Girl Power Hour kicks off 2012 with a continuation of GLAMBITION as we delve into our 5th year of monthly networking events on 3rd Thursdays. The start of the new year is the perfect time to meet new people and get social!
This year we’ll kick it off right at the most high-tech Mercedes showroom in the country. That’s right! The newly renovated Barrier Mercedes is spectacular; you have to see it to believe it.
Wear RED to show your support for the Go Red for Women movement, bring plenty of business cards and don’t forget to enter the drawing for tons of door prizes including the weekend use of a Mercedes convertible that night! Get swag, sip wine, check out our vendors, get your photo snapped in the Seattle Met Phototaiment photobooth, learn about the American Heart Association and network with like-minded women!
Partners Include: Barrier Mercedes, Seattle Met, Girly Girl Wines, Proletariat Wine Co, ONE Night Events, Espresso Elegance, New York Cupcakes, Barbie Hull Photography, Neverland Cakes and Creations, Phototainment, JewelMint, Advocare, Pirq, Blue Luna Fashion, Untangle My Chains, The N Salon, Jones Soda and Go Red For Women with the American Heart Association.
Date: January 26, 2012
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Location: Barrier Mercedes, Bellevue - 11850 Bellevue-Redmond Rd (Across 405 near Whole Foods).
Cost: $25 Non-Members | $15 GPH Members
*Interested in donating a Door Prize or Swag? Ping us at info@girlpowerhour.com
I forgot how cozy and utterly adorable the Heatman Hotel was until we went back for our walk-through for the GPH Holiday Party, a few weeks back. We took up by the Fireplace in the lobby discussing details before the helpful staff showed us around and helped us solidify logistics and floorplans. With 2,500 square feet of versatile event space, the Heathman is an inspiring alternative for business meetings, conferences, receptions, banquets, social gatherings and private dinners for up to 200 people.
I can’t tell you how incredibly refreshing it is to work with a venue who “gets it.” Not only are they excited to host Girl Power Hour on December 15th, but their attention to detail and attitude towards excellent service makes for a genuinely great experience. As someone who plans events every month, I can’t tell you how important this is and, how much I appreciate it.
After our walk-through, my team and I set up shop to recap in Trellis Restaurant for happy hour cocktails and appetizers. You can catch happy hour daily in Trellis from 4pm-6pm for incredible food and drink for incredible prices. I sipped on the Erath Pinot Gris for $5! Trellis Restaurant features innovative wine-country cuisine from farm-fresh ingredients at their seasonal peak. In fact, In fact, executive Chef Brian Scheehser practices sustainable farming in his 10 acre farm, growing many of the fresh ingredients featured in Trellis. Whenever possible, the Trellis menu supports artisan farmers, foragers, and ranchers who share the same vision of offering a true “farm to table” dining experience. (Check out the Trellis menu here.)
Every December, we ask you to bring a gift to our Gift Drive for the Jubilee Women’s Center at our Holiday Cocktail Party. Jubilee provides transitional housing to approximately 60 homeless women and crisis intervention, drop-in, referral services, learning and technology classes or access to our free clothing boutique to another 500 women in crisis. Referrals come to Jubilee from homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, social service agencies, hospitals, churches, and the Community Crisis Line.
Women may live at Jubilee for up to two years, thus giving them the stability to make long-term systemic changes in their lives. While some residents stay for the full 24 months, the average length of stay is 14 months. In 2009, 79% of Jubilee residents made a successful transition into permanent housing and succeeded in breaking their situation.
I recently caught up with Rachel Kim, owner of VueSociety.com a new online retail store. You may know her as a a fashionista and savvy style blogger, but Rachel’s got more up her sleeve. Currently residing in Bellevue, Rachel graduated from Seattle Pacific University within three years with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Business Administration. She loves frozen yogurt from Yogu
rtland and was born in Nassau County, NY (Long Island). She’s 97% Korean, 3% Caucasian and 1/32 of something yet to be named. Sit back as you get to know Rachel Kim!
Q. You recently when through a transition with Vue Society from a blog to an online store. Tell us what type of process you went through in order to make that kind of decision?
A. Yes! I just launched it as an e-commerce store early October 2011, but the blog started in 2009. The whole idea of starting VueSociety was to create a voice in the community both on and offline with the intentions of eventually opening an online boutique. Fashion and style blogs were rising in Seattle several years back and there wasn’t anything that represented the Eastside or Bellevue. No one was really writing about Bellevue Fashion Week or The Bravern’s opening, not to mention the boutiques tucked away throughout Downtown Bellevue and its’ surrounding cities. I found a niche and ran with it and today it sells women’s clothing.
Q. What can people expect when they visit your website now?
A. I hand pick the styles from more independent designers around the world who are not yet established and because I believe in their collection. As much as I love a challenge, I’m definitely not trying to compete with the big department stores like the NW’s favorite Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. There’s Free Shipping for ALL WA State orders and also, I donate a portion of my sales to a local non-profit organization based in Bellevue, WA- WWIN (http://www.wwin.org/).
We are always on a mission to improve Girl Power Hour so we can be a better resource for you!
As we delve deeper in to our 5th year, we’re launching a survey to find out more about you and your interests. The survey will launch today November 24, 2011. Each person who completes the survey will be entered to win a one night luxury stay for two at Hotel 1000.
Hotel 1000 is one of my favorite places to hang out, grab a bite and a designer cocktail when I’m looking for some place swanky. Not to mention stay at, if the occasion calls for it, or, if I’m looking a pedi package that offers champagne. (When am I not?)
Distinctive, personal and uniquely yours, Hotel 1000 has abolished the predictable. They’ve rethought every detail. Right down to art that adjusts to your tastes and a room that respects your privacy. (What?!) You’ll find unexpected pleasures around every corner at Hotel 1000, Seattle’s premier luxury destination, in the heart of downtown.
And did you know that they have a spa? Their Sugar and Spice Pedicures, Facial Skinsations and the Holiady Spaahh Packages make great gifts for the holidays or, a time out for the glam girl on the go who needs a break. (Think about it!)
A great way to see what they have to offer is to participate in the The Hotel 1000 Scavenger Hunt. The promotion runs through 12/9/11. 100 randomly selected entrants that answer all questions correctly will receive a complimentary starter or dessert with entrée purchase at BOKA Kitchen + Bar. You can’t go wrong! For details, contest rules and to enter, click here.
Meet our next panel of inspiring women making things happen on their own terms. we’ll be hearing about how they built their brands and businesses by taking a leap of faith and following their dreams and their hearts at the next Professional Development event on 11/17/11. We’ll find out where they came from, where they found their inspiration, how they got their start, what challenges they faced and more. But first, let’s learn more about who they are…
Jen Mueller – Owner, Talk Sporty to MeTwitter: @talksportytome, @_JenMueller
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/talksportytome
Website: http://talksportytome.com
Dianne Dodson – Owner, Dianne’s Delights
Dianne is the founder and owner of dianne’s Delights. In just over 15 months Dianne has built a recognized brand in the local dessert and catering industry. Her story started out like many others where she went to school and pursued a career based on family expectations and financial stability. Eventually, she could no longer subdue her true passion for baking and took a “leap of faith” by changing career paths to a less stable industry. With hard work, a great support team, and devotion to her product Dianne now runs a rapidly growing company that allows her live her passion every day.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diannes-Delights/112320795488813
Twitter: @diannesdelights
Web: diannesdelights.net
Lily Jang, Q13 FOX News This Morning Anchor
Lily joined Q13 FOX News as co-anchor for Q13 FOX News This Morning in May of 2004. Lily brings to her position significant television experience in reporting and anchoring, providing continuing coverage of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake, 9/11, the War in Iraq and was live on the air during the capture of Saddam Husssein.
Prior to joining Q13 FOX News, Lily was an anchor/reporter for Northwest Cable News. Before moving to Seattle, she was an anchor/reporter for WIAT TV in Birmingham, Alabama and prior to that she was an anchor/reporter for KFDA TV in Amarillo, Texas. Her most memorable assignment was the Oprah Winfrey vs. Cattlemen trial where she got to meet her icon.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Lily managed to spend 23 years of her life in the Southwest without ever attending a rodeo, owning a cowboy hat or riding a horse. She enjoys the gorgeous Seattle summers, trying out new sushi restaurants, mountain biking, belting out karaoke tunes, and travel and exploring new places around the Northwest. Lily graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Texas, Austin and is long-time member of the Asian American Journalists Association. She’s also fluent in Cantonese and Vietnamese.
Facebook: Facebook.com/lilyfanpage
Twitter: @lilyjang
Natalie Angelillo – Serial Entreprenuer, Co-Owner – Swink Style Bar
Startup pro Natalie knows a thing or two about great visuals and style. She has helped plenty of other businesses get going, and she has been a CEO herself. At Getty Images and PhotoDisc, Natalie helped reinvent the stock photo biz. As a consultant in industries ranging from toys to cycling, Natalie shaped growth and development strategies, plotted new markets, and secured key venture capital. This busy mom and veteran fundraiser is also on the board of directors at the Henry Art Gallery, Seattle’s premier contemporary art museum. Natalie’s most recent business post is as co-founder of Swink Style Bar. Seattle’s first Blow Dry Bar. It is the hottest trend right now in the beauty industry and one of the fastest growing new companies in Seattle. Prior to Swink, Natalie pursued her passion for the start up world as president of Steelhead Group, LLC, where she provided counsel to startups in early planning and modeling stages, as well as worked with established companies to research, analyze and plan for new market entry and product development.
Web: www.swinkstylebar.com
Facebook: SwinkStyleBar
Twitter: @SwinkStyleBar
Jacquie Brown – Former Miss Washington 2010, 3rd Runner up Miss America 2011, Singer, Model
Competing in January’s Miss America pageant in front of 7.85 million television viewers, Jacquie Brown—Miss Washington 2010 and Third Runner-Up to Miss America 2011—has come a long way from her tremendous obstacles in childhood that included homelessness, having a drug-addicted parent and being a victim of child abuse. With the help of mentors, positive friendships, coupled with her fierce determination to rise above her circumstances, Jacquie was able to succeed and live an extraordinary life. Committed to leaving a profoundly destructive childhood environment, Jacquie struck out to live on her own at the age of just 16 and became entirely self sufficient. She became a motivational speaker and devoted herself to mentoring youth through challenging times. She then launched her national platform—Mentoring: Positive Influences That Can Change a Life—that reflects her gratitude to those who mentored her and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Jacquie studied Communications at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington and she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and is on the Vice President’s List with a 3.96 GPA. She has also won approximately 30,000 dollars in scholarships through the Miss America Organization. Now a resident of Seattle, Jacquie will transfer to the University of Washington and is currently working on a singing career.
Twitter: MsJacquieBrown
Personal: facebook.com/MsJacquieBrown
Public: facebook.com/OfficialJacquieBrown
Angela Shen, Owner, Savor Seattle Food Tours
Angela Shen is the owner and Chief Epicurean Officer for Savor Seattle Food Tours, a company that combines tasting delicious food, meeting the people who make it, and learning about our fair city, in one tasty package. Their tours are rated as one of the “Top 10 Tours in America” by TripAdvisor and are considered a “must do” by Bon Appétit Magazine. Angela currently serves as one of Seattle’s Tourism Ambassadors and was named by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of this year’s Top 40 Under 40. You can find her @savorseattle on Twitter and ‘Savor Seattle Food Tours’ on Facebook.
Web: www.savorseattletours.com
Twitter: @savorseattle
Facebook: SavorSeattleFoodTours
On October 20th, 2011, Swink Style Bar hosted Pink Power Hour, the annual breast cancer awareness event for Girl Power Hour. There was no shortage of pink on hand to highlight the cause. The guests, balloons, catering, flowers, wine, swag, treats and everything in-between were color-coordinated for the occasion. But despite the jovial tone, Dr. Pourissima from the Polyclinic and Dr. Stephens from David R. Stephens Plastic Surgery were on site to give information and answer questions about Breast Cancer prevention and reconstruction. Both doctors will also be part of our upcoming “Ask the Doctors” series. Stay tuned.
*Photos courtesy of Beckie Kirker Photo.
The Girl Power Hour 4 Year Anniversary Party sponsored by Verizon set the fashionable and high-energy tone for Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection this year on September 28th, 2011. The VIP Pre-Party at BoConcept was overflowing with the see-and-be-seen crowd and plenty of tray-passed champagne by sexy cocktail servers clad in hot pink and black to match the theme. There was plenty to see, do and taste there, between the hand-rolled sushi from Earls, cake balls from Dianne’s Delights and the photo opps. And the party hadn’t even started yet…
Meanwhile, glamorous guests gathered to form a long line of anticipation for what awaited inside the super swanky and ultra modern party room. It was a sight sure to stop our well-heeled guests in their tracks. With surprises around ever corner, the elegant white runway dressed with an ever-changing live fashion presentation from The Bellevue Collection, the groovy tunes, the huge flashing screens, the Beauty Bar, the 4 tiered “Birthday Cake” from the wizards at Celebrity Cake Studio that looked like it just stepped out of a movie and all of the fashion on the runway and off…it was hard to stay focused or, decide what to do next.
Luckily, it was all caught on film so we can relive what’s sure to be hailed as the “Party of the Year” by those who attended and by those who did not. Don’t believe me? Just take a look.
See you next year for G5, coming September 2012.
Check out Photos from G4.
Get Hitched Give Hope is a great event for a great cause.
Not getting married? No worries!
This is an event to attend even if you are not getting married! Get dressed up, enjoy some delicious food & cocktails while giving back.
Brides, grooms, and guests will indulge in sips and sweets while they shop for fabulous wedding goods and services, mingle with some of Seattle’s hottest wedding vendors, and give to a great
cause.
Time: Thursday, October 27 | 6pm-9pm
Location: 4 Seasons | 99 Union Street
Cost: $35-$125
