5 Ways to Get Inspiration - Featuring by Samantha Veltri (designer of Bella Vetro by Samantha)

We love to INSPIRE! So we're devoting this blog to INSPIRE you!
Who doesn't enjoy success stories. This week we asked one of our favorite local artisans to write about what inspires her most. Samantha Veltri is the owner and designer of Bella Vetro by Samantha. After leaving her full-time career, she took the support of her family and friends and started began her dream. So a special thank you to Samantha for sharing a bit about inspiration.

Inspiring Art

5 ways to inspire your creativity

-Samantha Veltri of Bella Vetro by Samantha

1. See the beauty around you.

One of the easiest ways to inspire your creativity is to open your eyes! See the world around you. My favorite way to make the everyday world extraordinary is through my Blooms collection. I may not be able to rattle off different flower names but when I see one I love, name or not, I’m going to paint it. Wine glasses are a perfect fit mocking the natural shape of a flower so through that I can bring art to the plan glass.

 

2. Listen to your favorite music

There are millions of songs out there but when you hear your style you know it. That one song comes on and you can feel it in your heart. Something changes. Use that force to bring out your inner artist. Whether it is Rock, New Age, Classical or Pop crank up the volume and let the music guide your creativity.

3. Use Your Personality

Sometimes I look around at my glasses and notice that I always go back to the same vibrant pinks, popping purples, and bold blues. I am drawn to bright and exciting colors which I realized was a very direct reflection of my personality. Let your personality be heard through your creativity. Your vision will thrive when you draw from who you are and how you feel.

4. Keep it simple.

You don’t have to paint a Picasso or write a 3-part novel to express your creativity. Sometimes I will paint with a simple series of dots or lines and as a whole it is complete. Focus on one aspect of what you can do to begin. Once you get going the inspiration can build bringing in new ideas!

5. Let Your Experiences Tell the Story.

My love of foreign travel has taken me to remote locations. Those life experiences left a stamp in my passport as well as on my heart. I share those adventures through my art. Think of experiences, good and bad, that have made you who you are today. Art can be a way to relate to others while expressing your unique life story. 

Enter to Win a set of 2 Wine Glasses designed and hand painted by Samantha.

Tell us what inspires you!

Top 4 Lessons Learned Over A Year ~ (Win A FREE Novo Bead)

We get asked several times to share our lessons learned and experiences on being a small business owner. Questions like 'What would we do differently, what steps did we take, how did we know this was the business to invest our lives into?' So, we thought we'd share our Top 4 Lessons Learned. 

1. Marketing - While writing our business plan, we had included a budget specifically for marketing our business. Commonsense right? Well let me just reiterate this, "You cannot over advertise your business." Be smart, clear and consistent, be everywhere!

2. Bigger is Sometimes Better - When searching for our retail space, we thought with a mindset of "start small then go bigger." Looking back, yeah, we should have went bigger. If you go into something with a small mindset you'll get small results. Either way your still taking the risk.

3. Do Your Research - Beware when using social media platforms to promote, engage and build your business. Always have your facts. Hard lesson: The Chick-fil-a controversy. Innocently we thought it was truly a National Chick-fil-a Day. We posted a comment to show support to the local Chick-fil-a's; since we do lots of promoting for other local businesses and participate in several business groups where we strive to support each other, this was a mistake. Aw Else Boutique's culture and service tradition is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect - regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. 

4. It's Not MY Closet! - As the purchaser of the boutique, I find it challenging at times to select product based off what I would wear. Several times we have carried items that my partner thought would never sell, but then turns out to be a top seller. When heading to the trade shows, it can become very overwhelming. Keeping the styles of our customers at the forefront and not what I personally want. Laughing~ I do get first dibs on wearing the product though, which can be fun! 

There truly are a ton of lessons learned just like anyone starting a new career, after a year you look back and think "did I learn a lot." Bottom line, it's still as fun, creative and a thrill as the first day we thought of the idea. 

We'd love to hear some of your lessons learned from your career, job or life in general. Sharing is believing. 

Win a CZ Novo Bead!

Share Your Story & 

You May Be Our Next Winner!

Promotion expires August 18th

It's Our Very First Anniversary!

With today being our very first anniversary, we wanted to take this post to tell our story and introduce you to the people behind the scenes. 


Prior to owning the boutique, I worked for UPS for 10 years travelling the country to help open franchise locations. After having my daughter, Ella, I resigned and pursued a local career at Kennametal where I worked in marketing until laid off in 2009. Being an alumni from Seton Hill University, I began the MBA program in the winter of 2010. This is where the passion for being an entrepreneur was established. During this time one of my professors taught a class on Entrepreneurship. Little did I know this would open the box to several ideas of owning a business. 


My partner, Mark, worked for Kennametal for 12 years beginning his career in Engineering, then onto Marketing. Mark was, also laid off in 2010. A few months later, Mark and I met with E-Magnify to start our new ventures. We determined our passion and desire in helping others feel good about themselves, along with having a business who could participate in our community. So the wheels started turning...


One evening while working on our business plan we needed a name for our store, but we wanted to incorporate the names of our children - since this is who we are ultimately doing this for. So if you were not aware by now how we got our name, here it is. One of our favorite questions - 'Aw Else' Boutique came from Mark's girls initials Ashley, Amanda and Ally White for "Aw" and "Else" is my daughter's initials Ella Louise Shaffer. It meant a lot to us keeping our family values at the forefront of our business. 

So with that being said, I dedicate this blog to all those who have supported us and our dream throughout this year. Also to our vendors, the new relationships we have built within our community and customers whom we love to serve. 


We promise to continue our support of local businesses, made in the USA products and local artists. 


Thank you for one incredible year! 
I have to add a plugin to visit awelseboutique.com to view all our upcoming events for this month! Too much you won't want to miss.

Top 3 Must Have Accessories at Aw Else Boutique (Plus Win a cinda b Scala Ivory Phone Case)

With this being our third blog, we thought we'd select 3 of our favorite accessories. There are so many great gift ideas to choose from like; Bridgewater candles, Bella Vetro by Samantha (hand painted wine glasses), Made in the USA Novo Bead, plus John Wind Maximal Art jewelry. You can see more of our products at www.awelseboutique.com. 

Before diving right into our faves let's talk about some of the nuts and bolts about Aw Else Boutique.  Previous to opening our boutique doors, we spent several months researching in Shadyside. Have you ever gone shopping there? Love it! We continuously strive to carry unique products that Greensburgian's are not accustomed to. With that being said, it becomes a challenge introducing these brands and products to our fellow customers, however we accepted the challenge and now relish in the discoveries our customers make daily.

We love hearing our customers tell us stories about gifts they have received, given or bought for themselves. Women love to feel good and look good and we love assisting them accomplish this. Tell us your story and be entered to win a cinda b Scala Ivory iphone case ($35 value).

So let's talk favorite picks from the staff of Aw Else Boutique. It was difficult selecting only three but we did and here they are.

First and foremost is our cinda b collections. Cinda b is thankfully Made in the USA, as though that's not enough, it's also machine washable, water and stain resistant. Some of the colorways, like Jet Set Black are very classy and sophisticated. While other colorways bring bright and bold together to create fashion-forward color schemes. Stop by to see our Fall/Winter collections arriving July 24th!

Jet Black Cinda b Handbags, Totes & Travel

Our second favorite has to be the sparkling experience of Sorrelli. Do you remember when passing on jewelry down through the family was considered traditional? With the expense of fine jewelry today, most ladies are turning to costume jewelry - which to me, is great cause I am not one to wear the same pieces every day. This is why Sorrelli Jewelry was not a hard decision for us to carry. Sorrelli, designed in Kuntztown, PA, consists of an abundance of amazing crystallized SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS® faceted crystals in the majority of its designs. Semi-precious cabochons like desert jasper, reconstructed turquoise, freshwater pearls, and tiger’s eye are also used in our bold, beautiful pieces. Our favorite is the Steeler Fan color collection coming soon with the Fall/Winter arrivals! Come by to experience the sparkle of Sorrelli.

Concrete Jungle Collection

Our third finalist goes to Lindsay Phillips Switchflops. Have you heard of them? When researching products, we had to keep in mind the economy, along with the idea of easy travel. Something that was cost effective, yet functional and stylish! While traveling for my previous corporate career, I found taking three pairs of shoes added yet another piece of luggage I was fond of carrying. This would explain the appreciation of the Lindsay Phillips interchangeable straps and snaps. The shoes are darling and might I add very comfortable. We're looking forward to the Fall/Winter collections this year. Lots of pizazz with the color trend plum. Arriving just in time for school to start. They tend not to last long so keep an eye out for their arrival.

Lindsay Phillips Alex Heel

Well as we wrap up our third blog, we would like to invite you all to come celebrate our 1 Year anniversary with us coming August 4th. Lots of promotions and giveaways planned for the whole month. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for dates and events.

Remember to share your Aw Else Boutique story and you may be our next winner! Giveaway will expire August 1st. 

B Discovered ~ 3 Local Places 2 Visit This Summer (plus win a cinda b set of Ravinia Ivory Accessories)

It's July 4th! We can't help but reflect on all admirable people who have given us the freedom to be who we choose to be on a daily basis. We say thank you to all who have served - God Bless America!




We wanted to share with you some of the most remarkable local places to visit before the thought of cold weather. Although it's hard to imagine it being colder with these mild summer days lately. 

We've selected these three destinations with family friendly environments or for just a relaxing evening out on the town. Either or it's for sure to become one of your favorites too. Aw Else Boutique has no affiliations with these destinations.

As a native to the Laurel Highlands, one of our favorite summer ventures begin at the Concert in the Park - St.Claire Park in downtown Greensburg. Concerts are held for FREE every Friday beginning at 7:00pm and conclude around 9:30pm. Some performance slated for this month include The Mary Ann Redmond Band, Sons of Bill, Delta Rae and Hoots and Hellmouth. The schedule of events run throughout the end of August. Here are some shots of the upcoming artists and previous concerts.

Sons of Bill - Debut July 13th

Grab some chairs, blankets and let's have a picnic!

Can you say Thank Goodness It's Summer (T.G.I.S)? We can every Thursday until Sept 6th. Enjoy FREE entertainment while taking in the summer evening. Many come to this social gathering to share with friends or just to relax. Let's not forget about the Bartender Challenge - volunteers in an effort to raise the most money. Below is a schedule of artists and dates they will debut. 

Westmoreland Cultural Trust

Lastly, you can't think of summer without stopping by Sandhill Berries winery Greendance. Starting Friday's, these weekends are filled with entertainers from all over. Indulge yourself on some fine wines, cheese and crackers (also sold in the gift shop). However, you are more than welcome to bring your own picnic basket for friends and family - even your furry friends are welcome! Some of our favorite local known artists appear here. Like Detention, Tim & Stacie, Skero & Jingles, and Jason Kendall.

In the Nectar Garden

One of our favorite lines is cinda b - named after Cinda Boomershine. Cinda also has a love for the arts, one of her all time favorites is the Ravinia Festival in Illinois. Which so happens to be where you can find the inspiration for one of her most popular colourways - Ravinia Ivory.

Want a little bit of Ravinia Ivory to carry around with you on your daily journey?  We’re giving away a delightful set of a Wrap-A-Round Clutch and a ID+Key case in the Ravinia Ivory colorway (a $60+ value).  Just comment below and we’ll pick a winner on Friday July 11th (so be sure to check back).

Trying On Clothes Can Be Fun Again!

We all know the ups and downs of life. Especially the ones on the scale. The frustrations never seem to stop after the number shows, it sometimes continues when you head shopping. Trying on clothes is the most daunting part of shopping for me. Example this weekend I am attending to a wedding for my cousin. With all the stylish new summer colors I wanted something new. So off to shopping I go. After spending two days trying on over 20 dresses, I finally picked a blue/gray/white dress. Why do the clothes lines sizes have such a wide range? Low and behold someone understood our frustrations!

I am excited to share more about Me-Ality - the new machine available at Westmoreland, Monroeville mall and the Mall at Robinson that calculates your size via radio waves that hit 200,000 points on your body. The Me-Ality, which stands for measured reality, then gives you trouser options from size to color to cut from specific brands that it has contracts with. But ladies its not only for us, it measures the men too!

When using the Me-Ality its suggested to wear flat shoes and no sunglasses or large pieces of jewelry. After you have been scanned, you receive a printout of clothes and style suggestions with highlight indications on those that fit best.

With this in mind, I will be heading to the mall to test the Me-Ality. The machine is open the same hours as your local mall. If you have tried Me-Ality, we'd love to hear from you.



Sources: Tribune Review

Pay-It-Forward and See.

Paying a Compliment

Reflecting back to my younger days, my poor mother thought there was no hope in seeing me in a dress and act girly. Yep, I was the one playing with the boys getting muddy and getting all bruised up. Little did we know many, many years later I would be the one owning a Ladies Boutique. But honestly this doesn't come as a surprise to me, once I got in the rhythm  there was no stopping me. From this motion came passion. A passion to help others find or boost their self esteem or as I call it, inner glow. I say it over and over again, although its not always easy to hear, having someone pay you a compliment can change the say you feel in a nano second. Why be down when we love being up!


So I challenge you to give compliments and take notice how the ladies react. Warning - be genuine in your compliments! Paying - It - Forward is another favorite of mine, which means when someone does something nice for you, you in turn do something nice for another person. It's also a wonderful movie that aired in 2000. Here are a few ways I've learned to compliment other women aside from their appearance from Elizabeth Patch's More Ways to Love Blog. 

So here are 10 ways to compliment your female friends and family members,
your co-workers and your casual acquaintances (and yes, even yourself!) without mentioning looks.

1. The “Good Job” Compliment

If someone does a good job, at anything, they deserve recognition!
Whether it’s a 4-year old who can read “big girl books”,
a 14-year old who made the winning goal at a soccer game,
or a 40 year old who finally gets her own administrative assistant,
nothing builds up pride and self-confidence more than being recognized for a job well done.

2. The “Brave Heart” Compliment

This is for the shy, hesitant friend who finally gets the nerve to travel to Europe alone,
the newly divorced woman who grows more courageous instead of falling apart,
and for everyone who overcomes the pain of the past,
steps outside her comfort zone and dares to start over again!
Admire her emotional bravery! You go girl!

3. The “You are a Goddess” Compliment

Bow down to her super-natural, amazingly awesome talents!
She can be the Goddess of the Play Date, or the Goddess of the Cocktail Party,
Domestic Goddess or Executive Goddess,
Multi-Tasking Goddess or Yoga Goddess.
Whatever type of Goddess she is,
giving her an official title is the ultimate compliment.

4. The “Smarty Pants” Compliment

If only we told our little girls how smart they are as often as we tell them how cute they are…
She (or you!) figured out something complex, solved a tough problem,
passed a test with flying colors, invented something new, started a business,
proved that women are good at math or science or visual/spatial relationships
(or any of those other things we’re not “supposed to be” good at ).
Pass along a big “Brava!”
(Ms. Smarty Pants knows this already: Brava is for women, Bravo is for men)

5. The “Tough Cookie” Compliment

She juggles being a single mom with a full-time job.
Or she’s the first in her family to go to college.
Or she somehow manages to bounce back from a disaster that would crush most other women.
She deserves all the praise you can give her for her strength, her determination, her stamina and her guts!
So tell her! (and maybe give her a hug too)

6. The “Show Me” Compliment

It doesn’t matter what the skill is,
whether it’s building a compost bin or designing a website,
asking someone to show you how she did it is the ultimate compliment of her skills and expertise.
“Amazing cookies! What is the recipe?”
“You really know how to fix a leaky faucet! Can you show me?”
“I wish I could do _________. How did you learn?”

7. The “Life of the Party” Compliment

Don’t you just love hanging out with someone who can turn a dull event into something fun?
Let her know!
“I love how you make me laugh!”
“You always make me smile.”
“You are so much fun to be with.”

8. The “Creative Touch” Compliment

This one is great for the artsy girls you know,
the ones who always come up with something unexpected and original.
Praise her creative touches,
whether it’s her handmade greeting cards, that wild color she painted her bedroom,
her ability to throw unusual ingredients together into something delicious,
anything and everything that shows her expressive nature!

9. The “Queen of the Castle” Compliment

Compliment my kids, my home, my garden, my cat, and you shine a light on me!
We are co-creators of the spaces we live in and the families we raise,
and most of us are damn proud when someone compliments our home or families!

10. The “Mushy Gooey” Compliment

Go ahead, tell her you love her
(or admire her or think she’s just plain amazing).
You don’t even have to give a reason!