Stacy Harshman: Andarina Designs

THE FACTS
Name: Stacy Harshman
Job Description: Owner and designer at Andarina Designs
Company Info: www.andarinadesigns.com

All our lamps and chandeliers are made by hand, using glass, metal, and plexi sourced in New York City, and reclaimed water tower wood. We love to customize our designs, and to bring colored light to your special event. I think of them as practical dream catchers, stories told in light through colored glass.

WHO ARE YOU?

1. What made you decide to start your company?
One of my favorite things is to look at light shining through colored glass. So when I came across some vintage glass swizzle sticks and saw the colors that shone through when the glass was held up to the light I had one thought – I must make these into lamps!

During this time, I was also dealing antique tribal rugs. I lived on the colors, patterns and history; the rugged beauty, meant to be used. And I loved matching the right piece to the right person; meeting and talking with customers brought me out of my shell. But I wanted to make things with my own hands, to add to the stories told by the world of beautiful objects

So for the next year, I kept experimenting with design ideas and started taking classes at a glass studio in Brooklyn. Once I knew I was onto something special, I brought on collaborators and soon my original concept expanded into two full collections of table lamps, pendants and chandeliers, as well as large-scale custom work.

2. Where do you see your business in five years?
I see a beautiful body of collaborative custom work created in hotels, restaurants and lounges. I see Andarina Designs continuing to work with architects and designers to create installations and one-of-a-kind large - scale pieces. I hope to see our lamps and pendants available in retail stores including Moma and ABC Home.  Andarina Designs remains community based and employs local artisans. We use innovative, green materials and seek out inspiring, Earth honoring projects.

3. Who was your inspiration?
The creative, child-like part of me. My company name, “Andarina,” means “little girl walker” in Spanish. This is the place, the little girl explorer inside of me that always takes in the beauty wherever I go and wants to share her gifts with the world.

Overcoming shyness was the big challenge. But the desire to create and the process of creating my lamps was finally enough to push me forward. I feel I owe it to Andarina to conquer my fears and get her creations out into the world.

And my Grandma is always an inspiration. She was the fanciest, most sparkly lady ever.

4. What turns you on?
Color, collaboration and that spark of inspiration. And a man with big, strong hands.

5. What advice do you have for female entrepreneurs?
Double-check your emotions. I found that starting my own company brought up old neurosis. Stuff came up that had nothing to do with the true state of affairs of business. Having a reality check friend is invaluable. Stay positive and stick with it. Even if you do one thing a day to move yourself forward, that counts.

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-)
I worked and studied in a Mangrove swamp in Costa Rica for 8 months. As a result, I have a sexy little scar on my right leg thanks to an attack of flesh eating bacteria.

Terry Lynn LeCompte: Community Stages

THE FACTS

Name: Terry Lynn LeCompte

Job Description:  Founder and Director, Community Stages, Inc.

Company info: www.CommunityStages.org 

Community Stages (CS), a pending non-profit, creates one-of-a-kind performing arts benefits with members of sponsoring communities, to raise awareness and much needed funds for the community’s chosen cause. Spotlighting What Matters Most to You ™, CS tailors each show to meet the community’s interests, needs and goals; together revitalizing tired fundraising efforts through the transformative power of performing arts. CS programming is currently available in the NYC Metro Area. 

WHO ARE YOU?

1. What made you decide to start your company?  

Two years ago, I returned from directing in Juneau, Alaska and learned that two of my friends’ sons were diagnosed with life threatening diseases, Severe Aplastic Anemia and Leukemia.  I felt like the time had come to find a way to use my gifts and experience to rally support and create change for those in need.

2. Where do you see your business in 5 years?  

In five years, Community Stages will be available nationally, sending directors into sponsoring communities across the country.  As part of our community outreach, we will partner with one under-recognized organization and one under-served community each year to bring special, sponsored programming.

3. Who was your inspiration? 

As early as high school, I remember my theater mentors always saying “You have to make your own opportunities.”  That’s what led me to directing and arts education in the first place. As an actor, I always hated the feeling of being left to the mercy of casting directors.  I still do!

As far as Community Stages goes, my inspiration comes from the strength, courage, and determination of my two young friends and their families.  Their struggles keep things in perspective and their desire to enjoy life reminds me that one of Community Stages’ biggest goals is to create a fun and nurturing experience for all those involved with the creation of each benefit.

4. What turns you on?  

Adventure and beauty.

5. What advice do you have for tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs?  

Be open to help.  Seek mentors and guidance.  People are good.  They want you to succeed and, will more than likely, honored to be part of your development.  If you are in the NYC area, check out www.WIBO.org for a 16 week program to help you lay a strong foundation for your business. 

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-)

My adventurous streak often lands me in hot water…or under 100 feet of 3,000 year old glacial ice.  The picture above was taken while cave exploring under Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.  Not the brightest idea, but it was amazing!

Amber Soletti: One Stop Singles

THE FACTS:
Name: Amber Soletti
Job Description: Co-Founder OneStop Singles LLC
Company info:http://www.onspeeddating.com/ (speed dating)
http://www.singleandthecity.com/ (singles parties)
http://www.kissburg.com/ (free online dating)

NYC based dating service that offers over 75 "themed" speed dating events and singles parties based on people's dating "deal-breakers" think physical preferences, political views, common interests, etc.  We also offer free online dating throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in September 2008

WHO ARE YOU?

1. What made you decide to start your company?
I was 32, single, living in NYC and SO unimpressed with the dating scene. I had tried pretty much every singles event out there and then decided to give speed dating a go. I signed up for an event for singles 25-35. Upon arriving, I found myself surrounded by a sea of short, unattractive, socially awkward men. My first date started with the guy saying, “I know you, you’re on Match. Com. I emailed you 10 times and you never responded to me. I paid my $40 and now you have to talk to me for 8 minutes.” That brutal experience was the catalyst for me being inspired to create my own service where I could finally meet the type of men I was looking for.  Instead of offering events based on just age range, we host over 75 niche events themed around dating “deal breakers” and preferences like “Hot for Teacher”, “Men With Accents Are Hot”, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, “Inked” for tattooed singles, “Non-Practicing Jew” night, and “Size Matters” for guys and gals with a hankering for height.

2. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see us expanding our "themed" speed dating & singles events into key markets across the United States and in Europe, while further growing some of our newer business divisions (matchmaking, and corporate party planning). We also have a new site currently in development called SingleSaver.Com which will offer "dating deals" and discounts on services and products key to a singles survival coupled by a social networking element that "deal-sites" like Groupon & LivingSocial are currently lacking. Also on my "to-do" list, hooking myself up with a man in the process.  

3. Who was your inspiration?
NYC singles like myself that are totally over the dating scene.  Despite being the 'singles capital of the world', NYC remains one of the hardest cities to have a relationship.  The way the majority of singles events were structured based on age range wasn't really helping our cause.  Think about it, are you more likely to connect with someone because they fall within your same 28-35 age range, or because they meet your height requirement, share your same political views and/or interests?  By taking a fresh and new approach, I was able to raise the bar on the NYC singles scene, while at the same time significantly improving both my income and dating life.

4. What turns you on?
I think confidence is a total turn-on.  As an entrepreneur it comes and goes, sometimes you have to fake it till you make it.

5. What advice do you have for tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs?
Make sure you have a strong point-of-difference.  I see "me too" companies launching every day that aren't doing anything different, or better than their competitors.  To really stand out and take market share you need to have a compelling point-of-difference that will separate you from the masses.

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-) 
I did the Howard Stern Show which was an experience I'll never forget.  I also mix business and pleasure and despite popular belief, I highly recommend it!

Lori Cheek: Cheek'd

THE FACTS
Name: Lori Cheek
Job Description: Founder/ CEO of Cheek'd
Company info: http://www.cheekd.com/

Founded in NYC in April 2009 and Officially Launched in May 2010, Cheek'd is a savvy online social circuit which draws on the age old custom of networking with business cards. The company designs personal cards with clever catch phrases and unique ID numbers which direct card receivers to an online profile to learn more about the card giver. It's like online dating, only backwards. Photo by John Nasta.

WHO ARE YOU?

1. What made you decide to start your company?
I'm actually an architect and one evening after a design event in Soho, a male colleague/ friend and I went across the street to grab a bite. While I'd excused myself from the table, he had written "want to have dinner?" on the back of his business card and slipped it to an attractive woman as he and I were leaving the restaurant. I loved the mystery behind this handsome stranger handing off this flirtatious gesture and immediately came up with the idea of creating these mysterious black cards with a variety of pre-printed "lines" (which could be used in many different scenarios) and a code that would lead to the card giver's online profile instead of offering their personal information on a typical business card. It's like online dating, in reverse. The cards would create real life/ real time connections and take the online dating world offline. Two years later, in May of 2010, I launched Cheekd.com.

2. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
We're shipping internationally for free and are currently in 39 states and 13 countries. We were featured on the cover of the NY Times Style Section back in July of 2010 and were coined as "the next generation of online dating." I clearly see us as that-- the next Match.com, where members don't have to sit behind computers shuffling through online profiles or counting on the chances that their soul mate is also on that same dating site-- we are providing the opportunity to find love in real life all over the world, in any situation at any time of day.

3. Who was your inspiration?
I've always had ideas and dreamt of creating my own business. The idea of Cheek'd, particularly, couldn't be left without action. I'd have to say my friend that night and the gesture of handing his card was ultimately the inspiration, but my drive to bring it to life is what has really brought it to this level of success.

4. What turns you on?
Humor. I think the Cheek'd cards are actually quite sexy because they all have a presumptuous sense of humor, with lines such as "act natural. we can get awkward later." or "i just put all my drinks on your tab." and "i'm totally cooler than your date." One can even customize the cards to say whatever they'd like and represent their own personality.

5. What advice do you have for tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs?
Coming up with an idea is relatively easy. Ideas come about every day. Making them happen is the hard part. It's cliche, but you only live once-- I've risked just about everything I have on this project and I'm gambling on ME (someone I know extremely well and trust will make this happen). It's been the most rewarding experience of my life. If you believe in what you're doing, jump in 100% and don't look back.

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-)
I'm a magician and can make cards disappear. : )

Emily Smith, aka Nightengale: Nightengale Needles

THE FACTS
Name: Emily Smith, nicknamed Nightengale
Job Description: Seamstress & Owner of Nightengale Needles
Company Info: http://www.nightengale.org/ or Facebook search for "Nightengale Needles" and on other social networking sites

Nightengale Needles is "Geekery and Fannishness by way of fabric": Hats, scarves, plushies, baby goods, doll clothes & accessories, bags, backpacks, cushions, art dolls, and a host of other delightful, colorful items all themed around the fun of being a fan. Anime, video games, animals, and popular culture are my main subjects. Most of my work is custom-made commissions, and many of those are created from one-of-a-kind patterns. I do all my own designing, pattern drafting, and work. Nightengale Needles was founded in July, 2009. It's a primarily online and traveling business, and you can meet me and my plushies at a number of anime, gaming, and pop culture conventions across the Eastern USA.

WHO ARE YOU?
1. What made you decide to start your company?
I've been sewing since I was little, but I had a conviction that my ability wasn't 'good enough.' At a Pittsburgh convention for animation and video games, I was wandering the artists' venue and found myself mentally critiquing almost every fabric-crafts booth I encountered -- not their vision, but their technical skill! Some goods there had loose threads or were made of the wrong material for their application. There was a full size wedding dress with glitter puff paint for "trim". And don't get me started on the sad excuses for "durability" being touted, or the atrocious customer service practiced by some of the 'artists' who were more interested in their portable gaming systems than in conversing with their customers. As I looked around, the little voice in the back of my head had some helpful advice: "Sheesh, Emily, look around! If these people 'deserve' to take the chance to sell here, you sure as flipping hell do too!"

That was the turning point, and I can still look back on that single day and name it as the point at which I decided my college degree in Creative Writing, which had me spinning my wheels because of a disconnect between my own writing vision and the strictures of the publishing world, wasn't where my true career and passion lay. Two years later, here I am!

2. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Not bankrupt? *laughs* I am such a new business that right now, I'm taking it one day at a time. Well, okay, one week, because there's that thing next Thursday; and I have to contact that one vendor for the event next month. *laughs* I have often been told that I have the right balance of right and left brain to hold down the business end of things while my artistic playfulness can grow. In five years, I want to have proven that true. I'd love for Nightengale Needles to be in a smooth rhythm, where I know how it works and it works with me. If I tell you that my business feels more like a teammate to me than a simple economic endeavor, would that make sense to you?

3. Who was your inspiration?
Without a doubt, my mother. She's the one who taught me to sew. Every Halloween we were the best costumed kids on the block. And my knowledge of fabrics, threads, and the quality that comes from taking 12 steps to do what could be accomplished in 10 are precious things I've gleaned from her, her fabric cupboard, and her 1970 Husquvarna Viking. She's also the one who taught me about the importance of presentation and staging, and gave me an eye for aesthetic layout.

I also have to give a shout out to my dad, my biggest fan by far. Thanks to him I know how to engineer an effective, lightweight display that has big at-show appeal but packs into a 24" suitcase for the flight home. I know how to keep my books, integrate wire and metal work into my fabric goods, and translate a concept through the patterning process into a three-dimensional object. While my peers were playing Nintendo 64, I was playing with KeyCAD and, later, AutoCAD.

I guess in a brief way, I can say that I was given the skills that are now creating my success by a very practical, DIY-minded set of parents. =D

4. What turns you on?
*laughs* If you asked my roommates this, they'd give you an earful. To say I'm turned on by fabric isn't the half of it; they usually leave me standing in front of the boutique windows and come back fifteen minutes later to drag me away from the exquisite pleating and seams and drape. I'll babble for hours about the qualities and techniques of manipulating fabric. I have Very Strong Opinions about the proper use of blades and choice of thread. Thinking about my work turns on my artistic brain; I get entirely wrapped up in the need to sew and to make and to get all the ideas out into products, all at the same time. Thinking about how many more techniques and talents I can teach myself, and how much I can't do yet that I someday WILL -- that's my drive. ♥

5. What advice do you have for tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs?
Keep it professional & organized. I can't count the number of times that I've struggled to convince someone that I'm only in my second year of business, and that's because I understand that when you are in public, every second, you are performing and presenting your brand as an extension of yourself. And yes, you do have "a brand." From Day 0, carry yourself in confidence. Get a professional email address, carry real business cards - even if your first batch is the free kind from Vistaprint - and follow up on contacts, emails, and promises. Keep your paperwork in order, and stay abreast of the legalities of your field.

My family always says, "Guts & Hard Work." That's what it takes, especially as a single proprietor. When I'm at an event, I *am* Nightengale Needles from curtain up til we pack up and head home. It's exhausting, especially since I work intense convention-style shifts as opposed to the more regular daily hours of a physical shop. But either way, if you are as excited to utterly exhaust yourself in pursuit of your business success as strongly as you are excited to make your passion a huge part of your life, then you'll be okay.

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-)
I am a ridiculous fan of garden-fresh berries and tomatoes. I go into absolute fits. You could probably pay for one of my products just by placing a perfect branch of deep red organic cherry tomatoes in my hands. At the least, it would probably take me twenty minutes to even notice you'd swiped anything! =D

Gabriela Salamanca: No Limit Events, LLC

THE FACTS
Name: Gabriela Salamanca
Job Description: Co-founder of No Limit Events, LLC

Company info: www.nolimiteventsllc.com, 800-670-3671 

We’re a luxury wedding/special event planning and coordinating firm based out of North Jersey owned and operated by a husband and wife team.  Our motto really sums up how we work: “No limit. Just high standards.” We were founded in January 2010, although formally in the works for two years prior to our official founding date.

WHO ARE YOU?

1. What made you decide to start your company? 

Being in the legal and corporate environment for so many years and my husband dealing with the ups and downs of his construction industry, we desperately sought change.  I had done several parties and corporate events throughout my career and only after an over-the-top 50^th birthday party in 2008 was it that we decided the time was right to start putting together the pieces of our own event planning business.  Being in the services industry, we both had a solid understanding of true customer service and wanted to bring those high standards to our luxury event planning business.

2. Where do you see your business in 5 years? 

In 5 years, we hope to be well established within Bergen County as a business.  By this time we will have a brick and mortar office and, should plans runs smoothly, possibly one in Manhattan too.  We also plan to get more involved in more philanthropic activities and support local communities as best as we can.

3. Who was your inspiration? 

My inspiration came from our mentors, Natalie Bradley and Marley Majer.  Both successful, female entrepreneurs have gone through such struggles and seen the ups and downs of their business and personal lives affected.  Each woman respectively an East and West coast powerhouse in this industry and women to look up to.  Many of the struggles they went through, I went through and continue to go through.  However knowing the success at the end of the tunnel continues to make each day a loving and learning process.

4. What turns you on? 

Crossing things off my “to do” lists. Seriously! It’s a euphoric feeling to know that I don’t have to continue to think about that item anymore and that I can move on to the next task and continue towards my goals. 

5. What advice do you have for tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs? 

It’s a long, up-hill battle (one I’m still climbing), but you need to be confident, headstrong and love yourself to make it to the top.  Also, structure your time so that you can make time for YOU.  Even 1 hour at the gym or at the nail salon to get a manicure can make all the difference when it comes to stress.   

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-) 

I love art and collecting paintings.  We’re members at the Museum of Modern Art and try to get there as often as we can.  We love various forms of art, but some of our favorite artists that come to mind first are Tarkay, Kincaid, Marcus and of course Dali and Picasso.

Brenna Padesky: Brenna Green Jeans

THE FACTS
Name:  Brenna Padesky
Job Description: Owner of Brenna Green Jeans
Company Info: http://www.brennagreenjeans.etsy.com/ 
I design original knit and crochet wear and home accessories.

WHO ARE YOU?
1. What made you decide to start your company?
I am a total control freak and perfectionist. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to run a business that was completely based on my own tastes and desires. I learned to knit in college and taught myself to crochet shortly after. Creating has always been an outlet for me. It's a way that I can express my unique sense of humour and bring to life what I see in my imagination. I foresee that my designs will grow quirkier as I continue to carve out my design niche.

2. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I'm looking forward to getting my hats and hood scarves featured in some unique boutiques not only in New York City, but also in Wisconsin where I grew up. I'm also planning to expand and offer blankets, pillow coverings, and other household goods. Summer promises to get my creative juices flowing because who needs cold weather gear when things heat up? I've already got some fun ideas in mind (think bikinis...). Right now most of my sales are local. I wear my items around and people get interested. I am really looking forward to seeing online sales grow and my Etsy site flourish.

3. Who was your inspiration?
My inspiration for my items comes from my friends and family. I design each item with someone in mind. Sometimes the item reflects the personality traits of the person who it's made in honour of. Other times, I don't have someone in mind when I begin a project but by the time I'm through I can picture exactly who should be wearing it, so I name it for them.

4. What turns you on?
So many things. My boyfriend for one (that's important, right?). Creatively, I'm turned on by anything that has history. I love old quilts. They seem very romantic and I love imagining who made them and slept underneath them. I also love vintage fabrics and children's books, old farmhouses, and cardigan sweaters that look handmade. Show me pretty much anything that looks like a grandmother should own it, and I'll fall in love. I hope that the people who buy my wares will keep them for a long time and have lots of adventures of their own while wearing them. I like to daydream about where a pair of my legwarmers might end up in 50 years.

5. What advice do you have for tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs?
Take it one step at a time. It's so easy to become overwhelmed when you think about all of the things that need to happen in order for your business to become a reality. I try to celebrate each small achievement. It's much more important to me to do things well than to do them fast. Every sale, no matter the size, is hugely thrilling and I hope I never lose that feeling. I can hardly believe that something I only imagined doing has become a viable business over the past few months.

6. Tell us a sexy secret ;-)
Well, I haven't been hit by lightning or anything like that, but I did (accidentally) bite myself in the knee when I was a kid. Hard enough to require stitches. And the scar looks like a kiss print. Muah!