FGI Exclusive Shopping Night at Clutch: On November 30th join us for treats hosted by Clutch (1212 4th Avenue), members can use their FGI exclusive discount and everyone can enjoy extended hours to shop and mingle from 6pm - 8pm.
Here is an event worth checking out - especially if you love local designers and want to help raise money for breast cancer awareness!Bring a friend and kick back, relax and start your holiday gift shopping! A portion of all proceeds will benefit breast cancer awareness and research.
The owner of Duque Salon & Spa is a breast cancer survivor and has generously offered us their space for the evening. They will be providing mini spa services at Duque and consultations with a makeup artist at their cosmetic studio next door, Shimmer Beauty Bar. The first 30 people in the door will get a great bag of swag! There are also some amazing raffle prizes that we will give away throughout the evening, including spa/salon services and a set of lash extensions worth over $125! There will be other specials on all services during the event - if you feel the need to indulge.
We have several vendors who will be selling jewelry, candles, spa products and great gift items for you and all those on your list. If you feel so inclined, please also bring some nibbles or a beverage to share while you shop. This event is open to anyone...so bring a girlfriend or forward this event to anyone you wish!
Duque Salon & Shimmer Beauty Bar are located right at the bell tower in old Ballard.
www.duquesalon.com
2009 has been a difficult year
Entrepreneurs have had to be resilient and resourceful, nimble and creative. It has been especially challenging for independent boutiques and shops. Our neighborhoods are populated with fabulous, unique and interesting businesses that create the personality and character we love. We have lost many of our favorites all over the region and we are at risk of losing more in 2010.
I am increasingly convinced that collaboration is the best model for success in business and life. As women, we practice that quality instinctively. Our Ladies Who Launch community is blessed to include some of the most generous and passionate women with which I have ever had the privilege to be associated...and I am hoping all of you would like the opportunity to show the world (at least, our corner of it) what brilliant, committed and passionate women can achieve.
"Survival isn't a solo act"
What are you willing to do?
If you are a retail shop, would you spend 2 hours at a meeting to collaborate?
If you have a product to sell, would you do a trunk show or a 'pop-up' shop?
If you are a PR Diva, would you help with Press Releases and Media attention?
If you are a Marketing Guru, would you design an Event Template?
If you are an Event Planner, would you give advice and counsel?
If you are an artist or entertainer, would you be available for an Event?
If you are in the media, would you talk or write about this effort?
If you are a lady who's launching, would you show up and support us?
Sign up now, come to the meeting, offer your suggestions, bring your ideas, support us and collaborate!
So, why am I doing this?
I love retail...30 years at an entrepreneurial department store, many years as a retail coach consulting with entrepreneurs. I have friends and clients who are passionate about their businesses. Several incidents occurred in the last month that got me thinking that "someone should do something about this!"
My To-Do list has included "join the 3/50 project - post on site and FB" since July. At the end of October I went to the site, signed up and started reading. Cinda Baxter's question to retailers hit me between the eyes.
"So, do you want to be around a year from now?"
I was shocked! Then I stopped to consider. What could I do to make a significant difference. I knew that I had a platform and forum to start the conversation and get the word out. I started pounding the pavement, visiting shops, inviting them to attend our meeting on Tuesday, November 24 and now I am hoping that you will feel the same way I do.
I could put this passion and energy to work for a charitable cause, I have done so in the past and will again in the future. I guess it all boils down to 'I Love Retail', it's like a virus for me, it's in my blood and I want it to be vital, healthy, vibrant and fun again! It's theater and drama and dynamic and exciting when it is done well...and so many places I love do it brilliantly.
Some of my friends have said that they "are tired of not shopping". Nothing has changed for them, they are among the 90% still employed, still have credit cards, still have dinner out and spa appointments. But some where along the line, they stopped shopping and started feeling like they needed to do the 'patriotic' thing and follow Suze Orman's advice. I almost came through the television to throttle her last year when she said "stop spending! start saving!" It's good advice, but everything in moderation folks! I actually had someone tell me it was unfashionable to shop!
I believe that even if you have to buy less, you should spend local.
Local business spins the wheels of the economy. It is where the jobs are generated, the sale tax revenue comes from, it creates the neighborhoods. Let's share the love a little this next year and keep our purchases local.
And if you can't attend, please sign up for the 3/50 project and support us by putting your local shops and favorite Boutiques on your Holiday Shopping List!
Thanks for listening,
Linda
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Hello Members! It is time for our (Members Only) annual members meeting for Fashion Group International. Come and see your friends and colleagues and get the scoop on what is happening this year!...plus see the latest must have’s for your Spring wardrobe! .jpg)
Here is an event at The Limited at Westfield Southcenter on November 6th that is worth getting excited about! 
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