Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Tory Burch Re-Launches eCommerce and Mobile Commerce Sites Powered by Demandware

"eCommerce has been at the forefront of our strategy from the beginning, as toryburch.com was launched immediately after the opening of our first retail boutique. It has become one of our strongest growth channels and is a top business initiative for us," said Miki Berardelli, Chief Marketing Officer, Tory Burch. "We chose Demandware for its ability to help us stay ahead of the curve when it comes to commerce innovation and growth, and we are very pleased to be working with them to tell our brand story and enhance the customer experience."

The company wanted an ecommerce platform that would propel the brand's growth, provide control and flexibility and allow for fast and easy navigation. Tory Burch selected Demandware because of its strong reputation, success in the marketplace and SiteGenesis? prebuilt storefront application.

The Demandware SiteGenesis storefront includes best practices in usability, site merchandising and technical architecture, and hundreds of apparel-optimized ecommerce features. At the same time, it allows Tory Burch to incorporate its unique branding to create a stylish, engaging website. Demandware's robust merchandising tools, multisite capabilities and proven scalability provide Tory Burch with the functionality it needs to support its fast-growing business.

The new platform and design feature fast and easy navigation, sophisticated product merchandising, and social media and content integration. The company is able to publish Tory's Twitter feed and Tory Blog editorial content itself and syndicate it throughout the website. The on-site search features include larger product images, enhanced zoom, alternate views, better color swatches and a quick-shop experience.

Tory Burch fans gave the new site rave reviews on the company's Facebook and Twitter pages, highlighting its transaction speed and easy site navigation.

"Tory Burch is a pioneer in not only the fashion world but also in the way she runs her business," said Jamus Driscoll, VP of Marketing, Demandware. "Recognizing early on how important having an online presence was for the brand, the company has since grown significantly and is able to leverage Demandware's flexible and scalable platform to engage with its customers through multiple channels. We are thrilled to be a part of the company's continued growth and success."

Connect With Us!

  •     Twitter – twitter.com/demandware
  •     Facebook – facebook.com/demandware
  •     Demandware Blog - http://blog.demandware.com/

About Tory Burch
Tory Burch is an American sportswear brand with a global point of view. It embodies the personal style and spirit of its CEO and founder Tory Burch. Recognizing a void in the market for a designer aesthetic at a more accessible price point, Tory wanted to create a collection of chic, wearable clothing and accessories for women. Tory Burch launched in February 2004 as a lifestyle concept with a retail boutique and multiple product categories, including ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, small leather goods and jewelry. The collection is carried at 47 freestanding Tory Burch stores across the US, Europe and Asia, http://www.toryburch.com and over 500 select department and specialty stores worldwide.

About Demandware, Inc.
The trusted, global leader in on-demand ecommerce, Demandware revolutionizes how businesses deliver customized shopping experiences to consumers in the digital world. Only Demandware combines the on-demand ecommerce platform rated #1 by industry analysts, an open ecosystem of partners that extend the value of the platform, and measurable commitment by its employees to enabling client revenue growth. Demandware continually sets industry standards for market innovation and client satisfaction. Demandware clients include industry leaders such as Bare Escentuals, Barneys New York, Brooks Sports, Columbia Sportswear, Crocs, Hanover Direct, Jones Apparel Group, Lifetime Brands, Jewelry Television, Neckermann, Panasonic, Reitmans and Theory. For more information about Demandware, visi Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) t demandware.com, call 888-553-9216 or email info(at)demandware(dot)com.

Contacts:
Christine Major
Corporate Communications Manager, Demandware
Phone: 603-743-4534
Email: cmajor(at)demandware(dot)com

# # #

Tom James Company “We Come to You®” Approach Unique for Custom Suits

Tom James Company, the world's largest manufacturer and direct retailer of custom men's clothing, is experiencing record growth. In a market where innovation is often found tied to an internet initiative, Tom James' focus on 'We Come to You' service continues to prove high-touch is still very important to today's customers.

"Our customer is busy," said Todd Browne, President of Tom James. "He or she wants to look fantastic in their professional or casual wear, but does not have the time – nor the interest – in shopping. We strike that item off their to-do list."

The sales model Tom James chose back in 1966 was to offer this service face to face in the client's home or office. That personal service is the hallmark of what they do.

"Busy professionals do not want to shop," says Browne. "They do not want to measure themselves. They do not want to click through hundreds of online choices. They want expert advice and they want clothing solutions that are quick, discreet and allow them to get back to their life's purpose. And we are happy to oblige by providing that service."

"'We Come to You?' is so much our hallmark that we've registered the phrase," says Director of Marketing, Michele Stephens. "We've lived that model since 1966. We were first to do it and we do it best."

Tom James clothier for 30 years, Jim Poston, a Division Vice President of Tom James from Greenville, SC says, "When a guy heads out to buy a suit at a department store, he might find it difficult to get someone who cares about serving him."

"If he finds a suit he likes in his size, he stands for the alterations, and then has to come back in a week or two to pick up his suit," said Poston. "We can short-cut that process."

"We meet our clients at their convenience. We gain an understanding of what our clients like and need and, once the pattern is established, we can select fabric and details and be on our way in just a few minutes. Then we deliver the clothing in person to ensure everything is right. It really is a world class experience."

Often, Browne says, if a company says it operates using old-fashioned standards of personal contact, it's to mask the fact they've not embraced today's world. "Nothing could be farther from the truth with Tom James," he said.

"Our clothiers are armed with iPads to assist them in everything from showing garments to processing orders," said Browne. "Technology is our friend. We just use it to assist the process, saving time for our customers."

It's technology that seeks to not only save time, but give a professional great confidence about their appearance. Poston commented, "Most men are not extremely confident picking out clothing, especially accessories. We bring a knowledge that eliminates the question men often ask, 'Honey, does this go together?'"

Another unique factor is that Tom James owns the factories that make their garments. They own the mills that make the cloth, and they actually employ the people who construct their garments. Most retail establishments cannot say that.

"It's said that imitation is the highest form of flattery," said Steve Nucci, Division President for Tom James. "There are imitators of what we do, but none of them have the depth of clothing knowledge or the control over the construction of their garments. Over 95% of our product is made in the United States by facilities that we own and not sourced overseas."

"We make more custom suits and more custom shirts than anyone in the business."

Tom James offers a full array of professional clothing for both men and women Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) as well as sportswear and accessories. "We offer everything in a man's closet," said Ashley Johnson, a Tom James clothier in Nashville, TN. "It's really a full service approach. And we're a sportswear and custom source for ladies wear, as well."

With literally hundreds of fabric choices, Tom James clients can dress like no one else – another factor that makes them unique. Their clothiers can offer everything from entry level off the rack suits to a truly bespoke product like Oxxford Clothes.

"It's America's iconic brand," said Browne. "Oxxford Clothes is the last 'made-by-hand' suit in the US. Tom James Company owns Oxxford and we can offer it to our clients."

A visit to their website http://www.tomjames.com reveals hundreds of Tom James Reviews. With categories like Fit, Convenience, Service, Value and Expertise, one gets the impression their clients have come to rely on a service that isn't found anywhere else.

While Tom James in enjoying 46 years in the custom suit business, the company name itself is not widely known.

"We don't advertise," said Director of Marketing, Michele Stephens. "If you've heard of us, it's because one of our clothiers has reached out to you, or one of your friends has recommended our services. But you've seen our garments on actors and athletes the world over. Our clothing is our best advertisement. Once you've experienced custom, it's hard to go back to off the rack."

Combine that quality with the personal service, says Browne, "and it's hard to beat the options we provide."

Tom James, buoyed by a 10% growth in 2011, currently has 470 clothiers and is in expansion plans. They are hiring for 65 locations within the United States and internationally and recently opened an office in Dubai.

They also were joined by the largest direct sales women's clothing company in the nation – Carlisle-Etcetera. Tom James Company owns half interest, along with Royal Spirit of Hong Kong, in the company. The acquisition forms the largest direct sales clothing company, internationally.

Tom James operates 105 offices in 36 US states and 5 countries. It owns and operates 3 worsted woolen mills, 8 tailoring facilities and factories and is proud to say 95% of its finished clothing products are made in the USA.

For more information, consult http://www.tomjames.com.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Custom Clothing Design Artist, John-David Mohr, Reveals Ambitious Expansion Plans Through House of Mohr Interactive Website

After starting the very successful House of Mohr, a small custom clothing boutique located in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, John-David has decided to unleash his vision and expand his horizons nationwide. His website, http://www.mohrstyle.com, has been specifically designed to ensure that fashion-minded customers - of all shapes and sizes and from as far away as San Francisco, Hollywood and Miami - have a highly personalized, interactive and rewarding custom design clothes shopping experience. His new website gives clients the opportunity to interact directly with the designer and become a part of the creative aspect by choosing different fabrics, colors and textures to create a custom fashion design.

John-David helps women of every shape and size look great and feel beautiful. The House of Mohr regularly designs clo women's jackets thing for sizes ranging from 0 to 24. Custom design clothing inspires confidence, according to John-David and as Wilhela Cushman expressed recently, "Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her."

The custom fashion designer was recently quoted "I am here to create beauty in a world where style knows no size." He customizes a look for each customer's unique style, size and need. The House of Mohr boutique in Bala Cynwyd and the http://www.mohrstyle.com website give each customer a highly interactive platform to work directly with John-David by selecting styles and a wide array of colors and fabrics. Customers to the website are encouraged to intermingle very versatile pieces of clothing, fabrics, colors and textures to create a custom design perfectly suited to each unique shopper. The pieces can be mixed in a variety of ways to create a new look each time. Whether the desired look is elegant, low-key dressed up, forward-fashion funk, evening wear, after five-wear, or dresses, skirts, jackets, pants or tops, the versatility of John-David's clothing lines makes his clothing and shopping experience unique, exciting and economical.

This is what Susan says about her custom design clothing shopping experience: "John-David made me chic and sexy but at the same time appropriate, as well as unique. He unlocked the mysteries of custom made clothing and made the process very easy and comfortable."

John-David works to increase the self-esteem and confidence of his customers by making them look and feel better, one by one as well as one on one. A testimony from Sue states, "John-David made the most of what I had to work with. I feel that he understood my body type and used his eye and his imagination to make me look and feel my best."

John-David's keen attention to detail and his uncanny visionary ability to spot fashion trends before his competitors give his customers of all sizes and shapes a unique edge in the highly competitive custom fashion industry.

Some of John-David's designs can be seen in Dress for Success charity event fashion show video here shot in May 2010. Video produced by John-David Mohr in conjunction with Prestige Concepts LLC.

About John-David Mohr and the House of Mohr. While conquering the world of hair and make-up by keeping some of the most well-heeled women of Philadelphia happy and quite well coiffed, John-David Mohr has managed to find the time to develop a line of fashion to further extend his all encompassing vision concerning the world of beauty. House Of Mohr's boutique is at 203 Bala Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. To schedule an appointment for a personal consultation call (610) 747-0507. The House of Mohr website is located at http://www.mohrstyle.com.

###

Belly Armor: Radiation Shielding Maternity Apparel and Accessories Now Available Nationally

Belly Armor's maternity line shields pregnant women against radiation from cell phones, laptops, wireless towers and other electronic devices.

Address women's coats ing increasing health concerns about this type of radiation, Belly Armor's RadiaShield? technology is integrated with basic maternity wear to create t-shirts, maternity bands, and blankets that have been tested by FCC-certified laboratories to have over 99% shielding effectiveness against the range of everyday radiation (<10MHz to 8GHz, ~50dB).

RadiaShield? Fabric, a conductive silver-based textile, has the same shielding effectiveness as a quarter-inch thick sheet of aluminum. "It is machine washable and soft to the touch, allowing us to create versatile products that parents are excited about," explains Aileen Chen, Belly Armor CEO. "People are amazed at how light our products are. Expecting the heavy dentist-office-type aprons, they are surprised to find our RadiaShield? Fabric is lighter than the cotton found in t-shirts."

Belly Armor products range in price from $39 - $109 and are available at CVS.com?, the drugstore.com? web store, and independent boutiques across the country.

About Belly Armor by RadiaShield
Belly Armor by RadiaShield is the definitive resource for information and tools to protect your child against the risks of everyday radiation. Made with RadiaShield? Fabric and the highest quality textiles, Belly Armor products provide stylish comfort, convenient safety, and reliable protection. Belly Armor products are available online at http://www.bellyarmor.com and through retailers across the country.

Contact:
Aziza Ali
RadiaShield Technologies Corp.
134 W. 29th street, #701
New York, NY 10001
(212) 594-2222
aziza.ali(at)bellyarmor(dot)com

###

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Wholesale Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry and Sunglasses Distributor ApparelCandy.com in New Location Expands Product Lines

Los Angeles based wholesale clothing distributor Apparel Candy Inc. recently moved to its new location. The new location has a larger and wider office space and a 20,000 square foot warehouse. Despite the slow economy, Apparel Candy's sales volume has tripled over that of previous years. Apparel Candy has been a breath of fresh air from the number of companies going under year after year since 2008. "Reality is, not everybody makes it in the wholesale distribution industry particularly in the fashion and accessories segment," according to ApparelCandy.com's CEO Kam Javidzad. "In an economy where keeping jobs is top priority, food and shelter comes first, clothing and accessories becomes luxury. This makes fashion distribution a lot less marketable and thus becomes one of the toughest and most competitive industries in today's economy," he continued.

However, thanks to the internet, the company has survived the cut and continues to grow. The more than 20,000 square foot warehouse is home to ApparelCandy.com's new product lines. From selling women's clothes, the company will now carry wholesale sunglasses, fashion jewelry and accessories to start with on its online store with an ever increasing variety of product lines in the months ahead. The move is predominantly aimed at keeping the customers in one place to shop. While the move is rather risky in today's economy where inventory could be sitting in warehouse for months if not years, the soft launch proved to be more encouraging than anticipated.

To facilitate the product line expansion, the company secured partnerships with reliable and known brand manufacturers, liquidators, warehouses and importers for a regular supply of fashion sunglasses, wholesale jewelry and accessories allowing Apparel Candy to offer quality, low-cost, name brand or not, the newest, trendiest and hard to find products to its customer base. The expansion is in response to customers' requests and inquiries to bring these product lines available to its online store. The new development had been shared thru the company's e-newsletters, blogs, Facebook? and Twitter? accounts and online press releases to the delight of its current customers.

What lies ahead for ApparelCandy.com in the coming months remains to be seen. For now, business is good and the company is dedicated to keeping it that way. To learn more, ApparelCandy.com is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST). fashion coats online Call 1-877-870-8686 or online at http://www.apparelcandy.com.

###

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Style Fashion Week LA to Feature Retro Designs from Stop Staring!

October 17 will see many new trends and designs as Style Fashion Week LA kicks off its six-day event at the Vibiana in Los Angeles, California. The rockabilly clothing line will have a fashion show on Tuesday, October 18 from 6:00-7:30 pm, with appetizers, cocktails, a dessert bar and a performance by The Fondettes. The fashion show begins at 7:30 pm.

"Stop Staring! will be showcasing its Spring/Summer 2011/12 collection, which will include summer day dresses, sexy cocktail dresses, playsuits, swimwear and separates," said designer Alicia Estrada. "A big inspiration is the film noir. What I loved most about these classic films, was of course, the clothing, I loved all the pretty dresses and the way they draped and flattered a woman's figure."

With this inspiration, Estrada has created a wide array of pieces.

"I will be showing a great range of dresses, from day to dinner, to wasps waist cocktail dresses, to 1940s inspired dress coats. We have the sexiest calf length bombshell dresses, and the ultimate in sexy siren attire. We also have amazing 1940s inspired women's suits, yet they are so sleek and modern, with peplums and pencil skirts," said Estrada. "When I designed for this collection, I was really thinking of key pieces that I needed in my own wardrobe, being a busy executive."

As always, a key consideration point in Estrada's designs is the flattering cut of the clothing.

"For my collection this season, I have focused on drape, tailoring, and cutting a dress to wrap around a woman's figure and enhance all shapes and sizes, all inspired by the era of the 1940s and 1950s. I really want women to feel feminine and classy, and empower them with a great fitting dress. Fit and quality are always at the top of my lists."

For press and celebrity VIP RSVP fashion coats , email: afous(at)thinkpublicrelations(dot)com or contact Ansley by phone at 310-278-0180. For all other RSVPs, email assistlab(at)stopstaringclothing(dot)com or by call Mona by phone at 213-627-1480.

About Stop Staring!
Stop Staring! is committed to creating original vintage inspired dresses and RTW that empowers women by embracing and celebrating their female form. Established in 1997, Stop Staring! is the leader of original retro chic dresses and separates that flatter the figure and cater to a woman's independent spirit with timeless and classic styles at consistently affordable prices. Alicia Estrada, head designer and founder of the Stop Staring! collection, started sewing at the age of seventeen. Today, Alicia's love of all things vintage plays a key role in her design process. She continually incorporates the details of yesteryear into her beautiful and flattering retro-contemporary pieces.

###

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

NAPW Naples Local Chapter Invited Members to Receive Free Professional Headshots and Business Style Advice at Launch this October

The NAPW Naples Chapter held their official launch incorporating "Presenting a Professional Profile" that proved to be a smashing success. This event definitely delivered all the bells and whistles and received incredible rave reviews. Higher caliber activities, presentations and networking unfolded throughout the evening.

The meeting was held at PURE Urban Oasis, which is in the prestigious restaurant at the Strada Place in Mercado. Cindie Barker, General Manager, provided an unrivaled complimentary champagne reception with a fabulous menu prepared by Chef Oran Townsend and her staff. The upscale menu for the evening included their famous "Summer Salad" featuring baby arugula, sliced apple, bleu cheese crumbles, topped with candied pecans and tossed with an apple dressing. There was also an arrangement of heavy appetizers and hors d'oeurves such as PURE's signature beef and tuna rice toppers, Thai chicken skewers with peanut sauce, Ciabatta bruschetta, and mini beef wellington. Dessert proved to be a sweet ending with assorted sweet treats such as mini cheesecake and double chocolate cake. Cindie Barker, Chef Oran Townsend, and her staff truly exceeded expectations to ensure that the NAPW Naples Chapter would never forget this event.

The NAPW Naples Chapter is rapidly growing and gaining momentum. The chapter will meet once a month for members and non-members/guests by alternating each month between lunch and dinner to best accommodate a wide spectrum of schedules within the group. Each monthly meeting will include a designated guest speaker to bring insight and wisdom to those who attend, to enhance the well being and understanding of the complexities of being a woman today, or to promote charitable causes. The NAPW Naples Chapter aims to balance relationships on a whole new level, both personally and professionally. The chapter intends to raise the quality and synergy of professional networking and there are many amazing upcoming events yet to unfold for this gifted group of women.

The NAPW Naples Chapter will never forget the incredible talent and gifts that were donated for the success of the launch. Each contributor brought an amazing element to the event and added quality and value that transcended the promise of what the night held. The evening began with the locally renowned DJ Gil Blake with GST Pro DJ Production, LLC that set the evening's ambiance with an incredible array of eclectic musical entertainment. Gil continued to keep it flowing with excitement throughout the entire event. The music he provided, along with his charisma and interactive personality, made it a magical, timeless event that everyone will remember. As the members and guests arrived, they were warmly greeted by NAPW member Michelle Borders of Naples Network Services dba MyEnviro.com and Angelica Torres, guest of Kena Yoke who supports both her companies (Dax Enterprises and Island Piling, Inc.), and who organized and welcomed everyone with handwritten name tags and a raffle ticket to win exciting door prizes. Many of the women came dressed for the occasion in business attire. Some even brought a few outfits to find the right style for their professional profile photo shoot.

At the onset of the meeting, everyone was directed to the champagne reception area to prepare to meet the other contributors that made the theme "Putting on Your Professional Profile" come to life. While the champagne flowed throughout the evening, Heather Clegg of Gryphon Jewelry Designs and representative of Barbara King Styling set up a table with an exquisite arrangement of jewelry. She assisted all of the women getting ready for their photos and told them what to wear or borrow for the photo shoot. Her jewelry was gorgeous and her expertise as an image stylist helped the women understand what the trend is for the today's business woman.
John Spencer and You is a highly skilled and professional makeup and hairstylist team that provided superior service to all the photo participants. John Spencer's team includes his wife, Dawn Spencer and Christine Diaz who generously gave a crash course on professional tips for each woman's unique features and color schemes. John Spencer and You made everyone look fabulous as the women learned valuable tips to enhance their current makeup techniques.

All of the women looked stunning and resembled models getting ready for their professional profile fashion shoot. Another contributor that completed the "Putting on Your Professional Profile" package for the NAPW Naples Chapter was New Ground Photography. Alex Zankevich and Greg Zasinets were the selected photographers that served the purpose of putting it all together. New Ground Photography is a small creative photography studio doing big things in the Miami /Naples area and all around the world. New Ground Photography offers an array of photography services specializing in weddings and commercial photography. In the beginning, NAPW Naples Chapter chose Alex and Greg at New Ground Photography for the launch due to the high exceptional magazine quality that they produce and the testimonials related to their work. The NAPW Naples Chapter were fortunate to discover Alex and Greg's interactive personality engaged- the women participating to have fun as they created comfort and adventure for some of the more inhibited women in the group. Alex and Greg brought a box of props for the photo shoot that were used to create amusing entertaining shots at the end of the launch. New Ground Photography committed and demonstrated their generosity in their busy schedule to cater to launching the NAPW Naples Chapter's success.

In fact, it was announced that New Ground Photography will be having a private party at their studio for the NAPW Naples Chapter to select a photo of their choice from the launch. The date is to be announced. New Ground Photography is giving the participants a photo to be used for their personal profile on the NAPW national women's coats website as well as using the photo for all their marketing requirements. It is truly an amazing opportunity to have all of these sponsors assist NAPW Naples Chapter memorialize this major event as this is just the beginning. Once everyone got a chance to participate in the photo shoot, everyone was able to enjoy all the delicious food described earlier that Chef Oran Townsend prepared.

The NAPW Naples Chapter President, Margaret Jacobs of Florida Home Realty, Kena Yoke Vice-President of Dax Enterprises, Jaci Sanabria Secretary of GST Pro DJ Production, LLC., and Brenda Haschak Treasurer of Brenda Haschak Interiors were introduced. Margaret Jacobs discussed benefits of NAPW on a national level. Margaret Jacobs spoke of NAPW's new national spokeswoman, Star Jones. Margaret Jacobs and Jaci Sanabria had an opportunity to meet with Star Jones and will be seen nationally on television with her. Margaret Jacobs also mentioned that one of our members, Angel King was not with the group during the launch since she already committed herself to train for a triathlon event. Margaret brought up how the Naples Chapter should support her in her aspirations and goals. The NAPW provided black sleek looking journals with their logo to be distributed to the members as a gift which was passed out.

Vice President, Kena Yoke focused primarily on the NAPW Naples Chapter local level as she is the brains, mover, and shaker of orchestrating this marvelous celebration and other future projects to come. Kena Yoke emphasized how important the NAPW Naples Chapter vision is to provide an atmosphere of building and supporting while creating awareness in the community. The NAPW Naples Chapter will support charitable organizations in Collier county to promote many diverse purposes including, but not exclusive to education, economic hardships, and disadvantaged groups. Kena Yoke encouraged the chapter to support these types of underfunded organizations to allow them to grow and sustain in the community. She also communicated that NAPW Naples Chapter will be an integral part of accomplishing these goals that are instrumental in improving the surrounding communities and their livelihood.

Next, Kena Yoke introduced guest speaker, Heather Clegg of Gryphon Jewelry Designs and representing Barbara King Styling. Heather graciously gave her presentation on tips and information for today's business style for woman. She handed out a Fashionista Quiz and supplied a wealth of knowledge to the audience regarding their professional business image. She affirmed that appropriate business attire is determined by each woman's individual profession. For instance, an attorney would definitely wear something more conservative versus a woman who is involved in the jewelry design industry or a life coach. Other tips included the infamous question of whether it was acceptable to wear white shoes after Labor Day. Heather Clegg explained that although white pants were still suitable, white shoes were definitely not. Shoe clips, scarves, and accessories of mixing various metals are also in style this season along with neutrals, blacks, and navy. Heather Clegg also highlighted that red was the power color to wear while NAPW Naples Chapter member, Loyette Houck was already in style wearing her beautiful red dress. Heather Clegg gave a fantastic presentation and took more questions before directing the group to Barbara King Styling for more tips to assist women with their business style.

The next segment of the meeting focused on new members. The NAPW Naples Chapter board introduced themselves while discussing their businesses, why they joined NAPW, and what is appreciated most about being a member. Kena Yoke began by telling everyone that she serves as the Vice President of the NAPW Naples Chapter, runs two business, Dax Enterprises and Island Piling, Inc., and that she is involved with other groups in the community. She refreshingly acknowledges that she can give to the NAPW Naples Chapter since it allows her to give back to various charities of her choice as a philanthropic measure. She also approves of NAPW's higher caliber and is passionate bringing it to the local level. Margaret Jacobs, President of NAPW Naples Chapter, is a realtor with Florida Home Realty and is planning on opening her own appraisal company. She connected with the quality of what NAPW offers as well as embracing new friendships locally and nationally. Jaci Sanabria, is Vice President and Owner of GST Pro DJ Production, LLC. Her husband is DJ Blake who provided music for this special occasion. Jaci joined NAPW for networking opportunities and serves as the Secretary of NAPW Naples Chapter. Brenda Haschak owns Brenda Haschak Interiors and is NAPW Naples Chapter Treasurer. She decided to associate herself with the NAPW to create "endless opportunities" to network with other women before the chapter even launched.

More NAPW members came to the launch including Michelle Borders. She is the owner of Naples Network Services dba MyEnviro.com and recently won the Economic Council Development of Collier County for the company's invention of an affordable easy to use Internet based monitor for environmental conditions in one's home. Jocelyn Landis is a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and owner of Elite Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC. Barbara Hoff is the Founder/President at Yes Lord World.com. She is also a poet and author and has written 2,200 poems in 9 years. Marianne Oehser is a Principal at Between Two Hearts, which specializes in relationship building and counseling. Marianne did distribute a questionnaire to help further her research of "Surviving the Holidays" for a presentation she will be giving in the next NAPW Naples Chapter meeting on November 17, 2011 at PURE during lunch from 11:30am to 1pm. Tricia Borges is the Vice President of First Class Plumbing of Florida Inc. Her company's primary products and services include plumbing and gas services. Camden Smith is the owner of DREAMFly Marketing LLC. Camden's full service firm is one of a kind in Southwest Florida offering the traditional marketing services including branding, graphic design, advertising, and marketing planning in addition to website design, SEO, and corporate promotional items (pens, pads, uniforms, etc). Julie James is connected to Prayer Minister/Certified Life Coach for Breaking Free – Christ Centered Transformation and Coaching. Julie's expertise is in prayer, deliverance, healing ministry, and life coaching. Judith Ottosen is a co-owner and consultant for Tall Poppy Real Estate, Tall Poppy Management, and owner of Gold Shadow Enterprises. Her principal products and services include real estate consulting for investors, attending to renovations, sourcing tenants, management, and reporting to clients.

Michele Sfakianos, CLNC is the owner of Medical Matters, LLC and Open Pages Publishing, LLC. Her company's main products and services include certified legal nursing consulting. Maurica Hurley is a business development partner at DREAMFly Marketing LLC. She assists Camden Smith to market solutions that weather any economic climate. Loyette Houck is the Licensing, Placement, and Recruitment Supervisor for Family Preservation Services, Inc. Her company's major products and services include services within the child welfare system. Jo Ann Forman is an owner/distributor at MXI Corporation which specializes in healthy products. Marilyn Farley, RNC, ARNP, CLNC is an experienced, highly motivated health care professional, specially trained as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. Her practice is an independently-owned and operated company specializing in Neonatal Intensive Care. Her consulting services on medical-related cases relate to insurance companies, other CLNC's, and law firms.

Non-members came to check out the NAPW Naples Chapter Launch and among them were Janet Betten, Donna Hands, Carol Nargi, Raquel Garci, Cindi Bombard, Natalie Capone, Dani Taverna, Debra Carlock, Cat Foster, Fatima Khokhar Knapp, Renee Porter, Kathy Cleeland, Noel Rives, Debra Martins, and Laurie Rose. It is especially noted that Debra Carlock handed out 40% off St. John clothing coupons. Laurie Rose, owner of "Olde Naples Chocolates" and personal friend of Kena Yoke, made the NAPW Naples Chapter oreo-dipped chocolate cookies decorated with an edible pink heart for all of the attendees. A strong bond developed among the attendees as women shared experiences and stories, personal goals, and wisdom. The meeting was endearing, heartfelt, professional, and unforgettable.

Afterwards, there was a drawing held for door prizes. The winners were Debra Martins who was ecstatic to win a gift certificate for the jewelry necklace giveaway, Cindy Bombard who took the prize of a $25 gift card to Barnes and Nobles, Loyette Houck who won a $25 American Express gift card. Cat Foster was given a $25 gift certificate to PF Changs. Michele Sfakianos walked away with a gift basket filled with gourmet delights. Natalie Capone won a bottle of champagne. Margaret Jacobs and Kena Yoke ended the meeting with gratitude to all who participated, and to those who donated their time and services for free and the professional excellence they provided for the NAPW Naples Chapter Launch (DJ Gil Blake, Heather Clegg representing Barbara King Styling and Gryphon Jewelry Designs, John Spencer and You makeup artistry, and New Ground Photography). The launch truly inspired dynamic energy and created buzz, attention, and memories. The launch generated a massive amount of enthusiasm for the chapter.

"It is refreshing to see the NAPW Naples Chapter already making a difference and we are excited about what is yet to come for this powerful group of women," said Margaret. "We hope to be the trend setter of success for other NAPW chapters to follow."

For additional information regarding the NAPW Naples Local Chapter and/or NAPW, please visit http://www.napw.com.

Follow NAPW on Facebook and Twitter.

###