Original Belly Works Media Room

Original Belly Works featured in May's Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Original Belly Works featured on She Got Married.com

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:11:00 +0000

ORIGINAL BELLY WORKS RANKED IN TOP 200 LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS BY STARTUPNATION COMPETITION

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

ATLANTA – MAY 4, 2009 – Today, Original Belly Works (http://www.OriginalBellyWorks.com) announced that it has been recognized as one of the top 200 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation’s 2009 Leading Moms in Business Competition (http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009). The competition, which ran for over several months, sponsored by VerticalResponse, recognizes the achievements of mothers across the country who run outstanding businesses.

Original Belly Works was conceived by its Founder, Tisha DeShields, who desired to contribute to the family income while still being a stay-at-home mother to four children. Belly casting was a hobby for Tisha, until several friends recognized her talent and suggested she turn her hobby into a business. Six years ago, Tisha Deshields created Original Belly Works, a signature belly casting company that works with the expectant mother to design a unique belly impression that creatively articulates the enthusiasm and anticipation that families feel for their newborn. After purchasing an Original Belly Works’ kits, the customer has an option to work with the team of artists to design a unique impression, which is sealed with a patented fiber glass finish. These 3-dimensional works of art come standard with a hidden capsule for convenient storage of special keepsakes and are often displayed on the wall in the newborns nursery.

StartupNation (www.startupnation.com) launched the first annual Leading Moms in Business Competition in January with the support of VerticalResponse (www.verticalresponse.com) to recognize the achievements of mom entrepreneurs across the US. Winners were selected and ranked according to public votes accumulated from January through March, 2009. "Moms across America were honored in this year’s ranking, showing that they’re capable of starting and running successful businesses while managing to balance family, career, home and self," said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation. "Well over 600,000 votes were cast in support of several thousand contestants. The elite 200 win bragging rights, promotional support, and digital winner’s emblems recognizing their achievements as the Leading Moms in Business. "It’s challenging for anyone to start and run a successful business – particularly in this economy. These women are setting the standard for innovation and creativity," said Janine Popick, founder and CEO of VerticalResponse. “I am so excited to have been a part of such a wonderful opportunity to showcase my passion. Startup Nation has done a great supporting Momprenuers. Thanks to Startup Nation and to everyone who supported Original Belly Works during this competition and continues to support us during this entrepreneurial journey,“ states Tisha DeShields.

About Original Belly Works

Original Belly Works, founded in 2005, by Tisha DeShields, makes pregnant belly casting kits that offer a unique keepsake of one of the most cherished moments in parenting and motherhood. OBW’s casts are commissioned works of whimsical art and the utmost expression of love. Their signature fiberglass finished sculptures are a favorite gifting option for all types of mothers including adoptive, surrogate, foster, guardian and even grandmothers. OBW’s kits have been featured on CNN, at the Golden Globes Celebrity Gifting Suites and can now be purchased in Swoozie’s nationwide.

For additional information, visit www.OriginalBellyWorks.com. For interview requests and product reviews, please contact Jonnice Slaughter at (404) 551-3447 or jonnice@originalbellyworks.com.

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Original Belly Works- http://www.OriginalBellyWorks.com

Startup Nations Winners List- http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009/winners/

Original Belly Works’ News Room- http://obwmediaroom.blogspot.com/

Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/my_obw

Flickr- http://www.flickr.com/photos/originalbellyworks/

YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/originalbellyworks1

Tisha DeShields Featured on aMomEntrepreneur.com

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:36:00 +0000

To read the complete story, click here.

Original Belly Works Featured in Hotlanta Buzz Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:44:00 +0000

To read the entire feature, click here.

OBW Featured on Lisa Reviews.com | Promotional Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:35:00 +0000

To read the complete review and contest rules, click here.

OBW Featured on BlackCelebKids.com

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:36:00 +0000

Click here to view entire article.

Original Belly Works Featured on ParentDish.com

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:44:00 +0000

To see the entire article, click here.

Original Belly Works Competes in Start-Up Nation Contest

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Original Belly Works has entered the Start-Up Nation Contest for Leading Moms in Business. The contest runs through March and all supporters can vote daily. Please visit Start-Up Nation to vote daily!

Original Belly Works' Golden Globe Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Tisha DeShields Featured On Talking With Tami

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:35:00 +0000

ORIGINAL BELLY WORKS SELECTS SWOOZIE’S TO SELL BELLY CAST KITS

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:02:00 +0000

Media Contact:

Jonnice Slaughter

(404) 551-3447 – Direct

press@chatterboxpublicity.com – Email

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORIGINAL BELLY WORKS SELECTS SWOOZIE’S TO SELL BELLY CAST KITS

Partnership Marks First Time Available In Retail Chain.

Kits To Be Sold In 15 Stores Nationwide.

Atlanta, GA, December 17, 2008 – Original Belly Works and Swoozie’s partner to sell signature belly casting kits to expecting mothers and their families. Previously only available at trade shows, and online at www.originalbellyworks.com, the belly cast kits will be sold in 15 Swoozie’s The popular, must-have baby shower gift will be available in the retail chains beginning December 2008 and will sell for $ 65.00.

Swoozie’s offers contemporary gifts, personalized stationary, and invitations. Known as a frequent shopping destination for social ladies looking for a unique invitation for their next soiree, OBW’s belly cast addition will fall in line with their signature offerings. “Swoozie’s has been a personal favorite of mine for years. I have always found the most unique gifts in their stores. When the opportunity for store placement presented itself, I was thrilled and excited to be associated with such a reputable brand. I am looking forward to a great relationship with Swoozie’s,” stated Tisha DeShields, Original Belly Works Founder.

The Swoozie’s locations that will be selling Original Belly Works kits are: California- Manhattan Beach; Florida- Bonita Springs, Jacksonville, Palm Springs; Texas- Dallas, Houston, Allen; Illinois- South Barrington; North Carolina- Charlotte, Wilmington, Greensboro; South Carolina- Greenville; Tennessee- Nashville; and Georgia- Atlanta, Norcross.

To learn more about Original Belly Works, visit www.OriginalBellyWorks.com or call (866) 94-BELLY.

About Original Belly Works

Original Belly Works, founded in 2005, makes pregnant belly casting kits that offer a unique keepsake of one of the most cherished moments in parenting and motherhood. OBW’s casts are commissioned works of whimsical art and the utmost expression of love. Their signature fiberglass finished sculptures are a favorite gifting option for all types of mothers including adoptive, surrogate, foster, guardian and even grandmothers.

# # #

Tisha DeShields Featured in Rolling Out Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:55:00 +0000

OBW Founder, Tisha DeShields Makes Who's Who

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:34:00 +0000

Click the following image to go the complete article.

Original Belly Works Featured in Tot Trends Weekly Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:06:00 +0000

Click here to go to the original article.

Original Belly Works on CNN

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:57:00 +0000

Daryn Kagan

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Maurice Evans, Co-Creator/ Artist

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:01:00 +0000

Within a few brief years, Maurice Evans has established himself as on of the best in the field of Black Art. His work has delighted countless collectors of African-American art. Heavily influenced by music, his series of paintings entitled, "The Colour of Jazz", although contemporary, tends to remind the viewer of a time when jazz was paramount. No matter the subject or whether the works are executed on paper, wood or canvas - the texture, intense colors, strong emotion and unusual, exaggerated perspectives, are what define a Maurice Evans painting.

"The texture, intense colors, strong emotion and unusual, exaggerated perspectives, are what define a Maurice Evans painting."

Maurice was born in the small town of Smyrna, Tennessee, on the now now-existent Sewart Air Force Base. He is the only child of Roy L. Evans, a retired Air Force Sergeant, and music. His mother, Susie M. Evans, is an elementary school teacher and writer. Recognizing his talents at a very tender age, his parents, teachers, and peers immediately encouraged his interest in art. At fourteen, Maurice landed his first professional art job as a freelance artist for a commercial art firm in Griffin, Georgia.

Maurice was later given a scholarship to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta. During his first year, Maurice discovered that commercial art was too restricting - not always allowing the artist enough freedom to express his creative side. This prompted his switch to fashion illustration, which would later prove to be a pivotal point in this young artist's career. Elongation of the human figure, movement, and exaggeration are heavily used in fashion illustration to give clothing design a grandiose feeling. This distortion of the human body soon became a major part of his artistic style. Recognizing Maurice's talent, Patrick Kelly, a top fashion designer offered to help in his career and encouraged the young artist to move to New York. Unfortunately, this move was halted due to Kelly's untimely death. Months later Maurice graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with honors and Best of Class awards, with an Associates Degree in Fashion Illustration.

Because of the dying market of fashion illustration, the next few years would prove to be a testing period. Lack of confidence would prevent him from moving to New York or Los Angeles, which was the most natural move for most artists. The Atlanta market would force Maurice back into commercial art and then later, medical illustration. Having been able to venture into a variety of art fields proved to be interesting, but stressful, and left his passion for self-expression still unfulfilled.

"What do I have to offer as an artist that is unique?"

This led him to take old and new painting techniques. An encounter with ex-classmate, Grace Kisa, would prove to be a much needed turning point in Maurice's career. Grace encouraged Maurice to try his hand in the Fine Art field by seeking employment with a fine art distribution company for whom she worked. The job proved to be very challenging, forcing him to dig deeper as an artist than he had ever done before. For the next three years, the exposure to a variety of artists with their diverse artistic backgrounds, proved to be one of the best experiences for Maurice. The presence of accomplished artists with their own artistic identity caused Maurice to ask himself, "What do I have to offer as an artist that is unique?" This led him to take old and new painting techniques and infuse them with his fashion background to make his artistic interpretation unique.

At the end of his term with this company, Maurice had grown as much as he could creatively within the parameters that were set by his employers. The restrictions placed on him limited his use of color as well as limit concerning subject matter, to name a few. He then tried working for another distributor only to be faced with the same restrictions. This led to his solo climb to the top!

He was then commissioned by the Bureau of Cultural Affairs for the Official 1994, Atlanta Jazz Festival poster. Soon afterwards, his debut at the 1994 National Black Arts Festival caused an unquestionable sensation...a star was born! Premiering with the "Colour of Jazz" series of painting, the use of unconventional materials in conventional formats, was something yet unseen in the fine Black Art market.

With this series, Maurice breathed new life into a subject a dynamic as Jazz. A form of music that is one of the few things totally unique to the American culture as a whole, and has had an impact on music and people around the world. Maurice, being a musician himself, has brought his depth and insight of the jazz experience to his paintings. With it he gives the viewer the unique opportunity of experiencing the painting not merely as an on looker, but as a participant. So vibrant are the colors, so strong the movement, so varied the textures, that the viewer is compelled to get involved, often reaching out to touch the painting in order to garner a better understanding.

So whether you are enjoying the seductive songstress, a compelling bassist or a riotous quintet, the passion in his works cannot be missed, denied and/or forgotten. The same can be said of all his works from his abstracts, to still lifes and real life. The artist approaches these paintings with the same passion expressing his versatility with style.

Grace Kisa

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:02:00 +0000

Grace Kisa was born in Nairobi, Kenya. Her childhood was spent in various countries as her father’s United Nations diplomatic post moved him around. She currently lives in Atlanta, Ga.

She graduated from York University in Toronto, Canada with a major in Art and a minor in Psychology. She also holds an Associate Degree in Art from the Art Institute of Atlanta.
A skilled and creative multi-media artist, Kisa has worked professionally as a graphic artist, fine artist, and photographer and has exhibited her paintings, mixed media work and photography in a number of solo and group shows over the past 12 years. Her photography was included in the High Museum’s 1997 exhibition, “Points of Entry - Conflicts, Acculturation and Identity”.

Kisa’s work hangs in the Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, one of public collections where her work can be found. Other public collections include the Southwest Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., and Upscale Magazine’s Corporate Offices. Her work has also been featured on book covers as well as in publications that include the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

EXHIBITIONS & COMMISSIONS

National Black Fine Art Show 1999 - 2006
Art Expo - New York & California 1991 - 1994
Art Buyers Caravan - Atlanta, Florida & Chicago 1991 - 1994
Diaspora Arts (Group Show) - Atlanta, GA. May, 1993
One Woman Show Print Fine Arts - Atlanta, GA. August, 1993
The American College of Arts- Black History Month Group Show - February, 1994

Art Station - Stone Mountain, GA
-Juried Art Exhibition Georgia Artists - January, 1994
-Purchase Prize Won (Became part of their permanent collection)
-Juried African-American Art Exhibition - March, 1994
-2nd Place and Honorable Mention Won

One Woman Show Blue Moon at Rio - Atlanta, GA July, 1994

Tisha DeShields, Founder/ Creator

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:51:00 +0000

Awestruck by the beauty and promise of a pregnant woman’s form, artist Tisha DeShields conceived Original Belly Works while pregnant herself. She realized that no gift could be more poignant than providing the expectant mother a way to preserve the splendor of pregnancy.

Tisha began by creating a user-friendly belly casting kit. At the same time, she also wanted to offer the option of turning your cast into a highly durable sculpture. Working with a variety of materials led her to fiberglass. Resilient yet lightweight and smooth, fiberglass is easy to adorn with various paints and fabrics, and the finished piece can hang on any wall. She found the ideal medium for this art form, and is proud to offer quality you cannot find elsewhere!

Tisha’s artistic perspective is what breathes life into Original Belly Works sculptures. Providing an array of decorative choices enables moms to express their abundant joy and emotions of motherhood. In addition to giving inspiration by sharing examples on this site, Tisha and her Design Team Specialists are available for commissioned, custom-designed wonders.

About Original Belly Works

noreply@blogger.com (ChatterBox Publicity) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:32:00 +0000

Original Belly Works sells pregnant belly casting kits that make a beautiful gift for mom and a unique keepsake for Baby. The cast can be decorated with paint, fabric, flowers, or other enhancements; the final work presents a wonderful, whimsical piece of art and an expressive symbol of love. Taking belly casting to a new dimension, OBW offers fiberglass sculptures as an upgrade of the belly casting. The fiberglass sculptures can be decorated and customized to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are indestructible and lightweight enough to be hung on a wall and display beautifully. Preformed figures are also available for adoptive, surrogate, foster, guardian, even grand-mommies and moms who have already given birth.

Original Belly Works Media Room

Original Belly Works featured in May's Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine

Original Belly Works featured on She Got Married.com

ORIGINAL BELLY WORKS RANKED IN TOP 200 LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS BY STARTUPNATION COMPETITION

About Original Belly Works

Links:

Original Belly Works- http://www.OriginalBellyWorks.com

Startup Nations Winners List- http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009/winners/

Original Belly Works’ News Room- http://obwmediaroom.blogspot.com/

Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/my_obw

Flickr- http://www.flickr.com/photos/originalbellyworks/

YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/originalbellyworks1

Tisha DeShields Featured on aMomEntrepreneur.com

Original Belly Works Featured in Hotlanta Buzz Magazine

OBW Featured on Lisa Reviews.com | Promotional Giveaway

OBW Featured on BlackCelebKids.com

Original Belly Works Featured on ParentDish.com

Original Belly Works Competes in Start-Up Nation Contest

Original Belly Works' Golden Globe Pictures

Tisha DeShields Featured On Talking With Tami

ORIGINAL BELLY WORKS SELECTS SWOOZIE’S TO SELL BELLY CAST KITS

Tisha DeShields Featured in Rolling Out Magazine

OBW Founder, Tisha DeShields Makes Who's Who

Original Belly Works Featured in Tot Trends Weekly Magazine

Original Belly Works on CNN

Daryn Kagan

Maurice Evans, Co-Creator/ Artist

Grace Kisa

Tisha DeShields, Founder/ Creator

About Original Belly Works