What’s in a tradeshow?

Hawaiian Sun Booth

I was invited to have a booth at the Team National Grand Convention in Atlanta for 3 days (Sept. 2011).  Never having done a trade booth, I had no idea where to start.  I had been to many apparel and accessory shows. That is not what I needed…I needed core info – how much inventory do I take, what is the most inviting setup, how should I package sales, do I offer a drawing for a prize???  So many questions.  I searched google, pininterest, blogs….everywhere for info to answer my questions. 

Yes, I did need to go a drawing for a prize. Yes, I should put purchases in a cute bag.  Yes, I should open the space up for attendees to walk in and feel comfortable.  Yet, I still not know what would be the best setup to represent  www.shophawaiiansun.com …I decided to set the booth up just like a boutique.  Turns out…I had a great setup!!!!  I had amazing feedback and sold tons of stuff.  Made contacts and met some truly amazing people!!!!  I truly had the best time of my life interacting with people all over the US. Here are more pics of the booth…maybe these pics can help someone else find a setup that is right for their company.

Shelf display

Fall in love….

Fall 2011 must have item

I am so excited about the upcoming fall season!!!!  Leaves changing colors, pumpkins, hayrides, chili, corn mazes, ….so many cool options for amazing photo ops with friends and family.  So yesterday, I started pulling out all clothes that I haven’t worn in forever, don’t fit right, or out of style….WOW, I actualy made some room in my closet!!!!  Now, I am ready to make my closet happy with the following must have items for Fall.

My 15 must have  items for my Fall Wardrobe:

– Bright colored pants                               -Scarves

– Oversized sweaters                                – Leather skirts

– Low Booties                                             – Chic Poncho

– Camel Leather Jacket                            – Small Clutch

 -Felt Hat                                                     – Loafer

– Python Prints                                           – Graphic Tartan

 – Pleated Mini Skirt                                   –  Knee High Boot

                                          – Flirty Blouse

My closet is going to be so happy with me…go to www.shophawaiiansun.com to find the fall must haves for this season!!!!

Do you think everything happens for a reason?

I know this is a topic for debate with many people, but I for one believe that everything does happen for a reason!  I opened my retail store Hawaiian Sun in my small hometown of Grenada, MS almost 3 years ago as an investment…while I was living in Springfield, MO.  Little did I know that it would grow to what it has become today and unknowingly bring my family back to my hometown to work and raise my children.  This is my first blog on family and my retail business…and needless to say…I am super excited.

My husband and I took our 3 children to Pensacola Beach, FL for a few days last week for a little family fun together.  The picture above is of me, Kim Vance, playing with my children on the beach.  We had the best time swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and playing in the sand.  As I sat on the beach watching my children laugh and play on the beach, I realized that all the natural disasters, work changes, real estate fall, family sicknesses…all together, whether good or bad…brought us to this beautiful moment that we were able to share with our children.  Every single event or tough decision that has occurred over the past several years has actually made our family stronger, which I am very proud to say. So yes, everything happens for a reason!!!