So you think you want to sell on line?

I read an article about another selling site by a large corporation that is coming soon.It seems everyone is getting into the web mall business. Cool... there is room for everyone. My problem with the big companies getting into to the scene is that it will lose the personal touch where real relationships are built.



The office of Joyce Lucas at Pink Inc.



My first on line store was at Make Mine Pink. I read an article about women in business who were being honored for their excellence and found Joyce Lucas the owner of Make Mine Pink. She was receiving a special award for her web mall and contribution to helping women get started in business on line.

I went to check out the web mall (I didn't even know what a web mall was at the time) . I found this sweet mall of lady shop owners selling vintage, handmade, and some well selected mass produced items in mini web sites called Little Pink Boutiques.So darling and filled with eye candy.

Front page Shops at Make Mine Pink

Then I found the forums and met the other women. It was full of shop owners and customers chatting away like girl friends over coffee. The subjects ranged from what art project they were working on, recipe exchanges to spiritual beliefs and the power of our intentions. The lost art of conversation was going on in these forums. The women generously shared what they had learned with only the expectation of you doing the same.

The women in the forums are from all over the world. Most from the US but one of my best friends on the site lives in China and makes miniatures.(Mind blowing amazing ones I might add.)

I was immediately engaged. I felt welcome and started learning how I could participate as a shop owner. No one sold me the idea. No one pressured me with a sales pitch. No one made promises about how much business I would do. I was encouraged  to really think about it and jump in when I was ready. I love soft sell when a product sells it's self because of  it's excellence.

I opened a boutique. Lilli Blue's Vintage Rescues. Most businesses take a couple years to break even. I can honestly say I lost no money on my first venture on Make Mine Pink and I was there under a year. I even made a small profit. When the economic crisis hit my day job was greatly affected. I had to go back to working full time for someone else and it was just too hard to honor both projects. Joyce Lucas did everything in her power to help me save my store but I had to close. She encouraged me to take care of my personal situation and said I would be welcome back at anytime.

 While I was at Make Mine Pink I became a business woman. It was the coming of age of my professional life in the ultimate all girl (except Tomas the tech guy) business world. I hit some bumps and had some rugged experiences. Misunderstandings and  trying to do too much all at once. I learned that stuff happens and you talk it out and work through it. It is business and when it is your "baby" keeping your emotions in perspective is important.

The rough spots were minimal. The amount I learned and the way I grew priceless. It was a lesson in business that changed my life in a good way forever. One of the most valuable things I developed were my writing skills. I had written some in the past but  blogging and writing articles for the news letter really helped me find my voice.

As I go back into business with my new venture "The Velvet Princess......Vintage and Previously enjoyed Fashion with Passion", I have been thinking much about my time at Make Mine Pink. I have come to really understand how much they taught me. People say "Where did you learn how to do that?" Make Mine Pink comes up many many times as the answer.

Being a sole proprietor who works on line from home can be hard and lonely. It doesn't have to be when you have a forum of ladies just like you . Women helping women. The encouragement and humor will keep you going.

I have looked at maaaaaaany web malls. Hours and hours of research. I reccomend Make Mine Pink.
Here is why.

1- The site is easy to navigate. If I don't understand something someone gets back to me in a timely fashion. It is not someone hired to do the job , it is another business woman who sincerely wants to help me succeed.

2- I am a visual person and the look of Make Mine Pink is easy to my eye. The actual site is very well laid out. The pictures of the products by the individual owners are framed in a beautiful setting that enhances the product instead of distracting. Not a picture frame that is so ornate that the frame distracts from the picture. The images are clean and composition is excellent.

3-I believe that business is an exchange of energy. The energy exchange gets overwhelmed for me when there is just too much of everything. I have never bought anything at Etsy or Ebay. I just get to overwhelmed looking through all the stuff. That's just me.



Open a store of your own at http://www.makeminepink.com/



4- I have however bought things from Make Mine Pink. I have also had gifts sent from shop owners at Make Mine Pink. The presentation is amazing...really. Everything comes with beautiful tissue and personal touches from the shop owner. I could almost bet in 90% of the cases she packaged it herself. Often I have gotten a sweet little give away included with my purchase. Love this. I want to be a part of a community where excellence is the norm.

5- The friendships. The great women who light the path and lend a hand. A place where I can put out my hand to another. They keep saying in the media that we are hungry for community. Make Mine Pink is a place where I come to commune with other business women.

Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you. Looking forward to may more good times ahead.

If you have interest in selling on line or love to shop (whoo hoo) or just want to have coffee and chat check out http://www.makeminepink.com/

There is much to enjoy! blessings, Lilli.

COMING SOON.........

Check out my new blog.

http://www.mysweetunchoreographedlife.blogspot.com/

Just a note to say I have a new blog and invite you to have a peek.

Buster's Antique Attic

 Recently I met a muse,Tina Millman, owner of Buster's Antique Attic in historic Culver City .

Tina's shop is more an environment than a store. The smell of incense burning and music playing in a space that feels to me like an old theater from days gone by, stirs things deep inside me I have not felt for a long time.

She is a magical delicious merchant of marvels who leads with her heart and thinks in colors, textures and melodic nuance. Tina's the kind of "shop proprietress" who believes that shopping is an exchange of energy. The items in her store are selected with a keen eye for detail and are infused with the mystical . Shopping with Tina is a journey into your own imagination.

Buster's Antique Attic is more than a gift shop. Tina's vintage clothing collection reflects her eclectic taste. It's a place where collectors meet and enjoy sharing knowledge. The largest room doubles as a performance space and is used for fashion shows, poetry readings,classes and workshops of many kinds.

In a time when we need it most Tina is creating community. A place to meet and play. Conversations about life and art. A place where whimsy is sacred and dressing is a history lesson.


Many local artists are represented in her collection of treasures. Events range from Feng Shui workshops and Vintage fashion shows to Japanese Rakgo Storytelling and Oscar Night Parties. A full calendar of events is always underway including my favorite event LADIES NIGHT, late night shopping with just the girls. I love vintage clothing. Nothing is more fun than going through the racks of hard to find one of a kind vintage attire and finding that perfect garment you just can't live without.

You will sip yummy hot libations and munch on sweet treats while eye candy dazzles your senses. All items in the shop are available for purchase. The music will move you and the magic will delight your spirit. Buster greats you in his fetching red sweater, tail wagging and waiting for hugs and kisses.

Join Tina for an event or stop by and have a peek around. Experience the inspiration and excitement I have been blessed with by becoming a part of this community. It's a great way to meet new people and have some fun.
Buster's Antique Attic
3951 B Higuera Street Culver City, Ca. 90323 310-559-3597
 Blessings of every kind to you! Debra ( Lilli Blue)

Out of the Shadows

I haven't blogged for a long time. I guess it is these times we are living in. LOL What are these times? It's our life for goodness sake! This is not the dress rehearsal.

I was moved beyond compare by the talent and courage of Susan Boyle. She stepped out of the shadows and has in a moment of courage splashed all over the world with her huge heart and wonderful talent. If you have not seen her http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk&feature=related please watch this .

She is 47 years old. She has been singing since she was 12. She has never been kissed. She cared for her Mother till her Mothers death at age 91. She lives alone with her cats. Her church didn't even know she could sing. She has now stepped out to world wide recognition for her talent, courage and is an inspiration to many.

I challenge all of us to step out in an act of courage.

What is your dream? How have you held yourself back? This has been a time of reflection for me and has inspired me to step out of the shadows in every way. This a wonderful time to be alive. Whatever you believe and hold dear may today be the day that you step out of the shadows and shine.

Enjoy and Thank You for taking the time to listen. Love always, Lilli

Etsy Bo Ho and Debbie of Patchouli Rose

Well I'm so excited to tell you I have joined a new network. It's called Etsy Bo Ho.

Altered art meets my hippie soul. Debbie of Cozy Cottage Gifts and Decor has opened a new store called Patchouli Rose. To be in touch with kindred spirits she started a ning network to bring all of us old hippies together to share our ideas and show of our goodies.

"All boho enthusiasts and gypsies at heart are invited to join my new Ning at Etsy Boho. Come join us for discussions and ideas about boho lifestyle, fashion, decor and creativity! " says Debbie.

You don't have to sell on etsy. It's for everyone.

It is an inspired idea and a fun place to visit. I was amazed at how fast it is growing . I have seen some delicious things that are being made all over the planet. This group is very far reaching. I am pleased to tell you I am member number 6 and more have followed.

It has the mellow lovely energy that Debbie brings to everything she does with a big splash of Gypsy. You know in a moments notice anyone of us could be dancing with a velvet scarf!

I will be putting these items in my web site and developing more. I am working on new things for my shop all with that altered fashion feeling.

Happy Show and Tell! Lilli

"Good Taste" from the dollar store!

I had a fun find at the dollar store today. I have been looking for a give away to include in my shipments that would be a reasonable price and fun to receive. I found these vintage replica Coca Cola playing cards. They won't add weight to the package. I really like the look with my branding. http://jorabeels.blogspot.com/ (The Candy lights are by Roxie at Jorabeels. They are not just for Christmas. I couldn't put mine away!Go on light something up)

I was so pleased to find something that fit my needs so perfect.

I bought somethings at Make Mine Pink with a gift certificate I received for Christmas. the next set of pictures are some of those goodies. The yellow magnolia planter is my new piece of Mc Coy from Cupid's Vintage Attic. It was one color I didn't have in my collection. I love Mc Coy and this piece is a great addition.

I also bought the creme candle holders and the creme planter. The planter is Mc Coy and the candle holders say made in Japan. I'm not a purest I just go by what pleases me visually. I had seen these items when I first joined MMP. I never forgot them and when I went back to shop I found they were still there. I was so thrilled.

I also bought a couple things from sweet Pamela at Preserves Cottage.http://www.preservecottage.com/home.html She sent a lovely package of coffee as my gift with purchase. That got me thinking about how much impact a give away has on a customer, I felt so special . That little somethin' somethin' has power! Thanks Pamela.

I love my new plaster of Paris fruit and little green planter. They add a lovely touch to my kitchen. I will be posting on Wednesday what I learned about photography taking the pictures for this post. I want share the things I am learning about having a photographic eye. It is great fun.

Have a wonderful week and don't forget to stop by Make Mine Pink for Pink Friday. It is "In with the NEW!" I hope you enjoyed seeing my new things. I will be putting new treasures in my store this week so stop by http://www.lillibluesvintagerescues.mybisi.com/ Blessings.Lilli

Sweet little book from Petite Book Store.

I have been rocking the blog contests this past month. I won the blog contest at the Petite Book Store! My prize was a book I really wanted and I was so thrilled to receive. It came when I needed the lift. Just before Christmas when I was exhausted from all I had to do this wonderful book arrived and inspired my "White Christmas".

I love white. Snow images and simple green and white combinations really satisfy my eye. This book is filled with them.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the book.

I'll give you a tip on photographing the pages in a book. Look at the place the light falls on the page. See the little glowing section in this picture, that is not in the original shot in the book. That is where the light fell on the book when I was photographing it. It is called a "hot spot". The spot where the light reflects on the page. To correct it keep moving the book till the hot spot disappears.

This also happens when you are photographing pictures with glass in them. The glass reflects the light . It also can work like a mirror and you will see your image in the glass. I learned this when photographing pictures for my site only to find my image in my pajamas in the photograph.

LOL Even a cute pair of pajamas don't work. LOL Make sure when you look at the shot before you take it to step out of the shot and don't get caught in the reflection.

This is what is called getting an eye for photography. As artists we have to change our eye from the work of art to our photographic eye. It will save you hours of editing. I am developing my photographic eye.

These lovely stockings are a good example of what I learned from the first shot . I tipped the book till I got a true reading on the page. All of the nuance was that of the original photographer and not my mistake. Looking at books like this one is helping develop my photographic eye. I love the pictures in this book. They really inspire me.
Tedi of the Petite Book store has wonderful presentation and branding. The book came beautifully wrapped in white tissue paper. I was so delighted , I went to her site and ordered another book I had seen and felt I just could not live with out.


The second book came in a sweet cloth bag tied with a purple bow. Inside the book was this wonderful book mark. The book was wrapped like a gift in white tissue tied with a matching purple bow.

I just love her card! So whimsical.

Thank You Tedi for a wonderful experience with Petite Bookstore.

You have made me a fan.

Visit her sweet book store at http://www.petitebookstore.com/ You will be in for a treat!

Read the post below and you too will have a chance to enter a fun blog contest. It has a really good prize!

Happy New Year! Don't forget this Friday will resume PINK FRIDAYS at Make Mine Pink. It's "Out with the Old" I am sure you will find wonderful clearance items to start your New Year.

My little pink boutique is closing. I am spending sometime in development. You may still visit Lilli Blue's Vintage Rescues at http://www.lillibluesvintagerescues.mybisi.com/. I will be posting new things all week.