High Point Furniture Market: Interview with Roxy Owens

Roxy Owens of Society Social and My Cup of TeHigh Point Furniture Market takes place twice a year, in April and October. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending my first market. I had the opportunity to interview bloggers and editors attending the market.

I sat down with Roxy Owens, founder and designer for Society Social, and the writer behind the delightful blog, My Cup of Te.

About Roxy
Roxy grew up in a small North Carolina town, just an hour away from High Point, and received her undergraduate degree in marketing from North Carolina State University. Roxy made the move to the Big Apple to pursue an MA in marketing from Parson The New School for Design. She started off in the fashion world, working at fashion week and interning with Donna Karan. After graduation she became a buyer for Belk. When the economy started to fail, she found herself stuck in an office crunching numbers and not feeling creatively fulfilled, and so her blog My Cup of Te was born.

About Society Social
Society Social boasts a line of fun, festive cocktail carts, tables and chairs and accessories introduced in summer of 2011. You can visit Society Social at High Point Market hosted by Acacia Home & Garden, IHFC, Wrenn Wing #346.

How did you enter the blogging world?
I’m one of those crazy, idealistic people, if I’m not happy, I’m not going to do it. I quit my job, I was unemployed for a year. I was happier, I was poor, but happier. During that time I started my blog. I really felt like my blog brought me back to who I was. I read other blogs like Design*Sponge and other interior design blogs and Rue came out and I knew, this is what excites me.

What is the focus of your blog?
My Cup of Te chronicles my personal journey. I blogged about the whole process of starting Society Social. I think that is what helps sets the brand apart. People want a personal connection.

The Draper Accent Table by Society Social

Where did the idea for Society Social come from?
As I read interior design blogs, I saw a gap in the market for fun designer bar pieces at a price point people in their twenties can afford. Personally, I love to entertain and hangout with family and friends. The bar cart is where it all started.

How do you use social media for your blog and business?
I am a huge advocate of social media, which stems from my marketing background. I am always sharing. People like to connect. As a small business owner, I can’t afford an ad in House Beautiful, so I use social media to market my business. It’s genuine and I love to connect.

It was wonderful to meet Roxy and I wish Society Social success at the market!

You can connect with Roxy on Twitter @SocietySocial or @MyCupofTe.

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100 For 100 Event at The Center For Visual Artists

Currently on display at the CVA Gallery. Piece is made entirely of cardboard.

When is the last time you have been Downtown to the Greensboro Cultural Center? I have to admit that as someone who is born and raised in Greensboro, I don’t take advantage of visiting the great art, music, retail, food and historical venues we have at our disposal Downtown as often as I should or as I would like to.

I will, however, be going to this:

On Friday, April 20, 2012 there is a great free event that will be featuring 100 different works from 100 different local artists held at The Center for Visual Artists on the 2nd floor of the Greensboro Cultural Center. Some of you may know the building better if I say that it is across from Center City Park and that Cafe Europa is connected to it.

Each artist has been given a 10×10″ canvas to work with and each piece will be offered for $100 with all proceeds going towards sustaining the Center for Visual Artists. Works are available first come, first serve so you may want to get there early to acquire your favorite. It may end up being my creation, as I was asked by Gallery Curator Kristy Thomas to contribute!

For more information about the Center for Visual Artists check out www.greensboroart.org.

What events have you enjoyed most at The Center For Visual Artists?

 

 

High Point Market Makes Planning Easier With Event Calendars

This year, planning which events to attend during High Point Market just got easier with their Social Events and Educational Events calendar!

Deciding which social and educational functions to attend during Furniture Market is always challenge. These calendars are an amazing tool to keep you in the know and on time!

Here are just a few Highlights from each day thanks to High Point Market  website. Please visit the Social Event / Educational Events Calendar for the full daily listing of events)

Friday ::

 

High Point Market Kick-Off Party

When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace

Summary: The official kick-off to High Point Market Week presented by IHFC, Market Square & Suites, Showplace, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza, National Furniture Mart, Hamilton Market, 200.320.330 North Hamilton. Sponsored by: Shelba D. Johnson Trucking, Ashley Furniture, Furniture Today and Home Accents Today.

Saturday ::

 

Breakfast in Bed with Leslie: Waking Up to the Power of Social Media

When: 10 AM – 11 AM

Where: Market Square, Antique & Design Center – Mezzanine Level Seminar Space

Summary: Featuring Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership. Sponsored by Pandora de Balthazar. There’s one topic currently befuzzling the minds of designers, retailers and manufacturers everywhere: How do you measure the return on investment (ROI) of social media? Does it really work to get new sales? Secure new clients? Attract media attention? If you’re wondering whether your investment is truly paying off, join social media expert Leslie Carothers for a rousing wake-up call on social media metrics. Chock full of insight, specific tips on how to measure a program’s effectiveness, and real-world examples on how to connect the dots between sales, client acquisition and the kind of media exposure that leads to further financial opportunities, this presentation will kick off your Market and get your social media strategy on track faster than a double-shot espresso. Complimentary breakfast served.

 

Industry Mixer

When: 4 PM – 7 PM

Where: IHFC, The Phillips Collection IHFC – C 202, sponsored by ASFD, ART, SFC, YHFP, WithIt

 

Meet Rachel Ashwell – Shabby Chic® Founder

When: 4 PM – 6 PM

Where: Miles Talbott, 1690 English Road

Summary: Come early and receive a signed copy of Rachel’s newest book, Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces. Cocktails and hor d’oeuvres.

 

IMC Opening Night: featuring the B52s

When: 7 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace

Summary: Please join International Market Centers (IMC) as we make our debut at the High Point Market with a concert and celebration co-sponsored by the High Point Market Authority. IMC will present The B-52s, the World’s Greatest Party Band.

 

Sunday ::

WithIt Educational Breakfast

When: 7:30 AM – 9 AM

Where: IHFC, IHFC Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom A

Summary: “The 10 Things You Need to Know About Apartment Therapy”, presented by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. Maxwell is an interior designer, author and the founder of Apartment Therapy Media, a network of blogs devoted to helping people make their homes beautiful, organized, and healthy. Today, Apartment Therapy is the web’s leading source for all things design and the most-trafficked blog in the design space. Maxwell’s talk is a compelling history of his personal story, the humble beginnings of the brand, and a general roadmap for understanding design and the role it plays in our lives. Sponsored by IHFC and WithIt. Breakfast and Seminar are free of charge. Reservations are required by email (please see event page for email details) or www.withit.org.

 

Dwell Studio’s Christiane Lemieux – Growing a Business in Today’s Digital Age

When: Noon – 1:30 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: Dwell Studio founder Christiane Lemieux will delve into how today’s small businesses can get ahead and compete with the big brands by being creative with the resources they have and the free technology available to everyone. The key to growing a successful business in today’s economic, digital and sonsumer-driven age with topics ranging from sourcing to marketing to media and design trends. Sponsored by IHFC and IFDA, Carolinas Chapter. $20 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secured upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Holly Allred, PO Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. You can request a credit card authorization form via email. (Please see event page for email details)

 

David Easton Book Signing

When: 3 PM – 4 PM

Where: Market Square, Safavieh, Suite 120

Summary: Renowned architect and interior designer David Easton and rug maker Safavieh will introduce Easton’s new Indian Sojourn collection of ikat carpets for Safavieh Couture with a celebration and book signing on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. The designer will sign copies of his latest book, “Timeless Elegance” at Safavieh’s Market Square showroom, Suite 120. Wine and Indian-inspired refreshments will be served, and Easton will present the collection with insights into his extensive studies of weaving crafts in Silk Road Cultures.

 

American Furniture Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

When: 6 PM – 10 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor International Ballroom

Summary: Each Fall Market, we induct industry leaders into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the furniture industry’s highest honor. Cocktail reception begins at 6pm, dinner at 6:45pm. Tickets are $125 a piece. To purchase tickets, please call 336.882.5900 or purchase online at www.furniturehalloffame.com

Monday ::

Reception with Kathy Ireland

When: 11 AM – Noon

Where: IHFC, Pacific Coast Lighting – M430

 

“Modern Design in the 21st Century” by Dwell Editor Amanda Dameron

When: 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Where: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen Showroom 328

Summary: Appetizers and cocktails followed by the Dwell presentation.

 

ASFD Pinnacle Awards Banquet

When: 6 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom

Summary: Winners in 16 home furnishings categories will be presented by Furniture/Today and Guest Retailers at the 16th Annual ASFD furniture design awards dinner. For more information: info@asfd.com or www.asfd.com

 

UPCYCLE Textile Runway Show

When: 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: Market Square, Courtyard

Summary: In conjunction with Dstripped Magazine, ITMA – producers of SHOWTIME, and Market Square & Suites, we’re putting on a fashion show like no other! Designers from the apparel, footwear, jewelry, furniture and set design industries are collaborating to showcase their talents. Come see these designers’ creative solutions light up the runway with recycled fabric swatches. Join us for live entertainment, food, beer and wine.

Tuesday ::

Julia Rosien of Social North – “The Digitally Savvy Retailer – Using Emerging Technologies to Engage Shoppers (and sell more stuff!)”

When: 9 AM – 10 AM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: In 2011, consumers can know as much about your products as your sales staff before they step foot inside your store. Your business survival depends on creative and inexpensive initiatives for you to leapfrog past the competition and grab the spotlight. Do you know how to break through the clutter and capture your customers’ attention? Fortunately, a virtually limitless supply of new technologies, tools and networks are available. Social Media Strategist, Julia Rosien, will help “demystify” some of the more exciting new technologies like location-based marketing and social media marketing. It’s not rocket science but it is the smartest way to get and keep your competitive edge. “If you’re not doing business online, you’re just not doing business…” ~ Julia Rosien. Complimentary Continental Breakfast Provided. No reservation needed.

 

Currey Honors ASID

When: 4 PM – 6 PM

Where: IHFC, Currey & Company, M-110 Streeet Leve

Summary: Currey takes time on Tuesday to honor and support the American Society of Interior Designers. National ASID Board members will be on hand from 4 to 6 PM to answer your questions about ASID and to provide extensive information on this very important organization. Italian food & wine will be served –music will be a provided by Four For One Jazz Quartet and Martha Bassett & Friends.

 

Wednesday ::

“Market Trend Wrap-Up” Presented by Jenny Heinzen York – Home Accents Today

When: 9 AM – 10 AM

Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B

Summary: The editorial team from Home Accents Today spends each High Point Market seeking out all the latest product styles and trends. Editor in Chief Jenny Heinzen York leads this exclusive review of the hottest trends from the October 2011 show. Complementary pastries and coffee provided. No reservation needed.

 

Designer Luncheon

When: Noon – 2 PM

Where: French Heritage, Inc., 1638 English Road

Summary: Spend some time with Henessey and Jacques Wayser as they introduce over 60 new items for market and enjoy a Classic French Lunch in our Bistro. 336-882-3565

 

Courtyard Cookout

When: 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: Market Square, Market Square Courtyard

Summary: Pull up a chair and kick back under the stars and join us for our traditional Market cookout. Connect with colleagues enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment on the last night of Market!

Thursday ::

 

Complimentary Buyers Breakfast featuring Starbucks Coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts

When: 8 AM – 10:30 AM

Where: 330 S. Wrenn St.-The Platinum Building, Platinum Decor

 

 

Complimentary Buyers Lunch

When: Noon – 2 PMWhere: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen -328; Jesper Office – 324; Linon – 202; Outer Limits/TemaHome – 311 

What #HPMkt events are you most looking forward to?

How will you use social media during High Point Market?Want to write a guest post on Furniture Market for Linking Triad? Leave a comment and we will work with you to share your High Point Furniture Market Experience!

 

Business Blogs: Inspiration to Grow Your Audience

After reading over Social Media Examiner’s post on the 10 Top Business Blogs and Why They Are Successful – it made me curious as to what business blogs the leaders in the Piedmont Triad enjoy and why you think they are successful.

We each have different needs as it relates to our professions – but we all have one thing in common when it comes to blogging . . . we want to provide relevant content for our readers and hope that they connect with us and continue to come back and comment.

Some of the best ways to learn how to improve your own business blog is to be a devoted reader of other blogs. It could be a plugin that you discover that could be the missing ingredient, a layout or theme that catches your eye or simply a style of writing that really inspires you.

Here are a few links for inspiration to grow your business blog awareness and your eventually your audience.

The 50 best business blogs – Times Online

Small Business Blogs – Forbes.com Best of the Web

Top 10 Business Blogs for Women | Little Pink Book

Top Business and Entrepreneurship Blogs

Top 10 Business Blogs to Bookmark

 

What are your favorite business blogs to read? Why?

Mentors and the Success Principles

I am currently reading Jack Canfield‘s incredibly informative book The Success Principles. This morning I on principle #44: Find a Wing to Climb Under.

The chapter starts off with this quote relating to mentors. . .

“Study anyone who’s great and you’ll find that they apprenticed to a master, or several masters. Therefore if you want to achive greatness, renown, and superlative success, you must apprentice to a master.

Robert Allen, Self made multi-millionaire and coauthor of The One Minute Millionaire.


Here is some great info from Wikipedia on Mentors ::

Today mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In many different arenas people have benefited from being part of a mentoring relationship, including:

Who was your mentor?

How did having a mentor shape/change your life and career?

Are you a mentor now?


Here are resources about mentoring in the Triad and North Carolina ::

North Carolina Mentoring Partnership

National Mentoring Partnership

SHIELD Mentor Program

UNCG Guarantee Mentor Program

Have additional resources for those interested in becoming a mentor or those in need of one? Please share in in the comments!

Welcome to Linking Triad!

Linking Triad is a networking group that is focused on helping you make great connections in the Piedmont-Triad of North Carolina and beyond.

We bring members together to discuss cutting edge business, economic, political, and social trends as well as the use of social media and technology.

If you know someone who would be a great speaker – please let us know who they are, what company they are with and why you would like to hear from them in the comments below.

We are pulling together a team of Triad professionals who are invested in growing our  community and helping you make great connections!

 

When posting to our Linkedin Group – remember your “groups etiquette,” – you are there to add value and expertise, so before you post ask yourself, “does this discussion add value to group members?”

Don’t shamelessly promote yourself or your business.

:: We ask members to limit their new Linkedin Group discussion posting to a maximum of one per week. ::

LinkedIn recently told group managers that they could only send out *one* general announcement to all members a week, and that this is a good guideline to keep for discussions postings.

If you have events that you would like to share with the Linkedin group – we have created the subgroup ‘Member Events’ to make it easy for everyone to find upcoming events in the Triad and NC region and to keep our discussion board open to current topics.

We will delete inappropriate posts and remove members from the group if these guidelines are not followed.

Linking Triad – Helping You Stay Connected!

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