by Stephanie Elie on July 28, 2009
Mom Entrepreneur: Rand Ragan
Business: GreenBliss EcoSpa
Website: www.greenblissecospa.com
Los Angeles’ premier on-location, and only eco-conscious, spa and wellness service. GreenBliss has a team of certified and licensed Practitioners who provide “green” beauty and health, and holistic lifestyle services for home appointments, spa parties (for adults as well as children), corporate, and special events (product launches, weddings, trade shows, film premiers, fundraising galas, etc.). In addition, Randi provides “greening up” consultations for home, work, and other lifestyle needs, as well as public speaking, workshops, & retreats.
What inspired you to start your business?
I couldn’t find what i wanted in terms of my own needs – looked for a green day spa in LA about 5 years ago and couldn’t find it. Saw the writing on the wall with all things green – after being in the wellness industry and seeing the void of services, products, and companies that should have been there.
How long have you been in business?
Since July 2006
What did you do in your past work life?
Documentary filmmaking 1985 – 1995; Yoga and meditation teacher, spiritual retreat facilitator, creator of custom rituals and ceremonies 1995 – 2006.
Green lifestyle practitioner all my adult life.
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by Stephanie Elie on July 23, 2009
Guest post by Sarah Shaw from www.entreprenette.com
So I have been thinking about fearlessness all week since seeing the photo of my twins in the ocean. Deepak Chopra says there are no coincidences so I take that to heart! Everything happens for a reason – which leads me to this story.
A friend of a friend called a week ago and asked if we’d be open to housing and feeding a 17-year-old French girl named Marion, in exchange for some babysitting for two weeks. She wants to experience America and work on her English – which I must say is quite impressive for an 11th grader. Her father has given me strict instructions to ONLY speak to her in English – I speak fluent French. Anyhow, Marion arrived last night, tired after a long flight, but cheerful and adorable all the same. I was amazed at her confidence and ability to be relaxed with total strangers in a new country. She appeared to be fearless and I admired that in her. She saw an opportunity and jumped on it.
As I offered her a late dinner and we started talking, I was reminded of my own similar experience at 16. I was bored with my High School and I think my mom knew she needed to save me from myself – or perhaps what might be waiting for me around the corner – or that is my interpretation at least. During the summer following 10th grade, my mom asked if I wanted to go study in France for my junior year. She had explored some options and through some friends had found a family for me to stay with in the small town of Carcassonne in southern France. I immediately accepted and found myself on a plane to Paris on my 16th birthday. I had studied French for years but really couldn’t put a sentence together. Here I was, suddenly living with a strange family and trying to communicate while my nose was buried in a dictionary. I ended up loving my new family and my life there. I had a real transformation from a naive child, into a young woman who had a purpose in life.
Before leaving for France I had never done anything in my life that I considered to be fearless. This moment changed my life forever.
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by Stephanie Elie on July 22, 2009
Man Bizzie Boy is growing up, I took this picture at a friends birthday party and was amazed. I can’t believe how fast he’s growing up! Time is flying by, I’m so happy I’m able to capture these moments on camera, because once they are gone, they’re gone.
This is the first time he’s had lollipops and he dropped about 5 of them on the ground. Luckily mom and dad where there to supply him with a clean one. Needless to say I don’t think he ever got a sugar high since he wasn’t able to finish any of them.
by Stephanie Elie on July 21, 2009
So I am in total countdown mode for BlogHer, it’s Tuesday and I haven’t finishing shopping or packing for my journey to Chicago. Not only is this my first time in the windy city, it will also be my first time attending BlogHer. YIPPPIE!
I can’t wait to meet the great woman I’ve been twittering with, blogging with and reading with for the past couple of years. Hopefully I’ll be able to connect with everyone. If not I am armed with some really cool networking tools.
Before I even found out I was going to BlogHer I ordered a handful of Moo cards, the little mini ones, for my blog. But it was only 100 cards so I ordered one more set just to be safe. Then I was thinking what “digital junkie” uses PAPER business cards?
As a “digital and tech junkie” I thought I would try some DIGITAL ways to network and report of my BlogHer experience. I found and installed some really cool networking apps on the iPhone.
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by Stephanie Elie on July 21, 2009
BlogHer is being held at the Sheraton Hotel this year – but because I secured my ticket so late in the game I actually won’t be staying there. This is fine because now I’m forced to check out the city a bit more. I’m not much of a wonderer so this is good thing. So where am I a staying you ask?
I’m staying at the beautiful Affinia Chicago!
Affinia Chicago offers an experience in total comfort, customized by you. Did you know you can select your own pillow for your sleeping bliss? Choose from a feather & down, sound, hypoallergenic, magnetic therapy, buckwheat or Swedish memory pillow. Okay I didn’t even know they had buckwheat pillows did you? Which one should I try?
You can also try one of their Experience Kits. Get out and explore the city with the Walking Tour Kit, fill tranquil with their StayFit Kit and they even have a BYOB guidebook you can take to explore the local wine boutiques.
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by Stephanie Elie on July 21, 2009
Mom Entrepreneur: Heather Duncan Thompson
Business: The Gift Closet
Website: www.www.thegiftcloset.blogspot.com.com
The Gift Closet, a blog where I sell my handmade products, as well as offer tips, memes, giveaways, funny stories, & whatever comes to mind! 
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted a blog where I could sell my Scrabble Pendants, Magnets, Soy Linen & Body Spray…and….share ideas, giveaways, & tips!
How long have you been in business?
Since August 2008
What did you do in your past work life?
I used to own a company called The Soy Garden, and sold that when I had my 2nd child. Before I had children I was a salesperson for Chase staffing.
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by Stephanie Elie on July 19, 2009
