SKCreations, LLC Surface Design: Naturally ME Noir - Special Edition

I have been thrilled by the response I've received on my Naturally ME surface designs.  It is a passion project for me so it's icing on the cake when customers tell me how much they love it.  There were a couple of inquiries about whether I would offer the t-shirts in black as well as in white, and the idea really appealed to me.  Black is bold and chic, and who doesn't love a black tee?  I decided to do it but I'd make it different than the original design, and it would be a Special Edition.  I set out on creating eight new designs of women with natural hairstyles, which would be shown exclusively on the black background.  Here is the finished product, Naturally ME Noir (that's black in French if anyone asks).  Unlike the original Naturally ME design, the individual hairstyles on the Noir tees will not be available separately.

There are two versions of the design: one with a red border like the one on the white tee, and one with a white border.  Why did I do two?  I just couldn't decide which I liked best, so why not have both?  The tees are now available in the SKCreations Online Boutique.

 

Also, as with all of the Naturally ME tees, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the Naturally ME Noir tees will be donated to Covenant House, the largest privately-funded childcare agency in the country providing shelter and service to homeless and runaway youth.  

Prince... Rock On

Prince is rocking the June 2014 cover of Essence Magazine in every sense of the word.  The outfit is funky, and his hand looks poised to rock it out on that fierce guitar.  I'm loving this awesome look, and best of all he's sporting a natural fro.  This musical genius represents Naturally ME.

Carol's Daughter

Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter, has long been one of my businesswomen idols.  I was introduced to her products back in the 90's when she was still making them in her kitchen.  A dear friend of mine who lived in New York was selling the products and shared them with me when he came in town.  It was instant love.  I couldn't get enough of them and I made sure he had a selection with him every time he visited.

The products have always been high quality.  I still have some oils that I purchased more than fifteen years ago, and they still smell good.  Believe me, that's saying a lot!  I have always loved different scents so I've acquired quite a collection of perfumes over the years; more than I'm able to use up with daily application.  You can definitely distinguish the good from the great after you've had them awhile.  The great ones still smell like they did originally, while the good, or worse, end up being thrown out when the smell breaks down and what remains is an overwhelming unpleasant alcohol smell.

I've followed Carol's Daughter over the years and was so proud to see the growth of the company.  To open retail stores was quite an impressive accomplishment.  I spent the better part of two years renting kiosks in local malls to sell my products, and it was hard work.  When I started out I thought I might want to move into my own store in the future, but by the end I wanted nothing to do with it.  It wore me out.

Today, I learned that Carol's Daughter companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has or will be closing most of its stores (Wall Street Journal Bankruptcy Beat).  According to the company's Chief Financial Officer, the stores have not been profitable since 2010.  When I read that it broke my heart!  Fortunately, though, the company is down but not out.  The products will continue to sell in other retail stores and online.  I'm sure this is just a minor setback for the company and that there will be some great things in store in their future.  As is often the case, sometimes you have to step back in order to move forward.  As a business owner myself I can appreciate her journey, and I can't wait to see what's next.

SKCreations, LLC Surface Design: Zag

Products with my Zag surface design.  Available at Society 6.

SKCreations, LLC Surface Design: Naturally ME 5 T-Shirt

How do I wear my natural hair most days?  In a puff on top of my head.  I really love the look, and I usually add a little pop of color to it with a headband or scarf.  I feel it provides a lot of versatility, and looks great even on days when I'm not really feeling my hair.  It's easy too!  So, of course I had to design a t-shirt with my favorite style.  Here is Naturally ME 5.  It's available in the SKCreations Online Boutique.

SKCreations, LLC Surface Design: Zig

Here is my Zig surface design on a cool Wall Clock, Pillow and iPhone case.  You can find these products and more in my SKCreations, LLC Shop on Society6.

Zig Design by SKCreations, LLC

Where Have They Gone?

Recently, I have had several inquiries about the products I created and sold over the last several years, which many came to associate with SKCreations, LLC.  To name a few, people are looking for my Eye Glam eyeglass cases, Glam Girl bags, and my popular Lil' Somethin' Somethin' Bags. 

Eye Glam Eyeglass Cases

Glam Girl Bags

Lil' Somethin' Somethin' Bags

If you've checked out my new SKCreations website, you noticed they aren't there.  That is because I am discontinuing these items.  In redefining SKCreations, my focus is on products that feature my original designs and fabrics, rather than products made from fabrics designed by someone else.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all the fabrics I've collected from every corner of the world over the years, and I made some cherished products from them, but the time has come to expand my brand in new and exciting ways.  I may start producing lines similar to the old ones in the future, but if I do they will be crafted from my fabrics exclusively.  For now though, I do have a dwindling inventory of the old products on hand, and they are all on sale.  So, if you're interested in getting something before they're gone, send me an email at info@skcreations.com and we'll make it happen.  Onward and upward!