, my blog has NEVER received coverage or been written about by any other major news source (i.e. the Times, WSJ, NY Post, etc.), yet it still manages to be a highly-recognized resource for a lot of well-positioned people in New York and in other major cities. We’d certainly love press and recognition from a major news source, but as it never happened, we just keep growing organically and providing quality content with an aspirational lifestyle in mind - It’s ALL about the quest.
Angel: Why did you choose this as your career?
TIA: I never CHOSE being a professional blogger as a career it CHOSE me—I’ve been accidentally lucky with it all. I started in September 2005 and back then there were no bloggers to model yourself after, like there is now. It was more of a need to have something to say, to report, to inspire. This has always been a “journalistic” venture for me.
Angel: You said that not being able to register for Fashion Week in 2005 was one of the primary inspirations for starting your "it" blog. What other obstacles have you encountered that have helped you gain success and stay relevant?
TIA: The only obstacles I've had to overcome is the cropping up of similar blogs that are patterned after my blog's original style or content. That can be annoying, particularly when they "borrow" catch phrases or use wording that is clearly attributable to 'The Quest for 'It'" and my persona as a blogger. Like [recording artist] Pink once said, "Imitation is NOT the sincerest form of flattery." But other than that, I still feel I've never lost my relevancy, because I've never lost the joie de vivre that brought me into this field in the first place - PASSION.
Angel: What has been your favorite event to cover and why?
TIA: Definitely, the 6th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in 2007. I was wearing a long, navy blue, designer evening dress and reporting on the red carpet as an independent blogger by video. I was standing directly next to A&E, a few spots over from MTV News, and we were the ONLY ones directly on the carpet, besides "Extra" and New York One’s George Whipple. Christie Brinkley, Robert DeNiro, Chaz Palminteri... they all whisked by. It was AMAZING. First time out covering the event - ever - and ALL of the other press were standing behind the rope, clamoring for their interviews.
Angel: You and c. marchuska have had a great relationship over the past few years, and you've graced plenty of red carpet events in her designs. What has been your favorite?
TIA: After wearing so many c. marchuska looks: Sylvia, Lindsey, Chrissie Jean, Leslie, etc., I would have to say the Monika dress. I’ve worn it and been photographed in it in just about EVERY color.
Angel: What other sustainable businesses or products are you a fan of?
TIA: I am more of a fan of big-ticket items that are sustainable like cars - I think everyone should have a Prius.
No seriously, I like to think I start by being conscious and wearing eco-friendly clothing. I‘m also a fan of Earth Friendly brand cleaning products - they make dish liquid, laundry detergent, the works!
Angel: What's next for 'The Quest for "It'"?
TIA: A little of this a little of that. I'm not at liberty to share too much but I can say that we are examining new and exciting ways to make both the "traditional" and the "non-traditional" work for us; people enjoy what they can relate to.
If you're interested in all things Tia has to say about fashion, media and lifestyle, visit her blog, The Quest for "It," and catch up on her posts for UPTOWN Magazine here.
Til then, parting is such sweet sorrow... but another virtual meet-and-greet is right around the corner for next Wednesday. Until then, stay fabulous, stay green 
-Angel
Closet Diet 101: where do your clothes end up when they’re done?
Back to school shopping was one of my favorite times of the year growing up. Once those back to school advertisements hit the airwaves, I knew it was time to ditch the old shirts, pants, and kicks to adopt the latest trends being pimped out at major department stores. I was one of those bold kids that loved working the latest fashion fad. From bell bottom pants to pointy heels (yes I said bell bottoms, don't judge me!) I collected the newest style craze, flaunting my new clothes in the school halls with pride.
Don't get me wrong, my back to school shopping wasn't a frivolous shopping spree to pump my closet full of things I didn't need. I patronized the department stores in hopes of replacing pants past repair, shirts that no longer fit, and substituting shoes that had seen better days.
But all the new wares had to go somewhere, which meant my closet needed a good cleaning and I...HATED...this purging process. It was so hard to part with things that had been in my closet for years. Even if they were discolored and torn, they held a strange nostalgic quality that made it so hard to cast them aside. I also had a tough time determining where to actually dispose of the clothes. Being the oldest sibling had the perk of giving away clothes as "hand-me-downs", but I couldn't hand down things my sisters just refused to take. So I had two options:
1) donate clothes to thrift stores and other organizations
2) dispose of the clothes
Seems simple enough right? For clothes in good condition, I would wash and bag them nicely, dropping them off at the local Desert Industries (utah's salvation army equivalent). Clothes that weren't wearable were thrown into the trash. I didn't really think about the effect this had the environment, because I made some assumptions, the most common one being, "well cotton comes from mother earth so clothes should easily decompose when they are thrown away. No harm to the environment done!"
My line of thinking wasn't far from average. In fact, Americans dispose an average of 68 pounds of clothes per person annually. You didn't read it wrong--68 pounds of clothes are tossed away per person every year. Count all your close family members, their friends, friends of friends, then multiply that by 68. That's a whole lot of pounds.
When it comes to cleaning those closets and skimming out the extra stuff, a lot of reusable clothes end up in landfills. This is definitely no bueno for three main reasons 1) most materials used in your everyday clothes are not environmentally friendly and will not decompose in a timely fashion 2) the harsh chemicals used to dye the clothes can get all mixed up in the soil and drinking water of local communities and 3) perfectly reusable clothing is trashed, when it could serve another purpose.
So what are your options when your closet starts reaching an obese status?
Resell: If you're the type that keeps all your clothes in tip top shape, try reselling them to a local consignment shop like Buffalo Exchange. These stores will pay you cash for what the clothes are now worth (or give store credit), then repair and resell the items to the public. So it's a win win. Not only do you rid yourself of those items lurking in the back of your closet since '99, your clothes are given a second life with a new customer. Even if you abhore those sparkly hammer pants from 8th grade, they could be another man/woman's wardrobe treasure:)
Donate: Goodwill and Salvation Army are the donation kings when it comes to clothing. There are hundreds of locations of these organizations all over the nation, so there really is no excuse to not haul those extra clothes on over to your local thrift shop. If you are automobily impaired (talking to you citydwellers lol) you can also have the store pick up your unwanted items. You don't get a cut of the profit from the sale of the clothes like a consignment shop, but you get the great feeling of having your clothes used for a good cause.
Rework: If you are really creative you can reuse your clothing items. I know many a girl who have taken scissors to jeans that are a tad too short to be worn seriously in public, crafting a "new" pair of shorts. Relax your mind and let your creative juices flow, who knows what could be cut, sewn, and glued together out of those seeminly unappealing "throw away" clothes.
There you have it folks. There are so many other options for where to put those clothes when they are no longer in your dressing repertoire. Out with the old and in with the new has taken on a whole new meaning:)
What's your closet "diet"? Do you have a favorite place to take those unwanted clothes?
Thanks for reading, and as always
stay fly;)
-CBlack
Holiday run down–Eco Week in Wrap up
The weekend is upon us, which means it's time for our weekly wrap up. With Thanksgiving Day around the corner it's imperative we pay our respects to the holiday, with an eco twist of course;)
HOW TO EAT
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday almost solely for the food. The Blacken family holds nothing back in the kitchen on this gloriously gluttonous (and of course thankful) day, and I assume your family throws it down in the kitchen like it's the last supper. Don't fret about all the energy it takes to keep those ovens churning and pots boiling, Sierra Magazine has great tips on how to green your Thanksgiving feast. Turn those burners down when you can, buy local and organic ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to a fabulously green holiday.
WHAT TO BUY
Yes, Thanksgiving is less than a week away, but that doesn't mean you can't start planning for the season of giving! (stores want to sell you Santa on Black Friday so you might as well give in right??). I know some people are still in denial about winter nipping at our heels, particularly those folks who are rocking shorts with NO tights in this frigid weather (you know it's cold out here, stop frontin!!). What better way to prepare for the season than with eco friendly winter gear? Snag a jacket or great vest from our fav outdoor eco friendly company Patagonia. It could be the gift that loved one has been waiting for.
WHAT TO READ
For those of you traveling far and wide during the holidays, I feel your pain. It ain't easy jet setting during one of the busiest travel days of the year. To ease that jet lag and airport boredom, check out our latest posts on your journey>>DC vs. NYC Fashion, Cmar Featured on WEtv, and AskHim: Are we what we wear?. Get that kindle/laptop/smartphone ready for some C. Marchuska browsing:D
Take care over the holiday, eat lots of grub,
and as always
stay fly;)
-Christina Blacken
DC vs NYC: Fashion War?
DC Fashion is all about the working man and woman. Never have I ever witnessed corporate America look so trendy, until I stepped foot into the District. The guys and gals here actually resemble the mannequins we see in stores like Banana Republic, Express, & Nordstrom, almost identically. My days of wondering "Who would really wear a blazer like that?" are over for sure.
It all began on the metro at approximately 1:0opm. The time that a lot of people take their lunch break in hopes of avoiding the large noon crowd of lunch goers, but since everyone is trying the same method...1 o'clock gets just as crowded. A body of pencil skirts, slacks, blazers, suits, ties, & button ups crowded the train. A woman in a black v-neck skirt suit was standing next to me and I happened to notice her leopard print pumps and shortly thereafter a red ribbon waist-belt meticulously wrapped around her white button-up underneath her blazer. "How Pizazz?" I thought to myself. My first day in DC and I've already found some fashion relief. From that moment on I had begun observing DC fashion and, irresistibly, comparing it to NYC fashion.
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
How does DC compare to NYC fashion? Realistically, it doesn't. NYC isn't called one of the Fashion Capitals of The world for no reason...it is truly in a ballpark of it's own. However, DC fashion helps you notice and appreciate the simpler things that personalize and make an outfit standout; The true essence of fashion. It's so easy to get wrapped up in NYC's super hip, super trendy, super bold designs and mixed matches...the neon greens with the oranges, the biker boots with the ruffle skirts, the chic black dress with the glittered accent jackets. But, with all that going on...it's just as easy to miss the simple things like patterns, shoes, accent colors, bags, jewelery, & scarves. That's the breath of relief in DC fashion...that's their stronghold.
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
Since the main purpose of existence in DC is mostly working, networking, and politics... DC people seem to have mastered the "ready for anything" style. Their outfits are literally ready for work, then a cocktail after work, then to the art gala, then to a late business meeting, the bookstore, the grocery store, etc. etc. All while managing to still look prepared just in case something or someone important comes along at some point in their day. I would say that NYC is the same, but realistically, we can all pretty much cast everyone into their appropriate roles- you have the artists, the rebels, the fashionistas/fashion career inclined people, the business/wall street people, the party-goers/rockers, and so on. NYC fashion is more about the statement and less about the versatility of lifestyle.
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
DC Fashion speaks in code. They take an average outfit and make it extraordinary by adding a colored scarf or trendy shoes, glitzy jewelry or an eye catching bag, hounds tooth pea-coat vs a regular gray one, and bright colors alongside neutral attire. It's like..."Yeah I'm in the world, yeah I like fashion, but most importantly I'm keeping it real." A simple white dress with a red leather bag will do. You can try to wear zebra print leggings to the local Starbucks if you want, I can't promise that no one will stare and probably secretly think to themselves "Where does she think she is? New York City?". (Although, let me add, don't ever let anyone's opinion ever sway your fashion choices)
Photo Courtesy of Curator of DC Style
Sophisticated & contemporary, yet versatile & trendy is definitely how I'd sum up DC fashion. It's so easy to fall in love with the simplicity of the Washingtonian's style, which is why the fashion scene is picking up more than ever, having celebrated their first annual Fashion's Night Out this past September. They remind us that less is more, simple is best, and fashion is truly about personalization. But don't worry if you get bored with that...just hop a couple blocks down to Georgetown, the brainchild of NYC. I'm sure you'll get your hipster relief there.
xoxo
Liya Lahren
c. marchuska Featured on WEtv’s Bounce Back
Happy Wednesday Everyone We had the pleasure of being a part of the new web series, "Bounce Back", for WEtv and would like to take the time to introduce all of the people featured on the show. Check it out!
Special thanks to our amazing team which unfortunately was not given justice by this clip.....so let's give them serious accolades here Click on their names to find out why these peeps are SO AWESOME!!!
Blogger Meeting scene from clip:
Angel Lenise Robinson, Christina Blacken, Tia Walker & Peggie Walker & Aaron Goldfarb
Skype Discussion scene from clip:
Video Footage scene from clip:
Jonathan Monina & Sean Cunningham
Fabulous team member who was out of town during the webisode taping: Krystal Williams
Thank you SO much to all of our fans and community members who continue to help us live out our dreams! Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog coming from our newest CMar correspondent in our nation's capital 
xoxo
CMar
AskHim-Are We What We Wear?
Another Tuesday, another AskHim question 
This week, we have Lia's question on generalization amongst men and women and what we think of what the other wears.
Do men judge women according to what they wear? And if so, how exactly are they categorized? For instance, when just playfully browsing, I find myself determining whether or not I'd date a guy based off of what he is wearing alone. My friends and I have categorized business men, artists, casanovas, bums, etc. based on what they were wearing (whether we were right or not, probably wrong but just having fun guessing lol). Not to be shallow, but I'm a firm believer that what we wear and how we wear it represents our minds to a certain degree. I'm just wondering if guys register this the same way because quite frankly, I see some pretty well put together men dating the most opposite of women.
Thanks,
Lia
Hi Lia - Thanks very much for writing in to us. It's very much appreciated. I like your question. It's great. It's a true reflection on something both sexes do, but try to pretend that they don't. We all do it. We judge, we generalize, it's in our nature. We can't help it.
So, yes, men do judge women according to what they wear. Any guy who says he doesn't, is either a liar, or completely oblivious to women. We categorize women very simply..sophisticated, elegant, slutty, and clueless. Any guys who disagree with me out there, please feel free to jump right in and correct me or add more categories. Personally, I think that more categories will be added if guys do decide to jump in.
The way a woman dresses might not necessarily determine whether a guy would date them or not, mainly because, usually, a guy is wondering whether they would sleep with him or not. Of course, if the girl is slutty, the guy immediately thinks 'score' and would be one of a number of guys trying to 'win' her over. Let's be honest, by saying 'not to be shallow' means exactly that. We are shallow. And we would be lying if we said we aren't. I mean seriously, if a really ugly or badly dressed guy approaches you in a bar, would you really continue a conversation with them? No, you definitely won't. It's not about his personality or anything like that because you won't get to know his personality because you've already brushed him off.
We are shallow. Just admit it. The world would be a much better place with this kind of honesty. Guys reject girls and girls reject guys based on their initial impression. And usually, this is looks. We see it everyday, where gorgeous girls are with, let's face it, ugly guys, and vice versa. This usually happens because they are initially friends or are introduced or are part of the same group of friends, where one would give the other the chance and talk because it's polite. From there we get to know one's personality and it can progress.
I don't think it's possible for us to stop with this generalizing, and seeing as both men and women do it alike, we're both as bad as each other. Let's just be honest.
So there's another AskHim Tuesday done and dusted. Please keep those questions coming in. Send them to AskHim@cmarchuska.com. Thank you again to Lia for her honest question. Most of us guys definitely wish there were more honest girls out there like Lia Enjoy the rest of your week and feel free to comment with your own opinion on this week's question.
Eco-Pita: Eco-Fashion All Wrapped Up…November 12, 2010
The approaching holiday season has me in a rather reflexive mood. I woke up this morning not only excited for the weekend but also thankful for....eco-fashion. For fear of sounding corny let me be clear that eco-fashion encompasses two of my favorite things. Being fashion forward while remaining eco-conscious. The two are so harmonious--the union is a match made in heaven. The pair have produced wonderful offspring and this week has been no different, but the changes that have been taking place have me wondering: will I still have something to be thankful for a year from now? Is this all an eco-fad or is eco-fashion really here to stay?
Monique Pèan, Costello Tagilapietra, and Maria Cornejo are the Eco-Fashion Challenge Winners (Photo Courtesy of LivingEcho.com)
1. The CFDA and Lexus awarded three fashion forward, eco-conscious fashion designers $250,000 each for their earth-friendly designs. The designers entered the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Eco-Fashion Challenge, where they were judged mainly on aesthetics but the criteria was that their company has to be 25% sustainable or use 25% sustainable material. But is 25% really enough? Are leaders in the fashion world really moving towards full sustainability or are they capitalizing on the moment by taking a wade in the eco-dipping pool? My hope is that this is just a start and that the stakes will get even higher from here on in. My gut tells me that this is just the beginning. People are beginning to realize that we either change or risk ruining the earth permanently. Though change is slow to come, it is still coming.
Dame Vivienne Westwood (Photo Courtesy of DesignTaleStudio)
2. In addition to the financial assurance that the CFDA gave sustainable fashion reports have been swarming the blogosphere that world renowned fashion creative genius Vivienne Westwood gave this piece of advice at a London speaking engagement last month: "give up shopping for at least six months." In addition, she pushed fashion lovers to wear a towel instead of a coat. She proclaimed that at the moment, it is all about do-it-yourself."
So before you all head off to enjoy your weekends, sound off! The CFDA, the largest, and frankly, one of the most influential unions of fashion leaders, has taken note of the importance of sustainable fashion and one of the most influential creative minds in the industry has become a leading voice on the importance of eco-consciousness in lieu of fashion forwardness. Do the points I've made show that eco-fashion has a stronghold in the overall industry? What do you guys think? Do I really have something to be thankful for this holiday season? Are we experiencing a fleeting eco-trend or have we hit the jackpot and eco-fashion is something that is here to stay?
Eco-Beauty Basics: Go Green, Buy YAMERRA
Love your skin, love your hair, love you. That's the tagline for 100% natural hair and skin care company, Yamerra. Its founder, Maryam Moma is a 25-year-old fashion model who blends the beauty benefits of shea butter and essential oils with luxurious scents that'll leave you wanting more.
Angel: Yamerra is 4 years old. How did you come up with the concept to start the line and what is your company's philosophy?
Maryam: I founded Yamerra a few years after I graduated from Temple University with a degree in architecture. I enjoyed studying architecture, however- it was not my passion. I have always been immersed in the world of beauty, skincare and haircare, and fashion, being a fashion model in the industry since I was 16. I was primarily inspired to create Yamerra by my own skincare and haircare needs to create functional and useful blends for personal use with affordable and natural raw materials. I discovered that Shea butter is extremely restorative and healing for the hair and skin. I decided to mix pure Shea with essential oils and herbs to even enhance it more.
Angel: As a young entrepreneur, what steps did you take to start Yamerra and what challenges did you encounter?
Maryam: One of the first steps I took when I started Yamerra was to work vigorously to create a nutrient-rich and titillating scent palette for its products. I wanted to restore balance and radiance to my skin and hair using raw shea, and also be left smelling delectable! Closer to Yamerra’s founding, I brought a chemist on board, Victoria O., to make sure Isure herbs and essential oils did not clash to irritate the skin and hair; rather, to rejuvenate, balance and heal.
Organic Yamerra body butters in Sultry Mango and Strawberry Lemon. These luxurious creams are available in 1/2-ounce, 2-ounce and 4-ounce sizes.
Angel: Why did you choose to build Yamerra as an organic skin and hair care line?
Maryam: One of the primary reasons for making Yamerra all natural and organic is because all natural ingredients and raw materials are not only better for the skin and hair but also for the earth and environment. Yamerra is a sustainable brand. It has been an extremely important decision to keep the line organic and all natural so that it can be used and enjoyed by all, safely. Yamerra is recommended for even babies.
Angel: Your products are sold in three U.S. states, as well as international locations, Dubai and Nigeria. How do you manage Yamerra as an international brand?
Maryam: I have managed Yamerra as an international brand by making strong connections with trusted, like-minded individuals, who have used and seen the benefits of Yamerra first-hand. All the distributors/ store locations that carry Yamerra now, locally and internationally, are owned by Yamerra clients who use the product themselves. I deal with these people personally, sending them requested samples and products for retail as needed. Connecting with a store owner that is aware of what the market/ clientele needs and wants are, is easily reachable and communicates efficiently and timely is important in dealing with an international account.
Angel: Tell me about some of our most popular/favorite products. Besides your own line, are there other natural and organic companies or organizations that you support?
Maryam: We have three product lines, a two-in-one hair and body butter, luxurious body soap, and a whipped body soufflé. They come in six, very unique varying scents: Lemon Fire Bliss Lemongrass, Sultry Mango, Home Sweet Home Honey Vanilla, Be Bodacious Tangerine Grape, Sensual Bliss Jasmine Sage, and In Spring Lusciousness Peach Peppermint.
Yamerra also carries a line for mothers-to-be, nursing mothers, and newborn babies (6-12 months), plus unique seasonal creations.
Another organic product I support and use personally is Selara Faces Skincare. I love their face masks- they leave my skin firm, supple and revived. My favorite mask is their Honey Almond Exfoliator and Mask- After a home facial, I follow with another amazing product in their line- Selara Faces Skin Brightening Moisturizer. It’s is high in Vitamin E, smells incredible and leaves the skin feeling moisturized and loved.
Angel: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs, especially those who want to build sustainable, eco-friendly businesses?
Maryam: I advise that young entrepreneurs starting a small business to follow their hearts and stay true to their most original concepts. Innovation, persistence, and determination to succeed in business must factor in. Especially to individuals interested in building an eco-friendly business; do not settle for or include anything that is not from the earth, not natural and chemical-free.
Angel: Do you have any last words?
Maryam: Join the Yamerra Revolution! Enjoy Yamerra’s luxurious, affordable and long-lasting Eco-essential products made with love. Otherwise, stay far away from products containing chemicals- help sustain the earth by using and supporting Eco-friendly brands and do not forget to recycle!
For more information about Maryam and her luxurious, all-natural shea butter products, log on to her webpage or visit her blog. Follow her as she travels to and fro @Yamerra.
Kisses and cupcakes until we meet again,
♥ ✌ ☺
-Angel Lenise