Behind the Scenes With…
Helen Chi, the ‘Lady in Charge’ of Lady Leisure

by Bridget Eldridge

Helen Chi calls 2005 “the year that everything happened.” When she began selling wholesale jewelry outside the eco-eatery Habana Outpost in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood in the summer of ‘05, Helen had no idea that she had a knack for jewelry design. As the summer wore on, Helen began customizing the wholesale pieces, which spurred her own line of original designs that began with her signature Sneaker Chain, a delicate open-chain necklace that ties in front.

This furniture designer turned graphic designer turned jewelry designer is out to prove she can do it all. Helen loves owning her own business and as The Lady in Charge, she not only designs and makes jewelry, but also designs her website and all the print materials for Lady Leisure. Whew. And if that wasn’t enough-we swear this lady has super powers-Helen has a full-time graphic design job and takes jewelry design classes like soldering, wax carving and silversmithing at F.I.T. Oh yeah, and she’s designed the perfect tote for the on-the-go city girl. We sat down with the Lady herself to talk about what inspires her as a designer and a small business owner.

The Vitals:

Birthdate: December 11, 1978
Sign: Sagittarius
Current Digs: Jersey City, New Jersey, which she says is “The perfect blend, it has the brownstones like Brooklyn, but it’s a much easier commute to Manhattan and I can get in my car and go anywhere. But people will debate me on that.”

BB: You grew up in Queens and graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2002. Did you always know that you wanted to be a jewelry designer?

HC: No, but I’ve always wanted to do something creative and I’ve always been very good with my hands. At Parsons I started off in furniture design, but switched to graphic design. Actually, the year I switched, a chair I designed with another student was featured in the magazines Wallpaper and Blueprint.

BB: Wow, we weren’t expecting you to say that! So how did you get into jewelry design?

HC: I wanted to create my own business, so I started selling jewelry at Habana Outpost last summer. Originally, I planned to sell mass-produced pieces that I bought wholesale. But I started customizing the jewelry and I discovered that I really liked making it. I said to myself: I’m a designer, I should just sell my own pieces and get rid of this wholesale stuff! This summer I was nervous to go back to Habana Outpost since I was selling only my own designs, the prices were more expensive and I was worried that people who knew me from the year before wouldn’t be happy. But it was very well received.

BB: Where did the name Lady Leisure come from?

HC: I was visiting a friend after I just graduated from Parsons in 2002. I hadn’t found a job yet and she said to me “Well haven’t you become the lady of leisure?” I dropped the “of’” and the name just stuck with me. I loved the attitude “Lady Leisure” evoked. I held onto the name until I could think of what to do with it. It all came together in 2005.

BB: The “I Heart Ice Cream” necklace caught our eye at Habana Outpost, but we heart all your thrown chain necklaces. Where did such a unique design come from?

HC: The sneaker chain is my signature chain, the very first piece I designed. I was influence by my surroundings-sneakers thrown over telephone wire. I heard it could symbolize so many different things, so I looked it up and there are so many definitions. It could be a gang sign or a death or someone gets a new pair of shoes and that’s how they get rid of the old pair. My boyfriend told me that kids at his school would throw shoes over a telephone wire at the end of the year. I started with the sneaker charms and the open chain that ties around the neck gives the necklace the look I was going for.

BB: Your brass line boasts gorgeous jade stones in beautiful colors of guava, turquoise and lemondrop that really pop and are a completely different feel from your gold and silver chains.

HC: With the brass line I wanted to create something more feminine, colorful and pretty with the jade stones. The Brooklyn Earrings are my favorite; they look like door-knockers. Those were also one of my original designs, I guess I’m attached to my early stuff.

BB: You also have a line of super cute tote bags that are über-functional for, as you say, “the woman doing her thing.”

HC: The measurements had to be just right, deep enough to fit manila folders and magazines, but also wide enough for sneakers. And since it’s a tote bag the placement of the pockets was really important; they had to be higher up, so the city girl looking for her MetroCard could reach in and grab it without taking the straps off her shoulders. I still get compliments on that bag. It was a real learning experience.

BB: We love that your business card reads “Helen Chi, The Lady in Charge.”

HC: When I was looking for internships while I was at Parsons, it was trendy to work for the small fashion houses and independent music labels. In my search, I noticed that most of the small, independent fashion houses were owned by men and that didn’t appeal to me. Women buy everything. It made me want to own my own business.

BB: So how do you like being The Lady in Charge?

HC: Saying that I own my own business and seeing myself grow in such a short period has been so rewarding. I’m doing things I never thought I would, like pay sales tax! Owning my own business has strengthened my confidence, I’ve developed contacts in the fashion world and I feel like I’m part of a design community, collaborating with other artists or designing photo shoots with stylists. It’s much more friendly than I thought it would be.

BB: Growing up in New York City, you must have been influenced by designers your whole life. Who inspires you today?

HC: I’m influenced by the industrial designer Tobias Wong, who designs furniture, jewelry and graphic pieces; jewelry designer Alexis Bittar for his hustler’s spirit; and, clothing designer Wendy Mullin of Built by Wendy for her success as a small business owner. She has published a book (called “Sew U” that came out in September), expanded her store to three store locations (in Mahanattan, Brooklyn and Los Angeles) and has a strong following. I really admire her growth in this business without losing her brand, you know? She started so small in the beginning.

BB: You seem to enjoy not only the creative aspect of Lady Leisure, but also the business side. What has been the biggest surprise of life as a business owner?

HC: When you own your own company, you have to do everything yourself. It’s not just designing the samples and making the jewelry, but you also have to market your product, design your own print materials and keep the books. It’s my pet project, I have to nurture it to help it grow. I’m enjoying the process; it’s very loose. I have a full-time job so I can take my time and make jewelry out of enjoyment, not stress and worry.

As a business owner, I also had the opportunity to sponsor B-Girl Be, an all female hip-hop event with a fashion show, film festival and visual art exhibit, in Minneapolis, Minnesota by donating some of my bags. That was pretty cool.

BB: Any embarrassing fashion mistakes as a kid that you’d like to fess up to?

HC: Do you remember jams? The long colorful OP shorts. I’m sure people would wear them now. I would also pull tube socks up to my knees because my dad did it.

BB: Wait, you took fashion cues from your dad?

HC: Laughs. Yeah, but I don’t any more.

BB: That’s a relief. What should we look out for from Lady Leisure in the future?

HC: Down the line, I want to do a kids line-there’s a huge market for it. Mothers are always asking me when I am going to come out with one.

I’m launching a unisex line for Spring 2007 — actually designers are always a season ahead, so I guess it will be the Fall 2007 line.

Well, no matter what the Lady in Charge will call it, BussBuss is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her new line. Check out Helen’s tie chain necklaces, bright jade stones and super-cute functional totes right here at Lady Leisure.

Behind the Scenes With…
Shecky’s Girls Night Out president, Claudia Chan

by Bridget Eldridge

Imagine shopping nirvana: four ballrooms lined with booths of up-and-coming designers selling their unique clothing, accessories and more at sample sale prices, a night out with girlfriends, a five-hour open bar and goodie bags brimming over with free stuff. That’s the exact concept behind Shecky’s Girls Night Out, the much buzzed about shopping parties held in the hautest cities around the country.

BussBuss caught up with Claudia Chan, president and co-owner of Shecky’s, who brought her event and marketing expertise to the company in 2002. Read on for the lowdown on Shecky’s Girls Night Out.

BB: Girls Night Out is not just a fun evening with girlfriends, but a shopping extravaganza with bargains, cocktails, goodie bags and even chocolate fondue. What more could a girl want?

CC: GNO celebrates all the things that girls love. It’s not just a shopping party — we run it as a special event with an open bar for five hours, passed hors d’oeuvres and goodie bags. There are also sponsored booths where women can sample products or enjoy mini-massages from local spas. Women are so busy and GNO is a great way to set aside some time to get together with girlfriends.

BB: Has the word spread about the GNO events? Do they attract women who have to travel to attend the events?

CC: The New York City GNO is very established and women from Long Island and Connecticut come in for the event. There was a busload of 40 women dropped off at the New York GNO this fall. We’re even tapping into an older demographic as women start bringing their moms.

BB: What’s the background on Shecky’s?

CC: Shecky’s was founded 10 years ago as a nightlife guide with bar, club and lounge reviews and ratings for New Yorkers in their mid to late 20s. Today, Shecky’s is the go-to local guide for where to party, how to enjoy the city and how to look good doing it.

BB: When did Shecky’s begin hosting GNO?

CC: The Girls Guide to Nightlife was published late in 2001 when Sex and the City was gaining popularity. The first Girls Night Out was held just after September 11 — it was good to give women in the city something positive.

GNO is the go-to event for savvy, sophisticated, stylish 21 to 35-year-old women who want to be on top of the fashion pulse. You can go to your local Neiman Marcus for the same contemporary brands, but GNO keeps you in the know on lesser-known and unknown designers.

BB: GNO launched in several cities this year, how have the events changed and do you plan to expand into more markets?

CC: The events have grown dramatically since 2001. At the next New York, we expect over 10,000 women to attend the five-night event. We’re adding six markets this year: Miami, Dallas, Philly, DC, the Hamptons and possibly Minneapolis.

BB: Walking through Girls Night Out was like a dream! So many designers, we just wish we had more money to spend! How many designers participate in the event?

CC: About 50-150 designers, depending on the city, participate in GNO. It’s a great marketing and business opportunity for young designers to showcase their goods for consumers who don’t know about them. And it gives the shoppers a chance to meet the designers and maybe ask what inspired a piece, which makes the shopping experience unique.

BB: Do designers from across the country attend the events or do they mainly showcase local designers?

CC: Designers from all over the country fly in for the events. We try to do them in fun cities that people will want to visit.

To see if there’s a Girls Night Out in your city, visit Shecky’s here.

Behind the Scenes With…
Grace Wang and Alishia Frey

by bridget eldridge

The Vitals

Occupation:
co-owners, Unsung Designers

Sign:

Alishia: Scorpio
Grace: Pisces

Hometown:
Alishia: Dallas, TX
Grace: Washington D.C.

Current Digs:
Alishia: Washington D.C., where she manages the Unsung showroom
Grace: New York, NY, where she maintains close relationships with Unsung’s New York designers

Background:
Alishia: Art History and Business
Grace: Communications

The 411:
Browse through the online indie boutique Unsungdesigners.com and you’ll find digs that’ll guarantee the ultimate compliment from girlfriends: “Where did you get that?” And while we all like to one-up our girlfriends with our latest fashion finds, we also can’t keep a juicy secret to ourselves: clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, custom-made designs — and soon even menswear — from more than 60 independent designers on one website and in Unsung’s Washington D.C. showroom every Saturday.

In addition to their growing online following, Unsung is also drawing crowds to their Washington D.C. showroom, which is now open every Saturday from 12-6 pm. In April, Grace and Alishia hosted their first trunk show with local designers Barefoot Czarina and Oovoo.
The ladies recently sat down with us in New York to discuss fashion, indie culture, “Project Runway,” Washington D.C. and their fight against “Generica America.”

Unsung Designers has had such tremendous success in only a year, how did you come up with the idea?

Alishia: We would take trips to New York and shop at places like The Market and people on the Metro would stop us and ask, “Where did you get that?”

Grace: We had been customers of many of our designers for years and years, and had developed personal relationships with them. So when we began our research, we asked them, “What do you need? Where have you been burned?” Some said they were too shy; others hated talking about themselves; and some just hated selling.

Unsungdesigners.com is like an online version of New York’s designer fairs-which we love-and that’s really exciting for your customers and designers.

Grace: Our customers are essentially getting couture, beautiful handmade garments that are affordable.

Alishia: Trunk shows are a lot of fun; they’re like the opening of a fine artist’s exhibit at an art gallery where designers and customers can meet. But it can be really de-motivating for designers to sit at a fair all day when they would rather be at home sewing. So we handle all the tedious retail stuff.

We’re so excited that your showroom in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington D.C. is now open EVERY Saturday. Did you always plan on opening a showroom in D.C.?

Grace: We always thought that we’d open a store years down the road. We found a space to be an office and hold inventory, but it’s also become a store. One girl told us that she came by on a weekday with her mother and nothing was going on…we’re located in an alley…she was calling us the “Mythical Store in the Alley.”

Alishia: When we started we thought it was going to be purely online, but people were banging on the steel door even though they couldn’t see inside. It’s fun.

Alishia has experience managing an art gallery. How have you brought that sensibility into Unsung?

Grace: The objective is to promote indie and young designers. We are heavily invested in our designers as artists and have a close sharing relationship with all of them.

Alishia: Some Web sites and boutiques will carry the designers one season and drop them the next if their stuff doesn’t do well. But we don’t think of our designers as some kind of commodity. They are artists and we want to help them grow-build their brand identity and build their following.

Tell us about fashion in D.C.

Alishia: D.C. is very a transient city. There are a lot of Euros-a lot of really cool French women-that are here because of the state department and the World Bank. We also get a lot of people that lived in New York and have cycled back to D.C.

Grace: D.C. is a very transient, political, white-collar city, but it also has a great indie music scene. Early punk grew out of here in the 70s and early 80s. Growing up I would go to shows at the 9:30 Club. There’s a big underground culture here that’s not seen that much because it’s such a driving city. Our customers are everyone from the pierced and tattooed to the corporate lawyers.

Alishia: They’re mothers, grandmothers, rockers and preppies, but they’re all about individuality.

So how do you choose your designers?

Alishia: When we see a designer we want to know three things: Are the garments well made? What’s the designer’s point of view; is there a story throughout their designs? And we also want a mix of different styles, so we don’t want anything that’s too similar to something we already carry.

Buying gifts for guys can be really tough, so we’re really excited that we will soon be able to turn to Unsung since you’re launching a menswear section on the Web site soon. How did that come about?

Grace: There are always guys sitting on the pink Victorian couch in our showroom. When dcist wrote about our first trunk show in April, we got all these e-mails from guys telling us to carry mens stuff. One even said, “I have to shop at JC Penney! I’m not going to go until you start carrying mens clothes!”

Alishia: A lot of our designers make guys stuff. So one Saturday we set up a table in the corner with t-shirts and told all the boyfriends that came in to check out the guys section in the corner.

Grace: They’re so easy to sell to! They all know their size: “I’m a Large, I’ll take it!”

For those of us that don’t know a lot about indie culture and fashion, why shop indie? What’s the draw?

Alishia: In D.C., rising rent is driving small businesses and individuality out; mom and pop stores are becoming obsolete. Every big city is turning into “Generica America,” it’s like a mall on the street. It upsets me personally. The clothes are all the same, made in sweatshops and are overpriced. People don’t know there are other options. We’re going back to the basics-like organic food. A hundred years ago, everyone ate organic food. But you can buy quality, support artists and be unique.

Grace: You can be trendy or tattooed and you can still find something at Unsung. These designers are craftsmen and know the newest and latest trends-upcoming colors, patterns and textures. They’re not a corporation that did a research study. They know fashion at a personal level.

Just when we thought the interview was over, Grace asked us if we liked “Project Runway” (love!) and if we had we been to EMc2, Emmett McCarthy’s NoLita boutique, which was right around the corner. And that’s when we remembered that Unsung listed another season two alum among their designers: Kara Janx. While she may have already emerged onto the fashion scene, is she still working with Unsung?

Grace: Right now, she’s backordered something like 200 dresses, but hopefully in the future. It was interesting, last year we got an email from her saying that she was going to go away for awhile and then she turned up on “Project Runway.”

Obviously, these ladies know fashion. Check out their latest finds from young and independent designers at Unsungdesigners.com and every Saturday from 12 pm- 6 pm, look for pink Rear Door A in the alley at 2412 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 2009.

Total Hautie: E! Entertainment’s ‘Party Girl’ Lara Morgenson

Partying with Hollywood’s A-list is a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it. And that somebody is E!-lister Lara Morgenson, a.k.a eonline.com’s ‘Hollywood Party Girl’ columnist. She parties with the crème de la crème of the Hollywood who’s-hot (think Paris, Lindsay and Leonardo just to name-drop a few) and then dishes all the dirt and details (like what the celebs are doing and wearing) in her juicy weekly column ‘Hollywood Party Girl’ which you can read here.

BussBuss chatted up Ms. Fabulous herself and found out what’s really going down in Ho’wood and how we, too, can look Party Girl-fabulous at all times.

Head to iTunes and search for ‘Hollywood Party Girl’ under Podcasts to get up-to-the-minute celebrity dish straight from the parties!

Tell us a lil about yourself

Birthday: Sept 23rd, send me presents please!

Educational and Professional Background: I’m a good Midwestern girl who attended Kansas State University and got my Masters from Emerson College. I worked for a few years at Simon & Schuster before heading to L.A. where I landed a job as an assistant at E! Online and never looked back.

How did you land a gig where you get paid to party with the A-list, or should we say the E!-list? It was all about being in the right place at the right time. I’d been reporting on the party scene for Ted Casablanca’s column “The Awful Truth.” I pitched the idea to our brilliant Editor-in-Chief and she loved it! And it’s been one big party ever since.

Party Perks

Fave party ever and why? Last summer’s Juicy Couture Swim Party. It was poolside at an amazing Beverly Hills Mansion (it was where they shot Christina’s birthday party in Mommy Dearest). It was completely star-studded party and at the same time completely laidback. I wore the perfect green and white strapless summer dress, hung out with the Kates…Beckinsale and Bosworth. My second favorite was the T-Mobile Sidekick Summer Bash with an intoxicating performance by the Black-Eyed Peas. Paris, Lindsay, Nicole and all the party girls were in rare form and I had so much fun.

We can only imagine that you get some pretty swell swag in your line of “work” — tell us about your fave scores! Swag is definitely one of the best perks of my job. I do share a lot of it with my friends and family but when I got an light blue Escada bag there was no way I was giving it away! Otherwise, I get tons of beauty products, which I love. I always have a new face cream (guaranteed to make me look 10 years younger) or shampoo to test.

Celeb Lowdown

Fave celeb and why? I love Kristin Davis, not only because she has great style and I’m always drooling over her outfits, but she always remembers me which is pretty cool. The first time I met her she told me I was “so Charlotte” because I had on a vintage sundress with a full skirt.

Most loathsome celeb and why? C’mon, you can tell us! I’m not a big Adrien Brody fan…he’s never been particularly pleasant to interview, in my experience. Plus, I don’t get his style–that hip-hop sweatsuit thing. It’s so Ashton Kutcher.

Ever dish something unflattering about a celeb and have them call you on it? Sharon Stone. In the first column I ever wrote I called her the middle-aged version of Paris Hilton because she’d been attending so many events. Later when I wanted to speak to her at an event, I was told no way. Oops!

Most appalling celeb moment/encounter? Too many to count! I’m pretty clumsy so making a fool of myself is pretty common. I tried to flirt with Julian McMahon and when I tried to toss my hair and look alluring, I fell off the wheeled ottoman I was perched on. He laughed, I pretended like I meant to do that.

Tips + Advice

Any tips on what makes a great party? I think it’s all about having great music, plenty of drinks (both alcoholic and non), delicious hors d’oeuvres (who wants to be hungry?) and an eclectic and outgoing mix of guests. I like to invite my best buddies, some cool co-workers (the ones who don’t talk only about work) and then that couple you met a few weeks ago, and so on. And encourage people to bring friends!

Fave LA hot spots? The “in” club in L.A. comes and goes as quickly as Paris Hilton’s boyfriends so I’m a fan of the solids like Sky Bar and Nacional. Right now the hot places to be seen are Guys, Mood and anything Brent Bolthouse’s puts together–right now he’s hosting a list-only night at Lucky Strike Lanes. Last time I went I bowled next to Ashley Olsen.

Any tips for regular girls with lofty ambitions to get on the A or E!-list? It’s all who you know, so if this way of life really appeals to you then you might want to think about a career in publicity or, obviously, be an actor! If not, then become best friends with the well-connected types, publicists, managers, agents. Or better yet, become a freelance reporter like I did!

Advice for girls wanting a dream job like yours? How can one prepare — join a sorority? I think the most important thing to realize is that having a job like mine means that your job is to go out and party–whether you feel like it or not. I’m not sure there’s any one predestined path that can prepare you for a job like mine. But yup, you guessed it, I was a sorority girl! Hey, you gotta learn how to do kegstands somehow.

Must-have qualities for those looking to succeed in your line of work? You can’t be a wild ‘n’ crazy partier downing shots at the bar, you have to be able to remember every last detail from the night! So my days of dancing on tables are in the past, now I leave those kind of scene-stealing moves to Lindsay Lohan!

Are there any downsides to what seems like the world’s best job? Sometimes it’s like being in high school. You’re popular enough to get invited to the cool parties, but once you’re there, the cool kids don’t want to hang out with you. And let’s face it, Monique Lhuiller, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana are not dressing me for these events! [Editor's Note: Not yet, Party Girl!]

Party Girl Style

What do you wear to these faboo parties and is it all expensable? Unfortunately, I haven’t sold my accountant (or E!) on expensing all of my outfits. L.A. is a jeans town so I wear jeans most of the time. I do throw on the occasional black dress, I just bought a strappy Saint Grace black dress that I love.

Any Party Girl must-haves and products you can recommend to keep us looking Party Girl-ready and in tip-top glam shape at all times? I love Lola cosmetic’s mini-gloss set. The mini-lipsticks are perfect for tucking into a clutch or even your pocket if it’s a hands-free (like when you go dancing) night. And I’m a huge proponent of Tylenol PM after a late-night with too much champagne. It’s the perfect remedy for helping you sleep through the hangover. If that doesn’t do it, Alka-Seltzer might. Otherwise, sleep, sleep, sleep. Oh–and I love DuWop I Gels for when my eyes are puffy.

Fave shops, online and offline? Online I love www.shopbop.com and I just found this cute new site that is all skirts called www.BoutiqueOohlala.com. In Los Angeles, I shop everywhere from Forever 21 and Intuition to Banana Republic and Nordstrom to Fred Segal and Lisa Kline.

Fave celeb style? Lately I’ve been loving Nicole Richie’s style. Of course, she has the best stylist in the biz working with her, Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig so that’s probably a big part of it.

Fave things you can’t live without:

1. My three amigos: my cell phone, Ipod and Dell laptop

2. Denims: my Juicy and James Jeans

3. My new C-Label “Cinnamon Girl” blue wedge sandals

4. Clarins self-tanning cream

5. Being a natural blonde, I would die without Liz, who waxes and dyes my eyebrows at Lukaro Salon
6. TIVO. With my lifestyle I’d never get to see America’s Next Top Model and Lost!
7. Cosabella lingerie
8. T-shirts by Saint Grace and Cherry Tees

9. Lancome thick lash mascara

Closing Credits

Where can we find you in 10 years (please tell us there’s a book and/or a show in your future!)? That’s the plan! I like to believe that 10 years from now I will have hung up my party shoes and am instead writing books based upon my Hollywood experiences. Maybe I’ll even have my own show…

Behind the Scenes With…
iHotto creator, Devon Dorfer

by kelly lee

The Vitals

Occupation: Inventor, iHotto.com

Birthdate/Sign: February 2, 1977/Aquarius

Current Digs: Chelsea, New York City

The 411:
Self-described “inventor,” Devon Dorfer, and her partner in crime, and boyfriend, Peter Finn, ditched their 9-5 lives on the West Coast to pursue a life more fun in New York City — one filled with pink cupcakes and dripping ice cream cones and where the mistress of the universe is Hello Kitty. Well, we think that’s just super duper sweet, so we decided to poke, prod and ask this yumtastic designer what inspires her sugary, sometimes sarcastic, designs. Grab a cupcake and read on.

All Up In Your Business

We love how your sweet designs are both nostalgic and irreverent. What inspires you when you’re creating? Is it safe to assume you’re a child of the ’80s?

Yeah, I’m a child of the late ’80s/early ’90s. Yo MTV Raps, and all that. I’ve also always been super obsessed with Hello Kitty. What other girl do you know that never grows up. That’s what inspires me most.

We think it’s pretty snazzy that you and your partner in crime, Peter, decided to up and leave your West Coast 9-to-5 lives for a life more fun. What prompted that decision and would you recommend that others follow your lead?

The whole 9-5 thing was cool for a bit, but we wanted a little adventure. I might be a little poorer now, but I’m definitely having a lot more fun. It’s all about checking out life.

Give us the lowdown on your background: where you grew up, where you went to school, your heart’s deepest desires.

I grew up in Palm Springs, California. The desert was a great place to grow up, being so close to LA there were lots of creative folks around, especially in my family. But my real California home is San Francisco, where I went to the school of hard knocks. Just kidding, there were no hard knocks, just lots of fun.

You’re making your dreams come true in big, bad, beautiful NYC. How do you like it so far, and what city’s next on your conquering-of-the-world agenda?

New York City is crazy intense and super competitive. Everyone I know is doing something creative or making something cool. It’s great cuz you’re constantly challenged and pushed to remember who you are and what you’re all about. As for what’s next, we’re thinking London, Paris, and on a more for real tip, Laguna Beach. Sun and sand sounds pretty good every time chilly December rolls around.

Do you have an art or design background or are you self-taught?

Well, I don’t really consider myself a designer so much as I think of myself as an inventor. I have been inventing since I can remember. My first fashion shoot was at age eight. I played the stylist/photographer for Ayers. Did I mention, Ayers is my fave dog of all time? The best model I ever worked with!

Like you, I’m all for prolonging adulthood. How long do you think we can all keep up the charade?

Actually, charades is my favorite game. Forever!

Can you give us a hint of what’s next in IHottoland?

I don’t know yet, I haven’t got the memo. Actually, I just want to keep having fun and making people laugh, or think twice about what they just saw. And while I’m at it, make enough money so I can eat as many pink cupcakes as I want, and one day have a farm with mini horses, and tons of dogs, and a room that is a candy store. Pink of course.

We see that you sell some of your fab wares at fredflare.com, and we’re huge fans of the fred guys! Can you tell us how that all came about and what it’s been like working with such a cool team?

We love the boys at FF. I don’t know, I think they saw us in a magazine or something. We have been going on double dates ever since. They’re geniuses.

I love your “Almost Doesn’t Count Tee.” It reminds me of my own saying: “Tried is just another word for failed.” Muhahahahahhaa. But seriously, where do these ideas and images come from, the undeniable mix of bitter and sweet?

Everywhere. From something a nun at Catholic school used to say 20 years ago (“almost doesn’t count”)to my favorite eats, like cupcakes and ice cream. I’m really obsessed with Hello Kitty and cute stuff from Japan. My childhood, and of course my crazy family, are always an inspiration. We like to think of ourselves as creating our own little world. The world of iHotto is fun, sassy, over the top, and sometimes crazy with a lot of sweet.

What’s mom think about your “1 Nite Stan” pack that includes a breath mint, a condom, candy cigs, Aleve, and an ‘I’ll Call You” button?

Don’t know if Mom gets everything we do, but that’s probably a good thing. Right? She’s known I’m nuts for years. I guess it’s expected. All I can say is she is super, super supportive. We call her “Mama iHotto.”

What’s been your biggest struggle so far in running iHotto?

Not sure what the biggest struggle is, but I certainly know my favorite part of running iHotto. It’s hiring cute boys (like my boyfriend) and bossing him around.

Biggest success to date?

Our biggest success is just having fun with what we’re doing. Sounds cheesy, but it’s for reals. It’s also cool paying the rent while we’re at it.

How do you and Peter enjoy working together?

We leave each other for three hours at a time, and come back apologizing. Rally though, it’s super awesome. We make a good team. GO TEAM.

Where can we buy your yummy iHotto goods?

iHotto was just born at the end of last year, so for now we sell directly from our site, through the geniuses at fredflare.com (we love those guys!), and through about 15 boutiques throughout the states. And, oh yeah, we sell the goods out of the airports in Atlanta, San Francisco, and LA. How funny is that?

Where would you like to be in 10 years and 4 months?

As long as I’m still playing charades, I’ll be all right.

Stylin’ and Profilin’

Describe your personal style.

Tacky meets classy. Out of control meets conformed. Rules without a rule.

What people in the fashion/design industry do you look up to?

Well, actually, my only fashion idol is Hello Kitty. She’s cute, she’s happy, and she never grows up. That’s what iHotto is all about.

Playing Favorites

Favorite NYC haunts?

Snacky’s for noodles and sake, Bar & Books where bad habits are still legal, and of course my corner store where I can get it all.

Fave shops, online and off?

Mini Mini Market, fredflare.com, Paper Boy, Tiffany’s, & Target.

Favorite way to procrastinate?

One Life to Live and Starting Over.

Favorite magazine?

Giant Robot and a little US Weekly can make a girl smile.

Fave city?

Tokyo for sure, but Hong Kong ain’t bad.

Fave food?

Sushi, curly fries, and my Mom’s cupcakes.

Fave word?

Duh!

Fave color?

Pink, of course.

Fave flick?

King of Bluegrass.

In the spirit of Inside the Actors Studio, your favorite curse word?

Why, I Aattaaa….

More importantly, Seth or Ryan?

No Clue. I guess Ryan because my cousin’s name is Rosie. I love her and so I love the letter R.

Anything else we should know?

Pink is best, and lavender is the new pink. People just don’t know it yet.

Please turn the tables and ask us a question!

Here at iHotto, we’re super into making-out. Besides lip-gloss, Big Red gum, a heart-shaped mirror, and a “Kiss Me” button, our Make-Out Session pack includes a “Kissing Tips” card. You got any pointers on what makes a good smooch? Or even better, any funny stories about a really bad make-out session? If that’s too up-close-and-personal for ya, we also would love to know if you think unicorns are for real? Oh yeah, and another thing, do you think Santa buys his own toys or does he still have the elves do all the work?

Well, Big Red and lip gloss are faboo of course, but all I need is a cupcake and an appletini and I’m ready to roll. Just kidding, Ma! Unicorns are absolutely real and anyone who begs to differ just has to talk to my herd of 12 or so, and then they’ll be believers, too. Don’t be hatin’ the magical flying horse! Regarding the jolly ol’ guy in the sky, I hate to say it, but he’s working those darlin’ lil elves to the bone. Not to worry though, there’s chatter that the elves are unionizing (shhhhh!), so be prepared for a strike come Christmas time (sorry kiddies, a.k.a. chumps!). Which is when it really will come in handy that you’re an inventor — can’t rely on Santa or those rascally elves, you gotta rely on yourself. Ho, ho, ho!

Behind the Scenes With…
Pamela Barsky
by kelly lee

The Vitals

Occupation: designer/manufacturer/
writer/juggler

Birthdate/Sign: December 12/Sagittarius

Born:
Chicago

Current Digs: LA

The 411:
Pamela Barsky has overcome store-shattering earthquakes, among other disasters, to finally end up as the design world’s “It” girl. Her vintage-inspired journals and home goods have been featured everywhere from In Style to Lucky and have wound up in the hands of too many celebrities to list. With the creation of her website and her invaluable blog this past year, she’s gaining even more momentum, if possible. Below, the former ad copywriter shares her movie-like struggles and tells us why she can never take Martha Stewart seriously again.

School Me

I’ve recently read that you’re a former ski bum, originally from Detroit, which is where I currently live. What part of Motown are you from, and do you ever come back to visit?

I grew up in Birmingham, which I didn’t appreciate
until I moved to a place where people live in their
garages and think lawns are perfectly fine places to
park. I don’t get back to Michigan often, but I do
miss Lelli’s minestrone soup, Sanders vanilla ice
cream, and Cranbrook.

Any recommendations on places I should check out here, because I’m at a loss?

I’m a big believer in the Franklin Cider Mill.

I’ve also read that you sold your mother’s engagement ring to open your first shop in LA, which tragically was destroyed by an earthquake. Let’s just say, “Holy cow!” Tell us all about it. What prompted the move to LA? The desire to open the store? And how did you deal with the earthquake and its results?

I moved to LA by accident. I came to visit a health
spa, liked the lifestyle, and since I had all my stuff
in the back of the car, I decided to stay. I used to buy art/crafts on layaway as far back as
junior high, and I guess that fueled my desire to own
a store.

As far as the earthquake, when I saw the mess, I took
to bed for about two weeks. Since it made me
start designing stuff, it really turned out to be the
best thing that ever happened to me.

Is it safe to say that’s been your biggest struggle in starting your business?

Oh, no. Not having enough financing has always been
THE struggle. Plus, I’m a bit of a moron when it
comes to balancing my checkbook.

What was your first shop like? Did it include items by other designers or were you designing back then as well?

My first shop was tiny, and, well, kind of lame. It
had a “Let’s put on a show” kind of spirit, and I
think a lot of people bought stuff because they felt
sorry for the poor girl who had risked everything to
open her doors. Luckily, I had pretty good taste, and
a friend who insisted I move to a mall as soon as my
first lease expired.

You studied journalism at the University of Colorado and then worked in advertising. How much do you think your background in media has benefited your career?

Let me start by saying, I got a D in reporting. As far as the advertising goes, everything I write or design is influenced by what I did in advertising. No matter how much is demanded of me, how much I have to create, it is nothing compared to what is expected
from you as a copywriter.

What prompted you to start designing your own products?

Pure financial need. I needed stuff to fill my empty, broken shelves.

Is your husband also a fulltime employee of Pamela Barsky?

Hell no. We want to stay married. (He will help out
on occasion if I ask nicely, and he has been
instrumental in the design of some our best-selling
products, but he doesn’t get paid for it.)

Tell us about this new home décor television pilot you’re working on and how it came about. Are you rooting for Martha to serve
some serious jail time so you can fill her shoes?

I am addicted to decorating shows, but they give me serious anxiety because they never really show you how to do anything. It is like, poof, it’s a room. If you’ve ever remodeled, you know this is NOT the way things really happen. I want to do a show where
viewers can actually learn to do things from start to
finish– and do them well. Things like how to hire
an architect. How to deal with a contractor. How to
find gorgeous tile that is affordable.

Recently, someone in my neighborhood painted the
outside of their house in a faux cobblestone pattern.
It is hideous and, I believe, a result of too many
shows telling people it is OK to glue macaroni on
picture frames.

As far as Martha Stewart goes, once I saw her picking
her teeth in a really fancy restaurant in New York;
after that it’s been hard to take her seriously as a
style maven.

Material Girl

Where do you find all of your great vintage materials?

If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you.

Fair enough. Working with vintage, does it make it hard to fill large orders since the fabric is one of a kind?

I’ve never had to turn an order down because I couldn’t find materials. I have great suppliers.

At what point did you go from a store to a manufacturing business?

Since I’m not much of a delegator, when the manufacturing began to demand all of my time, I decided to give up the store.

What all does having your own factory entail?

Lots of responsibility. There is nothing like the
look on the face of an employee who has just broken a
$10,000 machine.

All Up in Your Business

What was your first job?

Grocery bagger at the A&P. I made $3.35 an hour plus tips.

Your designs are simple, beautiful and often quirky and clever. What influences your designs?

Life. And the fact that my mother signed me up for art classes when other little girls were being dragged off to ballet. I’ve always been a voracious reader, so I guess that’s where I picked up the ability to turn a phrase.

You’ve been featured in more than your fair share of magazines — in fact, I feel like I’ve seen your name is nearly every magazine I’ve read over the last three months. How much do you think the publicity has contributed to your success?

Publicity is great. But it is the icing on the cake. Sometimes, we’ll get a feature article in a major magazine and only sell a journal or two.

It can be a double-edged sword. After I was in In
Style for the first time, Old Navy knocked off my
designs and they showed up in their stores at half of
my wholesale price.

Bastards. Have you paid for advertising yet in any publications? How much do you think that’s benefited your business?

For a gal who made a living in advertising for a decade, I really don’t think it works in the gift industry. I tend to stick to direct mail.

Please walk us through the process you went through to form Pamela Barsky. Did you just start playing around with materials and ideas or did you have a set business plan from the beginning?

Although your bank and business school types insist on
a business plan, after you’ve been doing this for a
while, you realize that a business plan is really a
big fat fantasy. Until you are in the thick of it,
you have no idea what a day, let alone a week or a
year or five years is going to bring. I believe in
goals, and going with the flow. Of course, I have an
uncanny ability to keep lots of facts in my head. Some people call it my stupid pet trick. For most people, they’d be better to write things down.

Do you handmake all of the items or train people to do so? And once you realized you couldn’t make everything yourself, was it hard to relinquish that control?

99% of entrepreneurs are control freaks, myself
included. But, I don’t make everything myself, there’s not enough days in the week.

How long has the Pamela Barsky website been around? How much do you think it’s contributed to your notoriety?

The website has been amazing. In just 6 months, it has changed everything.

Even though you use a wide range of vintage materials, your designs seem pretty specific and recognizable. How important do you think branding and consistency are?

I can only see the world through my eyes, so it makes sense that there is a thread that weaves through my line. The consistency is more a function of this than anything else. As far as branding, if you don’t have a good idea, all the branding in the world isn’t going to help you. Of course, you’ll find my logo, name and
web address on everything I make.

Have you found the design community in LA to be supportive?

I find the design community in LA to be very moviecentric. My creative friends live elsewhere, but I try not to give up hope that I might find some here.

How did you go about figuring out all the business-end stuff. The accounting, working with suppliers, all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes that no one wants to deal with?

My dad was a lawyer, my mom an artist, so I guess it
is in the genes. Mostly, I figured it out as I went
along. Learning from mistakes has been a big part of
it.

For those who don’t know, you also have a blog on your site. One that’s a goldmine for anyone interested in starting his/her own business. What prompted the blog and do you ever run into problems with people reading it that you’d rather not? Say, a supplier you’re angry with?

I don’t use names, and I’m a pretty good editor. It can be challenging some days.

Many people have grandiose ideas, but never put them into action, but you have. Any advice for people out there who might want to do something similar?

Stop yammering and do it.

How many people work for your company?

Two. We’re very efficient.

You’ve had many celebs buy your products. Of those
who have purchased, which has been the most exciting for you?

My store’s clientele was very celebrity heavy and I
try not to get star struck. The week I met Cloris
Leachman, Valerie Harper and Mary Tyler Moore stands
out as a big one for me. During the OJ trial, Kato
Kaylin came in and
I thought that was kind of funny.

Is there anyone in particular you wish would purchase Pamela Barsky goods?

An old boss from my advertising days who fired me
because he didn’t think my ideas could sell.

Starting your own business is exciting, scary and full of obstacles and learning experiences. What’s been the most rewarding part of it all?

I especially like having an idea, then seeing it turn
into a real, you-can-hold-it-in-your-hand product.

The most frustrating?

People who don’t get it.

What’s been the hardest lesson to learn?

Balance.

Tell us about trade shows and markets. How vital are these when it comes to exposure and sustaining a profitable business? Do the bulk of your major orders come from these shows? Any recommendations on the best ones to attend?

New York Gift Show, although it has a 5-10 year
waiting list. Do whatever you can do to get in.

I know that you now sell at Anthropologie and of course on your website and
your shop in LA. Is there anywhere else we should be on the lookout for your fab stuff?

I sell to some pretty fabulous stores. Personally, I
love Holt Renfrew in Toronto and the Musuem of
Contemporary Art Los Angeles’ gift store, but I don’t
get out much, so this is by no means a comprehensive
list.

In a field that is so subjective, what advice do you have for people in overcoming the big R — rejection?

Get over it.

Do you remember your first return and how did you handle it?

Don’t take returns.

Good policy. At what point do you recommend hiring outside help, such as financial analysts, lawyers, etc?

If you can afford it, do it. If not, figure it out yourself. The advice is usually about the same.

Any tips for getting these done without breaking the bank?

You get what you pay for in life, I’ve learned. My accountant costs $350 an hour, and I wouldn’t dream of going to anyone else. Scrimp somewhere else.


Any plans to turn this blog into a book? I know you’re friends or at least professional acquaintances with the founder of Found Objects. She has a kind of online book or how-to guide on her site for developing designs and products. And your blog is full of great advice and knowledge. Could there be a book collaboration in the future?

I’m too much of a loner to collaberate, but I am writing a book on how to start a business. It should be out and available on the site in about 4-6 months.

One of the obstacles online shops face is making their prices consistent with what shops selling their items at retail charge. Have you found this to be a challenge? Finding the right pricing and wholesale strategies and what not?

I price my things on the web based on the prices my customers charge for the same items. I make my living by selling to stores, and would not do anything to undercut them. The website is really an advertising tool.

Do you recommend starting up market and branding yourself as such or down market and building up a following?

It is very difficult to change your image once it is
established unless you have millions to spend on
television advertising. Mostly, you’ll find the world
will tell you what you are supposed to be, so go with
it.

What was the most daring investment you had to make while growing your business?

Moving out of my apartment and signing a commercial
lease.

What’s the largest myth about “minding your own business” and being featured in all of these magazines. From your blog, it
definitely implies that they don’t necessarily add up to worry-free success.

The get-rich-quick myth. There is no such thing in
this business. The biggest benefit is that you are in
control of your own life, your schedule, and your
future. Anything beyond that is gravy.

Has there been a moment where you’ve felt like you made it? If so, tell us about it. If not, do you think you’ll ever feel that?

I’ll let you know when I get there.

Any upcoming events, shows or press we should know about?

I’m introducing jewelry (see mom, those silversmithing
lessons did pay off) at The Accessories Show in New
York mid-January. Hope everyone will stop by.

What can we look forward to from PB in the future?

My fantasy is that Target calls and asks me to design
a line of products. In reality, fashion accessories,
home accessories, and the cutest night lites you’ve
ever seen.

Where would you like to be in ten years?

Can’t even imagine what the world is going to bring
me.

If you had it all to do over again, is there
anything you’d change or do differently?

I would have said “yes,” when Jay Chiat offered me a
“test” position at his agency in New York.

Stylin’ and Profilin’

Describe your personal style.

Modern with slightly kitschy kick.

What people in the fashion/design industry do you
look up to?

Donna Hay

Playing Favorites

Favorite shops in LA?

Can’t answer that one for political reasons.

Favorite shops online?

travelocity.com

Favorite way to procrastinate?

I like to watch Law and Order reruns.

Favorite magazine?

Elle Decoration Britain, Donna Hay, Budget Living

Fave city?

I love LA, but dream of owning an apartment in New
York. London is great, too. Vail has my heart.

Favorite food?

Caramel-covered marshmallows.

Favorite word?

Today, insipid.

Fave color?

Probably, chartreuse.

Fave flick?

Easy, Two for the Road.

In the spirit of Inside the Actors Studio, your
favorite curse word?

I don’t discriminate. I use them all.

More importantly, Ben or Jen?

Ick. Neither. I’m a
big Tate Donovan fan (I’ll never be able to look him
in the eye again, but I’m all for honesty).

Because We’re Nosy

What are you craving right now?

Yoga.

What’s on your Tivo’s To-Do List?

24.

In your CD player?

Simon and Garfunkle.

Current Crush?

My husband and my puppy.

AM or PM?

AM.

Friendster – yay or nay?

Right up there with Ben or
Jen. Besides, I’m a loner.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it
be and what would you be
doing?

I’m here, so this must be where I want to be.

Anything else we should know?

My husband thinks I am the least funny person he
knows.

Please turn the tables and ask us a question!

What’s the deal with Lisa Rinna’s lips?

I dunno, but her hubby Harry Hamlin seems to be a happy man.

Visit Pamela online at pamelabarsky.com.