Raised In Cotton

Tips For Making Your Small Business Shine

2012-01-27T10:22:48-06:00

"There is so much competition, what can I do to stand out and make a living doing what I love?"

Recently I received the above question over on the Good Stella site and thought I would also share with you the philosophy we use:

No matter what type of business you’re thinking about doing (or already doing) from brick, booth space, online, event or pop up, always do it up terrific. In other words, make it memorable. Start from day one to distinguish your brand (and yes you are a brand) as special. Paying attention to the smallest of details while understanding your particular audience is key to success. Use your specific talents to build a WOW factor that differentiates you from the pack. Don’t dwell on what everyone else is doing but spend your energy on what YOU can do to Stand Out. It’s not enough just to offer products or services any longer, but much more about the experience. Creating a lasting impression in every aspect of your business will always help you shine.

Join our Good Stella Community helping to mentor your creative dreams.

Simply Raised In Cotton

2012-01-22T20:39:04-06:00

Like many of you, I enjoy sharing inspiration through blogging, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Starting this year, I'm adding video blogging or "vlogging" to the list of ways I can better connect with you. I know the video blogging format is not new but I've never really got into the whole Youtube craze until just recently. Man have I been missing a ton of cool stuff! But honestly most of my Youtube searches are things like, "Middle Age Beauty Tips" or "Belly Buster Exercises." It hit me that you all might like to see an occasional video on antiquing, crafting, decorating, photography and the shop. Trust me, no belly busting tips:)

To start, I've put together a short slide video to music (believe it or not) with a few decorating ideas called Simply Raised In Cotton. I know I still have lots to learn but hopefully you will enjoy it and any future ones I attempt. Please let me know what you think.

Blessings, Carol

Follow our Facebook page

Youtube Channel

www.CarolSpinski.com

www.GoodStella.com

Romantic Country Spring 2012 Feature

2012-01-17T10:32:45-06:00

Last Summer while in Texas I photographed LaurieAnna's Vintage Home in Canton for the Spring 2012 Issue of Romantic Country Magazine. Meeting LaurieAnna and being able to photograph her lovely store was certainly a highlight of the trip. I thought you might like to see a few of the photos that did not make the issue~

The Spring issue also features gorgeous homes and photography from sweet friends Anne, Rebecca and Tracie among many others including Rachel Ashwell!

Raised In Cotton News

2012-01-05T08:54:45-06:00

A warm Hello to 2012 and an even warmer Hello to all of you Dear Friends! I wanted to start the New Year off by expressing my sincere gratitude to those of you who continue to support Raised In Cotton. Since 2005 when we opened the doors and I started this blog, your friendship and kind words have meant the world to me. Without a doubt my life has certainly changed for the better and I have many of you to Thank for that. To be able to do what I love and share inspiration with all of you is certainly a joy and one I will never take for granted.

Over Christmas my shop partner Denise's husband suffered a health crisis. Without going into too much detail, he is home but does have a long recovery ahead. The amazing thing is that he himself is a brilliant surgeon and was just a few days away from retiring from his practice. If you could send up a few prayers for the both of them that would be lovely and most appreciated.

Life of course is way too short so I hope you always do what makes your heart sing:)

In other news, I'm taking Raised In Cotton on the road again and will be doing the Bottoms Up Antique Market in downtown Kansas City, Missouri this weekend! Oh and Gwen of French By Design and the owner of Bottoms Up is just back from France~She brought back some amazing treasures to sell:)

Lastly I have new postings over on the Good Stella and Carol Spinski sites.

Blessings,

Carol

For up to date info Follow and Friend us on Facebook

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:35:08-06:00

Raised In Cotton~Carol