Who knew when I created the Stick With It® palette it would morph into a multi-purpose, multi-useful little case! This video demonstrates using the Stick With It® as a portable painters palette.
This use can be very handy for artists that work with acrylic and watercolor paints. Also, it sure is a great way to mix makeup foundation and concealers. Not only is this handy for mixing, but now you can reserve your product by closing the lid- Tah Dah!!

In my testing we did mix a variety of water-based paints and glues directly on the sticky surface without harm. Once the product dries it washed off with warm soapy water or it just peeled right off. On my site you can look here and scroll down to see #2 that lists the products we tested, and some that we don't recommend that can damage the surface.

For a super easy and convenient way to clean up your case you can use palette paper, parchment paper or vellum paper. Simply place the paper on to the Clingfinity® surface, mix away and when ready for clean up, peel the paper off and throw away. On my Store page I do offer a custom-cut packet of vellum paper that fits perfectly into your case. 

Enjoy!

Everyone's thinking green this month with St. Patrick's Day around the corner. And while you may get green with envy from time to time when you see what others in your space are accomplishing, we want to say STOP RIGHT THERE!
​
Let's get green with INSPIRATION and realize:
1- You are not giving yourself enough credit.
     Take time out to reflect how much you have accomplished, created or designed. Your unique
     talents and passion have led you to some remarkable places. Continue to believe and take
     action towards your goals.

2- Things are not always what they appear.
     Looking at someone else's success, you have no idea the struggles they have faced. 
     Success usually comes after failure, or a pivotal moment that forged a new direction.

3- What can you learn from those you admire?
     Trailblazers, Freethinkers and Innovators have common traits. They have a different perspective
     on life, passionate drive and go with their gut instincts.  How did they stay strong in the face of
     adversity?  What challenging moment launched a brilliant idea? 

4- What's one new thing you can do this month to get one step closer to what you want to create?
     Do you get inspiration from nature, visiting an art gallery, page through fashion magazines, or is
     it found in the people around you? 

5- Where do you go to find your inspiration? Please share in the comments section.

Welcome to the first Monday of 2016. I have a feeling this year is going to be phenomenal!
 
Remember what it was like to be sweet 16? I used to spend hours writing in my journal, doodling my dreams, thinking about what my life would be like in college, do I really have what it takes to join the military, wondering who I would marry, and how many kids we would have. Although, it's been many years since I was 16, I still yearn for those care-free days of doodling and writing in my journal.

As this year turned over, I grabbed my cup of coffee, my calendar from the shelf and reflected on 2015. Paging through my notes I noticed it missed an element of me, my silly doodles and scribbles of fun To-Do's. It was full of serious lists and action items. I'm glad I busted my butt in 2015, and very happy with the results of my goals and intentions. However,  this year I will grab my colored pencils and doodle in more fun time with family, friends and 'me' time. I sure said 'no' to many social invitations this past year and I'm ready to play a bit more and enjoy this sweet '16. Here are highlights from my 2015 calendar, sharing successes and some challenges I faced and what I learned.

1. The Stick With It® palette launched in the Arts & Crafts: I have remarkable customers; many are very creative in make-up and create beautiful works of art in jewelry, scrapbooking, card making and painting. They discovered that a variety of small items could be stored safely and securely in the palette to assist in their creative process. In January, I launched at the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show with great success! What I learned: I love being around creative people more than anything, the way they uniquely see the world and are able to create an extension of their vision into something tangible. It gives me a deep sense of purpose that I created a product that helps them bring their visions to life.
2. Finally, we have our first new color…Sea Glass: For IMATS (International Make-up Artists Trade Show) I hand-painted four colors to test what colors people would like. I dressed up as a 50’s housewife and presented the colored palettes in white baker’s bags as freshly baked goodies from my workshop. Hands down Sea Glass got all the attention, and I worked with my manufacturer to produce the color in plastic. What I learned: Speak up! I had a little bit of push back from my manufacturer to do a custom color, but I knew I had the right color selection. Very glad they worked with me, because it is a gorgeous color and a beautiful case!
3. Featured in a National Magazine: After launching at the CHA, Threads Magazine did a nice feature of the palette in the New Notions section of their Aug/Sept issue. They made it into a cute little sewing kit. What I learned: I already knew this…but it was a good reminder to follow up, follow up, follow up. There is a difference between being assertive verses being aggressive. The ladies at Threads were fun to work with and I’m very appreciative to gain national exposure.
4. My website and logo got a makeover: When I first launched my focus was using the palette for only makeup and makeup essentials. Now that the palette can basically be used in a variety of industries my branding need to reflect that too. For the website we moved away from the pink color and went with a more gender-neutral blue and for the logo we made it more contemporary and smaller, more discreet. What I learned: I thought I was failing because I didn’t nail my branding perfectly the first time. The truth is my branding was spot on the first time, the second and now because I’m listening to my customers and following their needs.
5. Our family of stores is growing: This year we doubled our sales from last year and picked up 7 new stores. What I learned: I know the pain points my customers face because I hear their frustrations. I truly enjoy helping people and teaching them how to use my product. It ties in with my sense of purpose above in number 1.
6. Faced my fear of public speaking: I was a finalist at the InnovatHER competition funded by Microsoft. The finalists presented to a panel of five judges and an audience of about 60 people. Although I did not win it was a remarkable experience to pitch my idea. Shortly after the pitch competition, our local news, CW6 selected Hera Labs to showcase women entrepreneurs in recognition of Women’s Entrepreneur Day. As a member of Hera Labs I was invited to present my product. It was a really fabulous experience, especially to share that moment with my friends and fellow business owners. What I learned: I actually enjoyed it! I realized my fear of public speaking was nothing to be scared of. When you know your topic, practice your presentation and gain experience it becomes so much easier. Now, I look forward to the next opportunity.
7. I turned 50!!: It’s a milestone that I believe I’ve arrived at gracefully. What I learned so far:  I learned I must slow down and breathe. Seriously, you hear it all the time and when you have a To-Do list a mile long you think, "Yeah, I'll do that when I get to Yoga class".  I found myself walking fast, driving fast, talking fast, gotta-get-it-done-yesterday attitude and it was burning me out. By moving and thinking more mindfully, I hope it will add many healthy, happy and appreciative years to my life.

 
As I closed the final page of last year, I reached for my newly appointed 2016 calendar. I filled it chock-full of events, goals, intentions, aspirations, potential dates to see family and friends and left room for some doodling. 

​I wish this New Year will be your sweet ’16, filled with prosperity, love, confidence, and fulfilled sense of purpose.
 

Ah, the red-eye flight and yes, my eyes are red! I left San Diego last night at 10:45pm and now I'm sitting here at 6:15am at the Miami airport. Then one more flight to see my mom for Christmas. If you travel, you need to know about minimus.biz! They are the world leader in all things travel size. Click here for their holiday gift guide, our palettes made the list! Plus, I wanted to share with you three key items that I routinely pack for all my trips. 

VeriaLiving.com selected our palette in this years Traveler's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide! Check out their list here of 15 interesting gifts frequent traveler's will appreciate. If you are road trippin' it this holiday, click on the picture for great suggestions of items to pack in the car. Happy Travels Everyone! 

Got a biz idea? Hera Hub, a spa-inspired work space is the place to make it happen! At Hera Hub, I have met some remarkable women entrepreneurs.  These women are at the top of their game and many have been instrumental in supporting the development and growth of my business. Felena Hanson, the brains behind Hera Hub, channeled her inner Katie Couric for an interview with me and I share some advice on sticking with your dreams. 

We are honored that Lara Ford has given Stick With Palette such a great review. She is a professional makeup artist and graduated with a Diploma in Makeup Artistry in 2004. Since then she has worked on various projects with numerous high profile creatives within the fashion industry and her skills are in demand between Dublin and London. Her portfolio consists of runway, television, commercial and editorial makeup as well as promotional work for well known actors, sports personalities, designers and musicians. Please click here to read her review.

The Funky Monkey is your place to find the latest and greatest products for you and your family. Started by a husband and wife that are always searching for unique companies that will make life fun. Just click on their logo to bring you to the giveaway contest page. You must follow Stick With It and The Funky Monkey on Facebook in order to qualify. The giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!