This Business

Hello Darlins,

So I've been M.I.A. on damage control from the cancellation of the Las Vegas Fashion Show, recently.   I can't even tell you how upset I've been about the last minute cancellation of the show.  I mean really, who does that??!!  I've been feeling like the fool once again, for being apart of bad business and I've been struggling on how to learn from this.  The woman who approached me for this show was very nice, commutative, a business owner and legit (for the most part).  Contracts were signed and money was spent.  Changes were made but nothing new in the fashion industry, for that's one of the reasons this industry is so stressful.  In the end, an email was sent out 48hrs before the shows were to begin and I was left at my door with bags packed, at a lost.  And as much as this woman has tried to reach me, I have yet to speak to her.  I just honestly felt if I spoke to her right then and there, I could not proceed in a professional manner.  Which really is important to me.  Lawsuit talks have been all around me from the other participants that were to be in the show, asking me to join suit.  At this time, I am convicted not to do so.  I'm not sure why?  I lost money, my friends and family were left with their plans to Vegas and I was truly embarrassed.  Yet, in my heart......I feel bad for the lady too.

Anyways, like in fashion...on to the next,

(click the pic for all the details)

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me through this journey and who continue to do so.  You guys are the ones who make me believe that I can reach my life long dream.  I'm sure this ugly mishap won't be the last in my journey and it will just be another chapter in my book.

Till the post Darlins, thanks for reading.

Ciao, Chu-La Couture

Hey Darlins, forgive me for posting later then I said I would.  Also, for not doing the video blog that I had wanted to do.  I really just had a hard time finding a quiet place in my house or office to record.  Yes, my world is that loud all day, all the time.  Hello, why do you think I'm always so forgetful? My brain rarely rest.

Anyways, so here's my big announcement....I'm closing my boutique!  Sound familiar? Why yes, I've mentioned this before.  I tried closing the store I think earlier this year but business was just to busy.  Business was good.  And today, business is still good.  What can I say, I started a business during a recession and now here I am, closing that business in it's prime.

Never the less, Chu-La Couture will go out with a bang, after FNO 2011, in which we (the store) will be a part of this year.  Now..."the whys"....here are a few of my "whys" to closing this chapter in my life.

• I've become much to busy to manage two separate companies
• Fulfilled my financial goal with Chu-La Couture.
• My dream was to be a designer, not a boutique owner.
• People coping my store ideas, concepts, marketing, name, etc.
• Other stores selling items, that I've once carried.
• Vendors not going in a good style direction.

And many other reasons...but most importantly, I wanted more time with my family.  So here I am now on a new chapter in my life. I am truly sadden to let go of what was such a big part of my life but honestly relieved from all it's business burdens.

Know that you will still be able to shop Chu-La Couture till September 15th, so please use all your coupons and discounts before then (for they will be void, after that).  Also, if you just can't let go of Chu-La Couture statement styles, know that at the beginning of each season all accessories and handbags from Melissa Velia's photo shoots will be on super sale on melissavelia.com

Thank you to all who have supported and loved Chu-La Couture.  xoxox.

I shall not milk a cow!

How's everyone's week going so far? As for mine, not so great. I got an email yesterday from this little website that my clothing line was on, stating that they would not have my line on their site anymore because I didn't ship an order, I never received. Or should I say, received with a foreign name that stated "Order ####". I mean come on, how many of us get those spam/virus emails? I get those all the time. So I never opened it. This company should have stated their company name, really. Anyways, this actually was for the best because my website is almost up and I wasn't really a fan of how this website functioned.  Lesson learned.  With that said, if any of you were the customer who never received their order.  I send you my biggest apologizes and request you email me for a special gift.

Moving on, this past weekend I visited a cow and horse farm with my family for a little family time.  I am NOT an outdoor person, therefore this was a bit of a challenge for me. I would never like to milk a cow or ride a horse BUT I would do it for my boys.  Anyways, all in all it was a great trip and I discovered what a great place a farm would be for a photo shoot. Can you tell I always have work on my mind! So here are a few of my pics from the day.

I was never really a horse lover as a little girl but I must say, this horse was beautiful.

Can you tell it was a girl horse?

Cows smell and have a lot of flies around then. So don't ever call someone a cow!

Totally needed some cowboy boots.

Next week, all the details from the photo shoot, plus interviews! Have a fabulous weekend darlins!