Do it Like a Publicist: Yard Sale

A garage sale or yard sale, whatever you want to call it, essentially is the oldest way to get rid of all the crap you no longer use or want. That cheap Target fiberboard bookshelf you bought in college, that Juicy Couture terry cloth tote (remember when they were the coolest?) or that vase your ex-boyfriend gave you flowers in. Regardless, did you ever think you could put public relations practices to use and in return make some extra cash?

Well you can and that's exactly what I did! Here's how:

1- Create attractive marketing materials- everyone knows a sleek logo with the right colors, fonts and imagery goes a long way and pulls in your attention. Apply this to your sale. Instead of buying those pre-made red and white yard sale signs from the dollar store or pulling out a Sharpie and writing on printer paper, create your yard sale signs on the computer. Essentially brand your sale!

I got clever with this and called my garage sale, "Gems from 3 Gens" as my grandmother, mom and I all were all selling goods. It was quirky but caught people's attention!

2- Think like a consumer- where are places everyday people frequent in your area? Where are the locals hanging? This is where you want to put up your signs (as long as it's allowed). I placed my signs around town in local coffee shops, gas stations, marketplaces, even the post office. Places where people have to go and go regularly at that.

3- Get social- in today's world even your great aunt Susan is on social media, so make sure you use it! Post on your personal pages (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) about your yard sale and encourage friends to share your post. There are even Facebook yard sale groups for towns all over the country. Post your sale a few days before with the time and location. Then the day of your sale post on these groups pictures of items for sale. Be sure to include lucrative goods like furniture, kids stuff and electronics.

I had people visiting from almost an hour away just because they say something they liked in a picture I posted on one of these sites. Days later I still have inquiries about what is still left.

Moral of the story... do it like a publicist!

Want It, Need It

Barbara Cobb Hat, Chicwish Skirt, Penelope Tote, Bible Binder Notebook, Macbeth Dress, Swell Caroline Bag, BaubleBar Cuff, Drybar Spray, Bracha Necklace, Swoozies Candles         

Where have I been? Oh where to start... being a maid of honor, taking on the town of Malvern with Malvern Stroll and King Street, moving my grandparents down south, planning events for Her Main Line and enjoying summer's mini adventures. Oh my! 

Please be patient though as I'll be trying to post most regularly again. Perhaps weekly to start? You know I'm a creature of habit (and lists and a good planner). Anyways, here's what I'm wanting and needing. What's been on your shopping list? 

Business Babe: Laura Drayton Creative

It's time to create and celebrate with Laura Drayton! Literally, such a perfect Business Babe feature because she is involved with everything! From designing to baking Laura Drayton makes everything cute and perfect. We love her story and simply could not wait to share!

Tell us more about yourself and your business?

My name is Laura Drayton, and I am the owner of Laura Drayton Creative, LLC.  I have quite a few occupations: designer, baker, blogger, traveler, and I manage a small online boutique of fun party supplies and office accessories (www.shopld.com), but my background actually doesn't have much to do with any of this!  I'm currently a full-time grad student at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine, pursuing a Masters in Public Health.  As a way to fulfill my creative passions while in school, I started a small Etsy shop that sold organizational printables and designed stationery on the side. Eventually, I got to a point where I had way too many ideas and too little time. Finally, at the beginning of 2014, I sat down and decided to finally merge all of my creative passions into one place, and the Laura Drayton Creative brand was born. I had no idea that my little shop would soon grow into my own brand, but I am beyond thrilled that it has turned into a job that inspires and excites me.

What is your day to day like? 

Day to day, I really have to admit that I don't have a set schedule.  With such a long list of occupations, I am packing and shipping orders one day, and composing a blog post the next.  Almost every day, I fill in some time with design work and creating something fun (like cupcakes or a project).  I find inspiration from my daily life, but my favorite place to draw inspiration is from my travels.  I love bringing home new ideas (and recipes) from all of the countries I've been able to visit.

What is next on your agenda?

Looking forward, my main priority is focus.  My creative mind often runs wild, and I find myself with too many ideas and too little time (which is where the long list of occupations come in).  I struggle with what to give up in order to put more time into pursuing the things that are most important.  One of the most important things I want to focus on in helping others, which is why I launched my Love in Motion project.  If I can do what I love while helping others, I'm happy (and so extremely lucky!)

Website, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram

#OOTD

Lululemon Top, Lululemon Sweatshirt, Devon Maryn Pants, Nike Sneakers, Mark & Graham Bag

Photography by Colleen Goldhorn

Me and probably all of America have been on a fitness kick since the new year. I've been so proud of myself for actually getting up every day and going to the gym. Not going to lie there are to things that make this happen... cute gym clothes and ClassPass. Seriously, sometimes I buy new gym clothes just to force myself to workout. Like, "Patricia, you have to go to the gym today so everyone can see those cute printed spandex pants you just bought."

The second though, ClassPass has helped me discover new workouts, studios and friends! Basically with ClassPass you pay $79/month (they just discounted it!) and get access to a plethora of gyms and studios in your area. I'm talking you can take barre one day, yoga the next and spin on the weekends. I love that it includes my personal favorite workout, Lithe Method too. While I was ClassPass let you take more than 3 classes per month at your favorite studio, I do think it's worth your money if you easily get bored, want to try something new or just are trying to actually find what works for you!

Want It, Need It

Anthropologie Bottle Opener, Emily McCarthy Candle, NBD Dress, Design Darling Tray, Kate Spade Wedges, Kate Spade Tote, Hattan Home Matches, Splendid Tee, Evo Shine Spray, O Venture Keyring       

I feel like all I've done in the past few weeks is shop. Maybe it's just that I'm ready for a new season, a fresh feel or have been emotionally stress buying? I don't know. All I know is, I'm sorry credit card. The most random of things have caught my eye. I love the idea of a multi-pupose candle, an insulated (and cute) tote for summer and a keyring that doubles as a chic bracelet when your hands are full. What have you discovered recently? 

Business Babe: The Blush Label

Two sisters, two styles, one colorful vision. Christie and Mary own The Blush Label, a stylish home fabrics boutique. Inspired by the beach, Puerto Rico, and their own personal styles, Christie and Mary have designed the perfect colorful touches to any home.

When and why did you decide to start The Blush Label?

Mary: We incorporated in July 2012 after making a trip to Puerto Rico to visit our father's side of the family. The colors on that island are so beautiful and we wanted to bring them into our homes. Once we were able to get the logistics together of starting a business, we sat down, started designing and eventually The Blush Label was launched in April 2014.

What was your background in and how did it prepare you for being an entrepreneur?

Christie: I grew up figure skating, and from a very young age designed each and every one of my competition & practice dresses. I would draw them while sitting in class (clearly not paying attention as I should have been!) and my mother would make the patterns from scratch and somehow bring my designs to life. 

Having a business partner can be tricky, how did you and yours meet and how do you balance your roles?

Mary: We're sisters so working together came naturally for us! Of course since we are sisters, we fight like sisters too, but it's only ever because one of us is really passionate about a certain product or launch and we want it to be the best for our customers. We work great together and have a deep understanding of each other, which is why we've been able to bring our business to place where it is and where it's going. I couldn't ask for a better business partner -- Christie is incredibly creative and does an amazing job bringing The Blush Label to life.

Where do you find inspiration?

Christie: I find a lot of inspiration in nature, music, and at the beach. We came up with some great ideas after visiting the Amalfi Coast, and our family in Puerto Rico last year. And sometimes I'll go over to Duke University and walk through Sarah P. Duke Gardens and draw from the flowers and plants there.

What's been your biggest challenge? Greatest success?

Mary: Our biggest challenge and greatest success was going to Atlanta Market -- there was a ton of preparation (and a lot of pressure on both of us) but it was worth it! Not only was it great for business, but we learned a lot and really listened to how the market responded -- that was important to us.

Favorite product on your site?

Christie: That's a hard one because I genuinely love everything we've designed so far. I'm going to have to go with the Pineapple Glasses because I use mine all the time!

Best form of marketing?

Christie: I've been doing some blogging, but Instagram has been very powerful and helpful for us. We weren't in the greatest spot at Atlanta Market and would have been missed by so many if we had not put our location on all of our Instagram posts. So many people told us they only came to that side of the building because they saw our posts and knew we were there!

What's next?

Mary: Next, we're off to High Point Market in April! We're looking forward to showing there, meeting new customers, and debuting some new products. Come by and see us if you're planning to attend -- we'd love to meet you!

Website, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

#OOTD

Nasty Gal Top. Ted Baker Skirt (similar), Ted Baker Shoes (similar), Posh Collections Clutch, Posh Collections Necklace 

Photography by Colleen Goldhorn

If you follow me on Instagram this #ootd may look familiar to you. That's because it was my birthday outfit last month. I'm sure all of you girls out there can understand how important a proper birthday outfit is, it's up there with prom (but like, every year). I mean it's something you'll look back and remember, not to mention have like a million pictures tagged all over social media with you wearing it. 

Anyways, I love a big ol' girly glam full skirt... the twirl worthy kind. Ya know? Since the skirt had so much volume I balanced it out with a fitted crop top. It took me a year to find the perfect one. I love how it's off the shoulder. And the shoes... they're literally my favorite thing ever. Besides my dog...