On the Cusp of a New Year 12.31.14

 

 

(Photo by Bridget Levi & Brianna Meyer of Still Life Studios)

 

It's New Years Eve.
 And oh wow....the crazy amounts of possibilities that come with the start of a fresh new year!  My mind has been spinning...and I've made ridiculous amounts of notes in the past 48 hours. 

My word for 2014 was "LEGIT"....I was all about legitimatizing all aspects of my business and making sure that I was doing everything correctly in terms of insurance, accounting, taxes, contracts...ya know all the SUPER DUPER "boring" stuff.  Well, at least it was stuff that I found to be boring...because I'd much rather be doing anything CREATIVE, FUN, involving PEOPLE. 

But...in order to set myself up for a scalable successful business I knew I HAD to embrace all of my unknowns...and while yes, I knocked off several "to do list" items...I'm not done...with my "legitness" nor will I ever be, it's just part of entrepreneurship.  My hopes are that one day I'll be able to employ an Office Manger to rock this part of the biz...until then it's all me baby. (and my amazing tax accountant, thank goodness).

  So what's next...I thought I'd be brave and post a few goals of mine for 2015...because sharing helps me stay accountable. 

1.)  "Domestic" ~ yes. domestic, that's my "word" for 2015.  I've been a mama for 2 years now, and that word still scares me.  This past year, I was told a few times that I was a "super mom".... that just made me cringe.  Because I'm far from that.  Yes, I run a growing business, yes I have two little rock star baby dolls, and yes I share the highlights of my life online that many "appear" like I'm "doing it all"....but lemme tell ya, I'm not a "super mom."  I rarely cook, never meal plan, don't grocery shop consistently, and there are constantly piles of unfolded laundry in our home.  I took a personality test recently and it indicated that "my type" becomes "easily bored when things repeat themselves and too much detailed work and care is required." (this also explains my struggles with book keeping.) So...learning that made me feel a little less "guilty"...but in order to create a home more cozy and functional for my sweet family I know this is an area I need to put more emphasis on.  I just need to find ways to make cooking and laundry more fun.  Like....trying to bust out a load of laundry out while watching a new show after the babies go to bed...if I could do one load a day, that's all it would take.  Or cooking twice a week and setting up the dining room table like a mini party (because I do LOVE entertaining, that's for sure). 

2.) "Using My Voice More Authentically" This year I felt like a held back a lot, and second guessed myself way too much. I spent too much time comparing myself to others in my industry (something everyone is guilty of doing at certain points of their life).  My eyes were certainly opened to a bigger spectrum of this wedding/event management world and I met a lot of really cool peeps...but I also pulled back (somewhat unconsciously) on being "me".  And the truth is...at the end of the day...in my line of work...people want/need to see who "YOU" really are....because I'm selling "myself."...which is super weird to begin with, but it's part of the business that I've accepted and embraced...and I'm ready to rock my "J.Starr"ness more :)

3.) "Blog Changes" And here's where goals 1 & 2 collide.  I'd like to "change" up things on the blog.  As a part of embracing more of my "domestic" and "authentic" sides... I'd like to share a new series on the blog....a "Stylizing Series." This is where I'd like to showcase people and highlight their talents...and offer more tips on how to better "stylize" or "inspire" day to day living.  This can range from goal setting, fashion, home improvements, health & wellness, entertaining, managing money, etc.  I'd like to stick with all topics that interest me personally.  So if you'd like to be featured or would like to nominate someone for this series please let me know. 

4.) "Business Book Club" Yep. I'm starting one.  Because as I mentioned in goal one, I get easily bored with repeated things...so I need to make reading FUN and social.  So, if you're an entrepreneur and would like to join...please let me know. 


And with this, I will wrap up...As always I appreciate you reading and supporting... and I encourage you to share your goals....feel free to share them in the comments below...

I sincerely hope to use this blog more to write and share about all things creative, ideas to "stylize" and & "inspire" life's journey.  Until then....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~ J.Starr

"The Wednesday Weekly" 11.5.14

(Oh the difference one year can make...Hannah & Emma Celebrating their 2nd Halloween}



~THE WEDNESDAY WEEKLY~ 

Monday October 27th, 2014 ~ Sunday November 2nd, 2014

 



Highlights of last week included:
~Tons and tons of Halloween Fun with our little ones.  I remember not that long ago seeing photos of friends' children all dressed up for Halloween and I craved to be a mommy so bad.  I say it over and over again, but I STILL can't believe I have two of my very own little trick or treaters now.  Having children is by far the coolest thing ever, having children + the holidays = the BEST.
~Business advancement with J.Starr.  Step by step, things keep moving forward. This year has taught me SO many booty kicking lessons about entrepreneurship.  I'm looking forward to some upcoming projects....including a NEW WEBSITE, coming soon!
~FUN Design Consultation a J.Starr Bride to Be, can't wait to see this wedding concept unfold.
~Attended a great fundraiser for a very special little boy
 

Fab finds:
(I asked my sweet intern Megan to select this week's "fab finds")
~Confetti Push Pops from Anthropologie , how darling are these for the holidays?
~Brickyard Buffalo, this website has ton of fun, quirky finds, and very cost friendly prices.
 

Yes this actually happened:
~After an action packed three day stint...Justin was shooting a wedding and the babies took a very long afternoon nap...I found myself on the couch binge watching Scandal season four and eating way too many cake pops.
 

Something Inspiring:

 

 

Baby Moments I Want to Remember:
~The way Emma magically started saying "Tick Teet" while passing out candy Halloween Night, the cutest!
~The way Hannah gives "tackle" hugs, best feeling ever.

 ~A FEW PHOTOS~
 

Highlights From Last Week....

Picking Pumpkins

All they wanna do these days is RUN

The days of posed photos are over...

Ewe, Daddy!

 

Just moments after Emma sprayed milked....everywhere

They really enjoyed carving pumpkins!

Justin had to close the clinic on Halloween, so the four of us celebrated together Thursday night...

Which simply resulted in eating Rubios in the car, and then letting these two run around some baseball fields for awhile.

Up and down and up and down...

My Girls...

So Fun...

Halloween Night me and the girls spent the evening down in Casa Grande with my parents.  Grandpa got to take his little Tinkerbells trick or treating.

 

The first house we took them to had creepy music, fog machines going, and tons of real life witches everywhere....well that kind of "spooked" them for the rest of the journey.

 

But, after "warming up a bit" they thoroughly enjoyed passing out candy (especially Emma)

 It was so fun for them to get to spend this time with their Grams and Gramps

 

Then Saturday evening, my dear friend Melissa hosted her 3rd Annual Costume Party Fundraiser for her little boy Gregory who has Galactosemia.

 

The theme was "Western" and this is my little Hannah, SOAKED because she was obsessed with the big fountain that was center stage in the big beautiful backyard.

 Hannah and Emma had a BLAST playing with Liam...Justin and I spent the evening chasing these two around everywhere....my apologies to my friends who were there that we weren't able to have any decent conversations with ;)

 

 

 

{Giveaway!} Fabulous People You Should Know Vol. 1

 

Meet Kim Nicholls, A Fabulous Person You Should Know.

 

Kim Nicholls, Owner of Sugar Dove

Gilbert, AZ 85297
480.234.9495

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugardovejewelry
https://www.facebook.com/SugarDoveJewelry?fref=ts
Instagram #sugardove #sugardovejewelry


What type of business do you own or are you associated with? 
I'm the proud owner of Sugar Dove.  I make handmade unique jewelry which include: bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings.  They have a vintage, boho chic feel...there is something for everyone in the Sugar Dove shop.
What made you decide to open your own business?
It was my husband’s idea. He loved seeing my jewelry creations and the smile it put on my face. He always says to me, “I want you to do what makes you happy, and this makes you happy.” So I went for it! And here we are.
What inspires your work?  
 My life, my friends, animals and my mood inspire me.  I never know what I will come up with.  It's always different and special.  I try not to duplicate too many of my pieces, but on some occasions I do because they are irresistible!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?  "Follow my heart." My dad told me that, years ago when I wanted to go to Art School.  And I have ever since.
What makes your business/job special?
Working in the art field and having my own business is awesome. My amazing husband always supports me and helps me with my shows; I couldn’t do it without him. I have a small little family but my husband and son are my biggest fans and that’s the best feeling I could have. The Sugar Dove collection definitely stands out from the rest because it’s unique, fun, whimsy, beautiful and made with love. I’m proud of each piece I’ve made with my two hands.
What has been your proudest moment from owning your own business?
My proudest moment is when I see the joy my artwork brings to others. It makes my heart smile and I know that I’m doing what I was meant to do. Bringing happiness to others is the greatest gift.
If you were a rock star who would it most likely be and why? 
 Katy Perry of course!  She is true to herself and goes after what she wants.  I love her style, her colorful imagination and her big heart.  I also love how her songs always tell a story of a moment in her life.  My artwork tells my story.  Whether it's my jewelry, paintings, or my tattoos.  Everything has a deep meaning to me.
  How does your business relate to or benefit the Wedding Industry?
I know there are some funky, vintage, boho chic style brides out there who would love my jewelry. Just one unique piece that shows who you are, makes a big statement. I’ve designed custom locket necklaces for bridesmaids and I’ve made custom brooches for a bride’s bouquet.  The lockets are cool for brides to use to ask their friends to be her bridesmaid.  Brides can put a piece of paper inside the locket with the question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?" or "Will you be my maid of honor?" The lockets are large enough to do that.  It's a cool idea and I've made some for a bride already.  The loved it!

 

Enter to Win!  {Featured Giveaway Item!}

Kim is giving away an antique brass locket with Czech glass beads and an antique brass chain.  The length is 12" with an additional 1.5" for the locket.  The value is $40.00 plus $3.50 for shipping, Kim is covering the entire cost for one of you lucky readers! Plus it will arrive in a cute box!

How to Enter ~ SUPER SIMPLE:
1.) Must already "like" my J.Starr Facebook Business Page:
https://www.facebook.com/jstarrstylizedweddings?ref=hl

2.) Head on over to Sugar Doves Facebook Page and "like it":
 https://www.facebook.com/SugarDoveJewelry?fref=ts

3.) Leave a comment on my blog, with your favorite song lyric {or the first one that comes to your mind}.

That's It!

**Your number will be assigned according to the order in which you comment on my blog {example, first comment = #1}

Winner will be found by using a true random number generator www.random.org **

Winner will be announced on Tuesday!  Have fun, and if you are a dude, don't be shy...enter, it will make a great gift for your wife, mom, sister, grandma, or friend!

We Have a Winner!!!

BIG CONGRATS this morning to: Sara Sorensen soon to be "Mrs. Sara Tran"...for being the #2  commenter on this blog post....and therefore winning a $100.00 Visa Gift Card!!!  A big thank you to all who entered!! 

Happy Friday All!!!

Me and My Buddy Stephen Baldwin (Flashback 2011)

Last year, I received a phone call from a screen writer..... asking me if I would be interested in putting together an event for her writers group in which Stephen Baldwin would be speaking at. Ummm.... okay? I was confused. I quickly put together a proposal and sent it over....and received a phone call that day saying "okay let's do this, Stephen says thank you and let's move forward".

 Overall my first celebrity event was a big success, he's a great public speaker, very personable and super funny....not to mention a great client!

 I'd love to be able to work with him again!

P.S. Ummm....have you registered yet to win the J.Starr One Year Anniversary $100.00 Giveaway??? All you have to do is:

1.) Be J.Starr Fan on Facebook, by clicking HERE and "Liking" my page

2.) Leave a comment on THIS BLOG...simple state your favorite movie line

Winner announced on Friday!



Celebrating (a Belated) One Year!!!

Did you miss the J.Starr One Year Anniversary Celebration Party??? Don't worry...I missed it too! I guess that's a good sign, business was so busy my first year, I didn't even have time to celebrate! But If I did, I'm sure it would have been a fabulous event ~ complete with trees made of cotton candy and a firework display!


I will always consider my "first" official J.Starr business debut day to be: March 24th, 2011. And today I want to take a moment to stop, breathe, relax, celebrate and appreciate all that has happened.

~That was the night of the Wedding and Event Networking Party that I coordinated the "Flashing Lights" fashion show.

~It was the first night I handed my J.Starr business cards, with my logo and my cell phone number

~It was the first night that my website went live

~It was a time when I felt totally vulnerable ... thinking the most critical thoughts of myself in my head and wondering what people were thinking....

 

 

But it's those moments in life, when you really have to PUSH yourself PAST all the noise in your head and JUST FREAKIN DO IT. Put yourself out there, make yourself vulnerable....that's the only way to really grow sometimes, professionally and personally. I now look back months later and think to myself wow....What would have happened if I didn't do that? Sometimes taking that first step towards your dream is the hardest part, add in some passion and dedication and things just start to happen.

I'm so proud to say that in my first year of busniess J.Starr Stylized Weddings :

~Coordinated the WEN "Flashing Lights" Fashion Show

~Took 2nd Place and was even featured on the news for the NACE Elements Design Competition

~Coordinated First Celebrity Event

~J.Starr Team Coordinated and Provided Floral Design for 7 weddings

~Provided Coordination and Design at the Phoenician for the AZ Weddings Holiday Mixer

~Booked First Destination Wedding

~Booked an Additional 8 Upcoming Weddings for 2012

~Booked an Additional 5 Upcoming Weddings for 2013

AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING BABY!

I feel so grateful for all that has happened, I'm shocked, and even more driven to keep business evolving! I truly have so many people to thank for all the support they've shown me...that I wont even begin to list names right now... but I will in a future post. I heart you all so much!!!!

So let's celebrate! I'm feeling excited and generous... How about a giveaway??? Okay, if you WIN you will recieve a 100.00 visa gift card to spend on anything your little heart desires!!! How cool is that??

Here's the requirements to enter and YES anyone can enter!!!

1.) You must be a Fan of the J.Starr Stylized Wedding Business Page (if you aren't already) (LIKE ME BY CLICKING HERE)
2.) You have to leave a comment on the blog post {below} Please leave one of your all time favorite movie lines.

That's All! I'll post the winner (chosen randomly) next week, so stayed tuned Peeps and thanks for playing!!! Have a fab weekend!