Can’t thank you enough…

I want to extend a huge thank you and congratulations to all my customers of SHINE, your purchases have helped make possible, Rock Your SHINE, the Massai Choir Recording Empowerment Initiative.

Little Lady Studio’s Rock Your SHINE project supports empowerment through creativity and music. We will be sponsoring the Massai Remiti Choir Recording in Tanzania. The objective is to provide seed money and to help facilitate planning for the recording of an album of the choir. The income generated from the album will help sustain future choir initiatives and help to establish further goals for the community. With the continued hardwork of WEECE, this project initiative is one more building block added to WEECE’s integrated approach in addressing the needs of the people of the Kilimanjaro region. The choir is a positive education and interaction model that provides an opportunity for the young women and men of the Massai tribe to be active participants in their community, self-confident and expressive which bridges communication for larger gender and social issues. LLS will be involved in coordinating the recording, assisting in the artwork for the album and continuing awareness initiatives.

Jessey’s Inspiration

Last August while I was volunteering at WEECE, Mama Mrema and I had numerous discussions exploring working with one another. There was no clear vision at that point but we were both confident that by putting our heads together we’d get a sense if our goals were parallel. One of the opportunities Mama provided me was a visit to the Massai tribe and to hear the choir, I was encouraged by the motivation and the collective creativity of the group, so the inspiration started flowing. After three weeks of absorbing the experience I said my farewells to Mama and assured her that I would follow up after I had some time to put my head around our meeting. The launch of Social SHINE jewelry was the first step in celebrating individual character and creativity and the next step is connecting it back to the goals at the studio which include the continued social involvement in awareness and empowerment initiatives. Rock Your SHINE is really an opportunity to bring us (ladies of the world) together…to work together, to celebrate together and to socially SHINE together.

As a proprietor of SHINE, you wear a bold message of the power and potential of our own two hands. This power when shared with others is how significant change occurs. I will be returning to Tanzania to assist and document the project, tentatively planned for July 2012. I look forward to keeping you updated with further announcements and for the launch of a Special Edition to celebrate the project and please see here for additional information about our empowerment initiatives.

Let OUR Socidividuality continue to SHINE!

Jessey

Tanzania Translations: Everything happens for a reason…

….Everything…happens for a reason.

This post is written from the depths of my heart…I do sincerely believe that everything happens for a reason…my friends/family here at home and in Tanzania are part of a larger picture that I plan to immerse myself to make the very best of what can emerge. I now share with you the journey of Tanzania…

First I will share my admiration and respect for Mama Mrema, an individual who is making such a significant social impact in the world, whom I was fortunate to cross paths with at this time of life. Mama, Director of WEECE (Women Education and Economic Center) is a fiery women with a heart of gold (just as my mom was in her life). Mama’s spirituality was sobering and helped me to personally gain clarity and a better understanding of the contradictions in the cycles of dysfunction and helped to affirm the actions to building true self-empowerment, the core of MyPOP’s work. I did my best to serve her needs for the past three weeks and to offer my insights when asked for. What we accomplished was a friendship and understanding, which we can now formulate into a plan of action.

What we were able to achieve:

• Village visits, tours and introductions
• Interviews with women business owners supported by WEECE
• MyPOP print workshop
• Assisted in set-up of new kitchen sponsored by a group of supporters
• Drafted/painted kitchen mural
• Proposal preparation for urgent need
• Assisted with administration
• Assisted with conversational English

Volunteering was intimidating and frightening at times as I was overwhelmed by what I felt I couldn’t do before convincing myself to focus on what I could offer. The humbling experience allowed me to prioritize and I understand how I can best use my skills to be of service.Cross Cultural Solutions, my host organization, was a very successful experience and provided the bridge to my connection with WEECE. I recommend CCS as a credible and well-established organizer for a first-time volunteer experience and encourage future volunteers to scout out sponsorships to help assist with the fees.

My advice to those considering volunteering is this:

• If you haven’t already, adopt a mentality of listening and learning – golden rule: LISTEN MORE – TALK LESS. Remember you are there to share, not direct.
• Spend time observing and engaging in discussions about those you are working with.
• Be selfless in your actions and be there to serve where it is needed.
• Politeness, creativity and enthusiasm will go along way.
• Outline your goals before your departure as this will provide a framework for both you and the individuals you are there to serve.
• Be natural…you may feel the obligation to try and be something that you are not…remain patient and deliberate as time will help get you into your groove.

Remarks about moving forward:

I want to extend a thank-you to those of you who have followed the journey, as I feel we are on this together. In the next few days and months my objectives and follow-through will be revealed, including a select variety of initiatives and projects. I will say again that I have tremendous admiration for Mama Mrema. She is a visionary and has made tremendous strides in helping her sisters and brothers of Tanzania. I believe in her and her initiatives have helped to sustain dramatic improvements for the lives of some of those who need it most.

As a sensual person, I have already missed and will continue to miss the sounds, smells and sites of my recent experiences the most. The sounds of Mama’s belly laugh and her insightful tone in the words she shared. I will miss the bumpy roads while piled into a small truck sharing stories and jokes with friends. I will miss hearing the dogs barking and the early morning call to prayer. I have missed the dust and the foreign words of Swahili. I will miss most, the hugs of those that I have already come to love.

Until next time, amani,

Jessey

Photo documentation of journey and initiatives posted on FB

On Tour: National Stationery Show Steps & Success

It was a whirlwind of a week, productive and charged, and I couldn’t have pulled off the successful show without the help of my assistant Bryn, thank you!

Now I will assess. The power of creativity is that it multiplies when surrounded by other creativity, this alone is a worthwhile reason to make the investment into industry trade shows. But as we all know, inspiration and networking doesn’t cover overhead, at first anyways. Yes, I’m emphasizing the value of patience, persistence and relationship-building and industry shows are key to all three.

I won’t sugar-coat the large investment (a few thousand dollars) by sharing illusions of over-night success.  Instead I will outline my steps taken for a successful show and how I maximize the opportunity for return.

Step 1: Set My Goals before the Show

A) Find a prospective Rep
B) Scout/Full-Fill 10 orders
C) Explore Distribution
D) Learn more about Industry

Step 2: Steps Taken at Show to help Meet Goals

A) Utilized free exposure opportunities at show, including submission for Best New Product and Advertising
B) Maximized networking opportunities by attending events, listening and making introductions
C) Submitted Press Releases
D) Submitted inquiry for Rep Leads

Step 3: Assess Show during the Show and Identify Reliable and Valid Follow-Through

A) Keep my company mission as priority
B) Maintain brand integrity
C) Do business with “Like-Minds” and target demographic

As always, I share my experience in hopes that it lend perspective to my readers and your Creative & Bold pursuits!

Continue being BOLD – Jessey

Nominated As Finalist For Best New Product Display at National Stationery Show

Little Lady Studio’s Peace Card Set has been selected for presentation in the Best New Product Display at the Annual National Stationery Show at Javits Center in New York City from May 15-18, 2011.

Now in its 65th year, the National Stationery Show is the world’s most comprehensive collection of stationery and related lifestyle products, and stands alone as the only business event and tradeshow in the United States that focuses specifically on these profitable, powerful product categories. With over 900 exhibiting companies featuring more than 10,000 lines, the NSS brings all sides of the diverse business community together: manufacturers (the exhibitors), buyers, sales reps, designers, licensors, distributors, trade/consumer press and manufacturing suppliers (the exhibitors in The Supply Side division).

“For my first year exhibiting at this industry show, I’m thrilled to have my product featured in this esteemed display. I continually strive towards a product that is green, stays true to our social commitment and offers my customer a unique perspective. To be recognized by industry professionals is quite an honor. We offer something very unique at Little Lady Studio – Social Stationery that provides each and every one of us the opportunity to learn, to give and to inspire – now that is something to write home about!”– Jessey Jansen

Find Little Lady Studio at Booth 1157, from May 15-18^th, 2011 at Javits Convention Center, 11^th Avenue New York, NY. To learn more about Little Lady Studio, please visit us at www.littleladystudio.com.

Little Lady Studio Takes Home Bronze Win With Neenah Paper’s National Competition

Little Lady Studio is once again making a BOLD statement in the paper world. Our BE BOLD Gift Set has received the Bronze PAPERWORKS Winning Entry from Neenah Paper Inc, a world-class manufacture of papers.

“I continually strive towards a product that is both green and stays true to our social commitment. With each small step, I reach towards a future that has less impact on the environment but much impact on community. I’m thrilled that Neenah Paper recognizes our BOLD statement! “ – Jessey Jansen, Owner

Neenah Paper’s Environment Papers are made Carbon Neutral Plus, made with 100% renewable green energy, is Green Seal™ Certified and is archival. “Our use of Neenah Paper’s Environment Papers helps in preserving the delicate balance of our ecology by offering Social Stationery that minimizes waste and protects our environment.”

Neenah Paper looked at criteria including the following when selecting this quarter’s winner:

• Use of Environment Papers
• Excellence in design
• Creativity

Our Logo & its Symbolism

Power in a symbol. Our logo represents the ability to make positive change with your own two hands. The labyrinth included in the center symbolizes the intricate paths of life. The color combination represents:

Red: Importance & Action
Blue: Trust & Commitment
Black: Power & Potential

On Tour: Little Lady Studio partners with CARE at National Conference 2011

1400 additional miles logged and another successful and action packed week partnering with CARE at the National Conference in Washington DC. This year’s conference was exceptionally organized at a new location, the Washington Hilton. The International Marketplace buzzed with excitement, passion and determination throughout the conference. Anticipating the conference with bated breath, I launched my new pin keepsake, mini-workbooks, new ethnic  illustrations and our Be Bold Gift Set featuring CARE’s I AM Powerful winners. The special edition gift set includes the bold and powerful story of Goretti Nyabenda, whom I was able to meet at last year’s conference, a unique inspirational experience for me personally.Visit our website if you would like to add this collector’s edition stationery set to your personal stash.

Little Lady Studio was housed next to Original Women, a unique company that celebrates the artistry of women of the world, Tickets-for-Charity, where great events and great causes come together and a few other admirable partners. The market was a great success and again I was able to meet some outstanding individuals, learn and receive affirmation that local initiatives help to support critical global agendas.

The Little Ladies of the World keep multiplying and there is no plan to slow down!

Highlights:

Performances by: Indie.Arie, Michael Franti, PowerBox, Sarah Darhling

Keynote by Melinda Gates

Special Thanks :

Loyal and New Customers

I can’t thank you enough! I received wonderful feedback from all my customers and appreciate all who entered the drawing for the Be Bold Gift Set, announced soon!

CARE Staff

Special thanks: Kathy Lane, Shira Lawrence, Angelina Martinez

Thank you for all that you do!

Niosha Vigue

Special thanks to my daughter for her assistance through-out the event.

Jacqueline Jansen

Special thanks to my sister for being a supportive travel companion and creative partner.

Tracy Allardice

Special thanks to Tracy for making introductions and for your constructive feedback.

Gwendy Feldman

Co-Founder of Original Women. Thank you to Gwendy for being who she is and for owning such a beautiful company.

George Lucas

International Marketplace Set Coordinator. Special thanks to George for assisting at set-up.

Please see here for more highlights from CARE on the 2011 conference.

A Moment of Truth: The Art of being Little Lady Studio

So, I rightly ask, is my work a product of my environment? I would have to say, yes. Since my move to the Chicago suburbs a few years ago, my physical ‘studio’ space is that of an ‘office’ space. At the time of the move I clearly realized that my environment in itself was going to change my work dynamic – temporarily anyways. So both nervously and excitedly, I laid everything out and studied my mission. With the evaluation in-hand, a strategical plan (aka new business plan) was created. It was then that I was confident I was on the right path.

I’ve been able to ‘get current’ with my online presence, develop a content marketing plan, devise my product innovation steps, build a cohesive brand and still satisfy my need to be ‘hands-on’ with the process of creating. A significant lesson through it all: Do not stop moving, no matter if the movement is ‘behind’ the scenes or ‘in-front’ of your audience.

In my simplest form, I am an artist. But as is, I am also a business women and entrepreneur, which requires movement in all the scenes. With a bit of nostalgic pride blended with anticipation for what’s to come, I highlight some of my artistic creations here

Our visit to the Snake’s Nest

I’ve just returned from the snake’s nest, Cancun Mexico – & the adventure hissed with diversity. My husband and I experienced a brief but close look at the economic, social and cultural diversity of this fascinating place. Our great fortune of the trip included a personalized tour of the city, the tourism zone and the historic ruins from our new friend Reuben, a local taxi driver. We ate delicious food, met a wonderful local family, were introduced to a great designer (Erica Flores), enjoyed the song of an adorable Mayan girl, explored a whirlwind of history and traveled with an open mind.

I always find the challenge of new places very invigorating. A humbling reminder of how much I have yet to learn – Spanish being one of them!

If you find yourself in Cancun might I recommend:
Food: Tacos Rigos in Cancun
Culture: Chichen Itza – tour with Santiago
Design: Erica Flores – clothing designer
Education: A local city tour – with someone you can trust