It’s Friday and I’m busy all morning in salon then waiting in for a carpet to be fitted this afternoon so figured I’d actually do a work related post and share with you some of the beautiful gel nails I have done in the Sweet Cheeks Beauty room over the last few months.
Have a fab Friday xoxo
Ok so I done a quick post in bed this morning and told you all how I was off networking and just felt I had to share my own experiences with you.
This is the amazing group of women I got to have breakfast with, divulge business ideas and inspiration, learn about their amazing work & businesses and leave feeling truly uplifted & inspired. I also want to say a massive thank you to the 3 great women who organise the Gravesend Professional Women In Business meeting every month Jo Howe of The British Heart Foundation, Emma Harrenden of Hatten Wyatt Solicitors and Isobel Brett of Brett’s Business Recovery and of course not forgetting the wonderful staff and management at the gorgeous Gravesend Old Town Hall venue.
I have been working for myself for some time now and the fact is it can get lonely and you can become stuck in a rut of procrastination and doubt every so often. Attending networking changes that, don’t get me wrong it takes time to find networking that works for you I have been to so many groups but now only attend 3-4 that I know are actually building the network of inspiring entrepreneurs (and friends) around me.
So what are my key tips in networking;
1. Know what you are setting out to achieve.
For me it’s a few things, having people around me I can call when I am not sure what the hell I’m actually doing, extending the network and variety of businesses I work alongside, building up contacts I can refer, trust and recommend to my clients and most of all put a social bit of fun into what can sometimes be really lonely!
2. Don’t expect to sell to the people you are networking with.
It’s not about how much I sell or how many new clients I get from networking its about making the businesses aware what I do, how I do it and why I’m so bloody good at it! (Haha) I want to be the first business they turn to for beauty advise, for treatments, for events, I want to be the name they say with such enthusiasm when their clients are looking for the services I offer.
3. Give Give Give
I love helping other businesses out of a rut, giving ideas or feedback, or donating my time and services to be of benefit to others. Straight after I had a great coffee and catch up with another female entrepreneur who has also become a fabulous friend Sonia Hurren Parent & Teenager Coaching Specialist we were talking about our presentations what we like what we missed, our plans for the future, (they are exciting watch this space!) and also recommending people we should each reach out to and even though our businesses are completely different we were both able to GIVE each other SOOO much!
4. Build power connections
This is something I learnt from the Evo Girls networking I attend run by Rebecca Roberston (one of my business besties!) from Evolution For Women, the idea behind power connections is a person or business who works with the same client base as you, so where you can both offer your clients something amazing but you both offer those clients a different service or requirement.
5. Follow up
Networking will never come to fruition if you don’t hold the connections and follow up, they will just remain a collection of business cards sitting on your desk of names and numbers that are of no use to you. Get to know these people, chatting for a few minutes at a networking event is not enough make strong bonds, really understand one another’s business ethos, have a coffee and catch up regularly stay connected. Again don’t sell to each other build relationships they pay off in so many different ways in the long run. For me they mainly pay off by having a list of business buddies I can call during melt downs and who pick me up when I really think I’m not rocking my biz the way I should be and they know i’ll return the favour too, because it does happen to all of us. But obviously there are a lot more mutual benefits to staying connected!
Also one thing that I think is a major business rule anyway was said in the presentation given by the hugely inspiring Zoe Cairns of ZC Social Media, and its what I’m going to leave you with today that applies to all routes of life business, social media, personal contacts ….
xoxo
I’m laying in bed writing again, the baby is doing somersaults in my belly, Finley got in our bed in the middle of the night because of monsters and dans got up and gone to work with the hump because of lack of sleep needless to say I’m not in the good books, but there is no point in dwelling on that now and I haven’t hit time to be tired!
I have a busy day ahead Finley has been asking for 2 weeks to go to breakfast club at school (because he gets 3 breakfasts!) and I have a networking breakfast this morning with some really inspiring women in business in my town, ill be sure to think of a way to share them all with you lot on here in the future.
Followed by clearing the front room, dining room ready for new carpets tomorrow then an afternoon and evening in the beauty room pampering clients.
I found this inspirational quote through The Flip Flop CEO page on Facebook, I just loved it and couldn’t wait until Monday to share the motivation I get from this.
P.S Happy Thanksgiving I’m not American but think the concept of ThanksGiving is just amazing and wonderful so I’m going to be writing a massive gratitude list to share with you beautiful people later
xoxo
So this Saturday I hosted a fabulous Coffee Morning At Athena Fitness with just 31 day to Christmas it was a fabulous morning. Everyone enjoyed looking at beautiful stocking fillers & gift ideas from a handful of select local traders and enjoying delicious tea & oreo covered chocolates!
The stalls really did have some of the most amazing ideas for presents I was rushed off my feet and didn’t get a chance to take a lot of snaps but I have added a few at the bottom of this blog for you to look through with links to each of the fabulous traders, as always if you head over & say hi to them tell them I sent you it always nice to know where referrals come from.
There are still squares available (£1 each) in the name the teddy competition to WIN a Unique hand made bear by Kaz Kreationz all proceeds are going to The Stacey Mowle Appeal
And tickets for the raffle also going to The Stacey Mowle Appeal will be available until this Saturday 30th November and prize winners will be drawn on Sunday, just £1 a strip with a chance of winning;
White Chocolate with Pink detail high heel made and donated by The Chocolate Angel
Gorgeous packed & layered Nappy Cake made by Kim’s Tiny Tiers
Santa Piñata donated from My Blooniverse
The Body & Confidence Consultation donated from By Trayc
Blinged Teddy Money Box from Bling Designs
Paul Mitchell writing set from Jaxx Hair Gravesend
A whole host of random beauty treats and sets, wine and vouchers (including Gel Manicure and full body Spray Tan!), from me at Sweet Cheeks Beauty and much more!
A big massive THANK YOU to the local traders & stalls involved please go take a look and the amazing work they do, I feel really lucky to work with these wonderful people
xoxo
Karl & Lynne from Bling Designs
The very talented Stephanie from My Blooniverse
Andrea serving up delicious treats The Chocolate Angel
Love and dedication in every detail Kaz Kreationz
Scentsy safe aromatic burners from Scentsy by Sweet Cheeks
Enjoy
xoxo
I am not pretending that staying motivated is easy, far from it in fact last week I spent two days throwing myself a pity party watching films & kids tv on my sofa. I felt frustrated with myself and that I wasn’t getting stuff done but I also knew that if I attempted to do it the results would not be my best and done to the standard that I set myself.
I’m currently sat in the hospital waiting room writing my blog whilst most people around me are watching tv or reading magazines, I’m making the most of my spare time.
I have already done all the child & school stuff this morning, been into the beauty room, been to the bank, had a cup of tea and breakfast with my mum made lots of phone calls sorting appointments and my diary for the week ahead as well as any other menial tasks like loading the washing machine & hoovering indoors and its only 10.30! Not bad going, which is why I wanted to share this blog with you, last week I had two days of excuses this week I have no intention of letting that happen.
So from me, a 28 week pregnant (and suffering morning sickness and all the other delights still) Mumpreneur who is currently working her butt off playing mummy, running my businesses (plural!) balancing it all and staying motivated it is achievable it just takes some practise, some balance & organisation and even a couple of lazy days for you to re-focus and evaluate.
Don’t loose sight of the finish line & end goal stay on the path to success without the excuses. Most of all enjoy it, have a fabulous week
xoxo
Ok I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas and so each week I’m going to be posting a Christmas Wish List of must have gifts to either put on your list or spoil others this week I’m starting with my forte BEAUTY!!! This week is all about the little gifts; the Secret Santa or Stocking Filler type pressies!
I will start with the stockings then move on to the fillers for 2 beauty inspired stockings you could begin with these limited edition ones from Arbonne.
Each one is £35.00 when you make a qualifying purchase, I think they are über cute and the products are so luxurious whilst being safe and beneficial. If you would like to know more about Arbonne, it is a product range I work alongside in my beauty room, feel free to pick my brain. There is a post coming later on why I choose to work with them.
So lets fill our stockings, just so I don’t limit the amount I will go through them as quickly as possible and you just have to imagine the stocking is as big as the one on the right haha ….
So in no particular order 10 must have Budget Beauty stocking fillers …
1. Ted Baker Nail Varnish & Lipgloss set £8.00
This gorgeous set not only looks beautiful presented in a lovely box with the traditional italic TB complimented by floral designed packaging but also comes with a choice of two shades a rich berry red (“Lovely Lindy Hop”) and a bubblegum pink (“Foxtrot”)
2. OPI Limited Edition Christmas mini set by Mariah Carey £11.55
I love stocking the mini sets in my beauty room they always go down a storm with customers and I think these gorgeous liquid sand polishes from the Mariah Carey OPI Christmas collection are amazing with two collections to choose from you can buy one as a gift and keep the favourite to yourself 😉
3. Liz Earle Christmas Star & Hot Cloth Cleanser £5.50
My mum has used Liz Earle for over ten years no matter what brand I have worked with or for she has stuck by them and this is one product so worthy of all the awards it has won, it leaves you fresh, clean and awakened and what a beautiful gift so cute!
4. Origins Bauble £12.00
Exclusive to Selfridges. Five of the most indulgent must have products from the gorgeous Origins range squished into this delightfully bright bauble!
5. Gingerbread Man Sponge from The Body Shop £3.50
This just had to be added because I think it should be making everyone’s bathrooms Cute & Christmassy!
6. Aromatherapy Associates Little Bell £10.00
What is it they say about small packages? This one is just simply delightful and delivers the most luxurious bath or shower oil that awakens the senses with a blend of grapefruit, rosemary & juniper.
7. Floozy by Frost French Bath Fizzers £6.00
12 individual sweetly scented bath Fizzers perfect pastels to be wrapped under the tree to help anyone unwind.
8. Soap & Glory Scrub Gloves £4.00
Essential part of looking after your skin in the winter months is exfoliation, these gloves are the perfect way to buff skin leaving it refreshed & resurfaced.
9. Bliss Mistletoe Musthaves £
Get lips ready to pucker up and hands ready to hold with these lovely duo of essentials including hand creme & lip balm.
10. Champneys Spa Indulgence Trio Gift Set £14.00
I love this gift set quite simply because it contains one of my most favourite indulgences, that all came about as a birthday gift from one of my besties sophie Champneys Mediterranean Bliss Bubble Heaven as well as minis of Distant Shores Body Scrub & Exotic Retreat Body Cream.
10 Indulgent Luxurious Beauty stocking fillers …
1. Benefit BADrageous Love £18.00
With a huge brush (defiantly something you have to get used to) this mascara delivers BIG lashes it adds a lotta length & volume and this set comes with a mini all packages sweetly for just £1 more than the mascara on its own!
2. Clinique Whole Lotta Candy Set £20.00
This is the perfect treat when you don’t know what to get someone, these are super subtle, just adding a hint of soft shine whilst keeping those chapped lips at bay and delivering tons of moisture!
3. MAC Nocturnals mini lipgloss set £29.00
Everyone loves MAC for their variety of colours and they have not failed to disappoint with the Nocturnals Collection I found it hard to pick one but thought I’d share the bright pink set which includes Dazzleglass in Dressed to Dazzle and Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Scoop, Colour Saturation and Petite Indulgence.
4. Liz Earle Christmas Star & Signature Lip Colour £14.00
Enriched with vitamin E, avocado oil and shea butter, this lipstick delivers an irresistible, colour pure finish. Presented beautifully in a Christmas Star and with two classic shades to choose from a gorgeous red or classic rose.
5. OPI Top This £23.95
Contains 3 full size top coats each one able to complete transform nails and make for an amazing gift because you don’t have to worry about knowing what colours they like! It has the original OPI Top Coat that delivers maximum long lasting shine, the Matt top coat that literally doubles up any nail collection straight away and the Limited Edition Snowflakes in the Air Top Coat that adds a top coat of shimmering sparkle and beauty to any nail colour. (Also available in my beauty room!)
6. Bobbi Brown Date Night Lip & Eye Palette £24.00
This is slick and stylish and everything a woman needs to transform her look from day to night with two gorgeous shades of eyeshadow (one doubles as an eyeliner too!), two luscious lip colours and a gorgeous gloss to complete the look and top it off! This one is defiantly going to feature in my letter to Santa 🙂
7. Fake Bake Silver Bag Cosmetics Collection £15.00
This is a bargain gift that looks SOOO much more (ill also have some in the beauty room before Christmas!) in a beautiful silver mesh bag, full size bronzing powder and bronzing brush, coral legal sunburn blush and a lipgloss worth £39.00 another perfect stocking filler!
8. Nars Fling Lip kit £30.00
As well as being limited edition this is just so unique and by one of the most innovative make up brands that deliver amazing results in their products. This contains sheer signature lipstick shades & two travel size jumbo pencils. There is also a competition to win £150 to spend, if you enter and win please buy me the lip tin 😉
9. Nails Inc Christmas Cracker Selection £29.50
OMG!! 1. These would look gorgeous on any table on Christmas Day (or at the Christmas get together with the girls. And 2. There is over £69 worth of products for under £30 (at that price I think you could even be aloud to indulge in a treat for yourself)
10. Laura Mercier hand creme sampler collection £20.00
Ultra rich creme, leaving hands soft & hydrated perfect for the winter months for anyone on your list you want to spoil a little this Christmas. With a variety of 4 iconic fragrances everyone is sure to have a favourite! ( minds almond coconut milk!)
QUICK SNAP IT UP JUST WENT TO GET LINKS TO ADD AND FOUND IT ON SALE AT SPACE NK FOR JUST £10!!! GoGoGo!
So what do you think? What would be your top 3? Will you be making any purchases from my list?
I have included a couple on this list but mid week ill be sharing The Top 10 Beauty Crackers
xoxo
MORNNNIINNNGGGGG!
It’s Monday again, I really hope you don’t let that effect your mindset in a negative way too much. Im blessed a Mumpreneur running businesses i LOVE and who gets cuddles and laughter before the school run everyday!
Hopefully you are filling your day with things you love if not try and approach them in a way like you love doing them. Sounds silly but just try and have an upbeat mindset when carrying out any tasks, reward yourself and tell yourself when you achieve a job well done, be present when talking to people engage and show them they have your full attention. See how it changes your day, see how it lifts your spirits (and your patience)
Have a magical monday and a fantastic week ahead
Love Stefani
xoxo
Each week is getting more and more booked up in advance the closer we get to Christmas, the beauty room is always buzzing with lovely clients coming & going and with it being a new month it’s time for me to publicly share the new offers & diary.
The is lots to come this month and I have tons to share with you including Christmas Shopping ideas, my upcoming Christmas Coffee Morning, traders, treatments… Oh I can’t wait, but for now Happy November, hopefully see you in the beauty room soon, if not remember any retail items I share I’m happy to ship 😉 xoxo
Yesterday I got to enjoy a day of tea, cakes & traders along with meeting lots of lovely new clients as the lovely Stephanie from My Blooniverse played hostess with mostest as she opened up the doors of her home to lots of friends & family to come enjoy & shop.
Stephanie’s company My Blooniverse started by offering Gifts In Balloons but now continues to expand due to a high demand for her fabulous creativity & high end service. They now offer decorative balloons for all occasions & events check out the Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest offers and creations. I will be using My Blooniverse to provide the decorations for the next Christmas Shopping Morning hosted by myself at Athena Fitness Studio.
As well as myself being there with gorgeous OPI & Fake Bake Gift sets & Christmas ideas from Sweet Cheeks Beauty I also had beautiful Scentsy burners to showcase & they went down a storm, the best selling fragrance was Cherry Vanilla and most popular burner was Finch.
There were also some other lovely female business women I’d love to share with you, the first being Andrea who is as her business name suggests The Chocolate Angel, although my other half likes to call her Mrs Kipling as he thinks her and Mr Kipling must if had something going on to make cakes & chocolate as amazing as this lady! Andreas Christmas books will shut the first few weeks of December I plan on ordering some of these adorable Chocolate houses, I think they will be a fab treat for Finley’s Teachers & family stocking fillers!
Then in the front room with me were the lovely ladies from Rockin’ Organics, two lovely ladies who create Skincare using essential oils to target specific needs & concern, with a wealth of knowledge & high focus on healthy & safe products Leigh & Tracey were lovely to natter with.
To decorate the tree was the lovely Lindsay from Fabuglass with a tree of beautiful baubles & a chance to win some “HoHoHo” wine glasses, the items are very limited so keep an eye on her Facebook page should you want to order personalised items for Christmas.
Plaques & decorative treats were also on offer from Sarah at Tillys Emporium. I’m a sucker for anything Christmas so especially love browsing this beautiful stall and planning the personalised items ill be ordering for myself and gifts this Christmas.
If you do head over to the pages and get chatting with any of these lovely ladies mentioned or even place orders with them, then please say you read about them here, as a business it’s always great to know where our clients find out about us and who is out there sharing our businesses & supporting us!
A huge thanks again to Stephanie, you are a superstar I had a wonderful day.
xoxo
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