Friday Fashion Find 5/11: Red Pants

As you can see, we have a thing for colored pants. Rachel Bilson pulls it off here with her classy floral blouse and I was inspired in real life by friend Kate Huot. Not only does Kate rock fun colors, but she also does letterpress and I am adding the yellow print on her Etsy shop to my Christmas wish list. Now. Gotta plan early so you don't end up with a bunch of regiftables. Anyway, rumor has it that Target also has hot colored denim right now although I haven't been able to check it out for myself. Tonight I'm getting ready for major girl time as we eat leftovers, drink wine, and watch the first few episodes of GIRLS. If anyone has seen it, I'm curious to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment!

Photo courtesy of fabsugar.com

Comments (0)

Join me for a TweetChat on Friday!

Tara from Be Prepared Period and Greg from You ARE Loved invited me to join them as a guest on this month's #PeriodTalk Tweet Chat on Twitter! The topic is "Menstruation: New Products and Perspectives," so we will be discussing new products on the market (including Sexy Period undies!). Here's more info if you want to join us (ps. If you've never followed a TweetChat before, we recommend using tweetchat.com!):

When: May 11, 2012 at 11am PST/2pm ET

Where: Twitter using the hashtag #PeriodTalk

Special Guests:  Julie Sygiel, founder of Sexy Period & Tara Bruley, founder of Be Prepared Period

Giveaways:  (1) A pair of Sexy Period Panties (winner may choose style & size). Sexy Period undies are leak resistant and breathable. They’re super comfy and you can wear them as a backup with your regular sanitary product routine. Enter here.  

(2) A Keeper or Moon Cup (winner may choose between the Keeper or Mooncup & size).  Simple to use, both The Moon Cup and The Keeper are innovative feminine hygiene products that are worn internally. The Keeper is made from natural gum rubber — i.e., latex and The Moon Cup made from medical grade silicone. Enter here.

Note: Must be present and participate in the tweet chat to win (additional details are provided on the entry form).

This month’s chat offers something for everyone. Those who have always relied on traditional disposable tampons and/or pads will be amazed by the incredible variety of options available today (both disposable and reusable). Those who have tried or may be considering trying alternative products will appreciate the opportunity not only to learn more but to interact with women who have tried a wide range of products. Those who primarily use alternative products will benefit from expanded understanding, and awareness of a few new products.

Comments (0)

Class Presentations from JWU

We were lucky enough to be selected by Professor Kristen Regine at Johnson and Wales University to be a client of her Retail Executive Decision Making class. The three teams presented their final marketing and social media recommendations to us this morning and agreed to pose for a photo afterward (with Prof Regine in her brilliant orange!). Thanks to everyone for your research and proposals! 

Comments (0)

Friday Fashion Find 5/4: Red heels from 1943

I'm at the 120 Years of Women at Brown Conference this weekend and it is absolutely amazing to be in a room with 500 incredible women. It's nice to remember how important it is to recognize and celebrate the advancement that women have made over the last decade. The shoes below are from the Pembroke (women's) College exhibit and were worn by a student in 1943. Funny how fashions come back around as I would put these on in a heartbeat. There was also an exerpt from the Pembroke College calendar where it shows they had a class in "menstrual remedies." I'd be curious to know what they learned...not sure Midol was around back in those days. 

Comments (0)

Friday Fashion Find 4/13: Zara Pop Fabric Cigarette Trousers

Welcome to spring! I was inspired by the sunshine today to post about this beautiful pair of trousers from Zara. In full disclosure, I am wearing black pants and a black sweater today (spring has yet to sink in for me). Have a bright, happy weekend everyone...

Photo courtesy of www.zara.com

Comments (0)

Meet our graphic design intern: Sheila Sitaram

Did you see that snazzy Valentine's email in Feb announcing the Period IQ Test for guys? Well the results are in and we can't wait to share them with you! Our spring graphic design intern extroardinaire Sheila has whipped up the stats in a super cute format that will be posted in the next few days. Who is this creative gal? Read her thoughts below on Swedish fish, decision making, and Mali. 

What’s the snack food you’re addicted to?
Swedish fish for a sweet snack and Japanese rice crackers for a savory one.

What’s the last book you read?
Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow."  It's all about how human beings aren't as rational as we like to believe, and it raises a lot of intriguing questions about how we make decisions.

What school do/did you go to and what is/was your major?
I am completing my freshman year at Brown, and I think I will be majoring in Entrepreneurship and Modern Culture & Media.

When you’re going out on the town, what’s your go-to piece you just have to wear?
Red nail polish and my favorite blue dress.

Let’s say you just won a vacation for free (lucky you!). Where would you go?
Mali.  They have such incredible mud-brick architecture that looks like it just grew out of the desert on its own.

If you had to trade lives with someone for a year, who would you pick?
Isabel and Ruben Toledo (can I pick two?).  They're the epitome of a creative power couple, and their combined work is so inspiring.

What’s your favorite thing about being involved with Sexy Period?
The creative freedom and the fun, sophisticated work atmosphere!  The aesthetic lines up so well with my own which makes it so fulfilling to create new, energetic graphics.

What’s the best advice you ever got?
One of my favorites is that "Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly" --Mae West

What’s your must-have comfort during that time of the month?
2 Advils + dark chocolate never fails.

Comments (0)

Have you heard of Perfect Timing?

We recently discovered Perfect Timing and had one of those "Why hasn't anyone done this before??" moments. Since we're kind of obessed with anything that makes our monthly gift a better experience, we were excited to try it out. The gals behind the idea are Nadia and Siya, and they created a subscription service that delivers a box of period products to your mailbox every month. You can choose one of their "Perfect Packages" or customize your own package with your preferred brands. Nadia and Siya sent a box over to us to try out and it arrived beautifully wrapped with tissue paper inside. Someone in the office commented that it was like opening a cake, which is the last thing I usually feel when buying sanitary supplies at the drugstore (score: PerfTiming=1, CVS=0). Some of us (considering I talk all day about periods) are totally comfortable buying sanitary supplies in front of a cute male at checkout, however, I love the thought of not having to worry about stocking up each month. Take a peek below at the goods (they even wrapped the tampons with ribbons):

The first package comes with an emergency pack that you can toss in your bag to be prepared in any situation. It includes everything shown below (I personally prefer Aleve as my painkiller of choice for cramps, but I'm sure in a pinch Midol would do the trick!). 

If you're curious about how PerfTiming works, head over to their website to get the full scoop!

Comments (0)

Intern at Sexy Period this summer!

Are you interested startups and fashion? If so, Sexy Period is the perfect place for you! We’re an intimate apparel company that has developed a line of fashionable underwear for that time of the month. Designed with fabric that is super comfy and leak resistant, our line prevents OMG moments. After one year of sales, our products are carried in 17 boutiques across the US and Canada. This summer we will be focusing on increasing online and retail sales, as well as launching new product lines. We’re offering an exciting opportunity to join the Sexy Period team in a fun, creative environment that will give you hands-on experience.

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Dates of Positions: 12 weeks (flexible May - August)

The Sexy Period team from summer 2011 (Julie + Interns Catherine, Melissa, Sara, and Ramya) on 70's theme day.

MARKETING INTERNSHIP

Responsibilities: Develop strategy for focused social media campaign and execute campaign--Create and organize content for biannual mini magazine with fashion tips, female empowerment articles, and information about our products--Brainstorm a wealth of ideas for marketing initiatives--Create written web content (blog, website, “The Periodical” newsletter)--Seek out partnerships with relevant media or retail establishments--Assist in planning for trade shows and travel with team to shows--Plan an office “theme day” (last summer theme days included 70’s hippie day, dress-like-your-inner-spirit-animal, and cocktail attire)--Other tasks on an as-needed basis

Qualifications: An interest in branding, marketing, and communicating to women--Strong written and verbal communication skills (bring on the witty, cheeky writing!)--Upbeat, can-do attitude (no such thing as being too positive)--Entrepreneurial spirit (you’re an independent thinker who takes initiative)--Flexible and reliable (the start-up environment is wonderfully unpredictable)--Dependable transportation--Prior marketing experience or knowledge a plus but not required--Minimum: 1 year of college completed

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP

Responsibilities: Identify key stores to approach in targeted market segments--Call prospective buyers, explain products, and coordinate meetings to present samples--Check in with current retailers--Manage online and wholesale customer service inquiries--Work with web developer to manage online store--Assist in planning for trade shows and travel with team to shows--Plan events at select retail locations (who doesn’t love an underwear party?)--Plan an office “theme day” (last summer theme days included 70’s hippie day, dress-like-your-inner-spirit-animal, and cocktail attire)--Other tasks on an as-needed basis

Qualifications: A passion for sales (prior experience in sales a plus but not required)--Friendly and comfortable speaking with people over the phone--Strong written and verbal communication skills (we heart bubbly personalities)--Upbeat, can-do attitude (no such thing as being too positive)--Entrepreneurial spirit (you’re an independent thinker who takes initiative)--Flexible and reliable (the start-up environment is wonderfully unpredictable)--Dependable transportation--Fast learner who can familiarize her/himself with Sexy Period’s product and brand quickly and leverage that knowledge to make sales--Minimum: 1 year of college completed

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERNSHIP

Responsibilities: Design various versions of The Periodical email newsletter--Design hangtags, packaging, and point-of-sale display for new products--Design promotional materials such as postcards and lookbooks--Design as needed for website homepage and new pages--Design layout for biannual mini magazine with fashion tips, female empowerment articles, and information about our products--Plan an office “theme day” (last summer theme days included 70’s hippie day, dress-like-your-inner-spirit-animal, and cocktail attire)--Other tasks on an as-needed basis

Qualifications: An interest in branding, marketing, and communicating to women--Strong Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign skills--Experience in print and web graphic design--Upbeat, can-do attitude (we want bubbly personalities)--Entrepreneurial spirit (you’re an independent thinker who takes initiative)--Flexible and reliable (the start-up environment is wonderfully unpredictable)--Dependable transportation--Minimum: 1 year of college completed

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and link to portfolio of previous design work to awesomeintern@sexyperiod.com. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply before April 8^th. Compensation is TBD.

Comments (0)

Lunch Lab Tips

I was invited to speak at Lunch Lab yesterday hosted by the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RICIE). About 15 of us chatted about startups and I offered a few tips learned along the way. Here's a quick run down of the questions followed by my two second advice: 

1. Is it better to manufacture in the US or overseas? 

We manufacture in the US due to quick turnaround times, low minimums, and proximity that allows us to visit our manufacturing facility. Overseas (in my opinion) is better for super large quantities of a product that has already been on the market for several years and thus has predictable styles. 

2. How do you find funding in the beginning? 

I networked like crazy and casually dropped into conversation that we were raising money if I was speaking with anyone who looked like they held a steady job and could spare a few bucks. Ok so that's kind of an exaggeration as you have to keep in mind that there are rules about who you seek investment from (if you're raising money, I recommend speaking with an attorney to clear up any confusion).   

3. What's the best way to prioritize trade shows, advertising, marketing, and PR spending?

I think PR should be the number one priority for new brands, and if you have any money left over then consider other options. 

4. How do you build a team?

Whether you're hiring interns or full timers, look for people who are incredibly smart and who you are excited to spend time with every day. Trust me, you will get to know them VERY well. I think everyone on the Sexy Period team has seen me in my underwear more than once. 

5. How do you bring a product from idea to being on the shelf?

Refuse to take no for an answer and always tell people you need things done yesterday. 

6. How do you stay focused admist the million things that a founder juggles?  

I make a to-do list every day of the top 4 things to accomplish that day. If you make a list of a million things every day, you'll fail every day. By prioritizing the most important, realistically accomplishable tasks each day, you set yourself up for success and feel more productive. 

That's all! Good luck to any fellow or future entrepreneurs reading this! 

Comments (0)

Calling all college students!

Comments (0)