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Yvelette's Updates |
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Writing Update!
I have started writing about fashion.I am now writing copy and stories
for a couture jewelry line. Too much fun!
Many of you asked about my book.
I am in the process of reviewing and approving
illustrations. Yes, it is a children's book!
Comimg Soon!
More health articles on Sheknows.com
Ambassador Magazine
Seriously, a dream come true you will find out next issue! |
| Gratitude |
BussBuss
All of you who read this newsletter seriously thank you!! | |
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Dear Friends and Colleagues:
I hope 2009 is treating you all well. I know I have had a few changes and challenges but it is all good. Change and challenge builds strength and character. This month I interviewed Kelly Lee founder of Bussbuss.com and Robyn Doyle Owner of Charmed PR. Both of these women created a passion into a profession. Something I think we all should do. Easier said than done, but it can be done. Just stay focused, follow your heart and go with faith and confidence. This newsletter is for February and March. If you recall in November's issue I interviewed Suheir Hammad. She is coming to Detroit (for the people who live in MI) on March 26, 2009. I am helping with the planning of her event. More information to come soon. To find out more visit Suheir's Event. Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day some people love it and some hate it but either way if you have someone or not, remember no one can love you unless you love yourself first! I will see you darlings in April. xo, Yvelette Stines |
| Sharing Substance and Style |
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Kelly Lee, has a passion for shopping and writing. As a staff and freelance writer, Lee always dreamed of having her own publication. "I wanted to start my own magazine but had neither the funding nor experience to really do so. Online seemed to be the wave of the future so I decided to explore the idea," she says. She started BussBuss in 2004, a site that is the go-to source for online shopping and style trends. "As a vaguely unemployed freelance writer, I was spending a lot of my time shopping online. I though, instead of buying all of these amazing finds, share them online with a daily blog and newsletter." Sharing her vision with her 40 of her closest friends and family, Lee loved the fact that this was "sort of an experiment and project as well as a way for me to keep writing daily without being beholden to an editor who would decide if my writing would be published or not." Now, BussBuss is read by 10,000 daily subscribers and receiving over a million hits per month. Lee has been recognized and branded as an expert in online shipping, fashion, style and design. "Not only did I get to create my vision, but it helped create who I am as a writer and editor." Lee loves that "she can do what she loves and work from anywhere in the world. My husband and I travel a ton both for work and pleasure and BussBuss has helped afford us this rare and wonderful lifestyle." Along with a busy schedule Lee and her husband have supported a lot of new independent designers and companies over the years which she finds very fulfilling. "When you can help make someone's day and play any positive role in helping them accomplish their dreams that is a good thing." For more information visit www.bussbuss.com.
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Charmed Life |
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As a mother and entrepreneur, Robin Tolkan-Doyle wanted to help other people promote their company. In 2006 she started Charmed PR. "I (noticed) that I was always having friends ask me for advice about how to get their businesses noticed by the media. Since I was beginning to sound like a broken record, I thought I might try helping some of them with press releases. Then, product request started coming in and before I knew it, I had a real public relations agency on my hands," she says.
No stranger to the business Doyle started her career in Magazines. "I went from an editorial assistant at the L.A. bureau of People Magazine to staff writer for BOP Magazine to a beauty editor for Jump Magazine." It was at Jump where she started her own hair accessories company, Wrap Star, and ran it for five years. Her accessories were sold to stores such as Fred Segal and Henri Bendel. "I learned how to make the most of my company by pursuing public relations with the media and got my products in publications such as InStyle, Glamour and Lucky." Between all of her experience working with publicists as a magazine editor and freelance writer as well as promoting her own companies, she developed a strong understanding of the business.
Robin loves the excitement and unpredictability of PR. Just this week she received a call from a fashion editor for a national women's magazine who wanted to feature a Unique Vintage, one of her clients, dress similar to Michelle Obama's Inaugural gown for a morning show segment. "You can't help getting caught up in all of it.....it's exciting," she says.
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Q and A |
I have been getting a lot of questions regarding my writing and how it all came about. Interestingly enough, being a really private and kind of shy person, I was very mechanical with my answers and offered a lot of help. But people were really poking me for personal answers. I thought, how rude of me. So often, so many wonderful people sit down with me, a stranger, and trust me with their stories. That is hard to do for many myself included, but life is about growing and getting yourself in and out of uncomfortable situations so here goes.
In January 2006 after an unsuccessful stint in law school, I had no option but to follow my dream (the universe works in mysterious ways). I was very scared. I am a dreamer but also a strong realist. Being very dyslexic and living in Michigan trying to write is kind of like a double negative. The dreamer side of me took over. I didn't know anyone in the writing world, I just knew of people. In 2006 I picked up a lot of online writing jobs and around June I was hired to write for Rolling Out an alternative weekly newspaper. I remember writing in my journal. I am going to be published in a glossy magazine by the end of the year.
In December 2006 I was published in Atlanta Life Magazine. In 2007 I continued to freelance and work a lot in public relations and in 2008 the freelancing really picked up. I feel really blessed. Now in 2009 the story is unwritten I have to go through the journey to figure it out. With my journey and yours I guess we just have to stay tuned.
The best general advice I can give is what I consider the 4 P's patience, persistence, a pitch and a prayer.
Patience - If you know me you know I am always moving and trying to make things happen. I tend to be impatient at times, but I have learned that the universe has three answers. Yes, not now or there is something better is store. Really understanding this concept has helped me calm down and just keep it moving. The answer will come when you are ready. (This is for anything in life)
Persistence - Don't stop and don't give up just do it! Also, keep learning about your craft.
Pitch - For the writers, just keep practicing. Find online forums to study other successful pitches. The Renegade Writer by Linda Formichelli is a great book.
Prayer - Whatever you believe, if you believe, prayer is your power and strength.
This is the shortest version. If you want more e-mail me I promise I will answer. Oh, and a lot of people think I have the luxury of writing all day (hopefully soon). I do work a day job so I either wake up really early 4ish or go to sleep really late. | |
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