Our Christmas Party

Happy Holidays from Sweet Spot® Skirts

"Chaotic Poetry"

I am very fortunate to have such an amazing staff.  I go to great lengths to tell them daily how much I appreciate their hard work, creativity and loyalty.  This year I wanted to do something in the theme of FUN, which is what our company is all about.   (Read our Story)   Sit back and relax, I have things to say!   We met yesterday at our signature retail location in Downtown Vancouver.  Five women in skirts, ready for their Christmas Party.  

After a delicious lunch at Cheesecake Factory and a round of gift giving to each other, we headed out into the Washington Square mall.  Our hope was to find a beautiful Christmas tree, huddle around and snap our "Holiday Picture."  (wink wink)  To our dismay, Santa had hijacked the large tree in the middle of the mall for his own picture factory and elf party.  We instead went to Nordstrom and posed with their mannequins.

Such a photogenic group and my ploy to get them unsuspectingly into the mall had worked.  What followed was a reading of the first edition of 'Chaotic Poetry' by Stephanie Lynn.  I actually read this out loud in the middle of the mall, with a glimmer in my eye and a sparkle in my voice, pausing slightly when I got to the loyalty phrase.  An attempt on my part to hold back the tears of pride that overwhelms me, when I think of how much I love and respect these hardworking women.  

Twas nine days before Christmas and all through the mall

people are shopping and having a ball.

Why are we here is the question at hand

is it to look at displays both bright and bland? 

You have worked so hard , through this entire year. 

With only a hug or a thank you and for some a just cold beer.

We have struggled and achieved many a task

Your loyalty and belief was more than I could ever ask. 

Our stockings are hung by your chimney with care, 

In hopes that St. Nick would certainly get there.

While visions for some will be beaches and sunshine

Fun on the boat, swimming and fancy clothes to dine. 

Today has some rules, and let me tell you they matter. 

I am sure that this team will rise with a clatter. 

Rule number one, it is all about you. 

Rule number two, it is not time to be a shrew. 

Rule number three begins the show

open your envelope and count your dough.

You have but 60 minutes to spend this loot

if you don’t I get it back... with interest to boot! 

Good luck on your shopping please remember the rules

spend only on you... please not any tools. 

Last thing that I ask before you begin this adventure today

You need to bring pictures of the purchases in play.

Document your journey for all to see 

and a very Merry Christmas for YOU.... from me. 

When they opened their highly decorated envelope, they found 4 crisp 100$ bills and the task of spending it all on themselves in ONE HOUR!  What followed was mayhem…hugs and surprise, smiles and laughter.  Each had a difficult time honing in on what would be the best purchase.  One went right for the shoes, three pair and they were done in 37 minutes with time to spare.   At that same moment, one manager had bought nothing and with 23 minutes left, almost found herself sitting down in the middle of Nordstrom on the verge of Hari Kari.   The next text read for an additional 15 minutes, please forward a picture of something you bought.  LOL the pics were great.   

                      

In true Sweet Spot® Skirt spirit, the team came to the help of those struggling with the task!  We were victorious and everyone had a blast.

"I have never and I mean never owned a pair of diamonds!"  

~ she bought herself diamond earrings!

"I can run a three day event, sleep only 4 hours a night, stay on top of countless tasks…. but when it comes to spending $400…that was the hardest thing I have ever had to do! "

~but she did it!

During show and tell, one manager pulled out her new Michael Kors purse as her body shivered with excitement.  Hands were shaking as the deadline was completed but the rush of adrenaline was still flowing.  Our "Sweet Spot way" can sometimes be a bit chaotic, this activity did not disappoint.  It was pure pandemonium, super fun, overwhelmingly emotional and yet each manager completed it, thrilled with their extravagant purchases.  This was the best gift that I have ever given and one of the reasons I wanted to own my own company….so I can do things like this.   Just wait, what happens if I ever have "BIG" money!  LOL 

Part two was much more calm.  We went to Papa Hayden's in Northwest Portland OR, for a yummy dessert and tea.  Each manager received a thank you poem for their hard work and efforts over the last year.  I share these with you all, so that you can join me in celebration and admiration of the Sweet Spot®Skirt management team.  We are family.  Family is so important to me.  

Roses are red 

Violets are blue

You are the best store manager 

Oh it is so true.

Your favorite skirt is orange

with pumpkins and candy

Thank goodness Halloween 

comes only once that’s dandy! 

Your attitude is cheery 

and smile so bright. 

Ready for anything 

day or night! 

Thank you for all

the fun things you do. 

The store looks great

Even with so many skirts on your plate?

This season we celebrate

one child’s great birth.

Merry Christmas to you

From Heaven to earth. 

Roses are Red

Your skirt is blue

From shipping to accounting 

You stick to it like glue.

Wonder Woman by day

wonder Mom by night

Keeping it all together 

with a face so bright.

Sewing, packing 

or finding the tracking

Your versatile skills are amazing

Firing through tasks with your heels a blazing. 

We love your notes 

even with out the fluff

You get things done

and are oh so tough! 

On this day there is nothing to do

Just enjoy a Merry Christmas 

and know how much I appreciate you! 

 Roses are Red

Your car is Green

Smart and talented 

and ever so keen.

A traveling partner,

with ideas that are fun

you even slow down

when you make me run! 

Marketing Director 

is your job title

Your role to this company 

is lifeline vital. 

Even though we miss 

having you in the store. 

Seattle is a fun town

which we all know you adore. 

with many thanks and love

My wish for you

to have a Merry Merry Christmas

and maybe a cold brew!  

Poinsettias are Red

Snowflakes are white

You love your job

and your future is bright

From jackets to skirts

panties and more

You were running 

the minute your feet hit the floor. 

Creativity and calm 

is what you bring to the table

Inventory is your talent

and you are willing and able. 

Thank you for joining 

our fabulous team

You help us to complete

our Sweet Spot Dream

I can’t help but say twice

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

You are wonderful and nice! 

Happy Holidays from Sweet Spot® Skirts!

"We love smiling!" 

Much love and Happiness in 2014, 

thank you for your support! 

~Stephanie Lynn

Cold Weather Hiking

A quick jaunt up Multnomah Falls on a beautiful sunny day admist gorgeous ice creatures brings the need for warm gear.  Loving the new Trail Scarf decorating my neck, while providing warmth and wind protection.  The sunglasses held tight to my head without giving me a headache or indenting my skull.   With super warm tights, I threw on a Sweet Spot Skirt for just the right amount of 'flirtyness' for hiking!  My dog Bella loves the outdoors and enjoyed the hike using a few moves that would leave ice skaters amazed.  We made it about 4.5 miles round trip, until the patchy skating rinks forced us to turn back to safer ground.  Even in the bitter cold this hike was worth it.

Such a beautiful day and branches were heavy under the weight of the ice.  

Trail Scarf, Sunglasses and SSS Beanie!

Just the right amount of flirty and practical.

Frozen falls are incredible.

Multnomah Falls Frozen!

SKIRT WARS

Our Models at the Couve Couture debuting the Skirt Wars skirts

Here at Sweet Spot® Skirts, each of us in the "Fabulous Five" wear numerous hats on a daily basis.  We are used to helping each other out and getting things done (even if it's something we've never done before!)  In an attempt for each manager to learn the entire process from skirt conception to final production, we created SKIRT WARS!  Oh, and do we need to mention that we love to have fun while we're working?

Each manager has gone through a diligent process including sourcing and selecting material, cost analysis, organizing production with our sew-at-home seamstresses and marketing ideas.  The different departments have assisted when needed.  Each person has been very forthcoming with assistance, while still maintaining a healthy level of competition.  The skirts that each of us has created are available as a limited run and we're thinking you're going to love them!

Some of the ways for us to win (i.e. we need YOUR help!):

The skirt with the most likes/votes (Facebook album coming soon, please like and share your favorites!  Visit our Instagram and Pinterest pages, as liking these photos count too!)
The skirt that sells the best will also win in a category!

Stay tuned for blog entries of why we each think our skirt is the best, and why we picked what we did!
More info to come...

Let the Skirt War begin!  Thanks for your participation,
The Sweet Spot® Skirts Team

Feeling Grateful at Sweet Spot Skirts

 We recently had our annual Sweet Spot Skirts work retreat at Stephanie's beach house.  With daily life getting so busy at times, it is nice to connect together as a team over goal setting, budgeting, and brainstorming about how we can continue to serve our amazing customers.  During the marketing session, Samara asked everyone to write down what Sweet Spot Skirts means to them in a series of words.  Here is what we came up with: 

We each feel so fortunate to be working for a company that supports local women, and encourages us to stretch and develop our skills while truly feeling that our work matters.  We are very grateful for the support we've received and continue to receive with all of you:  our valued customers.  Thank you for helping spread the word, sharing inspirational stories and for every kind comment or suggestion.  Trust us, this means the world to us!  We wish you all a safe and happy holiday with family and friends.  The Sweet Spot Skirts store will be closed on Thanksgiving, so that we can appreciate our families.  We will be open as usual on Friday from 10am-6pm.

The Sweet Spot Skirt Team
Dianna, Mary, Nicole, Samara and Stephanie

Sweet Shenna Quilt #6- Cousin Love

 

Ranae, on right, is Stephanie's cousin and the recipient of our most recent Sweet Shenna Quilt (#6).  She lives in Montana with her husband Doug, an ER Doctor, and their two sons.  Ranae is going through chemo right now and is about to lose her hair.  Cousin Jean organizes the quilt making with all of our skirt scraps and made this beautiful quilt to offer Ranae some comfort as she goes through this battle.  The entire Sweet Spot Skirt team is sending positive thoughts through this trying time!  

On the left of this picture is Cousin Dana, the talented artist who painted our building in Vancouver, WA and came up with our Sweet Spot Skirt girl, Sarahn Dippity (pictured below).  Stephanie feels fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful and caring family.

Raffle: Win this Sweet Spot Skirt Quilt and Pillow!

Help Raise Money and Enter to Win this One of a Kind Quilt and Pillow!

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, our latest Sweet Shenna Quilt will be raffled off to one lucky winner. All money raised goes to a charity supporting the fight against breast cancer.  The winner is also able to select which charity will receive the donation!  This quilt makes a perfect gift for someone who needs a little extra TLC in their life.

Dimensions:  Lap Quilt 48x52, Pillow 18x18

Tickets: Purchase Online or at the Vancouver store

Winner:  To be announced Nov. 8.  

• Receive the quilt and pillow to keep or gift to someone special
• Select related charity for all raffle money raised
• Option to be featured on our blog and Facebook page with your story (or someone close to you) and the fight against cancer 

Background:  Since the company began 3 years ago, we have kept all skirt scraps and sent them to a quilting group in Wyoming.  These quilts are donated to many different local charities.  Fighting cancer is a cause dear to our hearts, as Stephanie lost her mom to breast cancer when she was 12 years old.  Her mother, Sharon Allan, was only 36.  Sharon’s nickname was “Shenna,” and in memory of her, Stephanie began a “Sweet Shenna” line of lap quilts and matching pillows from pink Sweet Spot® Skirt quilts. We have the lucky job of giving them to amazing women across the country who are battling cancer.

Sharing the Skirt Love

While cleaning her jewelry at her local favorite Rand Jeweler in Vancouver, Stephanie met Dana.  Of course, she couldn't resist snapping off her skirt and trying it on this stylish fashionista.  Imagine Steph's surprise that Dana is 71 years old (she was guessing 50's!) Just another day of sharing the skirt love and making new friends!