Since my last blog I had to take a break from production. My Dad had a stroke and my Step Mom had some medical issues herself. They are now in rehab and will be coming home on the 16th. I am so thankful they are both doing better. I will be having the shop closed on the website for restocking. I will still be at the shows listed and I am reviewing some new shows. Thank you for your patience.

I will have a new interview for November the name of the group is Affiniti from across the waters in Ireland.

The Man Behind TJS Designs

I would like to introduce a young man just starting out in his field. He is a determined young man with a lot of heart. Welcome TJ Spalich to Baegz Inspires.

           TJ tell us about about yourself.

       I’ll give you a little background of myself, I am 23 and just graduated with an Associates Degree in Visual Communications. This came after taking a year off from school, I was previously pursuing a degree in the medical field, I realized that is not what I wanted for my life so I took a year off to find “me”. I now have my own business TJS Designs. This is a design firm that I started to provide unique designs from logos to billboards. I also want to start doing marketing and advertising for people, I feel this would greatly increase my productivity. I also currently work for a Non-Profit Organization leading their creativity and design area. I volunteer in the youth area of this Non-Profit, which allows me to help raise and train the youth in a positive manner and environment.

What exciting things do you see for the TJS Designs?

      I want my business to go worldwide. I am currently looking into pursuing a marketing degree to couple with my communication degree. I have two new avenues that I want to pursue, branding and marketing design. My goals include designing a logo for an internationally recognized company as well as creating a marketing and branding campaign that will turn the world upside down. I have learned that to create a positive and long lasting campaign in branding and marketing you must first understand the people your are targeting. My strong point, I know people.

What is your favorite photography that you've done and why?

My favorite photography is probably all the model shoots for Baegz. These are very rewarding in the final turn out because it allows my creativity to flow.

Some of the creative Senior pictures TJ shot

What is your favorite part of what you do? 

           My favorite part is seeing the final product complete and ready to be displayed. I also love seeing the reactions from the clients when they look at it and go “It is spectacular thank you so much”.

Property of TJS Designs

Property of TJS Designs

      

          Tell us about an “ah ha” moment?

       Ha Ha an “ah ha” moment came when I was designing my logo for my business and one of my fellow classmates (who is very good at marketing and advertising) made a comment stating that my logo could become a worldwide recognized logo, “it just has that feel & look”.

          How does working with the youth inspire you, personally and in your business?

      Well this is simple because the answer is the same for both, its not so much inspiration but a gratifying experience when the youth and the client go “wow thank you”.

    Are there artists that stand out to you  

        All artists in the graphic design and photography industry inspire me but there is one artist that stands out more than any other Paul Rand, why? Because he is most famously known for the Apple logo and IBM logo, infamous for simplistic but notable. There is one more artist that sticks out, John Henry Alvin, why? because he has designed the cover work and book work for more than 135 films, ranging from Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter to E.T.

      

         What legacy do you want to leave? 

     The legacy I want to leave is simply my children and family will be proud and say “that was my dad, that was my husband, that was my son”.

   Thank you TJ  you are very creative and think out side the box. Check out TJS Designs facebook, or hook up on Twitter.

 I want you to know as your Mom,  "I have always been proud of you. XXOO."

End Of Summer Photo Shoot

Baegz Wear: T-shirt, belt and bag ready for hanging out with your friends or going to class.

Scarf is added for a finishing touch

T

Baegz custom fabric is used for this shoulder bag

Stephanie you look great

A beautiful sundress that is pair with cowboy boot and scarf  just add a jacket and your ready for the fall weather.

This soft and silky scarf if fun to wrap or hang straight.

Ooh la la this leopard velveteen skirt is paired with leggings and  is hand dyed, what a knock out.

This furry messenger bag has an animal batik fabric with an up cycled belt strap. Inside flap is zippered and pockets inside.

The women behind Avant-Garde, a new breed of Art and Crafts shows

  Welcome Miss Becki Cooper to Baegz Inspires.

"Hi Tracy,Thanks so much for this opportunity! I'm really excited! "

 Becki is the owner and founder of the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows as well as Rebecca Adele Events, which specializes in event planning, public relations and social media servies.  Miss Cooper is 26 years old and has lived in North East Ohio her entire life. She is passionate about Cleveland and everthing in it. She lives in University Heights with her boyfriend and their three fur babies. Two cats named Jack and Ollie and their Jug( Jack Russell-Pug Mix) her name is Google. Becki has been doing the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows for a year and 3 months and has officially been working for herself full time for five months.

  " I love doing this as my full time job and fully believe in the saying " Do what you love,love what you " there is never a day that goes by that I'm not thankful and grateul that I'm able to do something that I'm passionate about and help local businesses and charites."

I wanted to approach your interview with unique questions that will help people to really know your heart. "These are fabulous questions!"


Becki and her two brothers

 Tell us about yourself and how your family played a part in who you are today.
  "I'm the youngest of three children and the only girl. Growing up,my mother immersed me in the arts at an early age. I took dance including: Jazz,,tap,ballet and pointe since I was nine years old. When I got older, I was also in an all girls show choir where I was a choreographer and president.
  While growing up, I frequently attended art and craft shows with my mother as something to do together. My mother also was a veteran in the arts and crafts community, she sold her handmade jewelry at various art and craft shows. In addition, she also painted and was a full time principal at the elementary school. Thus ,growing up with a creative educator in the house always resulted in my brothers and I doing creative projects with her.
  From the business side of my venture, my older brother Dan always had an entrepreneurial spirit and started several of his own companies. His business savvy attitude and confidence was and continues to be something that I look up to, and strive to incorporate in my own life. I frequently turn to him for his advice when it comes to running a successful company and look to him as a successfule role model."

Five years ago, is this where you saw yourself?
  Five years ago this is definitely not where I saw myself, What started with participating in cake decorating classes and selling my own goods at local art and craft shows, blossomed into what I call and accidental entrepreneurship adventure! I decided to put on my own show and put on one event. From there it went so well that I continued to do more shows and realized that both vendors and the public really enjoyed them. The rest is history!
  Prior to doing this, I always thought that I would continue in my career path working at an advertising agency doing public relations and event planning. I actually use to say I would never want to work for myself because of the stress and responsibility that comes with running your own business. My tune has definitely changed. While it can be stressful, I've actually come to learn that I do my best in leading and making executive decisions rather than being told how to do something and working under someone else. Paired with the fact that I get bored in doing the same thing every day, working with different vendors at the art shows and different clients in my event company, allows me the fexibility to be as creative as I can in my day-to-day job."

What does Avant Garde mean to you and who comes to mind that represents this?
   "To me it means eccentric, over the top. unusual and unique. Something that goes above and beyond what is considered the norm and what stands out. It's not a who that comes to my mind first that represents this, it's a what and what I mean by that is, I don't categorize a avant-garde with a person, I categorize it as a way of life, this includes but is not limited to funky fashion, and amazing sight in nature that takes your breath away. It really could be anything, whether it's a person, moment, or sight that makes you stop in your tracks and say "wow!"

What inspires you?
  " What inspires me is actually a quote, that particular quote is "Do what you love, love what you do."  I think there is something to be said for people who are passionate about a particular thing and then strive to make it a part of their daily lives. Whether its a hobby or a job. I'm fortunate to combine both my love and passion of the arts, event planning ,social media and PR into my daily life and career. I really believe that I do what I love, and love what I do!"

If you were to speak in a classroom of high school students what would you talk about?
  "I would tell them to allow your passion to pave your way to your future. Don't let anyone tell you who you should be or what you should be doing. Instead see where your path leads and when it comes to great opportunities in life, the answer or choice to say no should rarely be an option. You never know who or what might come across your path in different scenarios, and if you don't take some smart risks when it comes to achieving your dreams or learning about who you are as a person, then you are certain to lose out on some great life experiences.
  The other thing I would say is don't fear failure. The expert, if anything, was also once a beginner. I had people doubt me at different points in my life, but it never stopped me from going after what I wanted, I knew I could do it deep down because I had the drive and motivation.
  Also, it's important to never let success get to your head, but also never let failure get to your heart. They are two totally different ends of the spectrum, but both are capable of hurting you as a person if you do either. So always stay grounded, and never let a temporary set back stop you from moving forward. Something great is always around the corner."

What do you envision for your future?
  "For my future I would love to continue to grow the Avant-Garde name in Ohio. I'd love to get the reputation of a great festival in the communities what is equivalent to that of The Feast, Boston Mills Arts Festival or Tremont Arts Fest. My goal is to continue to have a following of great vendors who participate in each of the shows, as well as a following of great attendees that really connect with the show. Each of my vendors is so very important to me and I want them to succeed. I also want to raise as much money as possible for local charities through the shows.
   I envision and hope that my event planning business will grow along with the art show business. My goal is to be able to continue to do what I love each day, give back to the community around me, grow the arts scene, while also having the flexibility to raise a family and be hands on as a wife and mother some day. I think the beauty of being able to work for oneself and go after your dreans allows you the opportunity to open as many doors as you want in any aspect of your life whether professional or personal."


Thank you Becki and I know God has many doors for you that will open up to help others and allow them to see your great smile and care.

  

First T's

 A new Baegz Logo T-shirt will be available at the market this weekend see Events at www.baegz.biz and is listed in the Baegz store. It comes is a cap sleeve T also . Hand dyed and custom logo.

I will be working on the Shop this next week and hopefully will have it all updated. Thanks for patience. Make sure to come out and see me at my shows. All shows should be finalized in the next few weeks.

Waxed canvas belt with leather buckle.

Here is the new leather and waxed canvas belt. I aged the leather for a warm and rustic look. The price will be $15.

We are revamping the website and have added a direct shop this will allow you to order from Baegz instead of going through Etsy. In this transition I will be adding new product with new photos that will help to portray the product in its true size, use and colors.Thank you for your patience in this growing stage of the business. Thanks TJS Designs.

Christina Cavotta you are truly inspiring

Grand opening August 2011

                                    

I would like to introduce Christina Cavotta, owner and creative mind behind Tre Sorelle Boutique. Welcome to Baegz Inspires. I think it is wonderful that you are our first interview and Tre Sorelle is celebrating its first of many anniversaries.                                        



Christina, share with us a little bit about yourself and how Tre Sorelle Boutique got started.

"Having my own boutique had always been a dream of mine ever since I was young. I went to Kent State and got a degree in Communications. After months of searching for the right job and no success, I decided to go for my dream and start up my own business. The name Tre Sorelle means three sisters in Italian. I named my shop after my Mom and her two sisters who grew up in the building that Tre Sorelle is in."

At the 1st year anniversary of Tre Sorelle

Who inspires you?

"My parents are my biggest inspiration. Both of them have been beyond supportive of my business endeavor. My Father is a marketing mastermind. He keeps my creativity level at an all time high and we brainstorm and bounce ideas back and forth. My Mom is very intelligent as well. She speaks four languages fluently and is extremely cultured and educated. I strive to be a combination of both of them."







Tell us about your most memorable moment with the Boutique.

"There are a few moments from the past year of business that really stand out in my mind, but there is one particularly memorable moment. At the end of my most recent fashion show the DJ called me out to the stage. My Dad was waiting there with a dozen roses and he hugged me and whispered "You did it." By that comment I knew he didn't only mean that I put on a successful show, but he meant that I followed my dream and made my first year in business a success!"


Where do you see yourself and the boutique in the next couple years?


"I have set some long term goals for myself. I am hoping I will be able to open up another worman's store in another location along with a men's store possibly. Crossing my fingers that "Tri Fratelli " for men will be in the near future."

If you could give any advice to other business women, what would it be?




"My advice would be to always go for your dreams no matter who believes in you or who doesn't. Most importantly believe in yourself and don't doubt what your are capable of . Put your dreams into action. There is nothing worse than someone that has the dream and not the drive. Go for it!"




Finally, is there anything that you would change? or do differently?

"I try to live my life with no regrets.I don't dwell on past decisions,but I do make it a point to criticize myself and improve on things that need work. Owning a business is a work in progress. There is always room to grow and learn about your business as well as yourself. I like to say " you have a life, then you have a business. Then your life becomes your business, and your business becomes your life."


Thank you Christine for taking your time out of your busy schedule to speak to and inspire all of us. Today Christine is busy getting ready for the festival tomorrow. The boutique will have special hours for the festival. Come out and see this great Gem in the Heart of Italy.
Tre Sorelle Boutique
Our hours this week will be different due to The Feast:
Tuesday: 2pm-6pm
(FEAST BEGINS)Wednesday: 1pm-11pm
Thursday: 2pm-11pm
Friday: 2pm-11pm
Saturday: 12pm-11pm

Cleveland's Feast of the Assumption, held each year in mid-August in the city's Little Italy neighborhood, is a four-day street fair that celebrates the Catholic Day of Assumption (August 15), when the Virgin Mary died and assumed her place beside Jesus. 

The Feast is a fun-filled Italian street party with rides, food, live music, a procession, and lots of fun. The 2012 dates are August 15-18.

Slingback Hipbag

 


Bag made with waxed canvas, linen/canvas and duck cloth. Available at my next show.

 I am excited to start working with waxed canvas. It wears like leather and look great. It is water and mildew resistant. Check out there site.http://www.waxwear.com/contact.htm

Inspiring Woman

Blog is premiering in August with special guest Christina Cavotta owner and creative mind behind Tre Sorelle Boutique.