"Stop Dreaming and Start Your Own Business" 8 Ways to Get Started

Tired of playing by your boss's rules? Tired of wondering if you have what it takes to navigate your financial freedom? Wondering if you can make your dreams a reality? Wondering how you can get out of debt and do the things you truly want to do? Well, here's your guidepost ---- Very Basic Easy to Understand Rules:

Step 1: Get Organized

Get a day planner or PDA and write your goals - where are you, where you need to be, what you need to do to get there. Figure out why you want to start your business? Are you turning your hobby into an income stream? Will it be part-time or full-time? If possible, start out part-time and keep your current employment. You can use your salary to float while you start up the business. If you're just bored and tired of working for your boss, evaluate your decision. Perhaps you can switch jobs or take a sabbatical. Don't do anything drastic until you figure your true reasons for leaving your stable employment for the unknown.

Step 2 Get Information

Do your research. Be realistic. Just because you have an idea doesn't mean you're going to be rich. What do you want to sell? What is your niche? Who are you targeting?

Step 3 Get Out There!

Go online. Go to your local library. Attend workshops. Volunteer. Study the competition. Attend the industry parties, expos and shows.

Step 4 Make A Business Plan

Put your thoughts and ideas on paper. This allows you to figure out what you need. Describe the goods or services you plan to offer. Describe the market. Determine how much you need. Figure out where the source of your investment. How much startup cash do you need? Don't forget advertising costs. You don't want the business to be a secret, do you? How are you going to get the word out?

Step 5 Get Money Smart

If you're drowning in debt, pay down your debt before plunging your life savings or retirement into a new venture. Don't put your startup costs on a credit card. You don't want to rob Peter to pay Paul. Check your credit history. You may be able to use your savings or you could be eligible for small business loans from banks or other credit institutions. Overestimate your budget. This allows you to fall back on any accumulated cash reserves.


Step 6 Pick Your Legal Team

There are several types of legal entities ranging from sole proprietorship to limited partnerships to limited liability companies. Speak to legal and tax professionals for guidance.

Step 7 Get Started

You've done your research. You've met with the legal and tax professionals. You've got your financing. You've got your permits and/or licenses. You may start with an on-line establishment or a brick and mortar store. The main advantages of online trading are the low overhead costs. Online trading allows you to get your "feet wet" and gives you a feel of the consumer response to your products or services. If you're sure that a brick and mortar is your ideal route, then go for it.

Step 8 Get realistic

You may not start off with a bang, but remember its a process!!! You'll lose some sleep. You'll second-guess your decision. You'll wonder why you gave up your 9 to 5 for what appears to be a 24 hour headache. Don't give up yet. The rewards are great. The intrinsic satisfaction is priceless. You've dreamed about this. You've worked hard for it. It's here. Enjoy the ride!



-Mimi owner and designer of Boutique Mix

Letters to Mimi: What's The Best Sunless Tanning Lotion

Q: Mimi, I'm looking for the perfect sunless tanning lotion. I have an olive complexion but tend to be uneven and some of my body parts are lighter than others. I'd like an even skin tone and would like to know which sunless tanner you recommend. -Kanjri

A: Hi Kanjri, I face this issue as well and I depend on Sun Sauce to give me the best sunless tan possible. I've tried many different formulas from various companies but Sun Sauce is my go to sunless bronzer. It's a pretty scented lotion which you rub across the areas you'd like to tan. The best part about Sun Sauce is, i doesn't make your hands turn orange as long as you rinse them off. My tan develops within an hour but it can vary depending on what your skin is like. I also find it very easy to control the color so that if you can keep it on until you reach your desired color and then rinse off for an great even tan. Before using any self-tanner I recommend you exfoliate with a great scrub to flake off any dead skin. This ensures a flawless tan. Get Sun Sauce Here. -Mimi

Interview with Juli Lee of Julianna Rae

Juli Lee is the designer for Julianna Rae one the most luxurious and glamourous lingerie houses. Here are her insider tips on boudoir dressing.

HM: Describe your boudoir style in one word.

J: Intriguing. It makes you want to look a little closer and find out more.

HM:Favorite place to shop for lingerie?

J: Spain. This amazing country is often overshadowed by the better known kids on the block for lingerie, Italy and France. What I love about the Spanish designers is they have a much more fresh approach, less bound by tradition. It feels modern, feminine, fun and very wearable. Don’t get me wrong – the French and Italians do beautiful lingerie – but it’s almost like their designs have the burden of upholding all the traditions of lingerie royalty.

HM: What are some new trends in lingerie?

J: First key trend – lingerie is finally being invited to sit at the table with the rest of ready to wear fashion. Customers are no longer waiting for those special occasions to wear lingerie. They now want their lingerie wardrobe to be as good as their regular wardrobe and are upgrading their lingerie at a furious pace. You will see much more emphasis on fashion looks over basics BUT that means fashion lingerie now needs to perform like basics – it has to be comfortable and every day wearable! Another key trend is simplicity – clean beautiful lines with well placed trims and accents that flow along the body instead of constrict the body. Corsetry, structure, laces, and overwrought frills are on the wane – women are a bit tired of looking like old fashioned dolls.

HM: Who is your style icon?

J: Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel – She wore simple, elegant clothes that still made her look sexy. Comfort was as important to her as looking good and she made relaxed and casual still look tailored and stylish. And of course, she shocked the world by wearing menswear inspired pants and suits, but millions of us women are grateful for it now!

HM: What is the biggest mistake a woman can make when it comes to buying lingerie besides wearing a wrong sized bra?

J: Too tight, too sheer and too revealing are the biggest mistakes when it comes to buying lingerie. Less is not more when it comes to lingerie. Women look best when they conceal a bit of their charms, when they leave a bit to be discovered.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in lingerie designing?

J: The greatest advice I have learned not just as a lingerie designer but as a designer of ready to wear, also, is to not design for myself. My customers count on me for my design aesthetics but none of them have said they wanted what was in my closet.

HM: What advice would you give to young lingerie designers trying to make their fame?

J: Know who your customer is, or who you want them to be. It actually forces one to be MORE creative and helps prevent “designer’s block.”

HM: If you could give women a tip to feel fabulous in their lingerie what would it be?

J: Drape, drape, drape. Buy lingerie in a fabric that has fluidity, a good hand feel, and a fabulous drape – you will look and feel like the belle of the ball. Silk is great for this, as are very high end, lightweight cottons.

Belabumbum Q & A

Heidi Rauch and Alyssa Weiss are the co-founders of Belabumbum known for sexy and sophisticated lingerie. Here is Heidi's take on lingerie.

HM: Describe your boudoir style in one word.
BB: Wearable Vintage

HM: Favorite place to shop for lingerie?
BB: Intimissimi in Milan. It’s like the Benetton of lingerie. They make fun and affordable styles, and roll them out on an impressive production schedule.

HM: What are some new trends in lingerie?
BB: Shapewear, fit, and larger cup sizes are a big trend in the United States, right now.

HM: Who is your style icon?
BB: I have a real appreciation for the Marchesa Luisa Casati, the fabulous Italian eccentric, artist's muse and patroness of the arts in early 20th century Europe. She was a real femme fatale who transformed everyday life into spectacle.

HM: What is the biggest mistake a woman can make when it comes to buying lingerie besides wearing a wrong sized bra?
BB: Make sure your bottoms are not too tight to avoid panty lines. Don’t hike them up too high!

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in lingerie designing?
BB: Use everything! It’ll help you meet your minimums, we use extra material for head bands, nursing bras, baby clothes, you name it.

HM: What advice would you give to young lingerie designers trying to make their fame?

BB: Make sure your styles are supportive and well sewn. There is a lot of cute, but flimsy, lingerie out there. Even in the boudoir, women want their lingerie to hold parts in place.

HM: If you could give women a tip to feel fabulous in their lingerie what would it be?

BB: Don’t always go for the neutral foundations. Consciously pick the colors you feel inspired to wear and remember throughout the day that you have fabulous jade green panties on, or let a bit of your cami peek through!

Inexpensive Quality

Inexpensive buying tactics are easy to achieve. Opt for quality fabrics such as cotton, silk and wool. Compare these to nylon, polyester and other synthetics. Some quality textiles are machine washable and some can be easily dried either laid flat, or hung. Pay attention to details such as seams and button styles. Are the buttons easy or difficult to fasten? Does the zipper close all the way, or does it easily get cought on the fabric? Another important issue are hemlines. Where do they fall on your arms, legs, waist? Are they practical for your body type? If you have any question, either buy a different size or choose an alternate, yet similar label with designs you are attracted to. Always shop with your heart, and never just by someone else's opinion. Stay true to yourself and try to keep your shopping experiences positive, because it will show when you wear that outfit outside of the store.

Let’s Get Chic, Mommies!

Contributed by Kim www.mommyweardaily.com
So we have a new job, with a new body, new van and a constant companion who is explosive, from top to bottom. Getting dressed seems too much? Exhausted at the thought? We are still working and don’t have to surrender to sweats and Crocs in this new gig called Mommy.
Let’s take this Mom job up a notch and chic it up, which does not mean buying black Crocs. We can be current and chic by deciding to simply get dressed, really dressed, like you used to. We are our children’s agents and should dress to work for them, the new boss notices! (and maybe the boss’s father? ) Still exhausted at the thought? Here are some tips to chic yourself up this spring and get noticed, people might remember your name instead of only junior’s.

Let’s start down under and get fitted for bras and panties. A proper fit will definitely put a lift in your day. http://www.barenecessities.com/

Don’t be afraid of the dress.The shift dress is still big as we head into spring, looks fabulous and is comfortable and easy. Really! http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Buy real shoes. A cute ballet flat and a good boot will work with most outfits and will put some kick and cute in your Mommy steps. http://www.londonsole.com/

Get a fabulous new pair of jeans. Spend the time and invest in a great pair of denim. It can be like trying on bathing suits but keep going you will know when you find the hot pair! I am a big fan of Paige Premium Denim and her web site will fit you in the right style for your body. http://www.paigepremiumdenim.com/

Finally, grab some gloss and lube up those lips, you might even notice yourself! NARS Orgasm Gloss, why not? http://www.narscosmetics.com/

Being a Mommy is not easy but we can get through with a little lift, a dress, a jean, new soles, gloss and a great big bag loaded with necessities of the new job, Mom. Don’t be afraid Mommies. Chic is easier than you think.

Kim is the author of www.MommyWearDaily.com, the what to wear and where to find it for the modern mommy.

Dressing Smart and Stylish for the Office

Contributed by Gabriel Wood

The highlight of a working mans day is the opportunity to show off his wardrobe. This opportunity is usually given to him before work, during lunch and after work, which is usually accompanied with a 5 o’clock shadow.

For example:

1. Plain white or pastel coloured shirts are a preferred option but once in a while opt for a deeper colour such as silver, purple, red or black.

2. Invest in a good range of ties. Choose medium or slim cuts apposed to a big bulky footballer’s choker. Stripes, polka dots and solids are fine. Cartoon characters and dinosaurs are not.

3. Grey scale suits are flooding the runways at the moment, and rightfully so. They create an effortlessly smart and professional look. Pinstripes are fine, however, make sure that it is balanced, avoiding over protruding verticals.

4. Generally, men dislike wearing over coats when a great looking suit is there to be elucidated; try layering up under your shirt to keep you warm and don an un-knotted scarf around the neck and under the blazer. Socks should always coordinate, and pocket-handkerchiefs should be worn in a square.

5. Shoes should encourage good posture and not persuade your spine to slouch. I personally love buying smart lace up shoes from Office, and advice others to do the same. Here’s a nifty tip: lose that sorry excuse for a socially acceptable pair of shoes, which you claim to be comfortable in. Instead, take an innersole from a pair of your favourite sneakers and place them in your new shoes. It will allow you walk much more comfortably whilst eliminating the “sense over style” black cloud.

6. Lastly, all personal items such as phones, wallets and keys should be safely kept in a briefcase or a stylish holdall. Bulging pockets are not a good look and may even damage them.

Dressing for work is similar to dressing for an event or special occasion, but not necessarily the same. Individuality still remains a golden standard, but it has to be done in subtle moderation.

Letters to Mimi: Starving Student

Dear Mimi,
I'm a poor college student living in New York City and as of late, I've been suffering from a major fashion slump. All I've been wearing for the past two weeks have been jeans (albeit awesome jeans) and tees. I want to add a little more glamour to my daily presentation of myself but it's very hard to do so with an 8:30 class, when I have to do my makeup on the ferry! Please help. -Starving Student

Chic Students Courtesy of Sartorialist

Dear Starving Student,
For God's sake, you live in New York where there are many treasures to be found for a pretty penny. It's easy to look fabulous without breaking the bank. Here's how:

1. Designer Discount Stores: I have stepped foot in every discount stores in hopes of finding a Galliano gown and have always been disappointed (even though I know it will never happen). But the hidden treasures i finally do find are priceless! I've found Oscar De La Renta sweaters for $20.00 at Century. Stocked up on designer shoes up to 70% off at DSW from the likes of Tahari, Versace and Steve Madden Luxe. I've also purchased great leather gloves from Daffy's.


2. Vintage Shopping: Starving student, I know you personally hence you'll remember the trips we made to vintage stores in The Village together in High School. vintage stores are the perfect place to stock up on one of a kind items that no one in your Art History class will be donning. I love to buy accessories from vintage shops especially big bold sunglasses and strands of pearls because these things will never go out of style. Pair the accessories on a clean slate (White tee with Jeans; Little black dress; etc) and believe me you'll look incredible. I also love vintage shops for their extensive collection of boho boots! My favorite vintage shops are Screaming Mimi's and Resurrection.

3. High Street Low Price: I, like many adore H&M and Zara in SoHo. They take their looks right off the runway. The quality isn't so great but at these prices who cares?

Now those are some of my shopping tid bits but may I suggest you learn from the French:

• Why do you think the French look fabulous all the time? It's because they are wearing the same designer outfit everyday. The French know that if you got it, you should flaunt it. Now I'm not telling you to spend your tuition money on a Dolce & Gabbana get up here but what I a trying to tell you is, Less is More. When you have less pieces in your wardrobe but you love every single piece, you will love getting dressed in the morning. Why? Because since you love everything in your closet will have a distinct flavor and your essence. Eventually if you buy everything based on what you adore you will have a cohesive closet. So donate anything that is not representing who you are.
  
  The French know that you should never wear synthetic fabrics. Say no to polyester. If you can't afford cashmere go for merino wool.




• The Power of Black is resonant in Paris and New York. It's one of my favorite colors along with white but to be honest there is no other color that can scream sleek, luxe and sophistication more than black. I build my wardrobe on black and then just pile on the colorful and bold accessories. If you do not want to be one with the dead then build your wardrobe on a selection of colors that look great on you. Read Basics of Le Mode for more help.

Happy shopping. xoxo Mimi