RVA Entrepreneurial Trilogy

Tomorrow night kicks off the Spring 2012 Entrepreneurial Trilogy brought to you by the i.e.* initiative of the Greater Richmond Chamber. From 5:30p - 8p at Troutman Sanders, the first event will focus on the patent process and have attorneys on deck to give pro-bono advice.

Tomorrow's agenda:
5:30 - 6:00p Mix & Mingle, refreshments and open bar
6:00 - 6:45p Panel Discussion featuring special guests:

• Jeff Rock Co-Founder, Mobelux 
• Heather Loftus Co-Founder, Plan G 
• Mike Bucci President, K & M of VA Inc. 
• Neil Cohen Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, MWV 
• Robert Angle Intellectual Property Partner, Troutman Sanders LLP 
• Dabney Carr, IV Intellectual Property Partner, Troutman Sanders LLP 

6:45 - 7:00p Q&A with panel
7:00 - 8:00p Reception with refreshments and open bar, with opportunities for guests to chat one-on-one with attorneys and established entrepreneurs about ideas, best practices and next steps.

The event is free and open to the public. You can register for the Patent Powerhouse here.

Following this event, there will be an Idea Mashup in May to pair creatives and start-ups. The series will end  in June with a competition for the Best New RVA Start-Up. Mark your calendars and stay tuned to Minimalist for more info as it becomes available.

Hope to see you there!

Christie Thompson

My Story in Belle

For those of you who know me, I have a pretty dramatic story to tell about my past few years of life. I like to call it "The Three Octobers".

October 2008 - job loss
October 2009 - major break-up
October 2010 - ovarian cancer (and the beginning of Minima)

Bad things come in threes, right? October 2011 was amazing, so I'm thinking my luck has turned around. In any case, all of those life challenges made me a better person and I'm thankful for that. Karen Newton (you may know her blog I Could Go On and On) wrote a beautiful piece about my story in this month's Belle Magazine titled "Spare and Change".


Sneak peak:

But the same day her legal documents arrived in the mail to create the company, Ziegler found out she had an ovarian tumor. The business she'd started had to be put on hold. "But having a vision of starting my business got me through surgery and chemo," she says. "I was so excited about it all, so that was the light at the end of the tunnel for me."

I'm thrilled to share my story with our city. You can read the full article here, or pick up a physical copy at any one of these locations.

Kristen Ziegler

Reorganizing After the Holidays

The winter holidays have come and gone. If you're like most people, your home is feeling a bit disheveled. Decorations and lights still out, new gifts without a home. Sound familiar?

Worry not! I did a special segment on CBS 6's Virginia This Morning last Thursday offering tips for reorganizing after the holidays. Watch it here.


Seasonal storage containers at Target

In summary...

1. First, protect decorations from three things - critters, moisture and dust. For most items, a sealed plastic container in a garage or attic will work. Some items that are extra sensitive to heat and moisture (like candles and wrapping paper) should be stored in a temperature controlled environment such as a closet.

2. Use clear containers for easy identification of contents. Buy containers before the holidays to take advantage of seasonal colors. (It's a little late now, but a good tip for next year.)

3. Store your holiday cards and holiday music with decorations. You can also take pictures of how you decorated so you remember how you liked things for the next year.

4. It's worth the investment to buy specialty products to protect your memories. $10 on a container over the lifetime of the decoration really isn't expensive.

Additional tips not mentioned on CBS...

1. As you’re taking down the decorations, discard any items that are damaged beyond reasonable repair. Donate decorations you have not used in several years and don’t foresee using in the future.

2. Get all of your received holiday cards together, update your address book and then recycle. Only keep cards that have an especially meaningful message or sentimental value. I keep 5 to 10% of the cards I receive in an archival safe box.

3. Take a few extra minutes to clear out old items as you’re putting away the new gifts. For example, if you got a lot of new clothing, consign or donate things you haven’t worn in a year or so. Discard or donate any items that are replaced by new gifts, such as a new camera, or kids' toys.

Contact me at hello@minimaonline.com if you need help organizing your home or office! It's what I do.

Kristen Ziegler

Fall Organizing Challenge

Temperatures are cooler and there's change in the air. The fall season is upon us and what better time to get organized? I don't know about you, but I always get a surge of motivation to tackle unfinished projects whenever the seasons change.

To help encourage fall decluttering, my Professional Organizing business, Minima, is hosting a "Fall Organizing Challenge" for one week. The challenge kicks off Monday (tomorrow), September 19 at 8 am and runs until Sunday at 5 pm. Send us a photograph of your most organizationally challenged space (at home or work) with a brief description. The first ten people to submit their projects will receive $25 off Minima's organizing services and a free phone or email consultation to discuss your space. Anyone who submits after the first five can still receive the consultation. We are professionals and NAPO members at Minima, so you can be sure we won't judge you for your clutter! All images and information will remain strictly confidential.


Every inch is maximized in this closet, organized by Minima.

The $25 gift certificate is transferable - so if you don't want to use it, you can always pass it on to a friend or family member who might enjoy it (think holiday gift). The challenge is for Richmond area residents only. Existing clients are not eligible. Send photos and information to hello@minimaonline.com. Get updates on the challenge and follow us on Facebook here.

YAY organization!

Kristen Ziegler

Matt Brotka & Salvation Tattoo

Artist profile of Matt Brotka, tatoo artist at Salvation Tattoo

You can't live in Richmond and not have a constant nagging desire to get more tattoos. We are the third most tattooed city in the country, and I'm honestly pretty proud. With such a high demand for ink in this city, it's no surprise that choosing the right artist and shop for your next permanent piece can be pretty overwhelming. There are literally dozens of incredibly talented tattoo artists in the city, but I wanted to share my experience with a particularly awesome guy and shop.

I spent a fair amount of time researching different artists in the area and when I came across Matt Brotka's work, I stopped looking and picked up the phone. I came in for a consultation appointment and went over my ideas and left him with some artwork. The consultation requires a $50 deposit that will go towards the total price of your tattoo. It also guarantees that Matt, or the other artists, will get compensated for their design time, in case you choose not to get the tattoo. Matt was incredibly kind and listened carefully to my ideas and concerns. He was understanding and patient when I changed my mind about a few things last minute and I ended up with an amazingly detailed graphic line drawing of an owl. His precision and professionalism was amazing. I am beyond happy with the final product and would recommend Matt and the Salvation Tattoo shop without hesitation.


Still high from the pain and excitement

If you are thinking about your next (or first) tattoo, make sure to check out Matt's website and Salvation's portfolio as well. There are many other talented artists that also work out of the shop. Thanks again Matt!

Christie Thompson

Moxie Movers

Last night at The Listening Room, Birdie Busch (a TLR alum from Philly) was onstage telling us about her friend, Jesse, who recently moved from Philly and started up Moxie Movers in Richmond. It's a moving company that focuses on employing musicians. As Birdie described it, "Most jobs aren't cool with you accepting a position and then telling them you need off the coming Thursday through Friday to tour." Moxie helps musicians pursue their art while allowing them to pay the bills with a flexible schedule. Apparently there's a Moxie in Philly as well that has employed many indie musicians, such as members from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah:



So, next time you have a move, consider giving them a try. I've heard great things, and am always in favor of supporting local artists!

Kristen Ziegler

Job Lovin'

Top five reasons why I like (er, love) what I do, in no particular order:

1. Organizing is one of my favorite things. People pay me to do it for/with them. Win win.

2. On the days when I'm not with clients, I get to work from home in my yoga pants.

3. I'm my own boss. I do things my own way.

4. I get to expense cool things like an iPad and new Pumas for work (legit, I promise).

5. I make my clients' lives better. There's not much more satisfying than seeing how stoked (and often relieved) they are at the end of an intense session.


Yay!

Starting my own business has been one of the best life changes I've made thus far. I highly recommend taking the risk if you have a great idea to start something new. Also, I've been making myself available for coffee chats about entrepreneurship (usually at Lamplighter) if anyone would like to pick my brain!

Kristen Ziegler

Gungho Guide

In lieu of our "Events This Week" post, I'd like to present to you Richmond's new Gungho Guide - "the definitive guide to where you should be." From their new site (which just launched on Friday):

"GunghoGuides.com is a place to celebrate the best things we love about Richmond. We picked the top hundred or so places that we feel contribute to the pride of living in this city. We wanted to create a site that presents these unique experiences and JUST these experiences as places you absolutely SHOULD patronize."

You can find info on food, museums, galleries, entertainment, apparel, beauty, retail and of course, events! We love the idea of consolidating all of this information in a city guide that's easy (and fun!) to search through. And oh hey - Minimalist is a featured blog. Thanks GG! You can find their free pamphlet/map in participating locations around town.

Side note - Anne Marie told me that a random guy on the street asked her if she wrote for Minimalist and then gave us a big compliment. Thanks guy on street, we like you too!

Kristen Ziegler

Goodwill Really Is Good

Most people think of Goodwill as that place we take our old stuff when we don't want it anymore. Last week, Ellen Thornhill, Goodwill of Central Virginia's Communications Manager, gave a presentation entitled "Goodwill: I Had No Idea!" at NAPO Richmond's chapter meeting. We toured Goodwill's Midlothian facility this past Monday to see it all in action.

The presentation's title was fitting - I really had no idea about all of the awesome things Goodwill is doing for our community and the environment. Read below for my top three "I had no idea" facts.

Minima: We're Live!

Today is the official website launch for Minima - RVA's source for professional organizing AND the big sister site to Minimalist. Check it out to learn about us, what we do and for our helpful organizing resources list.

And umm, did we mention the site is 100% DIY? Yep, learned HTML and CSS code...what a trip.

We're currently offering $25 off our organizing services to celebrate. Help us spread the word! Find us on Facebook here.

Kristen Ziegler

We Have a New Look!

I've been working long hours over the past couple of weeks designing a website for Minima, my semi-new professional organizing biz. In true DIY frugalista fashion, I decided to self-teach HTML and CSS code (that's been interesting) and I'm quite pleased with the results thus far. In anticipation of the site's launch later this week, Minimalist got a makeover. Minima and Minimalist will function as sister sites - one being specific to my organizing business, the other being more general information about the world of simplicity and RVA. It's so refreshing to create something from nothing - I haven't felt this excited about a project since my architecture school thesis!

Watch for the launch - I'll be offering a special "new website" service discount if you're in need of some organizing help!

Kristen Ziegler

The 3/50 Project

Visit The 3/50 Project's website to find simple ways of supporting and growing your local independently owned retail businesses. There's even some well-designed free marketing material for businesses to use! As an owner or a consumer, there's definitely some valuable information to be shared. Very cool.

Kristen Ziegler

Grand Opening: Storefront for Community Design

Hooray! It's official! The Storefront for Community Design is open and ready to help you meet your design needs.

If you weren't able to make the event on Valentine's Day, the SFCD is now open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop by to check out the new facilities and fill out a volunteer form! Not a designer? No worries! They're searching for volunteers from all backgrounds and occupations with a wide range of interests and talents.

Were you there? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Emily Jones

Storefront for Community Design

Richmond's very own community design center will open its doors tomorrow - Monday, February 14! From their press release:

"The Storefront [for Community Design] will offer affordable design services to Richmond residents that will improve our neighborhoods and business districts. Everyone who owns property in Richmond, from 'Ms. Jones' to 'Developer Jones', will have something to gain from The Storefront's programs. ... Community design centers in cities like Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Norfolk provided the model for this new organization which will offer services like schematic drawings for home projects, conceptual planning for commercial areas, community park planning, neighborhood facilitation and assistance working with City of Richmond agencies. The Storefront for Community Design is the result of the collaborative efforts of a committed group of civic and non-profit leaders, architects, elected officials, neighborhood residents, academic partners and city staff who wanted to bring need-based assistance to Richmond neighborhoods and business corridors."

Please join The Storefront from 10 am to 2 pm on Monday, February 14 for the grand opening and ribbon cutting at 1001 N 25th St, in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond. Visit The Storefront's website for additional information.

Emily Jones

Groupon

Did you know about Groupon? Somehow I didn't until yesterday. I'd heard of it but didn't really know what it was.

My friend Jillian was telling me how she got a $50 haircut for $25 through Groupon last night at Ipanema. She explained that you sign up and they send you "daily deals" that you can purchase. Another example she cited was restaurant coupons where you paid $20 for $40 worth of food. As long as you aren't a sucker for deals, it seems like an awesome concept! The service is free, of course. I'll be signing up in t-minus five minutes. You can too, just click here!

Kristen Ziegler

Voxy Richmond

In sorting through my most recent Valpak coupon envelope, I found an advertisement for Voxy Richmond. It's "an interactive social media experience for the fun-loving, deal-seeking people of the Greater Richmond Metro area." I liked them on Facebook (click here) and it seems that they run a feed of current deals around town. Neat!

Kristen Ziegler

Cast a Vote for NAPO Richmond!

Our NAPO Richmond chapter has received very exciting news! We have been nominated for an annual Organizing Award in the category of Philanthropy. Each year we've made sure to give our time and talent back to our community, either during Project GO or through other events. NAPO Richmond is the only chapter to be recognized in this way this year. Our partners Closet Factory and Shelf Genie are also nominated in the Best Closet Design Firm and Best Home Organizing Product, respectfully.

Hooray!

Now here's where you come in, lovely friends and Minimalist readers. Please cast a vote to support NAPO Richmond - voting is totally open to the public. It would mean a lot to us, and would help continue to grow Richmond's professional organizing presence on the map. Click this link to go to NAPO Richmond's homepage where you can read more about the award and cast your vote. Also, while you're there, have a browse at all the lovely people I get to collaborate with in the professional organizing business - what a wonderful bunch of supportive and talented colleagues!

Kristen Ziegler

One Price Dry Cleaning

When I was in Woodbridge visiting my parents awhile back, I noticed a shopping center that had a $1.99 Cleaner. I asked my parents about it and they confirmed what I thought - any item is only $1.99 to dry clean. A shirt and a coat are the same price. What an awesome concept!

I'd had enough with my local cleaner charging almost as much as I'd paid for certain pieces to have them cleaned (especially dresses and jackets). I did a little research and found a one price dry cleaner here in Richmond! Park Avenue Cleaners, located at 4336 S Laburnum Ave, charge just over $2 per garment. They also have fast, next day service. I live in the Fan and it was about a 10 minute drive up I-64 East. I waited until I had about five pieces to be cleaned and made the trip. It was well worth it! I probably saved between $30 and $50 - no joke. Give them a call for more information at (804) 226-1300.

This is a very democratic take on dry cleaning and I'm loving it. All fashion may not be created equally, but it's treated as such here. I'm sure their simple pricing scheme brings in so much business that they can afford to charge so little. Excellent strategy.

Kristen Ziegler

Attic Organization

Fall is here! The change of seasons is always a great time to get organized. The clothing/decor/etc swap is already happening, so why not take that extra step to simplify? Between back to school and holiday preparation, things can get chaotic for many households this time of year. No better way to relieve some stress than with an organized space! (And maybe a nice glass of wine and some jazz when you're done.)

This past week I helped one of my organizing clients get her attic organized. It's the perfect time of year between cooler temperatures and pending holidays. Here are the four steps we used to tackle the project:

Chop Suey Tuey

This past Friday, I helped one of my organizing clients go through her book collection. We sorted into three stacks:

1. Sell or donate
2. Keep
3. Unsure

Creating the "unsure" pile allowed the process to move fluidly, avoiding hang-ups on tough decisions (a little organizing trick called "shortcutting"). At the end of our sort, she had decided to sell/donate over half of her collection. As part of my service, I took the books over to Chop Suey in Carytown to see what we could sell. They bought about 3/4 of her collection for a grand total of $75! Definitely a nice chunk of change. The remainder of the books were donated to Diversity Thrift.

Chop Suey is a great place to buy or sell used books. The staff is super friendly and the multi-level store is merchandised in a very fun and colorful fashion. I spent about 20 minutes on Friday wandering the stacks and was amazed by the vast selection. Located in the heart of Carytown at 2913 W Cary St, Chop Suey should definitely be Richmond's first stop for book purchasing. I also love anything involving resale - much better for the environment to buy used instead of new!

Kristen Ziegler