Color Story

Dear Everyone reading this blog,


I went to the SBA office on August 2nd and let me tell you that it took me 2 days to recuperate! But it was a great meeting and I walked away with some viable information about forming business structures in California and the tax benefits that are attached.

Anywho, I have a long list to check off and I am giving myself, with the help of the SBA rep, 4 months to plan this whole thing out. First thing was first - to secure the online entity. As it stands both http://www.thegraycorp.com/ and http://www.mylltb.com/ are parked (with go daddy) and the domain names are clear. We went with "mylltb" because the abbreviation will get folks to our site faster and the word "my" personalizes things and is totally kid friendly. There are other do-dads that must be done and to protect the interest of my company - I am moving this blog within the next coming month so that everything I write is legally secure and relates back to the company. And I want to put in the plug that the very base of this brand is set on technology and the invention of the insole...did I say, invention? Yes, that is what we did. We invented something that is vital to our shoes and that speaks very loud. Having that government ID number on our patent is the best thing we ever did for this journey. It gives the brand a certain level of distinction and integrity. So together with some knock out details, the websites will launch in the turn of the year first as a place to land this blog and then to offer product. This way we create a following and a place where the customer's have a voice and can see the brand evolve. That is the plan.

Meanwhile on the more creative side; Usually when you plan a collection you have an inspiration to follow and it can be a range of colors or fabrication. For me it is never in any order. I developed a color pallet first - however I was totally inspired by the property we live on and the color breakdown of the sky at sunrise and sunset. The sky explodes with color just before it goes down with oranges, blues and greens and when it comes up there are some purple and pink hues as well. It's beautiful. So I put that element into a color story.

I put a few color pallets together with the fall 2010 launch in mind...This is showing you how meticulous we are on fashion branding and how I am a strict believer in concept development. It also shows you all that although a line for children - we take color and style very seriously.

 Tell me what you think about the boards?


 Do you like the direction?


 Can you see yourself wearing shoes with these color pallets?


 

Thanks for reading - I have a plan to expand!

tg

Webmaster!!!

I drew this unicorn for Leotie and created the lineart on Adobe Illustrator. She filled in the colors on the computer...well, I helped.

This company will be in the business of online retail and manufacturing. We are in a new age and there is no turning back...well unless we all find the TRUTH behind our government's capability to supply us with the World Wide Web and the usage of energy... However it is here and no business person can live or operate without it. So I thought about taking a course on website design and development for the lltb site. I think it is a smart move because I can build the site and maintain it while we are in our beginning stages and perhaps hire an intern to help in the process. I joined a group on e-commerce business structure and it is very informative. When I was at Ed Hardy shoes I had the pleasure of working with a webmaster who was very talented and creative. When we developed the website for the Elvis shoes, we worked closely together to get across the correct look along with the marketing department. Well I am well rounded in both fields and I may be able to pull this off.
I reached out to my agents today and awaiting to hear back from them if they are willing to work with me on developing the insole and not the line as we spoke about only 2 weeks ago. It is possible that they may not want to commit to develop a single insole - they make money from a production order, not side gigs. So I may have to moc this insole up myself or try my other angle in Vietnam for help. However I'd like to stay in Brazil. I am hoping my agents will continue to support the mission and at least tell me the price to make the mold. I estimate it to be $1500. I also reach ed out to a good friend of mine who I'd like to be apart of my marketing campaign, to let her know also that I am developing the insole first. I suspect that the year 2010 will reveal the trends in the industry pending the "recession" we are currently in. As it is now the footwear industry is on edge. Even the trade show organizers have lost their minds. 2 of the industries prominent shows are being held at the same time: WSA in Vegas and Ffany in New York. This will take place in February 2010 - the results of the impact on the footwear industry TBA. We are all holding our breaths to see what will happen. I see most folks giving up on the shoe shows completely after this until things get back to "normal." I fear another bout of job loss because of this as a result. Hopefully WSA will change the dates back (WSA organizers  decided to go toe-to-toe with Ffany...).
I am deeply thinking about this and that even though we are in a weird time - as my good friend said to me, I still want to bring everyone great fashion. I am thinking about this because Littles, Leo, Tech & Bird will be apart of that industry and perhaps need to participate in either show in 2011. It may take some good ole fashion marketing and steer clear of these shows until we gain momentum and the cash to rent a 10x10 both space for 3 days of "I hope we break a million!" This is why we need to build an e-commerce site. An online boutique to showcase and sell our shoes direct to the customer. People think that they decide what to wear - when in fact, someone else ( a "buyer") chooses what goes into the store and you are left picking out what someone else thinks you should wear. If you have an e- commerce site - you can let the public decide what to buy straight up - at least that is what we will create.
So I am looking into taking this course - plus I told a dear friend that I would and perhaps help her business as well as part of the class project (tee hee). I think I can design and build a website. I'll give it a try and if it doesn't come out right I'll get help! We'll see, I will keep you posted of course on what I decide to do.

Best!

tg