I am so happy to have made such a wonderful connection with Sotiria Krikelis, the owner of Relax Missy.  Relax Missy is a wonderful alternative to the flip flop.  This neat, compact foldable shoe will rescue you when heels start to hurt your feet.

When was Relax Missy founded?

Originally, I incorporated my business back in November 2007.  The idea of Relax Missy came to me way back when in 2005, but it was just that, an idea.

What gave you the idea or spark to create Relax Missy?

The idea came in 2005 on a night out ... Read More »]]>

I am so happy to have made such a wonderful connection with Sotiria Krikelis, the owner of Relax Missy.  Relax Missy is a wonderful alternative to the flip flop.  This neat, compact foldable shoe will rescue you when heels start to hurt your feet.

When was Relax Missy founded?

Originally, I incorporated my business back in November 2007.  The idea of Relax Missy came to me way back when in 2005, but it was just that, an idea.

What gave you the idea or spark to create Relax Missy?

The idea came in 2005 on a night out in Las Vegas with my girlfriends.  We were headed to Body English nightclub and I knew the moment I placed my heels on they were going to be trouble.  Normally, I never, ever wear flip flops, but this was an exception.  I had to substitute my handbag for a larger one to place ugly flips flops inside.  This was when I knew there had to be something out there for this situation, but there wasn’t!

What obstacles or challenges have you faced on your journey?

The main challenge for me, honestly, was production of Relax Missy.  I spent so much time and energy in perfecting my product because in order for me to feel confident marketing it, I needed to love it and crave it.

Finding a manufacturer in the US, I thought would be easy and simple.  I went on to a few websites and got phone numbers, but those led me nowhere.  So, I went back to the drawing board, aka my laptop, to find more contacts.  Each time I called or emailed, I had no luck.  I spent six months looking for manufacturers in the US and it wasn’t up until one apparel factory told me to look into China that I really started researching overseas production.  I found that emailing the suppliers representatives was the best way and then we moved onto Skype webcam meetings.  If I knew that communicating with a factory was as simple as emailing them and introducing myself, I would have done this a long time ago.  It was a learning process and now I know for the future.

What’s next for the Relax Missy? New designs? New color? New styles?

Currently, I’m focused on spreading the word and generating brand awareness. My ultimate goal is to land a department store and I’m working on that as well as opening boutique retail accounts. Of course new styles and designs are going to come along.  I have plans to create a bridal line, a beach line, and a summer-sandal line.  I also plan on expanding the company with other fashion fixes as well as creeping over into the handbag world. I’m a shoe and bag kind of chick!

I have so many ideas and new concepts that I want to develop and launch.  I also want to write books for women in business and start a forum based platform that will hold lectures and events for women to attend and learn how to launch their dreams.  I never want to stop!

In general, what has been the overall response from the public to your product?

Women love it.  They think it’s adorable, chic, and practical.  They love the fact I placed extra padding than normal ballet flats and they are pleasantly surprised by how great the packaging is.  Women want more styles and choices and I receive messages everyday with compliments.  I’m excited that everyone has had such a positive attitude towards Relax Missy.

Congratulations Kim Parrott!  We can’t wait to hear how you love these Relax Missy shoes!

Sign up for their newsletter at www.relaxmissy.com.  As a bonus, you’ll receive a personal discount code to use towards your next Relax Missy purchase.  You may also follow Relax Missy on Twitter and on Facebook.

Leslie Chatman is a chic thirtysomething from Dallas with a passion for jewelry.  Leslie is the owner and designer of LunaTeal Jewelry.  She also writes for the fine art of jewelry, a jewelry blog.  Follow her on Twitter: @lunateal

Denim however, can be one of the biggest gripes that women have to deal with. There are so many styles that play tricks with our legs, bums, thighs and muffin tops that it’s no wonder so many women ended frustrated trying to find ... Read More »]]>

Jeans are so versatile. You can dress them up or down and use them for multiple occasions, styles, and looks. I love jeans – I might almost have a weakness for them. Every time I run into a store, I swear they are calling my name to try them on. I have numerous different kinds in my closet.

Denim however, can be one of the biggest gripes that women have to deal with. There are so many styles that play tricks with our legs, bums, thighs and muffin tops that it’s no wonder so many women ended frustrated trying to find that “perfect fit”.

This is why,I’m SO excited to share with you the “Yoga Jean”. These jeans are any active woman’s dream. Most women, are on the go constantly with work, kids, errands, etc. and unfortunately run around town in yoga pants on a daily basis, because it’s what’s comfortable. Well those days are over!

These yoga jeans from Second Denim Co. are AMAZING! They have the comfort of the oh so comfortable yoga pants, but have the stylish look and appeal of denim! I tried some of the fabulous jeans on myself, and I must tell you…I was instantly hooked.

The other thing I love about these jeans, is that they also sit higher in the back – so no more ‘plummers bum’ or peaking underwear from under your jeans!

These jeans come in a variety of styles to suit many different body types as well.

Not sure what styles are right for your body? I recommend having an image consultant, like myself, help you learn about your body and what works for it! You can check out my signature style service to help you out.

I’m also thrilled to share Second Denim Co. with you as this is a Canadian Designer – and I think it’s important to support the Canadian talent!

Have fun with this new denim I know you’ll obsess over!

Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant

Personal Power Image Consulting

1. Don’t be shy. Talk to the bereaved, even if you are uncomfortable doing so. Remember that they are in far more discomfort than you. Call or email to say that you are thinking of them and would like to be useful.

2. Volunteer to drive them places. They will have immediate chores to do at a bank, a funeral home, and an attorney’s office. Often they prefer company while doing these tasks but if ... Read More »]]>

The Ten Best Ways to Offer Solace to Someone Who is Bereaved
By Roberta Temes Ph.D.,
Author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again

1. Don’t be shy. Talk to the bereaved, even if you are uncomfortable doing so. Remember that they are in far more discomfort than you. Call or email to say that you are thinking of them and would like to be useful.

2. Volunteer to drive them places. They will have immediate chores to do at a bank, a funeral home, and an attorney’s office. Often they prefer company while doing these tasks but if not then you simply wait in the car.

3. Volunteer to bring over food. After the initial week or two, most family members will have resumed their usual schedules and are no longer available to literally cater to the bereaved. If the person says that they don’t want anything then bring over soup and ice cream. Those are the best foods for a person in mourning because they contain enough calories to maintain nutrition yet require no biting and chewing. It is often difficult to bite or chew when deeply aggrieved.

4. Volunteer to do paper work. There are many forms that need to be filled out and the bereaved may not have the patience. You can ease the job by doing it with the person at your side responding to your questions.

5. Ask about the day of the death. Most people, after a few weeks, need to talk about the circumstances of the death. It helps them process it and absorb the reality. All you need to do is listen.

6. Help them post something on the Internet. Putting feelings into words for the world to see is a most healing endeavor.

7. Encourage the bereaved to create something tangible, something they can look at or carry around, that reminds them of their loved one. Suggest they make some personal jewelry from the deceased’s jewelry, or perhaps choose some photos to fit into their wallet.

8. After several months, offer to go with them to buy a pet. If the bereaved is now alone in the house and has no reason to get up and get dressed every morning a dog is the answer.

9. Help expand their social network by finding course offerings at the local community college or library or house of worship. There are always activities that welcome new members. Suggest particular courses and if necessary go with them to the first class.

10. After many months the bereaved will need help in planning for the future. Bring over information about possible trips, vacations, cruises, etc. Having something to look forward to prevents constantly looking back.

©2009 Roberta Temes Ph.D., author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again

Roberta Temes, Ph.D., author of Solace: Finding Your Way Through Grief and Learning to Live Again, is a noted psychotherapist who has taught classes in death, dying, and bereavement at schools such as Downstate Medical School and CUNY. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning Living with an Empty Chair: A Guide Through Grief and The Tapping Cure. She lives in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

For more information please visit www.DrRoberta.com and www.SolaceAfteraDeath.com.