Donald Trump does it, P Diddy did it, even midwestern textile designer - Amy Butler - is doing it and it all begins behind closed doors.

It’s called: THE LICENSING DEAL…

Why do BIG designers and FAMOUS celebrities put their names on manufacturers products created for major retailers?

In short — there is only one true answer — SMART MONEY!

When other people pshaw Vera Wang for creating Simply Vera for Kohls, Cindy Crawford Home for Rooms to Go, or Martha Stewart at Michaels (AND Macy’s)…I just watch and learn.

If you don’t like the mall, detest discount stores or believe boutiques are the ONLY place to buy all your heart desires…well, then, okay?!

Sugarluxe accessories are available in hundreds of boutiques around the world. We’ve hand-selected each store and truly admire the proprietors of these establishments -

A few of my all-time favorites that we’ve been with since they first opened their doors are:

• Soigne Boutique in Central Austin
• Patricia Junes Boutique on Melrose in Los Angeles
• Ginger & Koi Boutique in Kailua Kona, Hawaii
• So Absolutely Fabulous in Temecula, Californa
• Sassi Sam in New South Wales, Australia

And I typically offer exclusives, so that these small business owners can trust that I won’t go down the street to their competition. With that kind of business philosophy, it’s probably apparent that boutiques will never be my bread and butter. I just really love working with other women who also work very hard to run a business of their own.

So, yes - I shop at these places whenever I can. But I love Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target, too.

Those who have a lot of money but are wise about spending it, or for those whose financial cup does not yet runneth over…big brand names today are but a chain store away. And I for one - am so glad for that.

Starting a business really forced me to be more frugal than I had ever been in my life. I was raised to love a good bargain, but it wasn’t until I became a true bootstrap entrepreneur that I understood what it meant to really NEED to find a good deal.

From the outside looking in…it would be easy to say that I’m cheap (not in a hookerish way) just thrifty. But really, when you’re here on the inside, you understand that it’s all very strategic.

In the same way that I want my hard-earned dollars to go as far as possible, I have the same desires for my work. And…watching…as I do, the business people I want to emulate, it was clear to me from the outset that LICENSING would be a significant way to achieve that.

Here’s why:

My whole life, my dad instilled in me the MAGIC of MAILBOX MONEY. He would always talk to me about what investors call - PASSIVE INCOME. In other words, do the work, sell the rights and get royalties. Checks coming every month in the mail for the work you did - once.

He instilled in me a deep desire for this type of financial freedom.

That’s not typically how an artist thinks, yet an artist who aspires to make art their business, could learn a lot from my dad.

But that makes it sound so easy, huh? Want mailbox money? Do a licensing deal.

Sure, in theory, it’s very simple. But how do you get there? How do you create a name, brand, design or invention that someone else wants to pay you to license? That’s the very, very - did I say very? Tricky Part.

Now, let’s go back to my friends Vera, Cindy and Martha.

They are incredibly savvy business women and one of the ways they’ve amassed a fortune is, of course, first being at the top of their game. But to build an empire? They would all agree with me - licensing is the key!

I will always love, shop for, and even create one of a kind, unique items that you can’t find anywhere else…but those are splurges. And my suspicion has always been that other people feel that way, too.

Partnering with small shops, creating original paintings, designing custom surfboards (oh yes, wait until you see) and hand-made items will be the work I live for. But it takes more than that. Getting your work into Big Box Retail is like getting drafted into the NFL. It’s a major deal.

And - it’s not because I want to be famous, not because I have to be rich - but only because I want to live a life I enjoy, connect with people through my work, and run my own company because I don’t like anyone else to be the boss of me.

My desires have always been THAT crystal clear - how I was going to get there and what I would have to do to attain those goals is a story that unfolds every single day.

Sure - there are plenty of books, trade shows and websites that will teach you the tradional path by which to try to break into this business.

But I find it rather difficult to compete with Disney. And I am far from a traditionalist. Or remotely conventional. Or by the book. Ever.

Guess my point is…you can be independent, you can do this without high-priced lawyers and lots of money, even successfully promote yourself without an agent or a manager (*hint* TalentDatabase is the BEST place to start!)…but you can’t do it without being SMART, RELENTLESS and DETERMINED.

Two weeks ago (that’s why I’ve been MIA) we finally launched our fifth major licensing deal…and the biggest one to date for Sugarluxe!

Placing over 10,000 new Sugarluxe items in 1000+ new stores, I couldn’t be more excited. And my parents were so proud when they called me from the art section of the biggest home decor retailer in the nation. Moreso than if I would have sold one painting for $500 grand - they love seeing Sugarluxe on the shelves.

The BEST part is, I did this whole deal from the comfy convenience of my fabulous studio. Want to know how? Stay tuned and SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Popularity: 11%

Taffeta?  Check.

Baby tee?  Check.

Black tennies with teeny little skulls that look like cherries?  Check.

Flower in hair because I will never stop loving flowers in hair?  Check.

And oh yes…artwork installed?  Check.  Interns on time?  Check.  Interview on TV?  Check.  Art lovers everywhere for big Sugarluxe Show?  Check.

Hail balls the size of sno-cones?  Um…

I checked…the Weather Channel said 96 degrees and sunny all day.  Sugarluxe?  She say bad words under breath at massive hail balls.

Waaaaaaauuuugghhhhhhh!!!

Well, it was supposed to be perfect weather (except maybe for the 100% humidity making the 96 degrees feel like 110) but hey, we were moved inside and we worked our BUTTS off to create this showcase. 

As you know, it was a charity benefit for the Austin Children’s Shelter and the weather wasn’t going to stop us from selling every single painting. 

Or…was it?

We started the show opening early just for mid-day shoppers.  However, the special events director thought it would be better for us to save our energy for the 6-9pm crowd.  I really didn’t mind hanging out and mingling all day…as long as we were ready for the 7 o’clock rush hour later. 

The Sugarluxe girls looked like beautiful little rosebuds despite loading in tons O’ crap that morning…I was ready to sign magazines, hug lots of people, kiss sweet smellin’ babies and sell large scale works of art (most - NEVER before available pieces) in an effort to raise awareness and money for ACS…

And then this…Large Hail and Dangerous Lightning Hits the Austin Metro Area.

But alas, if you thought it was all sweet here in candyland (or if I somehow fooled you into thinking that way) then it’s time to come clean…some days just SUCK!!!!

However, if I can at all help it, we try to make sucky situations better.  I used to get so frustrated with my mom who has ALWAYS pointed out the bright side to EVERYTHING.  Now, I realize that the bright side (thank you MOM!) is a perspective that aids survival. 

Here’s the bright side of Saturday:

My interns are about to graduate, so we can’t help but be excited about that. I did get time with friends who I hadn’t seen in ages (and typically, I never get time to talk to them at our shows). I saw, held and kissed many babies (self-pity alert: a bit harder right now considering I am going on FIVE years of no two pink lines on my pregnancy tests).  And we did sit with jaws dropped when we watched the band disappear and people fleeing the show in droves as they dodged huge chunks of ice falling from the sky (we were seriously concerned about people’s safety and our cars) but when things feel a bit hopeless…you can either laugh, or you can completely lose your mind. 

So, what can a group of really disappointed girls do?

What else? Get a glass of wine and toast to good times.

That’s how it is around here.  Many things never work out as we plan.  But we DO try to make the best of it.  Stuff happens every day making us want to pull our hair out…but I’m trying to learn that some things just can’t be helped.

As a control freak  perfectionist  person who wants everything to be a major success, sometimes, it’s just hard to admit that things like, you know, weather, getting pregnant, and sold out shows are not completely up to me.

Luckily, when we were doing the installation for the show, the fabulouso Central Market asked if I would be willing to have the art in there for 6 weeks!

ABSO(freakin)LUTELY.

Now, after weathering Saturday’s storm, I am even happier that the good people at Central Market responded to the work so well as to ask us to display/SELL (subliminal message to buy) over the next couple of months…giving us WAY more time to help raise money for the abused children who need this shelter and care from the wonderful people who work there. 

So, if you’ve ever wanted Sugarluxe for your walls, won’t you please consider buying now?

The pieces are signed, numbered and many are Artist Proofs (AP 1/15) with an enclosed Sugarluxe Certificate of Authenticity on the back. These are unlike the pieces you can get in any of the stores that carry our line.  Very cool, very limited and for a very good cause. 

All artwork is currently located at the original Central Market on North Lamar in Austin, Texas and will be available until June 30, 2008.

40″ x 40″ Gallery Wrapped Canvases with Embedded Crystals | Signed & Numbered - $399

16″ x 20″ Limited Edition Archival Signed Prints | Matted, Mounted & Framed in Glass - $129

and more pieces we don’t yet have pictures of!  Check back soon.

With all my Art & Soul…

Popularity: 26%

Whenever I seem to disappear…you can usually bet we’re working on something pretty exciting at SUGARLUXE!

Not only are we weeks away from the soft launch of a new collection into one of the largest retailers of “better home goods” (and it’s still kinda secret or I would tell you more)…but we were absolutely determined to pull it off at the same time as a major art show.

Saturday, May 10th marked the 1st Annual Art & Soul Showcase featuring Sugarluxe Art to raise money and awareness for victims of child abuse. Central Market  hosted the event and we couldn’t have been more pleased to be brought into a venue recently named:  “the top gathering destination in the city”.

In fact, up to the very last minute, I was stressing over the completion of new large scale Artist Proof pieces (AP 1/15) and to make them available at this show FIRST. That means that a few are 1 of only 15 proofs on canvas.  PLUS - everything sold benefits the Austin Children’s Shelter.

The GREAT news is — you don’t have to be in Austin to get these pieces.  Even though they are on display in this big fabulous store in Central Texas, they can be purchased and shipped nationwide!

Here are some important reasons why we created this showcase:

1. The Austin Children’s Shelter recently lost their much needed funding from the United Way.
2. More than 50% of children under age five who are victims of homicide are killed by a parent.
3. One out of every seven victims of sexual assault reported to law enforcement were under the age of six.

I have been an avid supporter of ACS and it is beyond my comprehension that anyone could ever hurt, abuse or neglect a child.  Actually, it hurts my stomach so much, that every time I was trying to get through the unbelievable amount of work I had on my plate…I stopped to remember why it’s so important to do what each of us can.

Whether you donate your time, talent, money or all of the above…every little bit helps when it comes to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

Popularity: 19%

A business mind and a bleeding heart are often an incompatible mix…

But I should back up.

Don’t we just EAT UP the idea of an overnight success story?

Like the 2 a.m. infomercials - Lose weight without any effort whatsoever, enjoy extreme wealth working just 5 hours a week, and get smoother, wrinkle-free skin with this amazing wonder cream.

Who doesn’t want the quick fix? Yet, true success in, well, pretty much everything…doesn’t happen overnight. For artists, if it happens at all, it’s usually after we’re dead.

So, for those who hope that fortune will fall in your lap - then by all means, click here.

Know better? Then keep reading.

• By nature, I was born a bleeding heart. It’s a fact - and it’s a double-edge sword when it comes to business.
• I hate to say NO to anyone - because I am wired to want to help others…and also because (see #1).

When I decided to launch Sugarluxe…I left everything behind.  Full-on risk, no side jobs, no income, no safety net.  I cashed out my tiny 401K and I was determined to build a brand name.  I didn’t freelance or take any pick up work that might have made it easier, but would ultimately, distract me from my end goal.

I don’t believe in Get Rich Quick Schemes. So, to be successful, I have to make sure that my business sensibilities prevail, or at least work hand in hand with my bleeding heart.

I understand people want something custom for their business, new website, boutique, blog, product packaging, myspace page, their new line of greeting cards, their new line of panties, their non-profit, their church group, their brochures, their banners, headers, t-shirts, and…oh my gosh - I am out of breath!

I’m not complaining or taking any of the recognition for granted. 

One day I’ll spill the gory details of the significant losses in my life, until then just know that I am someone who gets that in an instant, your whole life can change. (Did you think for a moment that my happy, colorful artwork meant that I wasn’t a tortured soul?)

Frida knows - Art is suffering.

Sacrifice, living lean and forging ahead is what I’ve had to do.  Sure it’s been 3 super fast years since I started Sugarluxe…but I’ve been working a lifetime to get to this point.

Reminds me of one of my favorite stories…it’s about Picasso:

Picasso was sitting in a Paris café when an admirer approached and asked if he would do a quick sketch on a paper napkin. Picasso politely agreed, swiftly executed the work, and handed back the napkin — but not before asking for a rather significant amount of money.

The admirer was shocked: “How can you ask for so much? It only took you a minute to draw this!” “No”, Picasso replied, “It’s taken me my whole life”.

So, absolutely…I would love to help with your project, your new business venture or develop your brand of designer boxers!  My bleeding heart wants to do it all for free, but then my business mind reminds me…

And this is especially important for women to hear because we are usually the first to trivialize our talents:

Understand your unique value.  Maybe you’ve started your own company, you’ve climbed the corporate ladder or you’re a freelance designer, writer or consultant - when you work incredibly hard for what you’ve achieved, you not only deserve credit, but you deserve excellent compensation for what you have to offer. 

And those who complain of your confidence are surely the ones sitting back their entire lives, just waiting for the chance to get rich quick.

Popularity: 32%

Ya know what?  I never get tired of hearing stuff like this:

Your in store art signing was a huge success! Managers commented the event brought in new customers and that you were delightful.  We had a good Sugarluxe weekend in other stores across the nation…some stores just received their stock last week and it sold out over the weekend! – D.D. - Head Buyer, Z Gallerie Stores

And this recent picture of two Sugarluxe pieces in the display window at Z Gallerie?  Well, it really does bring a tear or two.  Sniff. Sniff.

The flip side of this AWESOME news is that people need more information.  We receive emails daily from customers who’ve discovered the Sugarluxe Brand in Z Gallerie stores and many are asking specific questions about the line.  

It’s here that I hope we can provide more assistance and answer some of your most Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.  What is a Giclee?

A giclee refers to both a category of collectible fine art and the process of reproduction. Utilizing the latest technology, with the guidance of meticulous printmaking standards, our artwork is reproduced to museum standards.  Although many people are throwing around the word giclee these days to represent any reproduction methodology…it doesn’t mean that every reproduction print is actually a fine art, archival giclee.  Numerous examples of true giclee prints can be found in museums throught the world including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Art and the British Museum.

Q:  Why doesn’t Sugarluxe currently sell original works of art?

My original paintings are kept in a secret safe place – away from my studio.  Holding onto the originals and making reproduction prints available to customers is a winning combination for everyone.  Sugarluxe customers get a gorgeous, signed and numbered piece and it’s affordable too.  Plus, as an artist, it’s smart because keeping original artwork and selling Limited Editions can greatly increase the value of the artwork in the future.

Did you know that in 2002, a record was set for pop artist Roy Lichtenstein when his original work - Happy Tears (pictured above, left) sold for $7.1m at Christie’s in New York?  The 1964 work, depicting the artist’s trademark comic-book style, was bought by an anonymous bidder. It broke the record for a Lichtenstein that had been held until 2002 by his work, Kiss II (pictured above, right) - a piece purchased for $6m in 1990. Happy Tears was part of Christie’s sale of post-war and contemporary art.  BBC News

Q:  Why do the Z Gallerie stores carry such a limited selection and supply of Sugarluxe Fine Art Giclees?

Great question.  The truth is, I really don’t know why they maintain such a limited supply.  I think they should keep more in stock and they should buy a bunch at a time!  But they did purchase two main works with exclusive rights to distribute.  That means I can’t sell these pieces to any other major retailer…but we can sell them direct to you (particularly if your Z Gallerie location is sold out and hasn’t yet received new shipments.)

Q:  Why can’t I find the Sugarluxe pieces on the Z Gallerie website?

Recently, the head buyer at Z Gallerie informed me that they want and plan to post Sugarluxe artwork on their website, but they simply haven’t gotten to the site udpates yet.  I wasn’t given at ETA…but will come back here to post any new info.

 Q:  When will the Sugarluxe site begin to offer Giclees?

Very soon!  We’ve been working for about 4 months to complete a new, dedicated section on our website which features a variety of images, sizes and framing options for our customers.  We want to make sure that we make it as easy as possible to buy your art online and to allow you the most versatility in choosing your special Sugarluxe piece. 

Q:  What if I bought a canvas from Z Gallerie, but I didn’t get to come to one of your art signings, will you still sign my piece in person?

I will always sign your piece in person, if at all possible.  If we haven’t been to a store in your area, please comment below and list your name, city and specific location (some cities have more than one store).  Also, all of the associates I’ve met at Z Gallerie have been GREAT.  Let them know, too, so that the POWERS THAT BE over at the Z Gallerie headquarters can decide where they might book our next event.

Q:  Are you really rich now that you have products in all these big stores?

Licensing as a visual artist is tough business. I’ve experience bitter disappointments, so much so, that sometimes it seems unreal.  But I guess that’s what makes the small victories so much sweeter.

The Suits (as I like to call them) stand to make the most money off of any successful creative, aka The Talent.  The business is quite similar to that of the music industry.  Basically, the goal for both is to put out multiple best-selling hits. 

If you don’t do that consistently, no matter how great your first big chart-topper, your life in the limelight could very well go the way of Chumbawumba.  And who would want that?

Popularity: 43%

Less than 3% of the artists in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art are women, but 85% of the nudes are female. - Guerrilla Girls

Now, I’m not saying the Guerrilla Girls would feel compelled to rally behind Sugarluxe, considering its basis in mainstream glam. But perhaps they would applaud my own unique FEMINIST pursuit to increase opportunities for marginalized female artists.

The word Feminist…or the “F” word as it may be to some - is to me about equality. Always has been. And fundamentally, those who know how to look beneath the surface of my art, already know that.

So, how do I combat the sad fact that females are more likely to be on display in museums as a nude rendering than as a talented artist? Well, surprisingly enough…it was with one little belt buckle.

Even acquaintances of mine have seemed surprised when they started seeing Sugarluxe paintings, my permanent installation at the Hotel Des Arts, or my reproductions on canvas in the gallery sections of home decor stores.

“Oh, I had no idea that you were going to do anything besides belt buckles.” said one girl.

Never underestimate the power of the inconspicuous. A bigger plan is always at play!

That’s my advice to any aspiring artist who actually wants to make a living doing what they love.

We have to move past the antiquated, traditional assertions of what art is and define it for ourselves, for our generation and for this chapter in history. Make it accessible, no matter its form. Art is Everywhere!

So, when I was asked to do a signing and trunk show at The Blanton Museum of Art, I felt I must.

Now here’s where gets a bit sticky…

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Popularity: 56%

Do you watch Rock of Love on Vh1? I do. I can’t help it.

But girls ripping each other apart for the sake of 1) winning 2) a man 3) their 15 minutes of fame…goes against everything I stand for. So why do I secretly record every episode and then watch in delight as females fight tooth and nail over Bret Michaels?

Um, well…I guess because in my heart of hearts, I cannot deny it. I was, am and will always be a rocker chick. The musician obsession started when I was about 8. My parents hoped that I would grow out of it. I never did. I can’t help it.

I’ve also dated two Doctors, a Lawyer, a Baseball Player, a Morning DJ, and a Duke (okay, I didn’t officially date The Duke)

One night in Toronto, downtown with my girls, I met a guy from The Royal Family. Somehow, we all ended up back at his brownstone. Whilst showing me his art collection and discussing his cottage in the country (cottage meaning sprawling estate) I had a cocktail or four in an attempt to cope with my feelings of inferiority. Due to the unavoidable intoxication that ensued, I cried out in front of everyone that he was clearly a “condescending art snob.”

So let this be a lesson to you too, should you ever encounter the opportunity to become a duchess…

Moonshine and Monet don’t mix.

My best friend, Karen, will definitely chime in if I get the details wrong. Even with my lack of diplomacy, I think The Duke asked me to marry him that night. On his knee in the middle of the street…he apparently fancied me as a feisty starving artist type. Earlier misgivings aside, I quickly considered how cool I would look wearing a crown.

Karen, fearful that the whiskey would make me do something I might regret, hurled me into a cab and I waved goodbye. To The Duke. To the cottage in the country. And for a long while…to my dignity.

Returning to my homeland, I realized, I was meant for a musician. Every other guy I had dated between the ages of 15-25 - a musician. Guitar players were first choice, singers second. Guitar players who sing? JACKPOT!

That’s how I met Bob. Bob Michaels.

He was playing on stage. Oh MY GOD. Singing, playing his ‘69 Gibson Guitar with girls crawling all over him. Yup, that’s my type. After two tumultous years, we called it quits. I was devastated. But in retrospect, I’m glad it ended when it did because that was actually the beginning of our true friendship. We became best friends over the next ten years. It’s a long gooey story, but since my last name is Michaels, you can probably figure out how it goes. We were made for each other. It just took us a long time to figure that out.

Bob is a talented musican and brilliant business man. He is a risk taker and he gives me the freedom and the emotional support to be one too. It’s not an easy life we’ve carved out for ourselves. Two entrepreneurs in separate, but creative fields with no guaranteed paycheck and working in different studios on what might as well be opposite ends of the world. We don’t get to see each other enough, but every time I come home, he greets me with the same two seemingly simple words - Hi Sugar!

And in an instant, I fall in love all over again. I can’t help it.

So, after years of creating artwork inspired by and for women. This is my first piece made for a man. My man. My true Rock of Love.

Here is my initial sketch.

And here is the next step.

I will post a picture of the completed 30×39 framed art in his studio once it is complete and installed.

Do you think he’ll like it?

Popularity: 56%

I can’t believe it’s been less than 3 years since launching Sugarluxe from my small loft.

Having already outgrown two studios and earning my stripes as a real risk taker (trust me I have the entrepreneurial scar tissue to prove it) - I’ve arrived at a marker in my career that I’ve been dreaming about for years.

This particular dream started when I walked into Z Gallerie.

Over a decade ago, my mom discovered this great home decor store and thought it was the perfect place for me to find things for my first home. By nature, I tend to be pretty eclectic, so she knew I’d love it. The moment I walked in, it was more than love. I was overcome with a feeling, that to this day, I can hardly describe.

I muttered to my mom, “My stuff will be in this store someday.” After all - born July 22nd, I’m on the cusp of Cancer & Leo, which might explain why I thrive on the duality of business and art.

But the feeling, or vision, or whatever it was that day has remained crystal clear.

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Popularity: 100%

Come on in, pull up a chair and let’s chat…

You know those tasty little packets of turbinado crystals you stir into your morning coffee? THE LUXE FILES are like that.  A little less refined, with a lot more flavor.

Fact is, a blog was beckoning. Flaunting its potential for mass appeal and ability to instantly gratify, I begged the idea to leave me alone. After all, and perhaps surprising to some, I am a VERY private person.

I guess I’d always hoped that what I was showing was enough. The artwork, the press, the products all provide a glimpse into the making of America’s Sweet Art: the delicious imaginary land of Sugarluxe with its candy-coated shell.

But after so many MySpace messages and countless emails asking about what I do, I finally realized that people often want as much in the way of how and as they do about the who.

My boob flopping out on the red carpet would leave me feeling less exposed.

Talking about how or why I do the things I do?  Yeah, okay.  It’s just that it’s much easier to tell you my favorite color. Which is aqua if you’re asking. But it seems more is required.  WHY GOD? Whyyyyyyy?

FAIR WARNING: I’ve been told I’m a bit dramatic.

I’m not sure yet where this year will take me, but it’s the first time that I will actually talk about all of it. The good AND the bad. Completely raw. Full disclosure.

You are now granted total access. 

If you want all the goodies, please go subscribe today to receive our top secret info by email or by feed. 

Popularity: 49%