Laziness

I really hope I have the case of some Holiday bug, because I cannot seem to get in the mood to work. One of my Video Publicity clients is having a bridal show on Jan 8 and therefore all editing has to be done by then. I definitely don't want to wait till the last minute.

I think the only way to break me out of this "lazycoma" is to take the 5 minutes to pack up my terabyte hard drive, laptop, mousepad and wireless mouse and spend the day at my favorite coffee shop. Putting headphones on to the House Pandora station should get me over the hump to get it done. It's not hard, I'm just not in the mood and that happens with creativity— it can't be constant and overused. Hopefully, I will get in the mood before the New Year. If not, January 1 or 2nd better be the start of a wonderful New Years Resolution of making lists I stick to finishing and having a solid routine.

Business during the holidays?

During the holidays, it is known that business people are out of town and have automatic email responses all ready prepared. The truth is, unless it's a CEO, your contact is skimming emails and probably even at the office. I think sending something in the mail during the holidays is the perfect way to get in the door- so to speak. Send a Happy New Year note on personal stationary to someone you intend to start doing business with. That way, when you follow up with a proposal in a week or two, the chances of consideration and a response is greater. The key after the proposal being sent is persistence and followup... but please know when to draw the line- there is a line between persistence and annoyance.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Ups and Downs

Damn. I skipped a day. That's strike two for me as a blogger on the quotidian.

I still haven't gotten organized. I am waiting for my best friend, Pamela, to help me move my dresser from the old house with her car. So, my stuff is everywhere and my mom is getting on my case. Looking around all my stuff ruptured from my suitcase I got a flash back of some of my so- called friends' apt pictures on facebook from Ohio State. They all got jobs and an apt to call their own. I feel like I missed out at times from not being settled into my own place. How did I get here? How did I want to take on a "tv" web show instead of just really focusing on my consumer product line? The only thing I can hold on to is that if The Lights is successful as a global show, then what better advertisement or product placement can I ask for other than that fan base and viewers? That really is the reason why I organized The Lights. I just hope I choose the right path. There's certainly no way of going back now. Writing this has made me feel a little better, because I was a bit down before. I guess there is something mystical and enchanting about unveiling the unpaved road of having my own unique premiere— inviting who I want, design/event planning how I want and just "see what happens". (Sigh).

Road Less Traveled

Back in Ohio with my family. I recognized being back in Ohio right away when a baggage helper immediately approached me with a dolly. He was SO nice!

My camera man, Mike, still has one of my hard drives with The Lights footage on it in NY. I need him to capture a tape and film and capture Aimee, Sarah (Sara Claire and Esther) and Elle (Marigo's client of Otrera).

It's perfect timing because I will not be working until I empty out and organize my 3 suitcases. I have to be Feng Suied out before I can even begin to edit the trailer and the pilot.

I really am just going to respect the timing and get the work done without any stress. Im going to make a vision board with what I envision for the premiere and just stay positive and hopeful. I'm going to balance working on my body ( ballet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables), oxygen water with editing The Lights.

Once I'm settled here I'm going to meet with some potential investor sponsors here as soon as the trailer is done. In fact, one of my friends from Ohio State who owns a well known energy drink gave me the go ahead to send him over the sponsorship proposal-- so that prospectus with trailor is on my top to do list. It's all going to work!! I just believe.

What an amazing New Year it's going to be!

Thanks for reading--whoever you are. xo

Post Office

I met with the talented Zara Terez to pick up the Sunset bag in Clementine to carry FudgeHim! product in "Orange you glad you're single." The post office on 33th and 8th is so amazing. So historic. So New York. Find out which celebrities I sent FudgeHim! to in season 1.

I ended up filming with Zara. She has such a fabulous office environment that releases creativity. I am so happy to be surrounded by so many hard working femnetrepreneurs who have risked it all to go down this road less traveled and I am honored to capture the journey in The Lights. Stay Tuned.

The NY Hustle: What a Day!

Being an entrepreneur is the equivalant to the pursuit of happiness.... A thought I had as I had to start typing on my phone for a clip on camera on the subway.

The vow to blog everyday has been broken thanks to myself for taking on almost too much I can handle. So, sincere apologizes for that.

Thursday was insane. I was on such a tight time schedule.

2:30 meet Aimee and return the Sara Claire and Esther outfits they kindly styled me for The Lights Show.

2:35: Film Aimee and record her saying something exciting about her company.

3:00 walk 7 blocks and one avenue to film @MarigoPR at the magazine store in Bryant Park. The workers were kind enough to go along with everything and were amused by us with the camera and $300 microphone.

3:30 meet the owners of the top teacup breeders in the world who are wanting @newyorkcitypr to help them get more followers-- I may get a teacup baby dolled faced Yorkie out of it.

4:15 meet my cameraman, Mike, outside NBC to pick up the wireless mics.

5:00 take train to Telegraphe Cafe in Chelsea to meet Elle, owner of Otrera (hottest scarfs ever right now)

Film Elle call her social media publicist, Marigo (while Marigo was on camera at Macchiato Espresso bar being filmed by Mike.)

One last shoot this Monday and that wraps up season one filming in NY. I'm really excited to get back to me and my company. Need to start being more selfish. The only vision that keeps me going is walking the red carpet and watching The Lights premiere thinking, yes, Christina, your beyond hard work to pursue this dream was certainly all worth it.

Producing and Starring

I don't think I will truly step into who I am (my element) until I have an associate producer on board and I can actually just focus on being an entrepreneur and attend to my products- solely. The thought of not having to produce/manage/ coordinate the show and just show up for a scene seems like a dream. A dream I'm willing to work towards.

I met with @emilybrickelceo (Emily) today and it really well. We filmed at Uva on 2nd Ave and 78th.

Imagine doing what you're doing AND producing/filming/set designing an entire show!... Hectic mayhem I tell you. Even tonight, Emily said, yet again, that I should FOCUS on my company only-- all I could only think of was, "if she only knew!"--- here I am trying to make HER a star and juggle everything at the same time--Its all good tho.

It was wonderful seeing her--even if it was just catching up on camera. How is she doing with her dress line...? Find out on The Lights. Premiering early 2010.

I wore a Sara Claire and Esther burgundy skirt and never felt more confident.

Appearance

Having visited The Tory burch boutique in Nolita to meet Ivanka Trump to wearing Sara Claire and Esther for scenes, it is very important to take the extra time to dress until you feel confident. Confidence is key to being articulate and poised in business meetings and it's time to find the brands that achieve such feeling.

Today's to do list became slightly interrupted when I had to see my dermatologist. I have a scene this Wednesday and need to be camera ready. A chemical peel later, I should be good to go.

It's strange yet exciting to have to focus on my looks so much as I step into being a Lights star. I will look glamorous at times on the show but that doesn't mean that I'm not sitting at my camera man's place in sweats and glasses with no make up on right now. Remember I'm still an entrepreneur and there isn't time to always look your best to strangers.

I had my liter of water, organic juice and stretched and can't wait to start ballet.

What are your fashion and beauty secrets? First to leave a comment receives a special gift. Xoxo

Time Management

If it was any other Sunday, I would stay up and work until I couldn't work anymore. However, as
my new Monday Resolution I, have decided to wake up extra early and start my week off right.

This month is all about finishing the pilot for the premiere and in preparation for the premiere (date TBD early 2010), I need to approach key sponsors to make this happen.








I will set my alarm at 8am, Stay in my black knock off version of a black Juicy Couture sweatsuit and while I heat up water for the morning green tea, I will sit on the carpet and work on my middle splits while downing a liter of NYC tap water before my tea. Just typing this seems like a dream lifestyle way of beginning my morning.

After a warm up i will then do 50 pliés (when I go back to Ohio I am taking private ballet lessons) and then work on the following to do list:








1. Tweet what time it is
2. Research the Tory Burch foundation.
3. Identify who I want to approach as sponsors for the step and repeat
4. Design perspectus for potential sponsors
5. Take 20 min and walk to health food store to order 32 oz of organic vegetable and apple/carrot juice
6. Check Twitter and Facebook
7. Finish perspectus
8. Text Marigo and Email Sara Claire and Esther regarding scenes that need to be filmed
9. Follow up with Zara Terez
10. Call The World Bar and find out if I can film there for a drink filmed meeting with Emily
11. Take a break and finish reading The Trump Card
12. Eat
13. Drink water!
14. Go!!! To the apple store and find the right person to talk to about having the premiere there! That would be a dream!!

Wow. I am really looking forward to my day.

I have to write to do lists more often. I hope it helps my mind focus and manages my time beyond my wildest expectations.

15. Otrera and marigo
16. Write femmetrepreneurs questions to send to femmes to feature them on my blog.









Happy Monday! Xo

Monday Resolution

You probably have had great ideas to do something or plan something but never quite got around to it.

Whether it's writing a handwritten letter to someone you think is out of reach--hoping to get aquainted or drinking more water, take the rest of the weekend to think about how to enhance your lifestyle.






Today, I woke up and drank a liter of Penta, walked to the health food store and drank 32 oz of fresh organic vegetable juice with an apple and a carot), ate a pear and had wild salmon for lunch. (except it wasn't wild, I could tell- the Chinese woman totally lied). I looked in the mirror and my face was supple and plump and glowing and thought, "why the hell don't I do this on a quotidian basis?!"

Whatever is it make this Monday the start of a steller week to really get the things you've been dreaming of started- it'll be a good change in energy and you'll feel really good about yourself.

Have a Happy Monday Resolution

Trump Card— No Excuses

What a day. My back hurts from running around the city. My camera man left me the lavs (wireless mics) and I had to lug them around all day. I went to Macy's to meet with Mercedes from BeChicMag to discuss a deal— she is so sweet and talented. Then I met up with Lindsey at the Chanel counter and we did a 1920s look with red lips to match my Sara Claire & Esther styling.
I went into Louis Vuitton and of course want these $530 sunglasses. One day. One day. While I was in there one of the sales reps, Amanda, was obsessed with my coat and had to know where I got it from. Then another two Iranian? women's eyes lit up and had to know where I got my coat. I have to say that it is certainly worth putting the extra money into pieces that make you feel important and get others to notice and want to converse with you. I felt like a celebrity— better yet, I felt like an accomplished CEO just signing a big deal. Tory Burch flats are a next wish list.

I cannot wait to have a closet full of Sara Claire and Esther!



No Excuses.
I never made it to Zara Terez because I never heard back from her on Twitter. After I got home, I saw a public tweet from Zara wondering why I never showed up! I was shocked and then I realized that she had gotten back to me on the Direct Message (DM) on Twitter! I didn't even think to check that. Later on, I read another chapter of The Trump Card: and being late, stuck in traffic, Yeah Yeah Yeah, LA Ti DA is just so annoying to hear. If you want to be successful and have a edge above everyone else just get rid of the excuses. Check every communication, leave 3o min earlier than early and just be on time. I have to say excuses are becoming pet peeve for me. It's going to be interesting to overcome these habits, but we certainly can start by being aware of how often we have an excuse.

It was a great day otherwise. I went to the post office to drop off "Orange you glad you're single" to Audrina Patridge's publicist— but did something happen to prevent me from sending it?! Find out on The Lights!

@ToryBurch @IvankaTrump

Flying solo at the Tory Burch featuring Ivanka Trump gala was intimidating at first. It takes some femmetrepreneur "balls point pens" to attend a gala alone. I bought the Trump Card business bible and sat down on the low white couch to read. I was immediately enchanted.



2 pages in, the what I assumed to be the book manager of the event approached me and asked if i would like Ivanka to sign the book. I walked over to the book table display and the stunning Ivanka Trump greeted me. She looks the same as she does in her ads and television appearances- just classy gorgeous.



She asked me if I read the book. I have not. I told her I can relate to being born into a wealthy family but in the end it's on me to work hard. She asked me what business I am in and to be honest I didn't know what to say. I wanted to talk about The Lights show but all that came out was that my father is a pioneering physician. I didn't want tonight to be about me- it was all about her. I can't wait to read the book to brush up on modern business etiquette. I handed her her gift that I had designed and gave Tory's gift to her sales rep because I just missed her.


After a couple glasses of the finest champagne and caviar, I started mingling with the Patrick Mcmullen camera man and actor/model side job servers and found out that the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad is speaking tomorrow night in the city.



Then the night became magical. I was speaking to model Emile from Australia by the entrance and as two fabulously dressed young women walked by to leave, I seized the moment and said, "do you mind if I ask you ladies a question." "Sure", they broke stride. I proceeded to ask them if they were entrepreneurs. No, however one worked for Tory Burch.



After exhanging cards I suddenly realized I was closing out the place with the staff. I rushed to take iPhone stills as one of the sales reps complimented by bebe diamond fishnet stockings.

Feeling confident (yes the champagne was that fabulous) I found myself cliquing with Caroline who manages all the Tory Burch social media and online marketing. I am interested in doing a post on Tory and she is interested in @NewYorkCityPR. We can't wait to have coffee at Machiatto next week.





"If you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come". -Oprah Winfrey. First page of The Trump Card.

The time has come to Rock Tradition

Tory Burch
6-8— celebrating new eyewear launch and the Trump Card.
257 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-3000
Serendipity and energy is a funny thing. For the past week I have been dreaming about Ivanka Trump either guest starring on The Lights (I already wrote out the scene where I am in a dream speaking to her in the boardroom) or narrating the voice overs. What does a femmetrepreneur do when Ivanka Trump tweets that she will be at the Tory Burch Nolita boutique in just a few hours! We drop whatever we are doing and rearrange our schedules to follow this Celestine Prophecy.


Now, I have to re-write the script and nix filming me going to Borders/Barnes & Noble to purchase the Trump Card— Ivanka Trump's latest book about business. I spoke with someone at the boutique and cameras of course are not allowed—I am actually happy about this since it's been a long time that I have been out with just a cocktail in hand enjoying just meeting people naturally without the intimidation of the camera.

With a purchase of her book ( $24.99) you receive a Trump gift bag! I am SO excited! Also, Tory Burch is not only celebrating the Trump Card– she is launching her eyewear collection! Did you all know that my father pioneered LASIK eye surgery?— and yet I am still in glasses & contacts! Ha! I am waiting for his inside the eye contact lens. Can they make me look like Edward Cullen?
(Oh just went to the website and see sunglasses— I wonder if she is coming out with lenses?

Anyway! Tory Burch will also have some items from her spring collection.

Wow. Ivanka Trump & Tory Burch— major femmetrepreneurs.

My plan is to go— even if I am solo, buy The Trump Card and have a reading date with my hors d'ouvres and cocktail. I actually am not going to be on the prowl to network as I am on a great path with my circle of solid femme colleagues, however I will just live in the moment and see how the energy is and where it takes me.

Now, I have about one hour and 15 minutes to shower, choose an outfit in my limited selection of a suitcase, print a card to give to Ivanka Trump and take the 30 min train there from Brooklyn.

It's now 5:10 and I am showered and the design gift for Ivanka and Tory are done. Not bad. Now, the question! what to wear!


I just had to whip up some business cards too! (I arrived at 7:15).

Friends and Favors— When To Say No

My cast member, Marigo (#msmpr) texted me to bring her written proposal to design life. She already did all the work of writing one of her brilliant pitches for one of her clients. I knew this day was coming after she was impressed when she saw the proposal I designed for @NewYorkCityPR's Video Publicity department for Sara Claire & Esther. Without much hesitation I told her it was a go.




After college, the beer pong is put away and the desire to attend the hottest & classiest galas becomes the new networking social hour— especially in NY. It's just a matter of time when your new friends start wanting favors— favors that take time away from your TDL (to do list) and turns their next incoming mail into gold. Here are 3 tips to know when to do the favor and when to JUST say no.

1. ASSESS YOUR FRIENDSHIP
A. You Just Exchanged Business Cards.
If you just met someone and they ask for a favor you need to ask yourself if you need anything from them. Maybe they have a contact you need or they are in an industry that you know you will need to tap into in the next 3-6 months. If this is the case then you can do them the favor with the underlying notion of asking them for one in return in the future.

B. A Friend You've Known For Over 2 Years
For someone that you have known for awhile that asks for a favor— they need to pass the "Facebook Test". If they haven't written on your wall in the past year or texted you in the past 3 months then that should make it easy for you to decline. If it's your bestie then by now of course you say yes to favors because they don't take advantage.

2. Listen to your gut
If someone asks you for a favor and you feel as if you are being used or have the high school feeling that you are being taken advantage of and know that this person would never do anything for you (you would never need a favor from them anyway) then email them and say, "I am sorry I just have too much on my plate to meet your deadline. Good Luck though! It sounds cool. Best, ______".

3. Beyond the 1st Favor
A. You're Becoming Colleagues
Oftentimes, you will dealing with someone who is your friend within your circle of colleagues and they have come to really like what you've got. When they ask for more favors you need to determine if you are getting anything in return. This can be a real advantage for you because a nice barter relationship has evolved. For example, if someone has a lot of twitter followers, contacts or a hot blog—you may be inclined to keep up your end of the favors if you see that you have been mentioned on postings or tweets. If nothing happens, then the next time they ask for the favor you can text them and ask them to do something for you— they will agree if they want something from you. If you want one of their contacts then after you do the first favor and they say "Thank You! I owe you one"— then go ahead and ask for their contact's email.

B. When To Charge
If you really don't need anything from them then you need to write your friend an email stating that you are slammed and the only way to be squeezed in is if they can pay for your time. Let them know that you gave them the friend discount. If you normally charge $50/hour charge $25. This is a really nice way to draw the friendly line. If you find out later that this person starts gossiping about your arrogance then you know they aren't a good friend and you can detox them out of your life.

Organizing

We hear it time and time again that an organized workspace opens a special portal in life that is supposed to be effortlessly flowing with positive energy and progress. It really helps with the 4 quadrants (Dr. Dyer anyone?).

After putting a load of laundry in and picking things off the chair and floor, my desk is still a mess but the most pressing tool for me is to label all the clips in my editing suite. I have to prepare all the footage for the pro editors in the other Lights dept.
See all the Untitled's to the left? I have to sort though 8 months of filming. It will be so much fun though. Sarah Austin and I have determined that December is the final production month before the real fun begins.

I also noticed on my Twitter settings reads web series... hmm, can my subconscious be telling me something that is fortuitous? I already decided that if the tv networks don't pick the show up in a certain amount of time frame then I am going to make a proposal to Twitter and @NewYorkCityPR. MTV, Lifetime, CW, Bravo, Oxygen, VH1, & We are hot ones to receive an invitation for a viewing meeting.

The Lights will be editing like a movie (short film) with a splash of The City and Sex and the City. With LA music connections this show is going to be amazing. It was quite the journey carrying tripods and lights around but I can say that I am proud that I was able to create the first mobile production company. I hired the best camera man in the city and now it's time to get organized so The Lights can launch early next year.

I am also setting up celebrity guest stars who have been successful with their minds.

Side Work

I freelance design for @newyorkcitypr and they have already published their vision as being the first virtual department store. The brand name is No Label— a store for those who are working hard to pull themselves out of the recession. The motto goes, "there is nothing insecure about paying less"—
which was inspired off of Christian Siriano's publicist's decision to do the deal with Payless. Bianco Bianconi just started her own PR firm and we are all so happy for her. She is a real sweetheart.


The next step is to build a section of No Label that houses actual designers. The vision is for each carefully selected designer to have their own unique room.

Here is an example of what I thought of for Zara Terez if she would have a room in the virtual store.
You all must know that I majored in Visual Communications at a very exclusive school. I really enjoy designing and building solid relationships. I definitely miss my close friends. It's really hard to find truly supportive friends who become your sisters. Finding them in business is a dream.

The exciting part about working with the designers who sign on will be writing their screenplay for how their brand will be portrayed in edited video. The idea is to make them their own stars in their own virtual reality show in their exclusively branded rooms on NoLabelSecret.com

I met Zara while filming Lights star Marigo Mihalos at the Zara Terez trunk show at The Shoe Box on Lex.

Femmetrepreneurs: this blog's for you.

So. You left everything you know or took this road less traveled from the beginning. Either way, it's against your dna to work for anyone other than yourself. Sure, it's liberating when we see people in cubicles in the movies yet it's exhausting and kinda scary. I will share with you my ideas, where I am with them and vow to blog at least once a day.

Today was Thanksgiving. CNBC had a special on The Oprah Effect. Her midas touch literally is magical on businesses. It takes one mention for sales to soar. 44 million viewers a week. That's 1/6th of Americans tuning in. 1/6th! I couldn't help but get emotional. The story of the "We make the cake" and Carol's Daughter are incredible examples of how we all should do our very best to try and get on the Oprah Show before it's too late. I have an idea and will tell you later.

Before going to bed I watched Julie and Julia for the second time and became inspired to start this blog. Again, I cried at the end. I realized my tears are of joy of witnessing the rags to riches stories. There is nothing more enchanting than to watch an entrepreneur's success story. It helps us stay on our path no matter how dreary it can be. I know the voice inside your head. Trust Me. You think: When is that going to be me? When will all this hard work pay off? Who will notice my brilliant product ideas? How will I get the attention of producers that have the midas touch? Will it ever happen? Am I wasting my time? Should I just get a job?!
(Sign) Well, I invest everything I have to being a femmetrepreneur, as you probably do too. I know one thing and one thing only— I will never stop until I become a success story. I live out of a suitcase. That is the only way I am able to executive produce and star in the show The Lights. Sarah Jessica Parker is my role model. She executive produced Sex and the City and became sought after for endorsement products.

One day we will look back and think, "wow, I did it.". I can't wait to get to know my readers and share your stories as being a femmetrepreneur. Here it goes...