West Elm DIY Event

Last week was the West Elm event I hosted & so many wonderful ladies showed up! It was such a blast to show the girls "how-to-create" the DIY painted mugs! It's simple, yet fun.

Firs,t we kicked off the event with some delicious mini-cakes by Sherry's Shortcakes - these are delicious Vegan mini-bites made up of organic ingredients. Then we served up some hot Chocolate - which was perfect for the chilly weather that evening! I then explained to the girls how to create their own painted mug & everyone loved it! So much talent - & perhaps even future artists?? I MINGLED with the girls & then we gave away 2 (framed) Cocoa & Hearts paintings, 20% off MADE BY GIRL + this gorgeous agate jewelry box!  I'm so grateful to have been able to collaborate with Wes Elm here in New York City - & super grateful to all the girls who came out to be part of this workshop!

The images were shot by photographer, Christine Han - all the way from Brooklyn. This girl was everywhere & shot all these amazing moments for us! She also has a cool food blog called 'Pantry Confidential' - which I think you food lovers will enjoy!

All in all, it was a packed house - (good news!) so hopefully I'll get to host something there again soon! If you see a pic you want to instagram - feel free to TAG it: #madebygirl & #westelm.

Where's Waldo?

Champagne time - thanks to my friends!

Images above by Christine Han

This last image is a quick shot my husband took of me & my friends who came out to share this moment with me! Love you all!

Don't forget to keep an eye out for NEW paintings being added to the Cocoa & Hearts gallery this month!!!

Did you attend the event? How did you like it?

Speaking at Love Your Life Event

This past Monday I had the opportunity to speak in front of several women here in NYC at the Love Your Life event.  My beautiful friend Lynette Lewis shared the stage with me as I spoke about how I started MADE BY GIRL, the many failed business attempts, including a CHOCOLATE truffle business. We also discussed the story behind why I started painting & how I launched Cocoa & Hearts, the desire to have children, the times I felt hopeless in my life, my faith & encouraging others to follow their dreams. This is one of the few times I've opened up about PERSONAL things in my life in front of an audience - it was a beautiful experience that I will never forget.

Lots of WOMEN came by to ask me questions after the event & one woman even prayed for me, which was really beautiful.  I thank all my friends & family who came out to see me on Monday & for all the women who read my blog & showed up, thank you for your support!  I continue to pray that God will open up more doors for me where I will be an inspiration to other women whether its through my business or through my Faith.

 The top I was sporting is  from MANGO & a blazer from Zara.

I also advised women on (5) simple tips to starting their own business.  In this video below, you'll hear me talk about one of my first businesses where I made chocolate truffles & how that DID NOT WORK for me!  Although I LOVE chocolate. Ha!

You can watch the video & hear me discuss that part - it's about 3 min long- enjoy! 

This is the first video I've posted of me on my blog (I think!) -it's very odd...but, here you go! 

Love Your Life Event

So glad it's Friday..... & you??!! Lots going on over here but I'm so excited to share that I'll be joining the wonderful Lynette Lewis in an upcoming event called "LOVE YOUR LIFE" here in New York City!  This event is designed to inspire, enlighten and empower – It's promising to be a night of inspiration for all women & I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of it.

For those not familiar with Lynette Lewis, you can read up on some more info here – She has a church in NYC and speaks all over the country with an empowering message to inspire women to find their purpose in life. I've had the pleasure of meeting her & being inspired myself, now it's my turn to speak alongside her at this event!
 
If you're in NYC, I hope you can join us to hear my story and be a part of this beautiful (and free) experience. You can read more details and RSVP here. 

- post by jen ramos  

West Elm + Me in NYC! You're Invited!!

Ready for the Holidays?

I'd love to INVITE you guys to join me at West Elm for a DIY project I'll be hosting! Come have fun, get creative & enjoy some sweet treats + a SURPRISE giveaway!  You don't want to miss it!  It will all go down on:

• Thursday, November 14th, 2013
• West Elm Broadway E. 62nd st. store here in NYC.
• Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
• RSVP at:  facebook.com/westelm/events

Here's the official invite below created by West Elm!

YOU CAN RSVP HERE

-images & styling by jen ramos

Kelly Wearstler Rhapsody Book Event NYC

We attended the Kelly Wearstler 'Rhapsody' book party hosted by The Rug Company.  Even though I didn't get to participate in Fashion Week, (due to other things I'm working on) this was a great way to kick off the festivities going on throughout the city!  

Rhapsody is Kelly's fourth book which offers a look into her glamorous life and work. She's by far the BEST designer, truly innovative in every way. Her background is interesting if you ever read about her - but that didn't stop her, she's a RockStar. Truly inspirational.

My assistant Daisy & I just arriving.

Tons of Rhapsody books available for purchase- I got my hands on one, then she signed it!

Here is Kelly standing in front of the Serpent rug, my favorite from her line. This rug is gorgeous in person!

What did I say?? AMAZING rug. It's like a piece of art.

She also has this cool colorful Ombre rug - what do you think?

 

my signed copy of Rhapsody

Totally amazing work on carpet by Alexander McQueen

Hamish Bowles & Kelly Wearstler

Even the bathroom was totally inspiring - don't you love the tiles??

Me with Dawn Cassidy of Enterloop blog!

Love Too by Paul Smith - classic piece

chatting with Kelly before she signed my book - the ring I'm wearing is one of her designs, she smiled when she saw it.

Daisy headed upstairs

- images by jen ramos