For those of you who are solo entrepreneurs like me, it’s easy to get complacent sitting isolated in your office. I sometimes feel like a hermit and would rather stay cooped up in my office not talking to anyone than make sales calls (but that’s a whole other post). That’s why I enjoy setting up at different local events around the state.
The latest event was at Concord Market Days and Music Festival. I was so down in the dumps recently because the phone wasn’t ringing and orders weren’t coming in, that I was questioning the whole business that I was in.
Then, I spent three (very hot) but glorious days talking with many Just Be fans in beautiful downtown Concord, NH! There were so many people who came into the tent and said, “I am such a big fan!” That was the huge boost to my confidence level and let me know that I am making a difference. The other thing I liked hearing was, “I bought tees from you last year (or at Christmas) and I’m back for more!”
One of the most memorable “fan” stories that I like to tell was of a woman who stopped by the Just Be shop in the Mall of NH just before Christmas. She was so excited (which is kind of an understatement) when she saw my Be A Kayaker tee. She said that she has been trying to find me for so long and then said, “Oh, I need to show you this on my phone!”
She proceeded to show me a photo of my kayaker tee. I asked her where she got the photo and she said that she stopped someone on the street awhile back who was wearing it and asked where they got it (which they couldn’t quite remember because it was a gift). So, since that one siting, she had been on the hunt for that shirt and was so ecstatic when she finally found it. So excited, that she bought more a couple of other designs as well.
Those are the great fan stories that I love to hear! Do you have a great Just Be Fan story? Do tell! You can share it on Facebook or right here in the comments section below.
Join the cast of the Twilight Saga and United Global Shift and Just Be The Shift
Just Be was asked to design the official tee for the Be The Shift movement created by Chaske Spencer, aka Sam Uley (leader of the Wolf Pack) in the Twilight Saga. A portion of the proceeds of these tees goes directly to United Global Shift.
Be The Shift tees are available in both men’s and women’s styles for $24/$26(2XL).
The official launch party for Be The Shift happened at the Industry Nightclub in Los Angeles, CA on June 14, 2010.
Actors from the TWILIGHT SAGA and other celebrities have been working with United Global Shift to bring awareness to recent events in the CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE.
On February 1, 2010 the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe declared a state of emergency after a severe ice storm devastated the reservation. The storm toppled more than 3,000 power poles and left 13,000 people without power, heat and water. The response from the government has been slow.
With the help of Chaske Spencer, they have created a project called Shift the Power to The People, whose mission is to empower people to create sustainable, lasting change in their communities and countries through:
Creating Awareness of the current issues and conditions
Creating Alternatives that promote Dignity, Justice, Unity, and Accountability
Taking Action that supports the creation of these alternatives
SHIFT THE POWER TO THE PEOPLE is creating a shift from hoping and waiting for the government to handle this, to being the voice that makes it happen.
A Shift from not being informed or heard to making your voice be heard, reaching out to elected officials, government organizations and individuals to help create equity, dignity, accountability and justice.
While the BE THE SHIFT campaign is far larger than this isolated issue, we are using the Cheyenne River Sioux Water Infrastructure project as a launching pad to empower people everywhere to source their own power and make lasting differences in their own communities, creating shifts that they want to see in the issues that matter to them.
So, I’ve been hunting high and low for a good photo of American Idol finalist Lee DeWyze wearing my Be The Music tee since last week. He was wearing it during his semi-final performances on May 18th. Unfortunately, he was wearing a jacket and button-down shirt on top of it.
The best shot that I could find was at the end of the show when he was standing on stage with Casey and Crystal. Lee put his arm around Crystal and I could see it. But it’s still not clear enough.
I didn’t know where else to turn. Then…a brilliant idea! Just ask Ellen DeGeneres! She could help! So here is my video that I sent to Ellen asking for her help.
Idol finalist Lee DeWyze wears a Just Be tee during his semi-final performances.
I had a dream come true on May 18th while I was watching American Idol. Semi-finalist Lee DeWyze was wearing one of my Be The Music tees! To say that I was excited was an understatement!!
I had sent a couple of Be The Music tees to American Idol’s stylist, Myles Siggins, earlier in the season when they narrowed it down to the top 24. I knew it was a long shot that Myles would even get my package, never mind one of the contestants actually wearing one! But I knew it could hurt to try. I was so hoping that I was going to see one of the contestants wearing it, but was getting worried because there was only four shows left.
The Idol-inspired Be The Music design was created in February. It represents everything that the Idol contestants live for—to create music, to be the music, to embody music.
Lee has always been my favorite to win from the very beginning. So, for him to wear my tee made it that much sweeter.
Here in the northeast it’s been raining for what seems like an eternity! We’ve had only a handful (if that) of days in which the sun actually came out. I was beginning to think the sun was on vacation for the whole month. It actually hit 82 degrees today. The first day this month that it was over 80!
So, now that summer is finally here, it’s time to start planning all those summer events. Just Be will be pretty busy this summer hitting up all the fair, festivals and rallies that happen here in New Hampshire. Here is a list of all the places we’ll be this summer and beyond that you can visit us at (and buy lots of tees when you do).
Just Be has plenty of women’s tees to support breast cancer research, but breast cancer affects more than just women. It also affects all the men in their lives as well. So, when I was approached by Nancy Long, owner of One Stop Boy Shop, to design a tee specifically for boys, I just had to do it. What a great idea!
Now, as most of you know, the symbol for breast cancer is the pink ribbon. Some boys are comfortable enough with themselves to wear pink nowadays, but most are not. So the challenge was to make something “boyish” enough that they would like to wear while still using the pink ribbon.
Here is the result…
Nancy was thrilled with the design and it even got the “seal of approval” from her 12 year old son. These tees are sold exclusively at One Stop Boy Shop and she’s even donating 10% of sales to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help make a difference.
So, we all know that the economy sucks and no one has any money for a fun night out. Well, at the Greeley Music and Film Festival, you don’t need any! The event, organized by Community Events, is free! It’s happening at Greeley Park in Nashua NH, Wednesday 6/10, 4:00-10:30 pm.
There will be artists showing off their creations we’ll be there selling our tees. For every tee that is sold at the event, Just Be will donate $1 to the Nashua chapter of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.
Here’s what Donna Roberson from the Nashua Telegraph had to say about the event.
Someone has parked a 40-foot inflatable movie screen in Greeley Park. And that someone is Chris Malloy.
Malloy, of Nashua, who owns event production company Community Events, has taken over the Nashua Public Library’s Plaza Pics – or at least he’s staffing the free summer events, using his equipment and tapping area sponsors for support. But the library is still in charge of choosing the movies, he said.
“It’s very much still their project,” Malloy said.
But it was Malloy’s idea to host an opening event for Plaza Pics and show a local filmmaker’s work before the summer settled into family blockbusters, such as “Kung-Fu Panda.” Soon, the opening film turned into an artists’ gathering, with local artists invited to show their work in booths around the park, a world premier of a music video, film shorts and a line up of local bands headlined by Charlie Chronopoulos.
His choice was “Wrecked,” created by Nashua natives Ben Proulx and Joe Lopez. “Wrecked” tells the story of the consequences of teens who drink and drive in a full-movie format.
“It’s . . .” Proulx hesitated, trying to find the words to describe his film.
“Brilliant,” Chronopoulos finished.
“It’s written in a way that teenagers talk,” Malloy said.
Proulx said he wanted to make the characters relatable for teens, and the film actually spends 40 minutes developing the characters before the central action occurs.
” ‘Wrecked’ is not just an awareness film, it’s a movie,” Proulx said.
And a good one, Malloy added. “After I watched the trailer, I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
And Proulx jumped on the opportunity. Soon, Chronopoulos, whose music is featured in “Wrecked,” was involved, as well. Chronopoulos, who is preparing to kick off a three-month tour in Europe and the United States, will headline the event, sell limited-edition releases of his new CD and release the world premiere of his music video for “Widow’s Gun.”
But the event is still growing. Local bands From Here Down, Let’s Go Streaking, Horns Become Halos and Andy Krom and the Goods will also play. Students involved in the film production class at Nashua High School South will show short films before the screening of “Wrecked.” Local artists will display their wares, and a portion of all sales will go to the New Hampshire chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“We’re just coming up with ideas as we go,” Proulx said. “Anything goes.”
“Anything involving art goes,” Malloy corrected.
Chronopoulos said the main idea is to promote the varied arts community right here in Nashua.
“I think art empowers art,” Chronopoulos said.
All three said they’d be happy to see other similar events happen in Nashua. Proulx said he’d like to even hold more events this summer.
In fact, Malloy said, part of the goal is to help people realize that independent music and films are good and there are talented artists in Nashua.
“It’s very good stuff. It’s high quality,” Malloy said. “It’s right downtown. It’s right under your nose.”
I know it’s been awhile since I’ve written a post to the Just Be blog. Lots have been going on, illnesses, not swine flu :), have run their course through our household and many new designs added to the new Just Be Shop.
Just Be recently participated in the Rockin’ Lollilop Lounge at the Baby/Tween Expo in Los Angeles on April 25 & 26, 2009. In attendance were some of the hottest tween and teen celebrities that appear on today’s hit television shows and movies. The Lounge was hosted by Baby Swags.
Jennifer Stone with Tween Reporter, Christina
Each celebrity tween and teen received their very own, “Starlicious” gift bag filled with some of the hottest trends for tweens and teens. These products range from clothing to hair care products, and beyond. For a complete listing, see below.
The exclusive VIP gift bags that were presented to the tween/teen celebrities not only included Just Be tees, but also the following products:
Three Peas & Co – Petti Skirts
Creative Clips by Colleen – Hand-made Hair Clips
Holy Craft – Word Blocks
Rejoice! Home, Body & Spa – Body Scrub/Butter
Temptation of a Generation – Temptation Series books
Pink Pewter – Elegant Headbands
Doce Vida – Gift Certificate
Bendigirl Yoga – Yoga DVD
Boodlebags – Wristlets
Totally Texty – Hair Care Products
Blossom 4 Girls – Skin Care Products
Becky Bones – Shoes
Chic Buds – Ear buds
Ariel Winter and Jackson Brundage at the Rockin Lollipop Lounge
The celebrity tweens and teens were able to mingle with their tween fans while at the Rockin Lollipop Lounge, show off their goodies and it also allowed the tween attendees to see what are the hottest, newest Spring products on the market.
Ashley Argota from True Jackson VP at the Rockin Lollipop Lounge celebrity teen gift suite
Other celebrities that attended the event were Ashley Argota, Allisyn Ashley Arm, Chelsea Makela, Ariel Winter, Jennifer Stone, Aria Wallace, Sammi Hanratty, Savvy & Mandy, Justin Stein, Daechelle, The Stunners, Austin Anderson, Keli Price, Jackson Brundage, Adair Tishler, Rachel Sibner, Nicholas Braun, Nick Palatas, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Kaylee Dodson and many, many more.
Aria Wallace at the Rockin Lollipop Lounge hosted by Baby Swags
The Rockin Lollipop Lounge VIP gift suite was the hottest spot to be in if you were a tween or teen celebrity or if you just wanted to catch a glimpse of your favorite tween/teen idol.
I received an e-mail last week from a student from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence MA. He read my article in the paper and invited me to participate in a fashion show that he organizes to raise money for breast cancer research.
Last year, a group of devoted students and teachers from Central Catholic High School came together under one cause: the fight against breast cancer. Combining an appreciation of fashion with a love for philanthropy, the Catwalk Committee (as they came to be known) was about to change Central’s history.
The Catwalk was the school’s first ever student-run fashion show, and was the first to go to a predominantly female cause. Furthermore, the show boasted over eight hundred guests and raised more than $15,000 for breast cancer research, testing, screening, and education. They’re hoping to beat that total this year.
On Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 7:00 P.M., student and faculty models will grace the custom-built, 55-foot long runway in Central’s Memorial Gymnasium. The venue will be transformed from a sporting arena into a fashion house; the theme is a juxtaposition of pink ribbons and Greco-Roman influence, inspired by the phrase “There’s a Goddess In You”. A breast cancer survivor will instill wisdom in the audience with her words, and a nationally recognized dance team will perform twice.
Among the raffle prizes from stores like Dino Furs, Elizabeth Grady, Fennell Imaging, and Bella Beads, audience members can not only expect fashions from Just Be, but also from local favorites like First Date, Stitch, GiGi’s, Native Sun, Dresscode, Russo Tux, TJX Co., Cristina’s, Irresistible’s, Casa di Stile, CoCo Collection, and New York City designer Hannah Shaw will debut their Spring/Summer collections. Hair and makeup will be provided by Best-of-Boston favorite Indra Salon.
Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by visiting the Central Catholic website. The Catwalk Committee hopes to beat last year’s total amount raised. They believe that we can fight breast cancer…one strut at a time.
It’s been a real interesting week at Just Be. Lots of stuff going on since the news about our tees being in the Oscars gift bags hit the airwaves. You can check out the great press we’ve gotten in a few local newspapers.
I’d like to give a shout out to Allegra Boverman, a photographer from the Lawrence Eagle Tribune, for spending an afternoon with me and taking some nice photos. I’m usually behind the camera, not in front of it, but Allegra made it really easy for me and I actually had fun!
I’ve had people coming out of the woodwork saying that they either read the story in the newspaper or saw it on tv. People I haven’t talked to in 20 years! My e-mail was swamped and I’m still trying to dig out from it.
Early next week I should have photos and more information on which celebrities got a Just Be tee—so stay tuned!
July 29, 2010 
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Just Be was asked to design the official tee for the 
I had sent a couple of Be The Music tees to American Idol’s stylist, Myles Siggins, earlier in the season when they narrowed it down to the top 24. I knew it was a long shot that Myles would even get my package, never mind one of the contestants actually wearing one! But I knew it could hurt to try. I was so hoping that I was going to see one of the contestants wearing it, but was getting worried because there was only four shows left.
Here in the northeast it’s been raining for what seems like an eternity! We’ve had only a handful (if that) of days in which the sun actually came out. I was beginning to think the sun was on vacation for the whole month. It actually hit 82 degrees today. The first day this month that it was over 80!
So, we all know that the economy sucks and no one has any money for a fun night out. Well, at the Greeley Music and Film Festival, you don’t need any! The event, organized by 
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