This week was an incredible week for me and By Smith. Fashion Coterie took place Sunday through Tuesday and while it was snowing and freezing we still had a great show. It was my first time showing at Fashion Coterie and I could not be happier with how things turned out. Paula, Collier, and Stephanie (Collier's wonderful friend from New York) were all there helping me work the show. Last Saturday, Grant and Paula helped me get ready for the show at The Javits Center which was an all day mouse chase that closed with a great dinner at Fig & Olive in Meatpacking. We decided we deserved a little treat after a day of hard work with no heat- The Javits was probably colder than Antarctica on Saturday.
After three days of showing my Fall 2011 Collection we came out with reorders from current By Smith stores and opened accounts all over the world. It is a good feeling knowing that I could be wondering around the streets of Vancouver, Tokyo or Jakarta and see one of my creations in a store window. I have no plans to go to any of those places at this point, but maybe I could arrange a trunk show?
On the second day of the show, Bud Konheim (Nicole Miller's CEO) whom I have written about in previous blog entries, came by my booth to say hello. Bud has been a wonderful mentor and I felt so honored that he took the time to stop by and chat with me.
That same day I had another "fairy dust" moment when this woman named Laura Lee walked into my booth. Laura Lee and I started chatting and after a little bit of time I realized that I knew exactly who she was and her story. I read about her on an entrepreneur website which discussed her ups and downs as a business owner. She had a big break with her handbags and then had a horrible experience occur with her factory after the tsunami hit where they burned her bags out of respect for their lost loved ones. This experience gave her two options, to keep on going and figure out a second plan of action or to quit. She chose to keep on going and I commend her for that because owning your own business is like a roller coaster with good days and bad days. I printed the article so I could read it again on days when I need positive reinforcement and encouragement. So meeting her was definitely an Oprah moment- it was amazing that she just stumbled upon my booth. It was meant to be I guess! Check out her website: http://www.lauraleedesigns.com/press.asp
My shorts are continuing to be a Spring 2011- must have. I am serious if you don't have them yet, get a pair...they are incredible. The warm weather should be arriving soon and I can't wait.
Next stop for me and By Smith? I am headed to LA for a contemporary trade show, SELECT, taking place on March 14th-March 16th at The California Market Center. Check out their site:
Paula will be coming with for a round two trade show event! I am excited she is going to be joining me again.
More to come soon!
