7 Lessons: What Training for the Olympics Taught Me About Building a Successful Business
August 1, 2008 by Chandra Michaels
Filed under Art, Business, How To
Maybe because I’m an artist or maybe because I was a gymnast…either way, I love that The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games now lists the sport as Gymnastics Artistic.
It defines the competition as, “A perfect fusion of athletics and aesthetics, gymnastics ranks among the defining sports of the Olympic Games. Mixing strength and agility with style and grace, the high-flying acrobats have provided many of the most breathtaking Olympic spectacles.”
I couldn’t agree more. I know because I trained day in, day out for years as a young Olympic hopeful.
One fateful night (and one heartless hit and run driver later) the course of my life was changed, ensuring that an Olympic Gold was not part of the plan for me. So when the Summer Games approach, bittersweet memories typically surface.
After my life-altering accident, it seemed it was all for nothing. I had worked so hard my whole life, I had trained relentlessly, acquired massive amounts of self-discipline, gave up on having a normal childhood…and for what?
Well, three years into building my business, I finally understand that it all had a purpose.
The first thing I learned about achieving success started with competitive sports, specifically Gymnastics Artistic!
JUNIOR OLYMPICS INVITATIONAL | CIRCA SOMETIME LAST CENTURY
A quick tug to my leotard removes the annoying wedgie that always finds its way into my butt-crack. I approach the boundary line, arch my back and wave my right hand high into the air. This single-handed salute signifies to the judges that I am ready for my routine.
Two bars into Hernando’s Hideaway, I tango into the hearts of my judges and teammates alike.
Deep breath in, I prepare for my last run. This is the gold medal moment. After all, I’m a highly-trained eight year old athlete.
Charging ahead with the fearlessness of a defensive lineman, I tackle my biggest tumbling run to date. I punch it. I’m flying high and flipping fast. Then a thud – and blood – everywhere.
Weighing in at a whopping 35 lbs, it’s sort of hard to imagine any strength whatsoever. In fact, from the ages of 6-11, I didn’t appear to have a mid-section. Lacking a definable torso and legs that looked like they were growing out of my neck, I was always told I should have been a ballerina. No doubt, I was definitely born to dance, but acrobatics appealed to the young risk-taker in me.
It seems, even as a kid, I was out to prove that I could do things people said I couldn’t, even if it meant getting a little banged up in the process.
This time? A broken nose.
In an effort to make the full rotation and not land on my head, I pull my knees in tight to turn my body into the tiniest ball possible. Most third-graders don’t pay much attention to physics, but since my face and the floor were familiar with one another, I learned pretty early on about the laws of gravity. So, my right knee slams hard into my nose.
OMG…I feel the burn shooting through my brain and now I’m bleeding all over the mat.
But I pick myself up, finish my routine and with a blood-stained face, salute the judges.
Without an ounce of hesitation, I turn to wave to my audience. Embarrassed, dizzy and utterly disappointed that the gold is now out of reach, my glazed-eyes doing nothing to hide my pain.
Then something amazing happens. Read more
Brand Licensing & The Magical Mailbox Money Maker
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!
Extreme Wealth Working Just 5 Hours a Week
May 13, 2008 by Chandra Michaels
Filed under Art, Business, Design, How To
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.
The Graduate: Here’s to You – Ms. Robinson
March 11, 2008 by Chandra Michaels
Filed under Business, How To
If you’ve ever contacted, applied, worked with or ordered from Sugarluxe, chances are – you’ve communicated with Lindsay. If you haven’t met her…please allow me to introduce you to someone who is wonderfully precious to me – Lindsay Robinson.
But first things first…whenever I have publicly spoken so highly of someone, I immediately invite poachers. I understand that. It’s really no different than the chance I take every time I share a new piece of art or a recent illustration. If I put it out there, it could be stolen. But I can’t spend my time worrying about the people who do that kind of thing. I want to share…my work, my passion and most of all, my appreciation for people I adore.
Lindsay is one of those people.
Graduating in May and wise beyond her 22 years, she is so smart, caring and devoted. Every day that she is at work, she is a burst of sunshine and add to that, she is never late, never gripes and comes in with a can-do attitude, I feel blessed that this wonderful human being is in my life.
Sure, I don’t sound like a normal boss. That’s probably because I’m not. I don’t subscribe to traditional bossery. I know that respecting your staff, welcoming their ideas, allowing them to fail and encouraging them to succeed creates loyalty and a cohesive team.
I can’t take credit for Lindsay being so ultimately fabulous…she is just that way. Her parents are as charming as any parents could ever be, her boyfriend, Andy (studying abroad in Barcelona right now) is a doll and her friends love her endlessly. She is just a gem, no doubt about it.
So is it all about luck of the draw?
Well, sorta.
But my guy friends say it this way: GAME RECOGNIZES GAME!
It’s true. Plus girls need to talk more about being tight and bringing ‘game’. So, I’m saying it here…in all my girly A-Game glory, that’s what it’s about.
I dread sounding preachy. I am not one to tell people how to do anything, really. That’s how it works in our studio anyway. It’s different on a blog because I can’t pack everyone into the studio to prove it. But mostly, I don’t tell — I just do. And it’s through my actions that I hope to inspire and attract like-minded people.
Might I possibly be too attached? Always.
But I have a long list of wonderful friends who started out working with or for me over the years. I spend more time at work than any other place in my life…so when someone is going to get that close and I get to choose, they have to be someone I will adore.
Lindsay: you are uniquely special to me. I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve learned. I couldn’t be happier than to start each day with your drive – a perfect match for my determination. It takes guts to step into the amount of responsibility you’ve taken on – but you’ve got what it takes. You will always succeed at whatever you set your mind to.
With Love & Octiwinkles,
C
Supply & Demand: The Economics of Appreciation
February 2, 2008 by Chandra Michaels
Filed under Business, Featured, How To, Studio
For almost three years, I have been trying to figure out the key to keeping my manufacturing in-house, while somehow meeting the demands of retail accounts (around the world now) who want everything FAST & AFFORDABLE. I don’t want to source overseas…but my supply & demand issues are overwhelming.
When I get bogged down trying to figure out what to do, I procrastinate. My mind starts drifting and I completely get off task.
Today is no different. My biggest urge to paint happens when I have to do something else entirely.
But it’s in that moment — I realize I am not the only one with a major supply and demand problem. We all have this issue in one way or another…
Like the endless supply of people demanding your time. Or, the constant demand to do more, but a lacking supply of appreciation when you do so.
If you really want to know a super easy secret for success — it’s very simple.
I’ve found that the words – I appreciate you – can make all the difference!
If someone takes the time to interview me for an article, blog on my work, or write something about Sugarluxe in their publication, I always try to write to them and tell them how much I appreciate it! I don’t expect this fabulous feedback, I don’t feel entitled to it and I don’t pay for it. I am just thankful when people discover what it is I am trying to do…and if they dig it, that’s the BEST!
These are some of my fun favorites! Check out these little lovelies:
and a NEW fav who named Sugarluxe as January’s ROCKSTAR of the MONTH:
Everyone likes knowing that their contributions matter…and I try to let people know how much they make a difference in my life. We often don’t think to do these really easy things because they weren’t ever done to or for us. Trust me, I know. I’ve worked a lot of thankless jobs.
But it has to start somewhere. It’s a global situation and we have a depleted supply of gratitude. Help me replenish it…
And by the way, when you do, please know this — “You are most definitely appreciated!”
Special Delivery: New Internshipments Are Here
January 30, 2008 by Chandra Michaels
Filed under Business, How To, Studio
After selecting 64 stellar resumes to review and then holding two sets of group interviews we finally decided on two sweet, very smart girlies for our Sugarluxe Spring Internship Program. They = Hurray!
Both just completed training and now work about 15-20 hours a week. Unpaid.
FREE LABOR? Maybe to some.
For me – the process of finding the perfect candidate is not unlike the glycolic peel I recently put myself through. At first you kind of dread it, you invariably find a few flakes along the way, but because you endured the procedure, in a matter of weeks it pays off…there’s a renewed youthfulness and everything feels FRESH again!
Plus — every intern I’ve had — ROCKS! Why? They:
- are more open to change.
- have no sense of entitlement.
- bring great, new ideas.
- are eager and enthusiastic (which makes my day so much better!)
- show ambition, rather than drowning me in utter complacency.
But really caring about and developing a University Intern is a ton of work…if you’re like me and want to make a long lasting impact, it’s worth every minute.
Here’s the thing… Read more
