November is the month of Harvest Festivals for me. For those of you who do not know what one is, it’s like a craft fair on steroids. They are open for three solid days from 10am to 6pm and offer shoppers the chance to visit artists from around the US (most are local to the West coast) and purchase unique gifts.
This year I signed up for a series of back to back events. They are enjoyable, but a lot of work none the less. I will be traveling and working the Harvest festival for almost the entire month of November. This is also one of the reasons I did the on-line special for the Free shipping and No taxes through December. So the San Mateo show that just happened kicks off the beginning of the series. I managed to get set up and created a look that I was quite proud of. You can see some images on the Très Spa facebook page You can also like Très Spa while you are there and be kept up to date of activities and spot specials. Aroma Therapy Crystals especially the Sanctuary and Meditation ones.
As the day progressed so did the outlook of the website. There was light at the end of the tunnel. Thank goodness for good friends who have engineering backgrounds! All of the important stuff, the customer information, the product reviews, the newsletter subscribers, was all safe from the malicious intruders. Tucked away behind the scenes. All was not lost! The only part that had gotten wiped out were the product pictures, some internal links and various minor things, and well yes, the front engine that served up all the information. My hosting company was able to load a newer version of the front end software and connect it to the database at the backend. All I needed to do was rebuild the images and tweak minor changes.
Compared to what I had thought at the beginning of the day, adding product pictures and reconnecting links was really minor stuff. The site was up and available and customers could order. As far as the rest of the tweaks… well a website really is never fully done is it?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Symphony is not played with only one note
From time to time I have people ask me why I combine the ingredients I do. For example, why not make soap out of one oil or maybe two? Same goes for the Body Butter. There are lots of folks out there who create their butters using straight Shea butter. So, the last time I had a chat with someone at one of the markets, it really did get me to thinking about why I do do things the way I do.
I can’t imagine doing such a thing as only using one or two oils no more than I can imagine listening to a symphony of only one note. Composers may get inspiration from one note, but they add to that single note a series of notes to create chords and then blend various cords in unique sequences to create a finished piece of music.
I use the oils based on what they are known for or to put it another way, their nutrient combinations. Some oils are higher in certain vitamins than others. Some create a better lather than others, some ride on top of the skin creating a barrier, and others penetrate beneath the top layer and get down to the Dermis layer where all your new skin cells are being cultivated.
Just as a composer may get inspiration from a single note, they create a symphony with a blend of notes into chords which harmonize into the final piece. I apply the same art in creating recipes for Très Spa. I start with a single application, take for example body butter. The intention is to create a moisturizer that is free from preservatives. Butters are thick and tend to take a longer time to absorb into the skin. (If the label says water then it’s a cream and not a true body butter. )
Now if I’m going to take the time to apply a gorgeous butter, thick and luxurious, I’m going to want a butter that has all the nutrition in it that I can get. I’m also going to want a butter that is easy to get out of the jar and glides on smooth. Since Cocoa and Shea nut butters tend to be very hard in their natural state, I whip in other ingredients to make the most packed nutritious body butter around that is smooth and spreadable.
As far as the soaps, well…. They are also packed with a variety of oils and other ingredients. I usually start with a season in mind and the characteristics of nature during each season then I build from there. Sometimes it comes from customers looking for one essential oil, like my Grazin’ in the Grass. This soap started out from several customers looking for a Tea Tree soap. I got tired of saying no and gave it to the request. The result was a bar that has way more punch than just Tea tree on its own. It is the most astringent, antibacterial, anti microbial bar soap I create.
It may start out with one note, but I quickly add notes and ingredients that build upon each other and accent or strengthen each other until I have a finished piece. While you might not hear the symphony when you use Très Spa products, your skin will.
I can’t imagine doing such a thing as only using one or two oils no more than I can imagine listening to a symphony of only one note. Composers may get inspiration from one note, but they add to that single note a series of notes to create chords and then blend various cords in unique sequences to create a finished piece of music.
I use the oils based on what they are known for or to put it another way, their nutrient combinations. Some oils are higher in certain vitamins than others. Some create a better lather than others, some ride on top of the skin creating a barrier, and others penetrate beneath the top layer and get down to the Dermis layer where all your new skin cells are being cultivated.
Just as a composer may get inspiration from a single note, they create a symphony with a blend of notes into chords which harmonize into the final piece. I apply the same art in creating recipes for Très Spa. I start with a single application, take for example body butter. The intention is to create a moisturizer that is free from preservatives. Butters are thick and tend to take a longer time to absorb into the skin. (If the label says water then it’s a cream and not a true body butter. )
Now if I’m going to take the time to apply a gorgeous butter, thick and luxurious, I’m going to want a butter that has all the nutrition in it that I can get. I’m also going to want a butter that is easy to get out of the jar and glides on smooth. Since Cocoa and Shea nut butters tend to be very hard in their natural state, I whip in other ingredients to make the most packed nutritious body butter around that is smooth and spreadable.
As far as the soaps, well…. They are also packed with a variety of oils and other ingredients. I usually start with a season in mind and the characteristics of nature during each season then I build from there. Sometimes it comes from customers looking for one essential oil, like my Grazin’ in the Grass. This soap started out from several customers looking for a Tea Tree soap. I got tired of saying no and gave it to the request. The result was a bar that has way more punch than just Tea tree on its own. It is the most astringent, antibacterial, anti microbial bar soap I create.
It may start out with one note, but I quickly add notes and ingredients that build upon each other and accent or strengthen each other until I have a finished piece. While you might not hear the symphony when you use Très Spa products, your skin will.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Great news! The sale of French Fries is up!
No, Très Spa does not sell French fries. In fact, I rarely even eat them. However, I am a small business owner and I like to learn from other small business owners. Being in the small business sector, you gain an Interesting perspective of the economy and the trends in the market place. Often times we see the economic reality long before the news casters are reporting, and sometimes in contrast to what they are reporting. Recently I was talking with a friend of mine who heads up sales for a software company. He has a product that is really geared for the small business sector so he spends a good deal of time talking with small business owners from all different industries.
One of his customers is a local restaurant chain. They have 5 restaurants in a major metropolitan area and they are well known for really good burgers and fries. Simple business, but they do well and have several employees. Most of the customers who frequent his establishments are from the blue collar working class. Tradesmen in the construction industry and various other industries.
They were talking about the current state of the economy from the perspective of the small business owner. One of the advantages that small business owners have is a close connection to the consumers. We get to know each other by name and share personal stories. When our customers are worried we see it and feel it rapidly. Often times we see the spending behavior change even before the economic forecasters are broadcasting on the media.
A simple thing the restaurateur noticed, just before the newscasters were speaking about an economic recession, the sales of French fries was beginning to slip. As the economy increased in its decline the sale of beverages began to also slip. People would still come in for the burgers but would pass on the extra fries and beverages. When asked how sales are now. The owner was happy to report that sale of beverages has been up for some time and is right back to where it was before the down turn. And, yes folks, the good news is that the sale of fires is climbing back as well. Puts a whole new meaning on the phrase “Do you want fries with that?”
One of his customers is a local restaurant chain. They have 5 restaurants in a major metropolitan area and they are well known for really good burgers and fries. Simple business, but they do well and have several employees. Most of the customers who frequent his establishments are from the blue collar working class. Tradesmen in the construction industry and various other industries.
They were talking about the current state of the economy from the perspective of the small business owner. One of the advantages that small business owners have is a close connection to the consumers. We get to know each other by name and share personal stories. When our customers are worried we see it and feel it rapidly. Often times we see the spending behavior change even before the economic forecasters are broadcasting on the media.
A simple thing the restaurateur noticed, just before the newscasters were speaking about an economic recession, the sales of French fries was beginning to slip. As the economy increased in its decline the sale of beverages began to also slip. People would still come in for the burgers but would pass on the extra fries and beverages. When asked how sales are now. The owner was happy to report that sale of beverages has been up for some time and is right back to where it was before the down turn. And, yes folks, the good news is that the sale of fires is climbing back as well. Puts a whole new meaning on the phrase “Do you want fries with that?”
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Aloha Kukui!
I love Hawai’i. I have had the good fortune of having been there a time or two and have visited all but one of the islands that make up this heavenly state. The first thing that struck me when I de-planed was the distinct aroma of tropical flowers carried on the breeze. Of course that would be the first thing I noticed and one of the most impacting memories I hold. Spending my life entrenched in the natural aroma of plant based oils has its perks!
Of course it does not take long to notice the stunning views and the vibrant colors of the tropical flora. If you are planning a trip for yourself, I highly recommend taking one of the helicopter rides to view the terrain from above. Even though I have a huge fear of heights, I bit the bullet and flew over not just one but two of the islands and I am so glad I did.
One of the little gems I brought back with me is the Kukui Nut. In Hawai’i the Kukui earned a reputation as a symbol of enlightenment, protection, and peace. It is the state tree for Hawai’i. The Polynesians made good use of the tree and its fruits and they are vast and varied. One of the most noticeable qualities of the nuts is the high content of oil it produces.
So what’s in it for me you may be asking. It is an amazing moisturizer that rapidly absorbs into the skin leaving silky smooth skin without the feeling of greasiness. Kukui Nut Oil contains Vitamins A, C, and E, providing anti-oxidants that help to protect the skin. What the Polynesians have known for centuries is that the oil from the Kukui can help protect the skin from salt water, harsh sun and drying winds. It has been said that the oil is excellent for dry skin, mature skin, psoriasis, eczema or any severe skin condition.
At Très Spa we used the cold pressed oils in Naked body oil and apres Soliel (after sun) body oil.
To learn more about Trés Spa products, visit us on line at http://tresspa.com/
Of course it does not take long to notice the stunning views and the vibrant colors of the tropical flora. If you are planning a trip for yourself, I highly recommend taking one of the helicopter rides to view the terrain from above. Even though I have a huge fear of heights, I bit the bullet and flew over not just one but two of the islands and I am so glad I did.
One of the little gems I brought back with me is the Kukui Nut. In Hawai’i the Kukui earned a reputation as a symbol of enlightenment, protection, and peace. It is the state tree for Hawai’i. The Polynesians made good use of the tree and its fruits and they are vast and varied. One of the most noticeable qualities of the nuts is the high content of oil it produces.
So what’s in it for me you may be asking. It is an amazing moisturizer that rapidly absorbs into the skin leaving silky smooth skin without the feeling of greasiness. Kukui Nut Oil contains Vitamins A, C, and E, providing anti-oxidants that help to protect the skin. What the Polynesians have known for centuries is that the oil from the Kukui can help protect the skin from salt water, harsh sun and drying winds. It has been said that the oil is excellent for dry skin, mature skin, psoriasis, eczema or any severe skin condition.
At Très Spa we used the cold pressed oils in Naked body oil and apres Soliel (after sun) body oil.
To learn more about Trés Spa products, visit us on line at http://tresspa.com/
Monday, October 18, 2010
Lessons I learned from being a Marathon Runner – 1 you need good shoes
While I create amazing organic and natural skin care products and I do like to talk about them with anyone who will listen, I felt compelled to share with you some stories of my life and the lessons I learned along the way. This is the first post in a series of lessons I learned from running Marathons.
I was at a business networking event recently and I had the chance to sit down and have lunch with a complete stranger. It was un-planned and just seemed to happen. My intention was to sit and work on my lap top during lunch but lunch decided to take a different turn.
So there I sat with Karen, a very nice women who has an amazing business she is launching. Since she came from the school system, she wanted to create a consulting company that helped troubled teens and their families. As we talked about all kinds of topics during our leisurely lunch the subject of the Marathon that was running through town came up.
I told her that I had been a Marathoner and had successfully completed several marathons and Half Marathons a couple of years ago. I told her that I have a deep and abounding respect for runners. They are an amazing group of people. I also told her that I learned a great deal about life from my brief time running.
I actually completed 4 full marathons, 5 half marathons and several 10ks. I still have all the medals to prove it and, more importantly, to remind me. I had never been a runner. I was quite the opposite! My step father was a runner years ago but I was the fat kid who didn’t do any sporting things. I think I was chubby from birth and just never stopped being chubby which later became plain old fat.
When I was 42 a friend of mine decided it would be a good idea for us to run. Why? I have no idea! But I said I would train and support my friend for the half marathon not knowing what I was getting into, just a leap of faith.
So what’s the first thing you do? Ask an expert. I worked with a man named Senya. Senya is a little eccentric and a true character, but someone I deeply respected. There was always a tension of sorts between he and I. I took it to be a creative one. In his past he had been trained and served in a rather elite military force so you can imagine, he was not the type of person to mince words. He is also a runner and a Marathoner. Senya could be blunt and was usually brutally honest. He called it the way he saw it and had no qualms about telling you exactly what he thought.
I told him of my plan and he did not laugh at me or ridicule me. Considering I was 42 and seriously over weight, you would think he would have said NO WAY! But he did not.
What he told me was “Only wimps run half marathons! You have 12 months to train and that is plenty of time to get ready for a full marathon.“ I asked if he thought I could do it and he said without delay “Yes, first you need good shoes. You don’t take a step without the right shoes “
He proceeded to tell me exactly where to go and get the shoes and I went out that day so I could take my first “run” that night after work. Since I refused to be called a wimp, I decided that I would train for the Full Marathon. No way I was going to let Senya call me a wimp! Besides, I believed him when he said I could do it and never questioned it.
So the first lessons I learned that apply to anything in life you set out to do:
1) Declare your intention or goal
2) Seek out the advice of others who have gone before you (find your Senya)
3) Listen to their guidance, it will help you avoid their mistakes
4) Be courageous with your goals
5) Before you take the first step, get the right pair of shoes!
I was at a business networking event recently and I had the chance to sit down and have lunch with a complete stranger. It was un-planned and just seemed to happen. My intention was to sit and work on my lap top during lunch but lunch decided to take a different turn.
So there I sat with Karen, a very nice women who has an amazing business she is launching. Since she came from the school system, she wanted to create a consulting company that helped troubled teens and their families. As we talked about all kinds of topics during our leisurely lunch the subject of the Marathon that was running through town came up.
I told her that I had been a Marathoner and had successfully completed several marathons and Half Marathons a couple of years ago. I told her that I have a deep and abounding respect for runners. They are an amazing group of people. I also told her that I learned a great deal about life from my brief time running.
I actually completed 4 full marathons, 5 half marathons and several 10ks. I still have all the medals to prove it and, more importantly, to remind me. I had never been a runner. I was quite the opposite! My step father was a runner years ago but I was the fat kid who didn’t do any sporting things. I think I was chubby from birth and just never stopped being chubby which later became plain old fat.
When I was 42 a friend of mine decided it would be a good idea for us to run. Why? I have no idea! But I said I would train and support my friend for the half marathon not knowing what I was getting into, just a leap of faith.
So what’s the first thing you do? Ask an expert. I worked with a man named Senya. Senya is a little eccentric and a true character, but someone I deeply respected. There was always a tension of sorts between he and I. I took it to be a creative one. In his past he had been trained and served in a rather elite military force so you can imagine, he was not the type of person to mince words. He is also a runner and a Marathoner. Senya could be blunt and was usually brutally honest. He called it the way he saw it and had no qualms about telling you exactly what he thought.
I told him of my plan and he did not laugh at me or ridicule me. Considering I was 42 and seriously over weight, you would think he would have said NO WAY! But he did not.
What he told me was “Only wimps run half marathons! You have 12 months to train and that is plenty of time to get ready for a full marathon.“ I asked if he thought I could do it and he said without delay “Yes, first you need good shoes. You don’t take a step without the right shoes “
He proceeded to tell me exactly where to go and get the shoes and I went out that day so I could take my first “run” that night after work. Since I refused to be called a wimp, I decided that I would train for the Full Marathon. No way I was going to let Senya call me a wimp! Besides, I believed him when he said I could do it and never questioned it.
So the first lessons I learned that apply to anything in life you set out to do:
1) Declare your intention or goal
2) Seek out the advice of others who have gone before you (find your Senya)
3) Listen to their guidance, it will help you avoid their mistakes
4) Be courageous with your goals
5) Before you take the first step, get the right pair of shoes!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The power of Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an incredible little grain. It makes a wonderful addition to your daily diet. It is considered to be one of the Heart Healthy foods that can also help fight cholesterol and its complex carbohydrate makes it perfect for dieters. The “stick to your ribs” definition of oatmeal is due to the complex nature of the oatmeal. Oatmeal also has a high level of fiber in it. The body takes longer to digest it and this is why it gives you a satisfied feeling and can help prevent cravings.
But the benefits of oatmeal don’t stop with the diet. It is also good for your daily skin care. In fact there is growing use of oatmeal in many skin care products. Oatmeal has been known to help calm irritated skin, reduce rashes, and relieve itchiness. As an exfoliate, it is soothing and gentle while still being very effective at helping to slough off dead skin cells and unclog skin pores.
At Trés Spa we use organic oatmeal in several of our products due to the benefits it has as a natural skin care aid. It is both gentle and effective as a natural exfoliate. We use it in many of our natural soaps as well as in the Old Fashioned Country scrub. We are currently experimenting with it as one of our ingredients in a facial scrub due to be released this summer. You can find our products here; www.tresspa.com but you can also create some fast skin care at home.
Here are some ideas for you that you can try with the same organic oatmeal from your kitchen cupboard.
• For your bath, try grinding some oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your bath water. Really great for skin that has been damaged by sun exposure.
• For a fast facial try mixing some finely ground oatmeal with a local organic honey and apply it to your skin for 10-20 minutes.
• Quick face scrub, use a rough cut oatmeal and mix it with fresh yogurt to scrub away dirt, dead skin, and open up the pores.
If you would like to learn more about the history and chemistry of Oatmeal click here. To learn more about Trés Spa products, visit us on line at www.tresspa.com
But the benefits of oatmeal don’t stop with the diet. It is also good for your daily skin care. In fact there is growing use of oatmeal in many skin care products. Oatmeal has been known to help calm irritated skin, reduce rashes, and relieve itchiness. As an exfoliate, it is soothing and gentle while still being very effective at helping to slough off dead skin cells and unclog skin pores.
At Trés Spa we use organic oatmeal in several of our products due to the benefits it has as a natural skin care aid. It is both gentle and effective as a natural exfoliate. We use it in many of our natural soaps as well as in the Old Fashioned Country scrub. We are currently experimenting with it as one of our ingredients in a facial scrub due to be released this summer. You can find our products here; www.tresspa.com but you can also create some fast skin care at home.
Here are some ideas for you that you can try with the same organic oatmeal from your kitchen cupboard.
• For your bath, try grinding some oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your bath water. Really great for skin that has been damaged by sun exposure.
• For a fast facial try mixing some finely ground oatmeal with a local organic honey and apply it to your skin for 10-20 minutes.
• Quick face scrub, use a rough cut oatmeal and mix it with fresh yogurt to scrub away dirt, dead skin, and open up the pores.
If you would like to learn more about the history and chemistry of Oatmeal click here. To learn more about Trés Spa products, visit us on line at www.tresspa.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Presidents Day
Yesterday was a Holiday for me and my family. It was nice to have a day off and I had promised everyone I would take the day off, I mean really off. No computer and no phone for one day. It is really nice to have a day with no electronic interference once in a while. I love my life and I love my work, both the consulting work that I do as well as the skin care.
But on this day, I took advantage of the day to sleep in a little and spend some quiet time reflecting. I was thinking about Presidents. Makes sense to think of Presidents since it was a day to celebrate the birth George Washington, our first President. My thoughts also drifted to the title of President as it pertains to business. Hard not to think of commerce given the current state of the economy. But rather than clutter my mind with pondering on the negative CEO’s and Presidents we see in the news, I was thinking in terms of the people that have most influenced me and that I admire.
As I thought on the subject, I realized that I have always been surrounded by CEO’s of entrepreneurial companies. I thought about the lessons that each one has taught me through the years. Knowing them over the years has helped me tremendously in preparing and launching my own company and due to their pioneering spirit; I had every confidence that I could do it before I ever filed my corporate papers.
Annette has had her own company for a very long time. She started out on her own cleaning homes and gradually added a few staff to her team. Over the years she worked hard, developed a great client base, and as a result has created a lifestyle that I honestly envy. There are very few countries she has not traveled to for vacations. Seems every other month she is off on a new adventure of some sort. She did not get there overnight. She worked hard to earn the lifestyle she now enjoys. The main lesson I learned from her is to build your business one step at a time and build solid relationships with your customers. Be realistic in the goals you set out to achieve and when it is time, take the time to relax and enjoy.
Carol I have known for many years and I have always had a deep appreciation for her wisdom and compassion for people. We also share a passion for protecting the environment. She is an author of several books and is the founder of Green Career Central. From Carol I have learned that your business is an extension of you. To grow your business, you need to grow yourself. It never ends and you will find yourself on a path of discovery and development that will continue to evolve and grow with the right nurturing. She has an amazing wisdom that is truly rare to find.
Liz is a ball of energy. She is the CEO and Founder of Single-Sourcing Solutions. Honestly it can be hard to keep up with her. It is amazing how she knows so many people and she has an incredible ability to bring people together. I have learned a lot from her and I am sure I will continue to learn new things from her. The lessons that stand out the most are the importance of being a knowledge expert at what you do and having the passion and drive to persist through adversity. She is far more fearless than I think I could ever be, but I can try.
So what Presidents have influenced you in your life?
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