a different avenue

Recently I was contacted by a sales rep company that is interested in kendall k! There is no showroom, only sales reps that travel on the road going from store to store. There are total of seven sales reps on the west coast. Two in So Cal, two in N. Cal, two in Wash/Ore and one for AZ and NV. They have been in business for 12 years and have over 30 years experience. The great thing about them is that they are all from New York! Funny thing about that is that I went to a psychic last week and she kept saying New York over and over... I don't know, probably just trying to find connections anywhere I can but cool nevertheless.

On the side, I have compiled a list of great boutiques that I know of in Southern California and San Francisco (thanks Alicia) so that I can start sending out my look book and making appointments! I have just been waiting for my return address stamp to come in from Note Trunk. Check out the etsy store; cute, cute stuff!

What are some of your favorite boutiques?

no shakes

It was a sad morning at the Zundel residence today. I accidentally broke the blender this weekend and so we were shake-less (GASP!) this Monday morning. I have been making the best morning shakes for about a month now and both Kyle and I can definitely feel a difference in the way we feel.
Here is the receipt(roughly) I kind of just throw things in...

orange juice (about 2 cups)

frozen fruit- loving the Costco tropical blend: papaya, mango, pineapple- about 1 1/2 cups. Also, kind of obsessed with the Pomeberry frozen mix at Costco too. We alternate each every other day.

blueberries or raspberries, blackberries etc..- about 1/2-1 cup.

pomegranate concentrate- 2 tblspoons. Can be found at Henry's.

and 2 heaping scoops of "Alive" powder mix- this contains all essential vitamins and minerals for the day. you can find this also at Henry's.

and about 6-8 large ice cubes

we are seriously addicted!
the receipt changes everyday, I just add anything that we have available in the refrigerator.

I'm on the hunt for a blender today!
Have a great day.

trademark

Just got off the phone with my lawyers(sounds so professional:) I'm working on getting trademarked in China. Additionally, I had my U.S mark reviewed for accuracy. I filed that one myself through the U.S government and needed confirmation. Turns out that everything was filed correctly in the U.S! woop woop...a little pat on the back for me :) Now I'm waiting on the quote for China. I'm a little nervous about the cost on that one but I know it will be worth it.

Started brainstorming for fall 2011 and I'm loving the color wine!! This picture is very inspirational...





Have a great weekend!

pantone

So I have finally received Pantone! Now I am able to choose any color I want in any shade and it's universal.
Not really sure how I was able to do with out before. I feel so legit.

Color option is a wonderful thing.

Have a great day.

a tad confused.

YOGA!! I really need some yoga... I need to get centered and find the answer to this age old (really 7 month) question; to get a showroom or not to get a showroom?
I know, I know, I have been ranting about finding a showroom for the last few months now but I'm beginning to wonder if it's really suppose to be.

The three meetings that I had went great! All had positive feedback about the collection but after speaking with some old industry friends yesterday, I'm beginning to doubt the showroom all together.

pros of a showroom:
1.) sales rep has already established contacts.
2.) (hopefully) sells the product for you. However, there is a monthly "rental" fee for the space you use, I pay this regardless if anything sells. Plus this is on top of the healthy commission.

cons of a showroom:
1.)extra $$ for commission/rent etc. that I could just pocket.
2.)using only the contacts of the showroom.
3.)competing with the other lines in the showroom for buyers attention.

pros of sales rep/ or doing a (portion) of it myself:
1.) I'm in complete control of the success.
2.) Develop relationships with the buyers through in store visits or trade shows.
3.) Hear the feedback first hand.

cons:
1.)time and energy that could be used on designing/ running business.

advice? thoughts?...anything?!

image

meet frida.

Ahh Frida Giannini...how do I love thee?!

As creative director of Gucci there is just too much to love about this woman. Responsible for every creative aspect of the $2.8 billion dollar company, she was once known to go to work in her Converse all stars! Since taking the reigns, she has since sharpened up her look and demands the same from her employees. Rumor has it that she sent an employee home for wearing Birkenstocks.
In a country that has few young women in positions of power, at 37, Frida has proven herself a worthy component.

She is a self proclaimed control freak, collects records and loves Depeche Mode...OH right, and she creatively runs one of the top design houses in the world... my kind of woman.

Read the entire article here... and more here.

big day

I have been preparing both mentally and physically for today for the last 7 months. I am meeting with three showrooms to see if kendall k. is the perfect fit. Two are in the older area of the mart and the other is in the New Mart. I am bringing my friend Ashley, who I know will be a HUGE support for me. Plus, she looks AHHH-mazing in all of the clothing!

Hopefully, today kendall k. finds a new home to live in...

logisitics

Sorry I have been away so long I have just been dealing with the many logistics of running a company. Last week, I met with an international attorney and got some really great advice on trademarking in China and setting up contract with the factory.

Also last week, I have been working out the wholesale prices of the collection, which I'm learning includes a TON of other things besides just manufacturing costs. In order to simplify things I'm hiring a freight forwarding service which deals with transportation to and from port, shipping, documentation fees, customs clearance and duties, amongst other things... (all of which need to be included into the cost.)

and lastly, I have been a showroom emailing machine. Friday, I sent out 12 correspondents including a few photos and an introduction. I did receive a lovely vote of confidence from a friend of mine who works in a bi-coastal showroom!! I will keep you updated on that.

From this point on...it's uncharted territory.


alyson fox