Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now...

Last weekend was fun...we did the usual - karate, play date, bagels and lox, chocolate chip pancakes and then threw in a bridal show.  LOL

Sunday I exhibited at my first bridal show.  It was a smaller scale show - maybe 100 brides total.  I got their super early so I could set up and not have an anxiety attack in the process (good move...).  The table looked great, if I don't say so myself! 


I met a lot of nice people - vendors and brides alike.  The jewelry seems to have been a hit, but I only did one sale (to the vendor from La Bare LOLOL)

I learned that bridal shows are not the best for sales but great for contacts and getting my name out there and I surely did!!!  I can't wait for the attendee list...I will have my work cut out for me...

This weekend I have three trunk shows and I couldn't be happier! 




Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Anniversaries, Jewels for Japan, More Celebrities are Loving Stella & Dot...

So much has happened since I last posted!  Yesterday was my 8 year wedding anniversary!  I don't know where the 8 years went, but I wouldn't change a minute of the time I have been spending with my husband and children!  Last night Mom and Dad watched the boys so we could have a nice dinner together.  We went to our usual place, The Capital Grill.  Delicious!!  While we were enjoying each other's company, a guy walked in that looked exactly like the cartoon character dad, Peter Griffin, of Family Guy.  (please see photo below if you have never seen him before!)  From the belly to the glasses, butt-like chin, and hair...this guy was the real live version!!!  I tried to be slick and take a picture with my camera phone but couldn't get a good shot without being overly obvious or falling out of my booth. 
Let's see...what else is going on???  

I have started a "trunk show" in honor of Japan.  If you would like to donate to the Red Cross for this cause and get gorgeous jewelry at the same time, please go to www.stelladot.com/danapeller and on the top right hand corner click on "Find Your Hostess".  Enter "Japan" as the first name and "Fundraiser" as the last name.  Shop away!  All of the profits from these sales will go to Red Cross and earmarked for Japan.  What a great way to help out those in need and beocme even more stylish at the same time!!!

Oh...how could I ever forget...I signed up my first stylist!!!  Jen Malone, my longtime friend who now lives in Portland, OR showed interest in the S&D line, asked me to send her a look book and next thing you know we are skyping and she signs up!  I am super excited for her becaue Portland is an open market waiting for her!!!  I love the fact that I am coaching her (and having fun at the same time). 

Thursday, March 17, 2011

And Today I am Wearing...

LOL...I think my Facebook page is going to be streaming pictures of all of my Stella & Dot jewelry.  I now choose my outfits based on what necklace I want to wear as opposed to visa versa! Today I am wearing the Bardot Spiral Bangle in silver - the first item I put on my list of samples - and so glad I did!!

The Bamboleo necklace is featured in the March 2011 InStyle magazine, and four other pieces are in the April 2011 InStyle issue...this company is on fire!







  The CEO, Jessica Herrin, was just interviewed on CNBC - check it out!  It is 4 minutes explaining why I love Stella & Dot...it is infectious...is this really me saying all this?!?




Wednesday, March 16, 2011

I Would Have Never Guessed...

I am even more excited than before about Stella & Dot after having a two hour Skype call with an old friend!  Jen lives in Portland now and we haven't seen her, Ed (her husband) or Chloe (daughter) in over 3 years! 

When I started my Stella & Dot Facebook Fan Page and Jen had commented that she loved the jewelry.  A few days later she messaged me that she would like for me to send her a Look Book as her birthday is coming up and she'd like to pick out something a little special...very cool...

I am not a pressure sell person (if that is even a phrase, but you know what I mean) but figured I would throw it out there that she can become a stylist in her area.  I messaged her, saying that the Look Book is on its way to her and then threw out the bone that if she was interested I would love to talk to her further, etc.  Message came back, "Call me".  Whoohoooooo

I called her the next day and we set up a Skype call...and here we are now!  I showed her sample pieces I had, explained what sold well (taking into consideration that we are in two different geographical locations with different styles and trends), and had a great time doing so!

AND today I get a call from a coworker across the office telling me that she is looking at the look book and wants everything (note: this seems to be the census with everyone that peruses it!)  I am expecting a nice order tomorrow :)  Whoohooooo!!!


My Stella & Dot Vintage Twist bracelet in gold...LOVE IT!!!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Hunt is On...

UGH...I am so dreading this...I don't want to look for a new job.  Just the thought of revisiting my resume' to update it nauseates me :(  I have a difficult time putting in writing what I do at my current job.  I know I do a lot (even though there is one person at work that told me basically everything I have done since October has been a waste) but it is hard to describe.  BTW, the person that "enlightened me" with that tidbit of rudeness is known to be one of the first people that would be let go...hehe.


The first draft of my resume has gone out to the family...


So annoying...

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Monday, March 7, 2011

My Launch Stella & Dot Trunk Show

Food - check!
Wine - check!
Jewelry - check!
Displays - check!
Mom - check!

Saturday night at 7 pm I began my hobbyist career as a Stella & Dot independent stylist!   9 attendees (including mom) played with the jewelry, drank wine, shopped and (hopefully) had a great time - I did!!!  I learned even more about the jewelry than I did before.  (Of course I was mentally picking out the next samples I would purchase once I close out this trunk show.)

I am not the best of "closers".  I think I talked a few people out of some items - I was being honest though!  One friend, for example, wanted the cascading silver necklace.  Normally I would say, "Great choice!  I have it too.  It is so versatile, yada yada..." BUT I knew she just purchased two necklaces that are similar (I know because I ordered them for her online when they went on sale LOL). 

I am definitely going to work on closing the deal and getting more trunk show appointments!  I have one so far at Gabriel's preschool on March 18th from 2 pm - 6pm.  I will be able to show the product line to the teachers as well as the parents coming in to pick up their children! 

I have emailed a few festivals and fairs - have great jewelry to see, will travel!!  If any of you readers were unable to make the trunk show, you can still order something special for yourself online!

Go to: www.stelladot.com/danapeller
On the right side, close to the top is a link that says "Can't make it to the trunk show?"  Click there and please type in "Dana Peller".  Shop away!!!!

See how easy it is!  Any questions, you know where to find me!!!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Did You Know...

I know this is so random, but did you know that the kitchen sponge is one of the biggest germ magnets! (Insert "ewwwwwwwww" here.) 

The two most effective strategies to clean this ubiquitous domestic tool:
1. Microwave it for 1 minute (be careful as the sponge may get hot!).  This kills 99.9% of bacteria ad 99% of yeasts and molds.

2. Dishwashing with a drying cycle kills 99.9% of bacteria and 99% of yeasts and molds.

SpongeBob Biography

Stella & Dot In the News

CEO and Founder Jessica Herrin was interviewed in INC 500...I think she is definitely on to something BIG (so does INC 500)


Tomorrow Night is the Big Night!!

I am so excited (and nervous, but mainly excited)!!!!  Tomorrow night is my launch trunk show for Stella & Dot.  I have a few errands to run tomorrow morning after karate and then it's time..

For me, to do something like this is a big step...I am not normally a proponent of the Direct Sales arena nor am I one to be "pushy".  Luckily I don't have to worry about that with Stella & Dot...I am going to let the jewelry sell itself!  When asked to describe the products, I say it is definitely not your grandma's jewelry (although I do love vintage :).  It's a mix of modern meets trendy meets classic - depending on which line you are looking at. 

I love the little girls' line too...I want to get all of it for my niece but my sister might yell at me so I will pick a few pieces (and I am sure Mom will picka few pieces too)!


If you are reading this and cannot make the show tomorrow night, please check out my site and treat yourself to something nice...you deserve it. 








Thursday, March 3, 2011

I Thought I Was Eating Healthy...

I am a big magazine junkie...I love to read magazines and many people can attest to the dozens I read (at work hahahaha) along with my love for catalogs.  I read this article in Woman's Day and it really opened my eyes to rethink what I am purchasing in the supermarket!

I never know if organic is really the way to go, but here is a list of the "Dirty Dozen" - these fruits and vegetables are higher in pesticide residue than others. 
1. Apples
2. Bell Peppers
3. Blueberries
4. Celery
5. Cherries
6. Imported Grapes
7. Kale
8. Nectarines
9. Peaches
10. Potatoes
11. Spinach
12. Strawberries

Interesting, right?  ;)

I'm Full...

I am definitely full!  In the immediate moment, I am full from my over 1,000 calorie salad (yes, you read that right - salad).  It was delicious. 

I am full of excitement for the new opportunity I have to sell Stella & Dot's line of jewelry and have many fun and fabulous trunk shows and parties.  www.stelladot.com/sites/danapeller

I am (not as much as last week) full of sadness for our loss of Harley.  I still have his food and litter that I will donate to a shelter this weekend.