An outfit is never complete without an accessory! Fisayo Quadri, happiness curator and accessory creator, has the perfect added touch for you! We got the chance to learn more about Fisayo, Oh Lou and her future plans. Check it out below! 

When and how did you start Love Oh Lou? 

I’ve always had a knack for the shiny things in life. Anything with sequins, glitter, and confetti is just a part of who I am. In my nineteen years of life, the one thing that has remained consistent is my love for fashion, philanthropy and entrepreneurship. I launched Oh Lou in November of 2014 out of my desire to provide exquisite accessories that not only enhance external beauty but also encourage internal beauty by satisfying the needs of members in the community.

What inspired you to branch out into Oh Lou Silver Spoon Initiative? Any personal connection to D.C, where one food item is donated for every item sold in the initiative? 

Growing up in the Washington DC metropolitan area, I had the opportunity to frequently give back through community service. Oh Lou actually resulted from my experience with Project CHIC (#1000Headbands4StJude). The Silver Spoon Initiative was created in support of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. It represents my belief that no matter what financial background someone may come from, no one should be denied access to the basic necessity of food.

How do you handle being a student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY as well as run Oh Lou? Any advice for college students who want to have a creative outlet too? 

I’m learning how to prioritize my priorities. Essentially, it’s about knowing what needs to get done and disciplining yourself to find balance. The good thing is that I’m a fashion major so everything I do relates back to Oh Lou. My best advice is to find what works for you and be patient while perfecting your skill.  Don’t measure your success by someone else’s standards.

What do you see yourself doing after graduation?

My options after graduation are wide open! The one thing I know for sure is that I’ll continue to develop Oh Lou.

As an accessory creator, what is a must have accessory that you believe everyone should have in their collection?

This might sound cheesy but I would definitely say a smile! It doesn’t cost a thing and can make you feel so much better.

Get Your Glow On!

If you ask me, who wouldn't want to glow all year around?! Marla Sacchetta, owner of And So It Glows, brings the best glow to you with her mobile spray tanning service. Using top of the line Norvell products for spray tans, the product is paraben free, gluten free, and 100% vegan. This week we wanted to spotlight Marla, her amazing business, and how you can keep your skin glowing all year long! 

How did you get into the spray tanning business?

One of my best friends brought the idea to me and we started the business together initially, and now I am branched off to do my own thing. 

Do you have any tips to achieving the perfect spray tan?

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Be sure to shower and exfoliate before your session and do not wear anything except dark, loose clothing to the session. No make-up, perfume, deodorant or lotions. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize after your first shower which should be 24 hours after your spray session (if you can last that long). 

How do you balance being a wife, mother, and business owner? And so successful in all three! 

Well... that is nice to say... The best advice I can give anyone is to keep your sense of humor and to perfect time management!!! It's all about the balance. In today's world we are all so busy, even kids. It's important to stop and take time for yourself. If I am not the best version of myself both mentally and physically, I am not good for anyone else. Having a great support system is key too. Without the help of family and my babysitter I couldn't do what I do. Be present... whatever you are doing at that time, if it's doing something with your kids, or thinking of a new business initiative, etc. Be present and stay focused and on task. Set attainable goals! And just get your S#%$ DONE! lol. 

What are your goals for And So It Glows? 

Pitbull calls himself "Mr. Worldwide," I am going to be "Mrs. Worldwide" in the mobile sunless tanning industry, LOL. Seriously, my goals for this year are to be sure when people think of sunless tanning they think of And So It Glows. I want to always have a stellar reputation of being a reliable, dependable, and top-notch company. I plan to bring more staff on my team so that we can reach people efficiently, providing more flexibility for my clients. I am always brainstorming of where or who And So It Glows can partner with. Long term, I see us having a presence in NJ and DE as well as PA. I will start selling retail products in the Fall and I would love to someday have a "Tan Van;" I think it would be great to have for parties and events. How fun would it be for the Tan Van to roll up and inside you can get your sunless tan, hang out with your friends, and have some food and drinks??? I mean, come on!!! Last, I love that I can use this business as a platform to educate people of all ages on the benefits of getting a sunless tan. Although we all enjoy a little Vitamin D, which isn't a bad thing, we all need to be aware of the harmful effects of UV rays both naturally and from tanning beds! Sorry, it's the truth. 

What is your personal favorite custom color option?

Venetian Plus all day long!!! It's gorg and makes you feel like you just came back from an exotic trip. It's beautiful on any skin type too. Not to mention I go into the tent looking like my normal self and come out looking like Sofia Vergara. At least in my own mind I do!

Aside from house calls and private parties, where can people find And So It Glows traveling to next?!

For the latest and greatest places, check out my site at www.andsoitglows.com. I will be a social media expert before it's all over too; Patricia has a challenge ahead of her with trying to coach me along with this stuff. I will be doing a party at Scout and Molly's in the Glen Eagle Shopping Center on Tuesday, February 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 5 till 8pm! Come see me and get your GLOW on!

Is there any fun fact about yourself you'd like to share?

So I randomly met Mel Gibson when he was filming the movie Signs at Smith and Wollensky's in the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philly. I had a business meeting there and my team went to the bar for a few drinks after and he walked into the bar and sat right next to me. I was so star struck, but I easily am anyway, that after I shook his hand I told him I had to go into the restroom to call my parents to tell them who I was with. He was super nice and he commented that he liked my name and I said to him, "don't you think it's the kind of name that should be on a billboard or under a star on the Walk of Fame?" LOL. He has a horseshoe shaped kidney, by the way.  

Come On Barbie... Let's Go Party!

I love birthdays. I mean LOVE. It even says so in my Instagram bio. So when I celebrated my birthday on January 17th you bet I went all out. Each year I try to have a theme. Personally, I think it's easier to plan and decorate with one and it allows your friends to really get into it.

This year... Barbie. Yep. I was obsessed with these plastic little ladies when I was younger. I probably played with them well beyond an age that was socially acceptable. The theme was a no brainer but instead of doing the classic black and white stripe with accents of pink I opted for a more 90s throwback Barbie color scheme with pastel ombre and touches of gold. Fun, right?!

My cake and cookies were by The Createrie. I work with Aly often for my parties and even client events. She's so creative and always gets my vision. I'm more of a vanilla girl so it was vanilla on vanilla and sugar cookies with icing. The cupcakes though? They were by my sweet mom. 

True story: I still have my Barbie house from when I was little. I'm saving it for my future daughter. But since that's forever away, for my party I converted the house to my "Barbie Bar" where the signature drink of the night was "Patricia's Punch" uh duh. 

These ombre plates from Hattan Home totally inspired the color scheme I mentioned above. And if it's not on Facebook it didn't happen, right? So of course I made a Barbie box Photo Booth. We had TOO much fun with it.

I got a lot of questions on my dress, it's by Camilyn Beth and totally adorable. Earrings were my new favorite tassels from Piqued PR client Lisi Lerch. I stopped in Tribe Beauty for the first time ever before my party where they did my hair and makeup. They made me into a modern hostess with the mostest Barbie.

Business Babe: Mix & Match Design Company

Meet Chaney the designer behind the e-design services of Mix and Match Design Company. She's making the design process approachable and the it affordable to live in a well designed casa.

When and why did you decide to create your business? What was the light bulb moment?

I decided to create Mix & Match Design Company in the spring of 2015 after having spent the past several years writing a design/DIY blog (May Richer Fuller Be) and helping friends and family with design in their homes. I've always had a passion for helping people make their homes into places they love and wanted to be able to offer that as a service to a broader audience. The lightbulb moment came when I realized there are a whole bunch of folks out there who would never think or want to hire a traditional interior designer, but still want help choosing pieces and designing spaces in their homes in an affordable, approachable way that fits their schedules and budgets. E-design is a perfect fit for those needs and thus, Mix & Match was born!

What is your background and how did this help prepare you in regards to your business?

Oddly enough, my schooling and professional background are in something completely unrelated to design - medicine and healthcare. I've been pursuing creative endeavors on the side for a long time though, starting way back in high school when I started a ribbon belt business! I've spent the last several years honing my design skills primarily through writing my blog and designing spaces in both my own home and others'. Those experiences have had the biggest impact on preparing me to launch my business. 

What do you believe sets your business apart from others and competitors?

E-design is a nascent industry, so our primary focus is helping customers who wouldn't hire a traditional interior designer realize that affordable services are available through e-design. It's not all or nothing anymore! There are several e-design companies out there offering various services. Mix & Match Design Company differentiates itself by offering a more approachable set of services, which range from full custom room design to "finishing touches." For example, I've helped customers with everything from simply picking out a couple of rugs all the way up to planning a full master bedroom design in a new construction home. We also offer consultations by the hour and pre-designed "in-stock" design boards. 

What do you consider your greatest success?

My greatest success is taking a chance to start my own business. I never thought I would consider myself to be an entrepreneur, but I'm embracing that title now! To me, being successful is about taking a risk and following your passions, not necessarily making millions of dollars (although that would be nice, right?).

What is your favorite form of marketing and why?

Word-of-mouth recommendations. There's nothing better than a happy customer spreading the word to friends and family and giving them a personal recommendation to check out Mix & Match Design Company!

Listen Up: Podcast Picks

Here's the thing about me, I'm either all in or completely uninterested and can't be bothered. For example, when I decide to start a series I must watch it from the first episode I can't just pop in and I will watch it all the way through even if I find it boring or stupid. I tend to binge watch too, watching season after season all at once.

If I start a book, I will finish it. Usually within a few days at that. Well recently my obsession has carried over into the Podcast world. I just can't stop listening to them, soaking in all the knowledge I can as I hear other's share their stories, inspiration, struggles and triumphs or just learning simply how things work.

I thought today I'd share what I've been listening to in the background as I type press releases, schedule social media posts and go through my emails. Sorry to disappoint, cult series Serial does not my Podcast favorites list.

The Lively Show- I've been familiar with Jess' blog for quite some time but recently discovered her Podcasts. I love her interviews with other entrepreneurs and there's something so soothing and encouraging about her voice. My favorite to date? Lara Casey of Southern Weddings!

Oh Boy- This is the newest Podcast I've discovered as part of The Man Repeller blog. There's only a handful of episodes so it's easy to get caught up. These interviews sound more like a casual chat between friends which makes me feel like I'm right there during the interview having coffee with Jay Buim and guest. I loved learning more about LOLA which I recently discovered at the Wharton Women in Business Conference.

Better Worldians Radio- This Piqued PR client had to make the list! On days when you hate the world and or just are lacking inspiration Mary Sue, Ray and Greg come to the rescue. Their show interviews guest who are making a difference in the world in unique ways. I came across One Hope Wine through them and boy am I glad I did. Sparkly (literally their bottles have sparkles on them) wine that gives back, yes please!

Influential Gal- Simply put, Q&As with some fabulous lady entrepreneurs. Many entrepreneurs I've connected with in the past have been featured and even when you think you know someone, you can always learn more that's why I love these features.

Do It Like A Publicist: Maid of Honor

Confession: I have never been to a wedding. Well, that’s a lie. I was a flower girl when I was five and a junior bridesmaid when I was like 10. However, in my adult life I’ve never attended a wedding. Of course the first wedding I got to attend at the ripe of 25 also required me to be MOH. No pressure or anything!

Being the OCD, type A freak that I am, once asked to be my cousin April’s MOH I dove in with a plan.

• Pre Party- bachelorette party get together- since I didn’t know the entire bachelorette party and didn’t want my first impression to be wearing themed tattoos and cowgirl boots over drinks, I decided to invite the other ‘maids over for dinner, movies and some girl talk. We painted our nails, browsed through wedding magazines and really got to know one another so we all felt like old friends when the actual wedding festivities began.
• Create a wedding hashtag- that is… if your bride hasn’t already done so but to anyone in the PR business this is an obvi. A hashtag is not just a fun way to brand a wedding but also always pictures to easily be found and shared. We used the hashtag not just for the actual wedding but for dress shopping, the bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner.
• Make it cute- as if you wouldn’t?! Since you’re in charge of your friend’s last fun night as a single lady make it one she’ll remember! What better way then accessorizing the affair? And I don’t mean with straws shaped like male private parts. Etsy and Swoozies were great for appropriate fun finds. I picked up mini emergency hangover survival totes, sashes, temporary tats, tiaras and even donut rings from Bracket. Seriously, look them up.
• Schedule, people- Now for the day of? I can’t take credit for this honestly as April was on her A++++ game and typed us all an itinerary of the day’s events including wake up time, hair and makeup, photos… even a reminder to eat in all the chaos. Now it makes sense that we’re related.

So if it’s your besties from three, your sorority sister or actual family member, do it like a publicist when it comes to a wedding, ladies!

All About That App

Every one is always curious why such a small girl has such a large cellphone. I’m 5”1’ and use an iPhone 6+. My little fingers barely wrap around it but I swear by it as I spend 50% off my time out of the actual Piqued PR office in meetings, at events or on location at a client’s and am working from my iPhone.

With all this 1 on 1 time with my beloved iPhone I’ve complied quite the dependency on my apps. My favorites you ask? (work with me and just pretend you asked).

• DocuSign- Let’s be honest, when are you actually at your computer and by a scanner/printer when you have to sign something? Like NEVER. This app lets you sign and send documents right from your phone.
• Insyder- This app kind of found me. It’s more of a business app working the back-end of a business though. I highly recommend it if you’re managing a lot of people, running a rep program or trying to engage socially.
• MyFitnessPal- By no means am I fitness guru or the most healthy eater but when I want to watch what I eat and tone up this is my bff. Input your height, weight, etc. and this app tells you how many calories you should consumer in a day. Scan barcards or enter your food manually you can also enter your exercising while it automatically tracks your steps.
• PhotoWonder- This may be the cheesiest photo-editing app to date. I’m not kidding when I say it looks like it was designed for a 7 year old. However, it’s super easy to use and offers, filters, touch ups and so much more because Snapseed isn’t as user friendly. IMO.