We're back! And what the heck has been going on in between?!

Since we have this new beautifully design blog space by Heart & Arrow Designs, it was only fitting that I write a post! Whit was a dream to work with and if you are looking for a logo or blog design, she is your girl!! Blogging is something I really hope to get more consistent at. As you can see, my last post was nine months ago! Ahh!!

So what has been happening around Love Mich Studios? Let’s see...

In January 2014, we gifted this pretty little clutch to the stylist of the TV show The Bachlorette to consider using on the show! Did you know the Bachelor/Bachlorette have a stylist?! Neither did I! We sent the clutch off to her and sadly it was not included on Andi's season of The Bachlorette but it was still a very cool opportunity and you never know what it could lead to!

Then, in February 2014, the MiniMich Boutique was launched become wildly popular very fast! I was inspired to create this line from my own love for my pillow person that I had for many more year than I care to admit! I wanted to create something that kids could also love as much as I loved mine!

Then in April, 2014, we gifted members of the press at GBK's MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge! We also gifted these gorgeous makeup bags to many of Hollywood’s hottest celeb mommas for Mother’s Day 2014!

The icing on the cake was the tweet I go from Jennifer Love Hewitt! WHAAAAAT!

In the midst of all that awesomeness, I finally got myself some sewing help! Meet Jamie! She is fantastic. Not only is she the sweetest thing ever, she is has an incredible attention to detail and that makes me so very happy! My hope is that between the two of us we can switch over the ready-made products as opposed to made-to-order and shorten the time on bridal orders, fingers crossed!!

Some truly exciting things happening over here and I can't wait to see what else is in store for us! I promise to try to continue updating the blog more! I know behind-the-scenes of anything is my favorite so I hope it is yours too!

Holiday Shopping 2013 Giveaway!

Okay, get excited!

I am happy to announce that we have a HUGE amazing giveaway for you lovers of all things fabulous and small business-oriented!

This prize pack (with a retail value of $210!) includes a lovely wristlet and cozy set featuring our charcoal sparrow print from yours truly, a bold statement necklace from Two Stylish Sisters perfect to compliment that special holiday outfit, a lovely boot cuff and slouchy hat set handmade by For the Love of Crochet, a delicious Tastefully Simple My Mug Cake gift set from consultant Sue Kristoff, and a Mary Kay Vanilla Sugar Satin Hands Pampering Set from consultant Jocelyn!

I'm pretty sure we have you covered in every possible way you could want to treat yourself! There are lots of opportunities for entries, so do them all and share with your friends for your best chance of winning! This giveaway will run from Sunday 11/24 through Cyber Monday 12/2 at 11:59 pm. Also, be sure to stay tuned for upcoming sales and specials (can you say Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, people??) from us at The Love, Mich Collection as well as the other sponsors in this giveaway! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Love, Mich Collection to Participate in Luxury Gift Lounge in Honor of The 2013 NY Fashion Week

  Something super exciting over here....
:: FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE ::

We're pleased to announce The Love, Mich Collection in association with The Artisan Group, will participate in an invitation-only luxury celebrity gift lounge hosted by GBK Productions on September 6-7, 2013 at an exclusive location in New York, in honor of The 2013 New York Fashion Week.

All attending celebrities will receive our handcrafted Tri-Gray Square Zippys in their swag bags.

To learn more about The Love, Mich Collection and our products, or our participation in this exclusive event, visit www.ilovemich.com  or email michelle@ilovemich.com.

Michelle Provencher, The Love, Mich Collection’s sole proprietor, is a native of Agawam, Massachusetts and a current resident of Springfield, Massachusetts.

For press inquiries regarding The Artisan Group, please visit http://www.theartisangroup.org or email press@theartisangroup.org.

:: END ::

Dreams, Hopes and Aspirations...

SO I'm going to just preface this post (and all following posts) by saying - I'm going to try to keep it real with you guys. You really want to know what it's like in LoveMich land? Well, I want to share my story so there will be a whole lot of honesty up in here from now on. 

This post was inspired by Casey @ The Wiegands! She has such a beautiful blog and a way of writing that is so special and makes you feel like you know her in “real life.” I read this post and it was almost like she was reading my mind and talking directly to ME. Take a second and go read it!

I've been feeling…well…I don’t know even know what the right words are to describe it…but off lately. Analogies work for me so let me try explaining this way… you know when you are, let’s say going for a run (not often over here but good for analogy purpose) and you are half way through and it is getting HARD like you think you might not make it another step, half of you says just throw in the towel, you made it pretty far already and its time to just let it go, plenty of people quit. And then the other half of you says, look, I know it’s hard, it’s supposed to be, and that’s why the payoff is so rewarding. You can do this, keep you head down and just keep going.

 {photo source} {purchase this print HERE}

Well that is kind of what my mind is like lately. This is for a variety of reasons. It wasn't just one event but more of an accumulation of things and the upcoming 5 year anniversary of the creation of LoveMich.  I knew it would be challenging and I knew that it would be a long road to achieve the dreams I have for this business and myself. Sometimes I am that runner mid-way through the race that just doesn't know if she can take one more step, sew one more stitch, or take one more sting to her “tough skin.”  Oops looks like I went a little off the runner analogy there. Get the idea?

Then I read Casey’s post. Finally, someone else that thought like me and said it out loud! And THEN I found a chocolate in my lunch bag and it was one of those delicious Dove Milk Chocolate ones and the message inside said “Make a list of your dreams.” Like girlfriend needed a more obvious sign than that??

 {photo source} {purchase these prints HERE} 

Sometimes we have to be reminded that dreams are real and they are possible. If no one ever chased their dreams, would we even have actors/actresses, singers, famous designers or even the technology that we have? Someone pursued those careers or created those inventions because they believed in themselves and so did their support system. They knew that if they just kept going a little longer, it would happen.

 {photo source} {purchase this HERE}

Sometimes I have to be reminded of that. And here I am to remind YOU too. Your dream doesn't have to be quitting your job and owning your own business. Not all dreams mean something to do with a career. A lot of times they mean being happy, having a place to call home and a family. Whatever your dream is, believe in it and pursue it, because you deserve it. 

P.S. All of the prints I sourced are shops on Etsy and the copyrights belong to them. Please be nice and don't steal the images, go purchase yourself the print and support another artist's dream!

WANTED: An Apprentice

Hey everyone!

I am looking for an apprentice. I have decided that in order to produce the quality of product that has become the brand of LoveMich then I will have to train someone to have the type of attention to detail and passion that I do.  

You do not need to have an extensive knowledge of sewing as I had originally thought I would need in an assistant.  Actually, the opposite seems like it will make more sense. If you are learning from the get-go the way that I do things at LoveMich then we aren't breaking old habits and trying to re-learn something in a different way than you are used to.

Here is the nitty-gritty of it: I will teach you to sew LoveMich products consistent with the way I do them myself and with the same quality and pride in the end result, in exchange you are learning knowledge of sewing accessories that normally you would be paying at least $50 a class for. After a few weeks if we both agree that you can handle sewing our products on your own with the same attention to detail and care that I do, then you will be compensated at a per-piece rate from that point forward.

Yes, I am particular and it is very important to me that my sewing assistant has the same need for perfection and quality results as the LoveMich community has become accustomed to and the brand that we represent.

So – if you have a passion for the handmade community, you want to learn how to sew the way LoveMich does, you have a schedule that mirrors mine (I usually have time to sew nights and weekends) and you aren't afraid of a large snuggly puppy and a stuffed sewing room…then apply to be my new apprentice. Either Inbox me on Facebook or Email me : michelle (at) ilovemich (dot) com

Also – I have to say a little disclaimer here…if you write me and say “this sounds like fun!” I want you to really really think about this opportunity. Yes, it will be fun at times, but this is hard work and sometimes very frustrating.  So if you want to do this just to learn how to sew and think it is going to be all sunshine and rainbows, I have to tell you, it’s not as glamorous as it seems. The end result is very gratifying but it is important that my apprentice has a passion for creating things rather than viewing this as a hobby. 

THE dress.

{This is the first part in a series of posts about our wedding!}

{We were married on Friday, September 21st, 2012}

There is a story about my wedding dress.
This dress was not the one I had originally bought.
The dress I originally bought was at a sample sale about a year before the wedding. It is beautiful and the price was so right but as the months grew closer to the wedding I couldn't help but think maybe it wasn't “me” enough.

{All photographs by Michelle Girard Photography} 

The thoughts were so nagging and I would see other people’s recent wedding photos and think, “Ohhhh but her dress is so “her.”’ Finally, my sister and I decided we had to at least go look at other dresses. She made an appointment for us at a boutique bridal shop in our hometown of Agawam, Bancroft Bridals.

{Michelle Girard Photography}

To say the experience was a world of difference from David’s Bridal (which we had also tried before) is an understatement. David’s Bridal felt like a cattle call, the dressing rooms were like small coffins and the dresses were, well, the exact same that everyone else had. If you know me, you know, I want something different, that no one else would walk out in.

{Michelle Girard Photography}

I explained what I was looking for at Bancroft Bridal and I was assisted by the owner, Tara. She was so incredibly nice and helpful. She made us feel so special (thanks Tara!). We picked out a bunch of dresses to try and there was one last one that was in another dressing room that she brought in last minute and both my sister and I immediately said “Ohhhh!”

{Michelle Girard Photography}

The dress was a dream. It was romantic, pretty, modern, full of whimsical ruffles, princess-like and figure flattering. It was THE dress.

{Michelle Girard Photography}

I put it on and our eyes lit up. Finally, I had found the dress that was meant for me. And truly, everyone kept telling me how “me” it was. Jackpot!

{Michelle Girard Photography}

It was such a fun dress to wear, it moved so beautifully when I walked and when I spun around the ruffles floated along with me like a cloud. It was so fluffy and romantic. If I could wear the dress everyday forever, I would.

And aren't the shoes just amazing?? All GLITTER! I loved them and still love them. I need a place to wear them again!

{Michelle Girard Photography}

The dress was obviously just one part of our wonderful wedding day. Stay tuned for more posts about getting ready, the ceremony, the reception and all the beautiful pictures and memories!

Surveys!

Hey guys! I prepared 2 surveys I would love your help with! They are each 10 questions and should only take you a few minutes each! Here are the links:

{Part 1} Click here to take survey

{Part 2} Click here to take survey

The results will help me specify more of my goals for next year and learning more about all of you!

Thank you in advance so very much!! :)

So how does it all work?!

When I first started The Love, Mich Collection, my customers were my friends and family. Those lovely gems still are my favorite customers and biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Because they were already part of my life, they knew "what" LoveMich was and "how" it worked.

I am so lucky to have a continuously expanding audience and I thought I would share some behind-the-scenes details for the newbies!

Let's start from the beginning...I can picture these questions swirling in minds when they are first introduced to LoveMich so lets break them down.

"How do I see what you have for sale?"
The Love, Mich Collection is an online boutique shop. The items available for sale can be found here.

"But I want to see things in person..."
I do a few local events every year. Sometimes they are craft fairs, sometimes they are at salons, and this year I started the first of an annual open house. (well open front yard haha) You can always find info about local events on my Facebook Page! Generally I'm not able to do individual meet-ups to order things. I wish I could! I am employed full time along with this business so to maximize production and keep things fresh, my time is best spent in the studio! :) Please still love me.

*Note - I will meet-up with local BRIDES though! Usually at a local Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts! Shoot me an email if you are interested :) michelle (at) ilovemich (dot) com

"But really...I really want to see in person..."
If you are local, a good solution to that is - host a purse party! Chances are your girlfriends would love an excuse to get together and why not add some shopping to that? Email me for details michelle (at) ilovemich (dot) com

"Can I pick up my order instead of shipping?"
I prefer to ship all orders because this is usually the quickest way to get your goodies to you!:)

"So what happens when I order something from your online store?"
{I will walk you through visually - because that is super fun...} You, fine lady, click away in my shop and decide, O.M.G. yes I must have this zippy pouch. Click, Click, Click, you have walked yourself through Etsy's super easy checkout system and purchased! I check my email and ding! New purchase! I print out your order, walk into the sewing room/office/studio and take your item off the shelf/out of the drawer. I package up orders usually twice a week so it goes to the "to be shipped" pile. Then, it’s packaged up and off to the post office I (or Mr. LoveMich) goes! {this is for ready-to-ship items ONLY}

"Can you make me something that isn't in your online shop?"
The general answer to this is no. Sometimes people will request something like "this bag but smaller." I would so love to be able to accommodate all of those requests! But until LoveMich employs several seamstresses, the reality is, there just isn’t enough time in the day. Sorry! Please don't be upset, I'm giving you a virtual hug! :) And don't worry my sweet friend, I am constantly designing new items so feel free to send along your ideas and they may end up as one of the products! :)

So originally in this blog post I was also going to talk about "Design Your Own" and custom orders...but I'm going to wait on that for now for various reasons. Expect a follow up post about those. :)

- A New Year -

Isn’t there something so wonderful about starting fresh with a new year?

A new you.

A new outlook.

A new appreciation.

{the photo is my own. taken on our vermont honeymoon!}

This year I am going in prepared. I have already started my list of goals for 2013 and how I intend to achieve them. I’ve also set a focus word for each month next year and mocked up a general schedule of productions, events, and new designs for 2013.

It is ambitious but it is supposed to be.

My main business goal is growth. {Doesn’t every business want that??} But I also have many personal goals for 2013. The first of that is being present mentally and physically. Often times we get so wrapped up in working and tackling our to-do lists that we forget life is still moving along and we’re missing it.

In 2013 I will be more present. I will be in the moment and engaged when I am with my husband, family, and friends. I will create memories intentionally.

I’m not sure how exactly I’ll do this yet but it will certainly involve taking time “off” of Love-Mich. To do that, I’ll need more help and I am perfectly fine with that! What is the point of working so hard if you don’t take time to reflect and enjoy the fruits of your labor?

What are you goals for 2013? Business and/or personal?

A New Blog Design!

Heyyyy! Notice something different?? THE BLOG DESIGN! Isn't it fantastic!! I am so in love with it! It's perfectly girly and sassy!

A big thank you to fellow Etsy seller Lynsey Betz of Shiny Magic Design Studio! Lynsey was so patient with me (as I know very little about web/blog design) and made my visions come alive! Get in touch with her if you are looking for a blog design, etsy shop set or a facebook cover!

Thanks Lynsey! :)

Turn your Can'ts into Cans!

Things are happening over here at The Love, Mich Collection.

Wait for it….

We finally have HELP! For the last 4 years I have been doing ALL of the sewing alone. Let me tell you, it has been challenging at times.

{this picture was me after surrendering to my sewing machine, it won our battle that evening and I was tired!}

I put a lot of thought into this business and where it is going over the last few months. I finally came to terms with the fact that in order to grow, I was going to have to let go of some control and get some help. This has been hard for me, because, if you know me personally, you know I like to do everything myself and I really mean everything. It is very hard for me to accept help but I did it and I am so incredibly happy and relieved that I did!

{you can find this print for sale HERE! This shop is so awesome, I am definitely doing some holiday shopping there!}

Of course I was nervous to make changes, who wouldn’t be? But I had to think about what was the worst that could happen? It didn’t work out? Fine! Then find someone else who did. The point was to grow, we needed to make changes.

I am so proud to have pushed myself into this direction and allowing my business to grow. Having sewing help means more stock in the shop and quicker turnaround time on custom orders – how awesome is that?!

We are still in the adjusting phase but soon I hope to be able to tell you that the custom order production time has shortened. Right now we are still at about 4 weeks from payment.

The Holidays are sneaking up so fast! I like to remind everyone to place their custom Holiday orders EARLY. The Holiday deadline is NOVEMBER 18TH! If you place your custom order after the deadline, your order will not be shipped until after Christmas!

{how cozy does that picture look?!} {source}

In stock items will still be available for purchase through December 14th, 2012 for Christmas delivery!

Western Mass Women's Magazine

In case you missed it...here is the cover of Western Mass Women's Magazine! Can you see me?? I'm in the second row up in the middle!

I had the amazing honor of being named one of the Top 25 Women to Watch! The category I won was Top Woman in Home Based Business!

All of these ladies are really awesome! I encourage you to skip on over to their website and read their biographies! {and mine too!!}

If I didn't work in an office....

...Top 5 Things I’d do if I didn’t work in a professional office environment...

1. Get my nose pierced. (Nothing crazy, just a little stud!)Looks cute on Miley!

source

2. Dye the ends of my hair pink. Or purple. Or blue. Because this looks AWESOME!

source

3. Get more tattoos. These are all so pretty!!

source

4. Wear JEANS every.single.day. with paint splattered all over them. I am so loving Miley's outfit in this picture! It's cool and laid back but totally stylish! Ahhhh LOVE!!

source

5. Bring my dog to work. This is not my pup but OMG is he not so cute!! Hmmm...I think I was just inspired for a photo shoot with Chance! :)

source

So does your day job constrict your personal style at all? What would you do differently? How far do you think I can push the envelope and which of these do you think I can get away with!?!

I've got a new last name! ;)

Here I am! Phew, we had a gap there didn't we! Sorry about that...

So the reason I am trying to blog more is because I really enjoy reading other people's blogs. Particularly, I love to read about the people behind handmade businesses! For me, it makes me feel like I have a connection to them and I just love to know how other people move throughout their days and what their lives are like! So I will try to open up a bit more about myself and hopefully we can get to know each other!

First story: WEDDING! (09/21/12) Things were CRAZY around here before the wedding. But like everyone says, everything somehow came together and it was wonderful!!

Here's a picture of us in the limo!

Then we skipped off for a romantic HONEYMOON in Vermont! The resort we stayed at was awesome! It is called the Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville, VT. We were able to bring the pup, Chance, and he had SO much fun. Shout out to my moms for sending us there! :)

When we came home we did something really fun! We went to ABC40/WGGB Studios and shot a segment for SimplyLiving! It was so incredibly cool! And let me tell you...I could get used to doing that everyday! ;) The picture is of me and Host, Maggie Pereiras! She's so very nice and we totally clicked!

The next morning I whipped up a custom cozy and keychain set and skipped off to the post office! I then thought...hmm I must bring back these sets for the holidays! Noted!

We also went to the BIG E this past weekend. It is my favorite place EVER. If you have never been, I am telling you that you must make a trip out to Western Massachusetts for the Fair next year. You can eat delicious food, shop unique and awesome local items, walk through the state buildings and learn all about New England! I've gone every year since I was a baby, so I might be a little bias but it is my favorite time of year! And even better - our wedding anniversary will fall during Big E season every year! Bonus!

Is there anything you want to know about me? Any blog topics you'd like to see me cover?? Email me! or comment below!

Life in Pictures

Sharing some photos!

My beautiful bridesmaids and maid of honor! They along with my moms and my future mother-in-law threw me the best shower! It was so pretty and the food was delicious. It was so nice to spend the day with everyone and the gifts were so generous and amazing!

A few months ago I participated in a Bridal Show! Here is an awesome collage that my photographer sister, Jennifer Pike, put together! I just love it!

And lastly - here is a picture of the new Foldover Clutch! I just love this bag! It is so stylish and roomy! I hope to have many of them available in the shop soon!

XOXO,

Michelle