My Delicious Life

COMFEST 2009

2009-06-15T21:40:00.005-04:00

Comfest is a local Columbus festival in Goodale Park. The spirited message of unity aligns perfectly with the Delicious Tees message so it's the perfect venue to be at. I love interacting with my customers face to face, making new friends and reconnecting with old friends. Along with my original 10 tees, I offered 5 new tees, 3 tanks, 2 dresses and a variety of jersey scarves.

LIFE IS GOOD

2009-06-15T17:16:00.005-04:00

I am exactly where I need to be. Sometimes I forget that.
I need to remind myself that when I feel antsy and impatient about today, these feelings are only there to remind me that I am indeed expanding. Expanding in my career, my abilities, my mind. Expanding towards all the things I want and leaving behind all the things I don't want.

I distanced myself a little bit from Delicious Tees this past winter. I needed to clear my head of uncertainty. I went full force from August-October with new art and a new game plan. But I had many doubts and was unable to get past my sense of urgency. I saw my resources and how things were aligning but I think I extended myself in ways that were unnatural due to an overzealousness I am characteristically attached to. So, even though the resources were right in front of my face, my vision was obscured and I couldn't connect the dots. So, I decided to shut my DT brain off for a while. Now, It's summer and I am back at it, making sense of past actions.

I can look back and see that in it's early stages, I developed a codependence towards Delicious Tees. I, myself, was growing along with the company. It was an intense time of high productivity and exponential growth. I was a bit obsessed, as most artists become of their creations. I was Ok with that because all things were leading me towards extreme clarity and focus. My only downfall was that my thoughts were all concentrated within the company and how I would find my place in the world through it. I wasn't separating my SELF from Delicious Tees.

Though I admired my whimsical mindset at the time, I did what I always do, I saw Delicious Tees as a ticket out of here. Here, being reality. I was looking for a ticket to complete creative and financial freedom. A ticket to leave my attachments to the corporate world behind, travel with cameras, merchandise and an open soul. A ticket to see the world and work on a humanitarian level. A ticket to be an instrument of peace and love...letting that guide me wherever the road might lead. And though my desires still align with this dream scenerio, I have left my sense of urgency and entitlement behind because I am exactly where I need to be today in order to make it happen. I know how to manifest the things I want with positive thoughts, patience and common sense.

It's been a while since I've made any directly visible business moves, but that doesn't mean the wheels aren't in motion. I have accomplished so much with a humble attitude towards the "busy work." By busy work, I mean the things I do during my 9-5 job as an apparel designer. I have nothing but gratitude for my job because it's refined and polished me as a designer. It's given me a sense of purpose and dignity. I learned how to see the retail industry with an understanding of the big picture. The things that used to scare me are now familiar and mechanical. I've had the ability to see business models grow from concept to million dollar companies. I now have the vision to apply a similar model to Delicious Tees, answer many of my own questions and take plenty of notes along the way.

Taking a little time away from the uncertainty, has allowed me to approach Delicious Tees with a new mindset. I am looking at my next move from all angels, instead of leaning towards time and comparison. There are so many places I can go from here. I have to say that I still come back to the most bohemian, grass roots business solution. Let it gain momentum through word of mouth. Put a stellar collection out there and market to the audience you know so well. Let the success of the merch line be directly attributed to the message. Find the outlets to express this message, whether through budding multimedia projects or social networking.

I want to be open to adjust the merch to fit a variety of markets but I never want to sell out or compromise the art and message. So, this is where I am at and now a whole new set of questions surrounds me but at least this time I can take it slower and be more methodical with the assurance that Delicious Tees is indeed growing. And so am I.

I'm exactly where I need to be. Gratitude surrounds me and I feel OK sitting at my work desk today. And even though I would rather be outside, I have a large window beside me and every time I look out of it, I am reminded of where I am going.

Consider this Day 7-Getting Back on it

2009-06-07T21:31:00.002-04:00

Let's talk about the duality of Fear and love. My 3rd tee features this thought. I have been working through feelings of fear and love with this tee company for quite some time. The roots are strong. I am who I am and Delicious Tees is what it is but sometimes it's the "hows" that get me confused and cause me to question what my next move is. I have settled the "what am i here for? question. I am here to be an instrument of peace and love, simple and sweet. However, the thought, "how do I do this?" keeps sneaking up on me. How do I float in that creative place yet stay grounded as a effective business owner at the same time? How do I market this beautiful, wonderful creation that is so emotional to me that I sometimes think it's too precious to be diluted in an oversaturated market? How do I celebrate Delicious Tees? How do I stand apart yet connect at the same time?
The good news is that my fear is being replaced by love every day. Part of me is just tired of caring so much about all the "hows." God blessed me with the perspective needed to detach from a reality that says things are tough in this life. It's really very black and white, love replaces fear. That alone is liberating and motivating. I need to get out of this gray area.

Consider this Day 6-Evolving

2009-01-19T22:00:00.001-05:00

DELICIOUS TEES TO DELICIOUS APPAREL
--FUTURE COLLECTION--
DESIGN SET 1: "1 AM"
DESIGN SET 2: "DIZZY GIRL"

DESIGN SET 3: "DUALITY"

DESIGN SET 4: "RESONATE"

DESIGN SET 5: "UNTAMED IMAGINATION"

DESIGN SET 6: "INSTRUMENT"

DESIGN SET 7: "NATURE"

DESIGN SET 8: "THE KEY"

DESIGN SET 9: "SHINE"

DESIGN SET 10: "WISDOM"

Consider this Day 5-What is Delicious Apparel?

2009-01-14T21:48:00.002-05:00

Company Description (in Progress)
Delicious Apparel is a woman’s clothing and lifestyle brand, which fuses fashion, creative collaboration and service projects. Our line features classic, casual essentials- Tees, Tanks and Hoodies. Our collection merges design with a spirited message of unity, acceptance and love, rooted from the female perspective. Our philosophy is “Spread the Love,” and we draw inspiration directly from nature and humanity. What sets us apart is our positive reaction to modern society, while defining truth and beauty. Delicious Apparel will launch 2 collections a year. Spring/Summer + Fall/Winter

Extensions of the lifestyle brand will exist at Deliciouslife.com. Our interactive site will allow you to shop online, stay connected through updates and events and watch video shorts. We will also encourage involvement in community projects.

Defining the word “Delicious”
Delicious describes anything that is richly textured and palpable. In the context of the word “Apparel,” Delicious refers to trendy designs whose organic qualities flirt with the 5 senses. In the context of “Life,” Delicious describes an existence where mind, body and soul are one. Delicious Life is a culmination of both the big experiences and the little nuances, which make life sweet and joyful. It also speaks of a life full of awareness and connection to humanity.

Delicious Apparel customer:
Delicious Apparel will be marketed to a female audience. The target demographic is women ages 16+. Our girl is interested in equal parts fashion and earth consciousness. She is drawn to apparel that expresses self-awareness and connection. She is a girl who appreciates clothing with a message. Our girl is sporty, yet feminine. She likes soft, delicate fabrics. She is drawn to textures and embellishments. She will most likely wear her Delicious Apparel with a comfortable pair of jeans.

Company Objectives:
Our website, deliciouslife.com will have 3 main functions.
1.Retail site for Delicious Apparel

2. Interactive Community. Though our main focus is to generate sales, we want our customers to find something informative and stimulating each time they visit our site. Delicious Life will be in constant evolution and it’s content will be refreshed weekly. Delicious Life will offer news, events, monthly “Delicious Doses”, a blog and video shorts of Delicious Life in action.
Delicious Doses are monthly features of empowered females in a creative field who are stimulated by humanity and the greater good. These women dedicate their lives to the arts while projecting a positive image onto the world.

3. Community and Service. The heart and soul of our lifestyle is through service work. Proceeds of Delicious Apparel sales will support organizations locally, as well as internationally. We are currently coordinating efforts with Indieology and Pearl River Outreach.

A. Indieology: Our local grassroots project focuses on unifying woman and youth in the arts scene. Delicious Apparel will work in collaboration with Indieology Columbus; a group of female artists and designers, who network, collaborate and provide support for each other in their developing careers. The home branch is in Columbus, Ohio and the goal is to launch many sister branches throughout the United States.
The Indieology website will be set up like Linked-in with the friendly appeal of facebook. The community of artists can create profiles, exhibit artwork, share forum Q+A’s, and stay connected with local events.

B. Pearl River Outreach: Our service abroad will focus on helping children in Chinese orphanages receive proper health care, as well as, sponsoring children through foster care and adoption. Pearl River Outreach provides specialized medical training in the many areas of infant and child growth and development. This training is provided directly to the staff and caregivers of China's Social Welfare Institutes and orphanages. (www.pearlriveroutreach.com)

Consider this Day 4-Lesson Learned

2009-01-11T21:46:00.000-05:00

What I learned from my self loathing is that there is no time for self loathing. I have no time for negative thinking. Delicious Apparel is happening and it may take baby steps, patience and lessons in humility to get me there, but I am getting there.
I share these vulnerable thoughts because I think I might be onto something here. I am wondering what could result from weekly updates. Surely, connection is at the forefront but I hope to offer something insightful, humorous and interesting. The perfect balance of whimsy and objectivity. Maybe the blog can act as a resource for friends or aquaintences who might be in the same process.
More so, I am curious about the success of this blog and if it could help launch Delicious Tees into a more familiar brand. If the spirit of Delicious Tees lies in a grassroots movement, then wouldn't "word of mouth" advertising make the most sense? If I call for assistance from the people who support me the most...close friends and family, even valued customers, then the message can't help but remain rooted in LOVE. You all have my best intentions in mind so if something I say evokes a spark, please let me know. I encourage you to voice your opinions, offer insight and help me grow..

This is my career/life path. Life truly is Delicious. This project is a passion and I will see it through for the rest of my life. It might evolve into many things but it will always be rooted in LOVE. It's not on my time, it's on god's time and I resign myself to that non linear path. With that said, lesson learned, one day at a time and Spread the love.

Consider this day 3-The Self Loathing

2009-01-05T14:14:00.004-05:00

It started as a grass roots message expressed through t-shirts, so how did I get so far removed from those roots? Why did Microsoft Word, a recent episode of Rock of Love Charm School and this recent email from my SCORE counselor bring me to a breaking point full of self loathing. (see below)

January 4, 2009 Email reads:
"Please define your desired customer base high end and specialty retailers. High end boutiques are a no no - poor capitalization. Then how will you reach them? Trade shows, sales reps, direct sales effort? This is critical! You must be prepared make a passionate personal sales presentation to the decision makers - put together your designs, samples, portfolio and practice.

I believe Internet Sales for a small time operator like you is a waste of time and effort. You will require a fantastic Web Site and more important your Web Site must be positioned in the first few pages of the Search Engine. See attached. Do not bank on Internet Sales as a money maker.

My last comment for today and read slowly. Your CORPORATE OBJECTIVES must be profit oriented. You have a tremendous up hill battle to make a go your business, especially in today's turbulent times. As a counselor I do want to hear about Interactive Community and Service unless you can clearly demonstrate that these initiatives do not interfere with but rather enhance your corporate profitability projections. Focus your energies on building your brand image and developing your corporate customer relationships.
Regards."

It took me about a week to shake this one off and pull head out of my ass. My SCORE counselor, who later sent an encouraging follow up, was totally accurate in his assessment and I needed to get a dose of tough love. I mention Microsoft Word because I despise forced margins, Times New Roman and sterile white space. It makes me feel like an adult. I mention VH1's Rock of Love Charm School because an episodes focused on a competition where the girls created graphic tees. The contestant, "Destiny" worked side by side with a graphic designer who pulled clipart together. They presented the tee, she won the competition and impressed the judges (one of which was Christian Audigier) so much that she "created" her own spin off line. Why this makes me mad-- Anyone and everyone is starting an apparel line. And though I think there's space for all of us, I feel a little defeated when I see how easy and how little others do to just kind of slip into the apparel industry, especially reality show contestants and actors.

So I was really angry at first but anger turned into perspective. I have a long way to go. I realized that I can have all of the good intentions in the world, but if I don't have a financial plan, then I'm going in unprepared and vulnerable. Though it's hard to hear the truth, I am grateful for it because every experience offers an opportunity for growth.

Here is what I learned...
I was totally unprepared to go into this next phase of my company..the phase where the business plan is presented, investors are lined up and contracts are signed...I think ambition blinded me and comparison cut me down. It comes with quite a bit of self defeat, not towards the company but mostly in the time I wasted spinning my wheels. Working while I should have been out living. Being passive towards my husband instead of growing closer to him. Breaking plans with friends and family. I became a workaholic. 9-5 was spent at Atrium. Home by 6. Eat. Work on Delicious Tees while food digests. Go for a run/swim. Resume work. Go to bed when my eyes can't stay open anymore.

Hindsight allows me to see that a breaking point was bound to happen given my naive interpretation of the "big picture." You see, my 9-5 job at Atrium allows me to work with companies like Victoria's Secret, Target, Lane Bryant and Express. I have spent 3 years learning how overseas and domestic production works and familiarizing myself with garment, print and embellishment costs. I have seen projects through from conception to production. I have gained exposure with general numbers and business models and it seemed clear that I could apply a similar model to my company. I felt confident to push Delicious Tees to the next level. I started comparing Delicious Tees to multimillion dollar clothing businesses...Johnny Cupcakes, Element Eden, Ed Hardy, etc...I thought, surely I could have what they have, but do so while expressing a message of love. And wow, wouldn't that be something! A market saturated with crap and here is Delicious Tees, a thought evoking company with cool graphics and a positive social component. I knew I wasn't reinventing the wheel but knew I was onto something good. I daydreamed about it constantly. I almost felt immune to other business responsibilities because I was so convinced the love and good energy would guide me. And it did but I forgot to bring my brain along too.

I mentally jumped in head first and made a physical list of dates and goals. I would quit my job and dedicate all my time to my company. I would reinterpret the art and launch the line at trade shows. Delicious Apparel would be warmly received, become a familiar brand and everything else would fall into place. We would go from a t-shirt company to a full Apparel Brand. But wait, we would also have a niche and that niche would catapult us into a FULL LIFESTYLE BRAND. (insert gleaming rainbow effect).

But hmmm, those words sounded way to genius to be my own and I soon realized where I had heard them. Oh, that's right! Every newly launched apparel company uses the phrase "LIFESTYLE BRAND" in their mission statement. I did some research. It's plain as day. Many times, it's in the first sentence of their "About us" page, sometimes even on their homepage. I started to think, "Well, I'm unique but am I really unique?" This was the first sign that something was wrong. And no, the absence of a business plan, from day one, was unfortunately not the first red flag...

And so, began my demise into the abyss of self loathing and second guessing. But up until the email, episode and word doc., I stayed fairly positive and focused. I persevered with what I loved the most about Delicious Tees, the art.

I spent September and October redesigning and perfecting my designs. I focused on nothing else. The result is an impeccable apparel collection, one I am very proud of. The bold use of colors, the richness of techniques...all so worth seeing fully produced into actual garments. But for now, it lay safely tucked away in a portfolio case. Why? because that's all I got. I have to play catch up with the other aspects of my business. I learned really fast that the next tier of people I will be associating with (investors, banks, partners, lawyers, accountants) care very little for the art. They want to see a solid business plans and profit potential. And oh gosh, those darn CORPORATE OBJECTIVES. How could I forget?

To be continued, go to DAY 4...

By the way, I don't watch VH1's Rock of Love Charm School or any other trashy show, it was just on in the background.
http://www.bittenandbound.com/2009/01/04/divination-clothing-by-rock-of-love-charm-shools-destiney-moore/

Consider this Day 2

2008-12-18T13:34:00.002-05:00

Business Plan anyone?

I started Delicious Tees in July 2007. Here I am in December of 2008 and I still don't have a business plan. So, I decided that in order to transition the company into a full Apparel Brand, I need to create the “dreaded” business plan.
So far, I have to say that my disposition is rather positive. I am aware that this is a great opportunity for growth and I am a bit embarrassed to have gone this long without one. What I have found is that there are many imperative questions I haven't asked myself yet as a business owner. Kind of scary, actually. In order for me to have continued success, I need to find the answers and establish new goals. I have given myself 2 months to complete the business plan. So that would mean February 28th is the deadline.

SO, WHAT THE "F" IS A BUSINESS PLAN?
I guess I can more specifically and eloquently ask "WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION HERE?" Those viewing this plan will be an investor, an attorney, perhaps a bank and most likely a business partner. I have the visuals down. The collection of art is impeccable but it's only an accessory to the plan at this point. I need to be asking, "what exactly will the "numbers people" be looking for in between the lines?"
I am such an artist to the core. I cringe at numbers, even visual pie charts and graphs make me dry heave. I am reminded of the days of forced education and how I used to literally soak the pages of my math books with tears and ask God to make it go away. I know, I know...kind of dramatic right? But here I am at 28, feeling much of those same feelings.

One deep breath later and I am reminded that there is much more to a business plan than numbers. Besides, we can get to those later. For now, let's start with what I DO know.

RESOURCES ARE EVERYWHERE
I jumped on the internet and looked for examples of apparel related business plans. I didn't get too far because most sites require you to pay for such information and it seems kind of generic and gimmicky. I thought about buying the book "Business Plans for Dummies," but decided that might be dumb. Then I remembered my friend talking about SCORE, which is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide.

Their website is a great resource and I quickly found a page full of sample downloads and free Interactive training courses. I found a business plan template and have made it my official guide. I also scheduled an appointment in January to meet with a Counselor. My goal is to work face to face with the counselor as I tailor my business plan. SCORE usually pairs entrepreneurs up with someone in a related industry, however the Columbus branch doesn't have a match for me.
I decided to meet with a random counselor anyways because a fresh perspective can't hurt. After all, my goal is for the business plan to make sense to all who read it. I have to be open to outside critiques and find a way to articulate the plan in a way that is clear for everyone.

So, my DAY 2 offering is a visit to SCORE's website.
WWW.SCORE.COM

Consider this Day 1

2008-12-16T22:24:00.008-05:00

Evolving the Delicious Tees Brand-A new beginning

Ever since I started this blog, I have felt guilty about repeatedly abandoning it. My reasoning, I guess is because I never actually knew what I wanted to do with it. It took me forever to understand what the term "blog" meant. Then, I think some wise person told me to use it as a marketing tool. Connect to other sites, share links, get on other blogs etc. But I never thought I had anything valuable to share with the blogging world. So, here I am a year into this blog commitment and I'm finally asking myself, "girl, whatcha wanna do here?"
And now I know.

I used to feel like I was on the brink of something big and that I would write about life when things got interesting. Probably not the best perspective, I know. But this summer proved to be a pivotal point of departure into the next phase of life for me and so, things really got interesting and exciting.

I put my head on straight and cut through some layers, cut through some fear. I realized that I sabotage every big project I take on. I get scared when things start to materialize, feel unworthy of success, get stuck in my head and then just let things slip away. My greatest weakness as a creative individual has been the lack of confidence with the follow through. So, I confronted the fear and got real with myself and the reality of the situation changed. My eyes grew wider, I saw things differently. I was finally able to see that my resources are abundant and I have a great thing going here.

I read somewhere that "stress happens when your mind resists what is." My whole life, I listened to outside perspectives to give me direction, rather than trusting my gut. This has caused me so many years of pointless, self inflicted anxiety. So, I started going with the flow of life, rather than resisting what is. What I have found is what others might call "accepting ones own destiny." I call it aligning with self. It's a calm feeling that life is good and I am in the perfect place. I can not fail as long as I am connected to my true self. I will succeed in all I do because I am focused and centered.

I am here to offer something to the world. I feel the pull to express a message of unity and love through apparel, creative collaboration and service. I have been attracted into a forward thinking energy where like minded individuals coexist to make a mark on humanity and reach their highest potential.

LIfe is good. Delicious Tees is successful and the evolution is happening right in front of my eyes, only now my eyes are really open. It's all happening one step at a time and I would like to blog about the process.

Consider this Day 1.

2008-11-22T01:04:00.006-05:00

Indieology is a group of woman artists and designers in Columbus who unite for the purpose of social networking, support and career growth. The group is open to all members and students in the arts community. We are looking for fine artists, graphic designers, fashion designers, photographers, crafters, gallery coordinators and business owners to join. There is no fee to join the group. We just ask that you bring an open mind.

VISIT OUR MYSPACE PAGE:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=430827070

2008-09-04T11:48:00.001-04:00

I am grateful for every day...for every seemingly insignificant moment that has led me here. This journey is so much more about love prevailing over fear than it is about selling t-shirts. Delicious Tees has been the catalyst for these incredibly intense feelings I experience daily and it leads me to believe that what I am doing will go so far beyond a t-shirt company. I am here to be an instrument of peace and love, the message expressed in Tee #6. Every time I wear that tee, I think "wow, this is certainly art in action," wouldn't you agree?

Summer Festivals

2008-08-17T15:57:00.005-04:00

Delicious Tees participated in its first festival this summer. Comfest (Community Unity Festival) in Columbus proved to be a positive experience for this grass roots company. My favorite part of a festival setting is being able to talk directly to my customers, expressing my message first hand. The reception was amazing and we look forward to making our festival rounds in neighboring city's and states in 2009.

Contest Winner

2008-03-26T12:51:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to our Spring Giveaway winner-Christie Santucci from Cleveland, Ohio

Thanks for all who played! We look forward to featuring more giveaways in the future.

Spread the love!

Delicious Tees+Les Chic Boutique Giveaway

2008-03-17T19:59:00.024-04:00

The only thing better than warm weather, flip flops and a perfect fitting t-shirt, is a great accessory to tie everything together. So, Delicious Tees has teamed up with Les Chic Boutique to offer a Special Spring Giveaway.

Just follow these easy directions to enter the contest:

-Go to Les Chic's site:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5033942
-There are 3 featured jewelry items at the top of the page. One of those items has the same name as a Delicious Tee. What is that name?
(You can reference all 10 Delicious Tees by visiting our webstore: shopdelicioustees.com)
-Be the 10th person to email the answer to:

jillian [at] lovedelicioustees.com and you will win both items featured above: "Instrument" t-shirt and the Jade Flower Ring

While you're on Les Chic's site, feel free to browse around and check out the rest of Leslie's amazing collection.
Thanks for all the love and support! We will follow up when we have a winner
Happy Spring + Spread the love!

She's at it Again!

2008-03-16T22:51:00.004-04:00

Here's our pal, Nicole...out to a nice dinner with her Custom Delicious Tee on. "I am" printed on red (it's usually on white).
Nicole is the only member of the Delicious Tee community who gets custom tees. It's the least we can do for our best customer. Plus, she's so adorable, how can you resist!
Be sure to check back in soon and see where else Nicole wear's her Delicious Tees!

GREAT FIND-RUMPLO

2008-03-15T22:06:00.006-04:00

I LOVE THE T-SHIRT COMMUNITY!
I found a great site today called Rumplo.
http://www.rumplo.com/
They are equally supportive of t-shirt fans as well as tee designers. "Rumplo makes it easy to browse, search, and subscribe to incredible artist-produced tees from around the world." I posted the entire Delicious Tees collection on Rumplo today and the versatility of social networking allows me to reach a much broader audience. In addition, I get a taste of what other designers are putting out there. Plus, it's flipin' free! Good stuff!
Here is a screen shot of one tee page on Rumplo. Check it out!

The Story behind Tee #3- DUALITY"

2008-02-15T16:45:00.005-05:00

It's a good day to write about tee 3, "Duality"... But I guess every day is a good day to write about Fear and Love, which is exactly what this tee expresses. I love the subtle blend of text and art. And when you go deeper, the words present themselves loud and clear. "Fear" and "Love."

This tee is truly inspired! A simple realization brought me to a turning point of enlightenment a few years back. The realization that Hate is not the opposite of LOVE, Fear is. This realization changed my view of the world. Perspective was realigned towards an attitude of "Everything is possible...that is to say if Fear is put aside." I realized that when you strip the emotion of hatred down it to it's core, all that remains is a fear. Fear can morph itself into anything, it deceives us, it taunts us, it obscures us from truth. So with this realization, comes an incredible sense of responsibility. A rededication to self. A heightened sense of awareness.

Awareness of surroundings and more importantly, of self, has allowed me to focus in on what my purpose is...it's all about LOVE! Designing T-shirts is just one stop on the journey.

"Duality" was placed third in the sequence because this is the part of the story where the dizzy girl realizes that there is nothing to fear anymore. Her roots are free to grow and flourish.
Excerpt:
"She acknowledged the duality of fear and love, battling like the forces of good and evil. She was overwhelmed. Her strength tested. Her roots weakened but her branches persevered and stayed focused on finding the light..."

To view entire story: http://www.shopdelicioustees.com/why.htm

Spread the love,
J

FUN FACT: DUALITY IS THE SECOND BEST SELLER

Support a great Jewelry Designer-LesChic Boutique

2008-02-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

There is an overwhelming presence of Indie designers on the internet, mostly woman who create anything from handbags to jewelry to apparel. Not only is there a presence of webstores but there are also many sites dedicated to gathering profiles on these companies and offering inexpensive ways to advertise and network with others. I was on one of these sites the other day ( I think it was Indiefriendly.com) and I came across LesChic Boutique.
Leslie, the owner, has the best jewelry collection! I have pretty specific taste and I would venture to say that my taste is in perfect alignment with Leslies' creative vision. I love anything that has an earthy, bohemian feel, a minimal amount of sparkle, copper metals and wood beads and adornments. I can honestly say that I love everything at LesChic. The pricing is quite agreeable as well. Check out the collection, I guarantee you will find something you love for yourself and something you will love to give as a gift.

You can visit LesChic Boutique at Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5033942

or check out her blog.
www.leschicboutique.blogspot.com

Support others who are out there doing what they love!
J

Rebel Spirit and the 9-5 work day

2008-02-05T12:01:00.000-05:00

Things can get complicated even when life is Delicious. I am like many independent designers--I work a 9-5 job and spend the evenings working on my passion projects and budding business. The days are long and rewarding but sometimes you just get burnt out. I feel, at times, like I am a factory. At my 9-5, people get to push a button and I am expected to come up with something creative and perfectly tailored and ready to sell in a very short period of time. Day is over. Repeat tomorrow. It's a service I get paid for and I am grateful but as I like to say, "the well runs dry sometimes."

This feeling, however, doesn't apply to my business, Delicious Tees. And why should it? Everything I do with DT's brings me pure joy. I would be lying to say that it is purely joyous to take care of the financials but it isn't so bad because it reminds me of how far I have come. It reminds me of how I took an idea and made it real.

It's human nature to find higher levels of stimulation in the things we create and feel passionate about. In one recent afternoon, I managed to squeeze out a new set of designs, (which I plan on introducing either in the spring or summer). That's 5 tees in one day. Now, don't get me wrong, the idea was conceived on a brainstorm with Rachael and it took about a month to actually sit down and do it but you see, it isn't about a lack of conceptualization or creativity, it's about a lack of time.

Here's the deal:
I want to take the proverbial leap. I want to devote my entire day to Delicious Tees. I know, I know, one step at a time. I never was a very good at being patient. My mind, body and spirit are literally buzzing. I feel impulsive, which is leading me towards feeling conflicted. I feel a sense of guilt towards wanting to leave my job and it is all rooted with feelings of doubt and worth. I am at war with this archaic voice from my past saying: "Why can't you just be happy with your 9-5 job?", " Why do you have a spirit like your fathers'--a spirit that finds it intolerable to work for the MAN?" "Why do you always need to defy the rules?'
There is a great deal of displacement that I have felt most of my life towards having a rebel spirit, but recently I have realized that this spirit is my intuitive voice from within (God) guiding me along. Here is what I have come to realize:

We have one life (that we know of)-- let's focus on the here and now. The mere fact that, at conception, there were millions of combinations that could have come together to create life and I was the winner is enough to motivate me for the rest of my life. My existence is blessed. I was validated at birth. So why would I ever want to settle for less when so much more is right here in reach? We are led to believe that our existence is cursed with a sense of lack. Then we are presented with visuals of the things we must obtain in order for that lack to be filled. So why, if I was validated at birth, do I feel as if I need to stick to the formula? Why, even at a job that keeps me content and pays well, would I want to call it a lifelong career when I can see the next 10 years being no different than today? Why would I want to conceptualize idea after idea but have someone else dictate how those ideas are marketed and how I am compensated for those ideas? Why would I want to stare out a window all day pondering possibilities when I can actually be on the other side of that window doing something for humanity?

It's a good life, I am a fortunate girl. But unlike the generations of woman who have come before me, I am not settling. They settled because they were afraid. They settled because the formula offered them comfort. They could coexist with others in that formula. And you know what? You can even be happy in that formula. I respect and admire the woman who have come before me. I am just expressing what I have come to see.
Things are different now, resources seem more abundant, mindset is changing to a more humanitarian momentum. So I decided to shut off the outside influences and let the fear work it's way out of my mind. I am going to reach my highest potential. Potential, which at this point, is a cluster of little sparks in my mind... but one day those sparks will further define and guide me.

It seems as if I have spent all this time trying to convince myself of something. I don't know...I guess I just had to get these thoughts off my chest. It's good to reassure yourself. At times, things can feel overwhelming and complicated but when I get down to the roots, I am reminded to take things one day at a time. After all, that's how I got to the present day and it seems to have worked out nicely.

Here's to constant growth, gratitude for what we have today, patience, persistence, and fearlessly pursuing a life of meaning, service and joy!

Spread the love,
J

Nicole Kesten- you rock my world!

2008-01-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

A big thanks to Nicole Kesten who has unknowingly become a Chicago rep for Delicious Tees! Haha. She is a great friend and gives us a ton of support. She says that her husband describes her wardrobe with 3 equally important categories, 1. Banana Republic, 2. lazy sweats, 3. Delicious Tees.
Thanks Nicole! More tees coming your way!

The Story Behind Tee #2- DIZZY GIRL"

2008-01-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

Sums up the first 23 year of my life... This tee speaks of the struggle young girls goes through when they begin to understand their individuality and place in the world. Despite having roots firmly set in the ground, a girl often finds herself questioning the very characteristics that make her unique and original. Conformity seems easier than standing apart from the masses. There are many masks that one can try on in order to conform but as time goes by, strong girls learn how to define truth from lies and grow to understand that the only truth is LOVE.
As my 10 year High School reunion fast approaches, I am reminded of the immense gratitude I feel towards those incredibly confusing years for the struggle (which really only existed in my head) made me question everything around me. And if I hadn't questioned everything around me, I would have never been open to hearing the truth.
God is love.

J

Delicious Tee Reviews

2008-01-18T09:06:00.000-05:00

I sent 2 Delicious Tees to Doug at tshirtwatch.com a few weeks ago. He got around to posting this week. The review is great and the pictures he posted are even better. Thanks a million t-shirt watch!
check it out at:

www.tshirtwatch.com/blog/2008/01/11/delicious-tees/#more-1286

Other reviews can be seen at Shirt Snob:
www.shirtsnob.com/archives/014998.php

Spread the love,
J

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-07T23:27:00.000-05:00

IT'S ALL HAPPENING

2008-01-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

It's all happening...Delicious Tees is a successful business..
Since day one, I have been modest about Delicious Tees, perhaps too much so. I say, "I am on the brink," (conveying that I am almost there, not that I acutally am there). I say, "when things take off then we can..." instead of accepting the fact that things have already taken off. I guess I have felt like I didn't want to jinx myself or come off brass or overly confident. That was just me being afraid. So, I am finally ready to accept what is right in front of my face. I have infinite potential, so why not go for it? Why be afraid to say "yes, I am successful," when success is buzzing all around me?

I owe it all to the art of positive thinking and manifesting my thoughts into actual things. Back in August, I started focusing on my thought patterns and making sense of how things play out in my life. I was kind of startled by the fact that I have been a "glass half empty" kind of a person all my life... I thought the opposite. Every idea, thought and dream I had seemed to dissolve as quickly as it came to life. And then when that dream went away, I was left feeling like a victim of circumstance. It's a silly way to think, a famililar, conditional way to think. But things are clear now. I shed those layers and I have grown.

So I just write tonight to say that THOUGHTS DO BECOME THINGS.. and the more emotion you put into those thoughts, the faster they manifest. It's a beautiful process. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I am grateful for every new day, every new challenge, every new face I get to call a friend, every collaboration that leads me to service and every moment that brings me closer to god.

Spread the love,
Jillian

The story behind Tee #1- "I AM"

2007-12-02T17:23:00.001-05:00

Let's introduce my sister Rachael by saying this: She inspired tee #1 "I am." And though this simple truth, "I am therefore I love, I love therefore I am" has been around since the beginning of humanity, Rachael was the person who helped me understand its meaning.
Picture it, 1995. I am a teenager growing up in a suburb of Cleveland. I am trying to define my individuality in all the wrong ways. I am emotionally charged, redicuously unaware and insecure. We all were. But there was something about Rachael that wasn't or maybe she hid it well. I don't know...I guess you would have to ask her. Anyways, it was during moments we walked in rivers, sat atop rocks in the woods, or times when we would just drive around in her '85 Mustang Convertible ( Ah, I can still remember the smell) that the truth of "I am" began to make sense. Rachael loved me because I was who I was, no more, no less. And I felt the same towards her. Outside perceptions didn't matter and though it takes much longer to fill in the cracks, the ground work was laid during those impressionable years. This is the time in which every girl needs to hear the words, "you're perfect just the way you are."
I remember after H.S. our visits were less frequent, our paths took us in a different directions. (Remember this was a time before we all had cell phones and consistent computer access for emailing--we've come a long way in a decade.) Anyways, I remember finally catching up with her one day when I was home from college. A year or so had passed since we last saw each other. She picked me up and we drove to one of our favorite locations. It was a fall day and were out hiking around some woods and I remember I felt a sense of urgency towards her. I needed to express a thought and I was so nervous about what I was about to say. Not sure why. I guess I feared rejection, which I know is silly but we can leave the reasoning for another day. Anyways, I said something to the extent of, "Rachael, I need you...we can't go this long without communicating ever again." I may have even said "promise me," which now seems quite pathetic but there's the truth for ya. And her response was simply "O.k." She said this in her classically non-chalant-it-is-what-it-is and it-always will-be-kind of a tone and then the urgency suddenly disappeared and I was left with a sense of peace. I was reminded again of what she taught me years earlier. "I am therefore I love, I love therefore I am." Distance couldn't separate the bond that we created in that stupid little suburb of Cleveland. We shared mutual love and love can't help but grow into more love. As sure as I am that the sun will rise tomorrow, I am sure of Rachaels' love. Her energy is alive and abundant and I don't need to see her everyday to be ressured of the truth. She is my sister, a visionary thinker and I am so happy to know her.

2007-12-02T16:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my Delicious Life. The purpose of this site is to act as an extention of Delicious Tees...my line of t-shirts whose purpose is to unite the collective spirit of woman. Please check us out at www.shopdelicioustees.com.

My name is Jillian. I am the creator of Delicious Tees. More about the tees later.
For now, all you need to know is that I have spent the past decade of my life trying to perfect the art of story telling. I used to think I was awesome but I really sucked. Discontent body language from friends and family contradicted the awesomeness I once thought I possessed. So I swallowed some pride, shut my mouth and started to listen more. A lot happens to a girl in 10 years...she stops using the word "like" in every sentence and so I think I am finally ready to give it a go again. Let's see how my dedication to this art plays out in this blog.

I would like to say that I am where I am because of LOVE. I am surrounded by so much love that at times, I actually feel like I could burst. This love has guided me towards an existence that is pure and raw and full of possibilities. So this is the place where I will express my thoughts, experiences and insights.

Art immitates life. So it isn't a surprise that I have asked my friends to join in, seeing as these are the woman who have inspired me the most. The woman who will be contributing to this blog are my sisters (o.k. metaphorically, not by blood) but sisters none the less and they have been instrumental in supporting me to achieve all of my dreams. Above all, they are unique individuals and will offer honest perspectives and side notes on life.

LOVE jillian