Check out my Live Interview on TummelVision

TummelVisionI was recently on TummelVision! TummelVision is a podcast dedicated to technology, business, and culture. I was interviewed by hosts Heather Gold, Deborah Schultz, & Kevin Marks about my WilloToons product line, blogging, being a social super collider, and joining Stitch Labs.

Listen to my Tummelvision episode here. We chat about the creative economy, slashed identities //, and being a kick-ass entrepreneur!

tummelvision

Kevin Marks captured this great photo of TummelVision live in action!

Be sure you subscribe to the podcast to catch all their other awesome guests or listen live every Thursday at 6pm Pacific, 9pm Eastern. You can also connect with TummelVision on Twitter (@TummelVision) and like them on Facebook.

Thanks for having me, my friends!

I’m Presenting Two HOW DesignCasts!

In addition to be speaking at the HOW Design Conference in Boston this June. I am also leading two hour-long online DesignCast webinars aimed at guiding and helping creatives and designers.

My first DesignCast is Twitter for Creative Entrepreneurs, where I will show creative professionals ways to leverage their followers to their professional advantage. I will share tactics for engagement and promotion, with an emphasis on being true to yourself and your work. Sign up today to join me!

designcast_twitter

Twitter for Creative Entrepreneurs
Thursday, April 19, 2012
2:00-3:00pm Eastern

The second DesignCast I’ll be Presenting is Using Facebook to Take Your Business to the Next Level. I will explain how creatives should be using Facebook for business and how to be successful doing it. I’ll cover many topics, including: how to measure your effectiveness, how to develop content that will deepen your relationships and expand your base, and how to work with the new timeline layout.

Using Facebook to
Take Your Business to the Next Level
 Wednesday, May 9, 2012
2:00-3:00pm Eastern

Good news: If you register for both of these upcoming DesignCasts, you can get $25 off! Just use code SMDC12, and you’ll be all set.

Oh and while we’re talking discount codes, if you’re interested in joining me in Boston for HOW Design Conference, you should register using my exclusive speaker discount code HSPKR for $100 off! There I’ll be leading a session called Balancing Your Freelance Workload.

I’m so excited for all three of these, and I would love to have you join me for one or all of them!

CraftMakerCamp at SXSW!

Who’s ready for another amazing SXSW this year? Well, hold on to your pants, because I have huge news: I’m putting together the very first CraftMakerCamp at SXSW!


>> RSVP for CraftMakerCamp on Facebook <<

UPDATE: Click here to read the wrapup with photos from SXSW CraftMakerCamp! 

The event will be a full day of networking and sessions specifically tailored for indie merchants. YES! Here’s the official write-up:

CraftMakerCamp at SXSW
Are you a designer, maker, mover & shaker selling your goods online? If so, then stop by the first-ever CraftMakerCamp at SXSW to meet like-minded souls. With a full day of programming specifically developed for creative entrepreneurs, CraftMakerCamp at SXSW will inspire and educate you for a more successful and productive year ahead.

So exciting, right?! If you have (or want to start) a product-based business, CraftMakerCamp will be the perfect opportunity to network and gain valuable tools and guidance. Also, I have it on good authority there will be free beer at this location. That’s right… mark your calendars, my friends!

Sessions, Panels & Contributors – just announced!
I’m delighted to report we’ll have folks from Etsy, Outright, Spoonflower, Hello Craft, HOW Design‘s Grace Dobush (author of Crafty Superstar), IndieGoGo, Stitch Labs and more throughout the duration of this 2-day event.

Note: I’m still looking to fill a few speaker spots, please send folks my way for the ones that are *‘d below!

SUNDAY’S SCHEDULE
[add to sxsocial schedule] + [add to sched.org]

11am-12pm
*DIY Nation: How Makers Will Save the US Economy [PANEL]

12:30-1:30pm
How to Design & Print Your Own Fabric with Stephen Fraser, Spoonflower
*Have a Spoonflower story to share, or better yet, fabric to show?

2:00-3:00pm
Making the Not-So-Fun Stuff Easier So You Can Save Time and Sell More with Willo O’Brien of Stitch Labs

3:30-4:30pm
What Makers Need to Know about Money & Taxes in 30 minutes with Laura Messerschmitt and Ryan Thompson from Outright

4:30-6pm:
CraftMaker Meetup & Crafty Happy Hour with Stitch Labs & Hello Craft

MONDAY’S SCHEDULE
[add to sxsocial] + [add to sched.org]

11am-12pm
*How to Get the Attention You Deserve: Basic PR Strategies for Makers [PANEL] with Kelly Rand of Hello Craft, Grace Dobush of HOW Design and author of Crafty Superstar

12:30-1:30pm
The Psychology & Philosophy of Premium Pricing with Tara Gentile of Scout Creative Media, Adam King of Adam King Studio

2:00-3:00pm
How To Find Funding for your Design, Product or Fashion Line - a Workshop with IndieGoGo

3:30-4:30pm
*Fab or Not: Do Discount Sites Help or Hurt Independent Makers? [PANEL]

4:30-6pm:
CraftMaker Meetup/Happy Hour with Stitch Labs & Spoonflower

>> RSVP for CraftMakerCamp on Facebook <<
By doing so I can send updates on the line-up when it’s announced.

SXSW_compact

SXSW Interactive takes place:
March 9–13, 2012 in Austin, TX
Are you going?

I want to meet you!

Where you’ll find me Friday & Saturday 
I’m also planning to attend the Texas Style Council conference on Friday… and on Saturday we (Stitch Labs) will be a Showcased Startup at the TechCocktail #StartupLife Party!

Please click here & vote to help Stitch Labs win the People’s Choice award!
Here’s my post on the Stitch Labs blog all about it

Woweee, I’m so excited about all the new fabulous designers, makers, entrepreneurial movers & shakers I’m going to meet.

Hope to see you there!

Images © hownowdesign, GARNET, princess toadie

UPDATE: Click here to read the wrapup with photos from SXSW CraftMakerCamp! 

Are you ready to get WILDE?

WILDETribe2012

Well…. Are you?! Coming up this Spring, I will be presenting as a part of:

The WILDE Tribe 2012
World Council and Initiation
March 22nd-April 6th
Women of Inspired Leadership Devoted to Evolution

Created by the radiant Indigo Bacal, WILDE Tribe is a movement based in optimism, inspiration, and purpose. It’s devoted to the evolution of Inspired Female Leadership, and celebrating feminine empowerment and the unique magnificence of every woman.

The goal of WILDE Tribe is to inspire 9,999 women to courageously rise up in 2012 and declare:

“YES! I believe that a wildly beautiful new world is possible and I know it starts right now, with me.”

I am such an advocate for women’s leadership, and the uniqueness that each woman possesses. I will be joined by other creative, sassy, and wise women. Together we’ll share our wisdom, experience, and inspirations. The counsel will host one to two featured speakers and interviews daily in a teleconference format. You’re invited to join us!

I will be sharing one of my hugest passions: Creative Sustainability in Life and Business during week 2 of the Council, which is centered around “Manifesting Magnificence”! I’ll be sharing about the importance of self-care, embracing your vulnerabilities, and celebrating your strengths. I am so thrilled to be a part of this great movement and to bring inspiration and knowledge to as many women as possible.

So ladies, are you ready to gather your courage and inspiration, and give birth to your unique magnificence?

Say YES! to Inspired Female Leadership and devote yourself to the evolution in progress!

Hello Soul: Hello Marketing with Authenticity

logo_thesoulsessions

I know many creative entrepreneurs who are so fabulous at what they do, and more than anything I love hearing stories of success and expansion. That said, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with your business, especially if your specific talent is the lifeblood. There’s only one of you!

The accomplished Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls know this challenge, and have taken their expertise and developed an entire course called Hello Soul, Hello Business.

This is the course I would develop if I were
to do a business course!

The good news is, I have been given the honor to contribute, and will be leading a session all about Marketing with Authenticity. I can’t wait!

thebusinesssoulsessions_thesoulsessions

Register Sadly this session’s registration has closed, but there’s another one coming up in September, so mark your calendars & subscribe on their site so you’re sure to hear about it.

“We want to inspire a new generation of business owners who build businesses with soul, infuse them with beauty, and have a positive impact in the world.  We want those business owners to flourish, embrace abundance, and make more money than they thought possible doing what they love. And we want you to be part of that.” – HSHB

I’m thrilled to be involved, and look forward to meeting all of you who are in the course right now!

tagline_thesoulsessions

I’m Presenting at HOW Design Live

HOW MagazineFIRST of all, I love HOW Magazine, and have for many years.

SECOND of all, I have been dying to go to the HOW Design Conference for about the same amount of years.

So you can image my delight when the coordinators of the HOW Design Conference 2012 reached out to me, and asked if I would like to lead a session. Ummmmm… YES!!

So, what are all you awesome freelance designers doing in late June? Join me at HOW Design Live! I’ll be leading a session called:

Balancing Your Freelance Workload
Saturday, June 23rd, 2012, 2-3:15pm
HOW Design Conference 2012, Boston

I’ll be talking about the benefits and drawbacks of being your own boss, how to manage clients; tips for keeping everything organized, and how to deal with feeling overwhelmed. I’ll walk you through developing and sustaining work relationships, and how to work through unintentional blocks. I’ll share my expertise in communication, collaboration, and creative sustainability so that you can take your freelance work to the next level.

HOWDesignLive2012

Register today, as early bird discount pricing ends March 30th. Oh ya, and I have an exclusive HDC speaker discount code for you: Use “HSPKR” for $100 off!

Also, did I mention it will be my BIRTHDAY!? Oh yaaaa, this year I’m celebrating my birthday coast to coast, peeps, so mark your calendars! I’ll be flying into NYC for one night only (June 21st*) and celebrating with all my dear friends there, and then cruising up to Boston for the conference. So excited.

Hope I get to see you at one or both of these events on the East Coast this summer!

*My actual birthday is June 20th

I’m Speaking at Social Media Week 2012

SocialMediaWeekSocial Media Week is right around the corner! This global event is hosting their San Francisco edition February 13-17, 2012, and will offer a series of interconnected activities and conversations on emerging trends in social and mobile media across all major industries.

This year I have the delight to be involved in two great sessions. The first, is a fireside chat with keynote speaker, Elias Plishner (@SonyPictures), SVP of Worldwide Digital Media at Sony Pictures Entertainment. We’ll sit down after his keynote address to have a more intimate conversation about how social media has uniquely impacted the entertainment industry, and how it’s had an affect on the creation of art as we know it today.

Fireside Chat with Keynote Speaker, Elias Plishner of Sony Pictures
In conversation with Willo O’Brien, WilloToons + Stitch Labs
Friday, February 17th, 9:30am
Adobe San Francisco

Directly after that, I will be contributing to a panel with Tim Partridge (@hellotim) and Denny Tedesco (@WreckCrewFilm), two outrageously talented filmmakers. We’ll share our expertise in using the internet to achieve a creative vision: where art meets social media.

Both Tim and Denny garnered support for their projects, “Life in a Day” and “The Wrecking Crew” respectively, by reaching out to their online community. With support from their social media fan-base, they were able to fund their projects and improve their visibility.

I hope you can join us for this free event!

Social Media Week Panel: “Life in a Day” and “The Wrecking Crew”
Moderated by Willo O’Brien
Friday, February 17th, 11:00am
Adobe San Francisco

“Life in a Day“ is a compilation of footage from all sorts of people across the globe, all filmed on the same day. It’s a great film that showcases the beauty of humans, and all of the fantastic and fragile things that encompasses. Watch the trailer:


Find the Life in a Day project on YouTube and Facebook.

“The Wrecking Crew“ is a peek behind some of the most iconic stars in music to the musicians who made it all happen. It’s an amazing story about how a lot of the same artists recoded in the studio for every famous star from The Beach Boys to Cher, and created the music we all know and love. Watch the trailer:


Find The Wrecking Crew film on YouTube and Facebook.

Remember, most all of these events are free, you just have to register, which is pretty cool. I’m off to the VIP party tonight, and will be attending the closing party next Friday night too. Hope to see you there!

 

I’m Co-Hosting a Women 2.0 Founder Friday!

Founder Friday

Entrepreneurs, movers & shakers of all kinds converge the first Friday of every month at Founder Friday, a networking mixer put on by the awesome organization, Women 2.0. Their events have quickly become my favorite, as I’ve come away from every single one with great new friends and professional contacts.

Recently, when I announced joining on with Stitch Labs, Women 2.0 syndicated my announcement post. Now I have the honor of hosting the next Founder Friday, which is coming up next week! I hope you’ll join me: 

Friday, February 3rd, 2012
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Bluxome Street Winery
53 Bluxome Street
San Francisco, CA 94301

It’s a very social, mingling-type of an event, but there is about 30 minutes where the hosts have the opportunity to share their story of becoming a founder, and some of the lessons they’ve learned on their entrepreneurial journeys.

I’ll be speaking along with Danae Ringelmann, the Founder & COO of IndieGoGo, a phenomenal fundraising platform for everything from an artist’s next record to a family’s medical needs.

Co-Hosting with Danae couldn’t be a better fit, considering so many IndieGoGo projects are for product-based businesses. We share a community of fervent entrepreneurs following their passion and going for it to make their dreams happen. In fact, one of our customers had a successful IndieGoGo campaign and promptly signed up for Stitch, so he’s ready for business when his finished products arrive.

We will begin speaking at 7pm and I encourage you to register early, as the last one sold out! Beyond hearing us share our stories, and enjoying a delicious glass or two of Bluxome wine, this event is a great way to expand your network, share your experiences, learn from others and represent your brand.

Women 2.0

The Women 2.0 mission is to increase the number of female founders of technology startups. Their goal is to provide entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge needed for success, while building and expanding their network.

Get the latest news and info about more upcoming events from Women 2.0 by following @FounderFriday, @women2 and Like them on Facebook. I’ll be participating in the Women 2.0 PITCH Conference coming up, too, and hope to see you there!

UPDATE: Both events were FABULOUS! Here’s a few photos:

Speaking at Women 2.0's Founder Friday!

Women 2.0 PITCH Conference

Tara Hunt, Cathy Brooks, Willo O'Brien

Save Time and Sell More in 2012 Webinar Series


custom living solutions outright evernote shoeboxed stitch labs Image Map

One of my first endeavors in my badass new gig has been collaborating on the Save Time and Sell More in 2012 Webinar Series, with Joshua Zerkel of Custom Living Solutions, and the great folks at Outright and Shoeboxed. We are wrapping up the series and the last webinar is tomorrow, Tues. Jan 24th*!

Jake – one of my awesome business partners at Stitch Labs – and I will be leading:

 Managing Inventory: Streamlining Sales and Utilizing Data to Make Smart Business Decisions
January 24th, 2012 at 2:00pm (Pacific) / 5:00pm (Eastern)
REGISTER NOW

As you all know, I’m passionate about the topic of inventory – see my 5 Tips on Inventory Management post – and how crucial it is to have solid systems and a clear window into the data behind your sales. This talk will cover just that!

*If you can’t make it to join us live, never fear… the webinars will be recorded and you’ll receive access to the entire series when you register. Yes, even if you’re just seeing this a month later… go sign up and you’ll get all four presentations:

  • Get Organized: 4 Online Tools to Boost Your Productivity
  • Accounting for Makers & Sellers: Staying Organized for Business Insights and Tax-time
  • Contact Management: Easy Ways to Collect, Sort and Stay in Contact with Your Customers (led by yours truly)
  • Managing Inventory: Streamlining Sales and Utilizing Data to Make Smart Business (led by Jake and me)

I’ve been absolutely loving the collaboration on these webinars; I am totally in my element! The best part though has been hearing from empowering small business owners with tried & true tech solutions that will help them be more successful. That’s pretty much my jam. :)

If you or someone you know could benefit from one or all of the talks in our series, I hope you’ll take a minute to register and join us or spread the word!

FASHION+TECHSF Workshop: Brand Your Business Utilizing Social Media Marketing

Are you a crafter, maker or fashion designer in the Bay Area? Interested in learning more about how you can build your brand utilizing social media? Sweet. I’ll be adding my voice to the next FASHION+TECHSF workshop: Brand Your Business Utilizing Social Media Marketing, and I’d love to see you there!

FASHION + TECH SF is a San Francisco workshop combining ‘business of fashion’ and ‘fashion and technology’ formats. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned over the years launching my apparel brand, and meet fellow entrepreneurs, fashion hounds, designers, bloggers, retailers, and techies in the space.

The workshop is presented by the San Francisco Fashion And Merchants Alliance, Inc. (SFFAMA), one of the largest fashion organizations in California. I’ll be speaking along with some great presenters:

 

L-R: Brad Carrick @Solz Shoes, Sabrina Bruning @Internet Savant, Uduak Oduak @ Ladybrille Magazine, Willo O’Brien @WilloToons, Vishal Kalia @RAF9, and Owen Geronimo (Moderator/ Not Pictured) @SFFAMA Inc. 

FASHION+TECHSF Workshop:
Brand Your Business Utilizing Social Media Marketing
Thursday, Nov. 17th, 2011 from 6-9pm
Register Here!

Tickets are only $10, so I hope you’ll join us. Not only will you make some great new connections, but you’ll learn great ways to brand your clothing line using the fabulously free power of social media!

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