![KARENPIC[1]](http://girlpowerhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/KARENPIC1.jpeg "KARENPIC[1]")
Karen Schaeffer LOVED winning Girl Power Hour’s makeover contest at a more “mature” time in her life (she is in her fifth decade of life and loving it!). She reports that it was great fun to be around women who are so stylish, including Janet Tinsay, Executive Director of Seattle Fashion Week, who put together Karen’s fabulous Banana Republic clothes and accessories for her walk on the runway at the Makeover Event in February.
Karen has a Master’s Degree in Not-for-Profit Leadership from Seattle University and has served for many decades as both a volunteer and paid staff in multiple non-profits and ministries throughout the Puget Sound region. Karen currently works part-time as the Resource Coordinator (Event Planning and Fundraising) for North Helpline Emergency Services and Food Bank, located in Lake City, and serving greater North Seattle from the Roosevelt District through the community of Kenmore. She is busy planning North Helpline’s First Annual Signature Event, Empty Bowls, to be held on April 25 from Noon to 4 p.m. at the Northgate Community Center. You’ll be able to select unique, handcrafted pottery bowl and enjoy a delicious soup ladled right into your very own new bowl! They will also provide salad, bread and dessert for a minimum donation of $12.00. There will also be live music, a creative arts/crafts raffle and other arts/crafts for sale two weeks before Mother’s Day, with a portion of each sale to be donated to North Helpline.
Karen also owns an event planning business, The Pleasing Palette, for which she plans parties and weddings. Interested? Call her at 206-229-4372 206-229-4372 or see her website at pleasingpalette.wordpress.com (her new website is currently “under construction” but will shortly have more information available.)
Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons; the oldest is studying to be a pastor and is the father of three much-loved grandsons and the youngest is the owner of The Downhill Zone in the University District, where he builds custom mountain bikes and repairs bikes of all types. Want to e-mail her? Karen’s e-mail is: kschaeffer@northhelpline.org or pleasing.palette@gmail.com
Q. What is the official name of your business and what is your title?
A. Babeland Marketing and Education Coordinator
Q. What can people expect when they visit Babeland?
A. Babeland is a very comfortable place to shop for sex toys. The store is well lit and colorfully decorated; the staff is friendly, approachable and very well informed about sexuality and matters of sexual health; and we carry a wide range of high quality products for every budget and taste from mild to wild. When you walk in the door you will be greeted with a smile and a warm hello. Usually we let customers look around a bit before we check in to see if they need help. A lot of times customers don’t know what questions to ask, even though they may be really confused as to what they are looking at. That happens every day and we are happy to give anyone a store tour to familiarize them with what the products are and how they are used. We love helping people pick out the perfect product for their needs, whether that is a book of erotica, an instructional video, toys for couples, your first time vibe, massage products or something kinky. We also have a lot of sex tips to share as well, from new positions, to techniques to try on your partner, to how to find that elusive g-spot. Even if you feel uncomfortable about coming into the store, we promise that we will put you at ease, and you will have a great shopping experience.
Q. Do you offer classes at Babeland? If so, what kind?
A. Seattle is lucky to have a store like Babeland since there are not a lot of places in the world where you can take adult sex education classes that focus on the fun aspects of sex. We have a a lot of great classes at Babeland including G-Spot 101 and Female Ejaculation, The Art of the Fellatio, Moregasm for Couples, Strap On Seductions, Sex Tips for New Moms, How to Please Your Woman, How To Please Your Man, Sex and Cancer, and Backdoor Basics to name a few. We also have international sex educators who teach at our store including Midori, Allena Gabosch, Tristian Taromino, Nina Hartley, Kate Bornstein, Debbie Sundahl, Annie Sprinkle and Betty Dodson. Our classes are great for couples to take together since we always offer information for both the giver and the receiver and cover lots of communication tips, but you can certainly take the classes solo and learn lots to try with a partner later. We don’t have any “hands on” activities in our classes other than the Fellatio class where the audience gets to practice the tips we teach on bananas and cucumbers (it’s our most fun and popular class). We also do private classes for groups both after hours in the store or in peoples homes. These are really popular for bachelorette parties or a Girls Night In.
Q. Babeland has a book coming out; what is the title and subject matter regarding?
A. Our new book is called Moregasm: Babeland’s Guide to Mind-Blowing Sex. It is aimed at women, though it does have information for everyone. It covers everything from anatomy in a really easy to understand way, to commonly asked questions from customers, information about picking out toys, sex tips to use with a partner, information on STD’s, and lots and lots of positions. It is a very accessible book with easy to navigate diagrams and tons of color photographs of people with different body types, ages, races and genders. I love that this book is fun to read and presents lots of options with each topic. Really it is quite beautiful and is not only super informative, but also gorgeous enough to be a coffee table book…well at least in my house.
Q. In your opinion, what sets Babeland apart from others in your industry?
A. People often comment on how we are a sex toy shop for women, and while originally Babeland was created to be a sex toy shop where women would feel comfortable, we have never been exclusionary of anyone. We are a comfortable place for everyone to shop and we really set our self apart from other stores by being so approachable and knowledgeable. Babeland educates our staff on all things sexual and we place a high value on never being judgmental about any sex topics. We certainly can share lots of how to’s on the fun parts of sex and incorporating toys, but we can definitely take it a step further and if not answer all your sex questions, at least point you in the right direction.
Q. What is the best piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to go into the field of marketing?
A. Find something you are passionate about. It makes work so much more fulfilling when you are marketing something you truly love and believe in. Whether that is a community, a product, a lifestyle, or a brand, if you truly believe in it and want it to succeed, you will be much more successful and enjoy going to work everyday.
Q. Not only are you a Marketing Coordinator, but you are also an entrepreneur. What else do you do?
A. I am the Founder / Core Organizer for Blitz, the Capitol Hill Arts Walk and I am the Producer / Stage Manager for Sinner Saint Burlesque
Q. Can you tell us more about how and why you started the capitol hill arts walk?
A. In the spring of 2006 I wanted to get Babeland involved in more community events so I looked into joining the Capitol Hill Arts Walk. I asked around with other businesses and it seemed that the art walk had been defunct for some time, but that several businesses still wanted it to happen. I joined forces with Wazhma Samizay of Retail Therapy; Amy Ellsworth of Stitches and Karl Fjelstrom of Galactic Boutique (now online only) and we decided to make the Capitol Hill Arts Walk happen again. It was a collaboration of small businesses owners (and me) pulling together to make a fun community event. In 2008 I was running it with just 1 other volunteer and I looked for help taking this project on. The Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce stepped up and now produces the monthly event and I am still one of the core organizers along with the amazing Jeanine Anderson and Ellen Forney and with a team of about 10 volunteers (all but 2 are women). I am so proud of how far the Capitol Hill Arts Walk has come since we restated it in 2006. What was originally a dozen or so businesses participating every month along Pike and Pine, has now grown to over 50 businesses participating all over Capitol Hill.
Q. Wow, that’s such a great thing! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us. One last question, what is your biggest motivator in work and life?
A. I am truly motivated by making people happy. I certainly don’t try to please everyone, but what I do, I do to help bring joy to the lives of others. Working as a sex educator, I get to have a positive impact on people’s lives daily. Even if I’m not at work, when folks find out what I do (think hair dresser, dentist, deli counter at the grocery store, etc…) they ask me lots of questions and in a way, look to me for advice or just to validate what they are experiencing. I love the look on people’s faces when I tell them that what they thought was totally weird and were ashamed of, is in fact very common and I hear it weekly. I just love to help people, and I know that even the smallest interaction I have with people can make such a big and positive impact on their lives. Even outside of my sex educator role, I am motivated by seeing that what I do is a positive experience for others. At the Burlesque show I run, audience members have told me that they love how welcome they feel at the event, like they are invited guests more than just in the audience and that is truly how I think of them. At intermission I like to walk around and check in on everyone and make sure they are having a good time and enjoying the show. When the audience is happy and excited about what they are experiencing, then I know I have been successful at putting on a great event.
Thank you so much Audrey, you are an inspiration to us all! You can out more about Babeland and Audrey’s endeavors at:
Babeland
Twitter: babelandseattle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/babeland.seattle
Blitz Capitol Hill Arts Walk
Twitter: @blitzarts
Sinner Saint Burlesque
Twitter: @ssburlesque
@audreymcmanus
![WendyWOWphoto[1]](http://girlpowerhour.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/WendyWOWphoto11.jpg "WendyWOWphoto[1]")
I recently had the chance to have a rather “naked” conversation with Wendy as she tanned me in my bathtub. She’s been coming to my place of residence for the past few years to tan me at will with her mobile sunless tanning services. Wendy has been tanning people since 2001, but decided to make her services mobile after realizing there was a growing need. I’ve always appreciated the opportunity to get tanned in the convenience of my own home. It’s a chance to get gorgeous while catching up on girl talk, plus it makes you feel like a Rockstar! During this particular appointment, I decided to get candid with Wendy and find out more about who she is and what she does. I just never thought I’d be doing so in the buff.
Q. Whats the official name of your business?
A. Divine Sunless Tanning
Q. How long have you been offering mobile services?
A. For the last 2 years I have been mobile but last month I started offering salon appointments as well for those who live to far away or are arriving from out of town or if that just works better for your schedule.
Q. You’ve tanned me with a few slightly different colors over the years. Can you tell me more about what kind of solutions you use, what kind of products you offer and what makes your services unique?
A. I actually am always doing research to make sure Im offering the best solutions to my clients that are as natural as possible with ingredients that give your skin a moisturizing, skin firming “cocktail” while your tan is processing. I offer different types of solutions depending on your skin tone and have specialty solutions for those last minute gotta be glowing events that will process in 4hrs for a dark tan or less for a lighter look. I have mini packages but mostly like to work with my clients and their needs/schedule to create a custom package for them whether its a weekly visit or bi-monthly sessions the options are endless.
Q. What’s your favorite part about doing what you do?
A. I love what I do and I really care about my clients and their happiness and make sure to educate them on how to get the best tan possible. Their participation is critical as well in the outcome of their color, using soap or not exfoliating properly beforehand will affect the overall outcome and not in a good way. I was the first to offer sunless in Seattle back in 2001 and still love helping women feel sexy, keeping their skin healthy and cancer free. I also offer my clients the ultimate convenience and personal service my coming to their homes for a sunless session without charging high fees that most others charge. Its great option since you don’t get your sunless tan ruined by Seattle rain, hot cars or the seat belt on your drive home. I also believe less in more in a sunless tan, to dark is just not a good thing on most women. My goal is “wow what did you do?” NOT wow nice spray tan!
Q. Airbrush tanning is a unique profession, what did you do before this?
A. I was a hairstylist for 10yrs then incorporated it into my business then next thing I knew I was busy coloring bodies instead of hair!
Q. What would you say is your biggest inspiration is?
A. My inspiration is women of all ages and giving them an option when is comes to getting a healthy glow instead of using tanning beds.
Q. What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue their own business?
A. Be creative and do your research even though their may be others doing something you want to do, you can give it a little different spin to it that will set you apart from your competition. But mostly you must love what you do really, if your passionate about it all good things will come to you!
You can book mobile appointments with Wendy at www.divinetan.com or salon appointments at www.sugarseattle.net. You can also find Wendy on Twitter @divinetan and on Facebook!
Q & A with Urban Yoga Spa owner, Kathy Ferguson
Kathy Ferguson is the owner of Urban Yoga Spa, Seattle’s only hot-yoga studio and full-service spa. The Urban Yoga Spa is the ultimate urban destination for the ongoing maintenance, improvement and connection of your mind, body and self through the practice of Hot Yoga and Spa Services, in the convenience of one location.
Q. Kathy, how long has Urban Yoga Spa been open?
A. Just 1 year as of February 4th.
Q. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! Tell us what you did before you opened Urban Yoga Spa?
A. I was with Nordstrom just shy of 30 years. I served in Leadership Roles most of this time. I started on the selling floor and from there went into buying, managed the Southcenter and Bellevue Nordstrom Stores, Corporate Merchandise Manager, General Manager of the Washington/Alaska region, Director of Strategic Planning and then VP/General Brand Manager for Women’s Apparel in the Nordstrom Product Group Division.
Q. What was your inspiration behind starting UYS?
A. I started practicing Hot Yoga (both Hot Hatha and Power Vinyasa) 10 years ago. I experienced the benefits of my Yoga practice in many ways: both physically and mentally. The amount of stress released from my practice was amazing! I began to be much calmer in every part of my life. I worked through issues in a more balanced way, and I didn’t get stressed out easily. I became way more patient with others, more open. Physically, my posture improved and I became more focused, and my life became more balanced. I also became stronger, physically and mentally. I decided this is the way I want to live my life, so my Yoga Practice became a part of my lifestyle…….part of my day. My husband joined me in my practice 10 years ago as well. He realizes the same benefits from his practice. We love practicing together! When we moved to downtown Seattle, there was no Hot Yoga studio in the city. We really wanted to create a space in the heart of the city, so other Urbanites could enjoy this practice, and realize its benefits, as well. It had to be in a convenient and easily accessible location for many. When our space @ 4th and Stewart was up for lease, we decided to make this dream of ours a reality.
Q. UYS is a very unique space. What sets your business apart from others in your industry?
A. Urban Yoga Spa is the only Hot Yoga Studio that also has a full-service spa. This is for convenience: one space to take care of your mind, body and self. Everyone is so busy…..we want to make it convenient for others to do Yoga, then get a mani/pedi, massage, etc in the same space……anything to eliminate a commuting step! As well, we offer accommodations for our guests such as lockers & showers. What I believe is a key difference is our incredible team of people: Our Yoga Instructors, Front Desk and Spa Teams are fantastic, and committed to giving our guests a fantastic and rewarding experience when they visit the Urban Yoga Spa. I would also add that we have created a very minimal and neutral environment in our space, where our guests can begin with a blank canvas and create what they choose. A regular Yoga Practice enables you to get back to your creative self……..and get on with your dreams.
Q. What advice would you give to women wanting to start their own business?
A. “The best way to predict your future…..is to create it”. Follow your dreams and find a way!
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Thank you so much to Kathy Ferguson for taking the time to sit down with us. We’re looking forward to hearing and seeing more of UYS. You can also catch UYS at the upcoming GPH event at Banana Republic on February 18th.
Catch up with Urban Yoga Spa online!
Web: www.urbanyogaspa.com
Twitter: @UrbanYogaSpa
Facebook: Urban Yoga Spa
We meet extraordinary women in a variety of industries at each and every one of our events. In our efforts to highlight these women we will be blogging about a Girl Power Hour Women of the Week on our website. We are super excited to introduce you to these amazing women!
Our first woman of the week is Cheril Cruden the owner of Bling! Bling! Jewelry.
Cheril Cruden is the designer of Bling! Bling! Jewelry. If you received any of our swag bags for the Seattle December 09 event or our January 10 Eastside event, you received a pair of Bling! Bling! earrings. The jewelry designs are inspired by the artist’s eye for quality materials, her love of color and her playful side of owning one-of-a-kind fun, casual and often times very elegant jewelry at affordable prices. Cheril uses sterling silver, 14k or 18k gold, gold fill, gold vermeil, Swarovski Crystals, freshwater pearls, vintage glass beads from all over the world.
Cheril has been busy with her designs for the last 6 years. It started when she was invited to a friend’s home jewelry party. At the time Cheril was involved in a quilting business, her love for handcrafted items bloomed even more when she discovered handmade jewelry. Soon all her friends and family members were wearing her jewelry pieces. The sales portion followed quickly by a best friend’s sister’s boutique in Juneau, Alaska. She quickly sold dozens of bracelets and was in high demand….thus started Bling! Bling!
She is now selling through various craft shows, street fairs, local shops, online and home jewelry parties. Coming soon is an etsy.com based website and selling through more local shops and salons. You can find her on twitter: cheril101 and cherilcruden on Facebook.
Her advice for up and coming entrepreneurs….
“Love what you are doing and don’t give up too quickly. It takes time and a lot of patience. Plus listen to advice from others in the same field…they speak from knowledge and experience”.
You can find awesome jewelry pieces to compliment your wardrobe at www.blingxtwo.com .
Come meet Cheril at the Girl Power Hour Eastside March Event! Her earrings will be in 50 swag bags! Thank you Cheril for letting us put highlight you as our Woman of the Week!
