Sydney Womens Network Supports Shire Women In Business!

I always envisaged running my own business but thought.. how could I go from earning a full time wage to nothing for who knows how long.. and then after having Izac and essentially having no wage that fear was gone.. with nothing to loose I kept thinking I have everything to gain! For me, starting Allies came at the right time because I kept that thought in my mind.

Coming from a corporate background I have always used networking companies to increase my brand awareness and more than anything increase my potential client base to contacts I wouldn't otherwise make.. I've found that potential customers like to build positive business relationships and draw on these contacts when in need.. I know myself I'd rather ring someone I know for a quote then go and source a new supplier. I think its because it makes me feel more comfortable.. Now with Allies, I'm fortunate enough to work with mostly women (who are so much more logical in getting things done)... and came across a women networking group called Sydney Women's Network..

Just like many of us the founders of SWN, Cindy Steele and Natalie Moutia started from scratch to create a group based on like minded professional business woman all interested in growing their businesses, learning and expanding their business base of contacts. I love their genuine nature and willingness to lend a hand. I've even been to a few of their meetings, lunches and Expo in the last month and really enjoyed meeting with woman in similar business situations to learn how they dealt with problems, mistakes and hear some success stories!

With 11 existing locations, SWN was also asked recently by the Shire council to start up a new group in the Sutherland Shire to help local business woman achieve their goals and will be holding a free networking Launch. I'm going along and would love to meet some fellow shire women in business too!

To attend you'll need to register for this free networking event as tickets are limited.

Date: 10 September 2010

Time: 12:00 PM

Venue:
Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre
782 Kingsway
Gymea 2227

Register Here if you'd like to come along! Hope to see you there..

Allie

Allies Open's Its Doors To Sydney Women's LifeStyle Designers!

Expect the lavish, beautiful and unique as we open our doors to include a full range of women's lifestyle products this Spring! Allies Attic will grow to showcase some of Sydney's most talented Designers & Artisans, an exciting expansion ahead as we open yet another room in our attic of surprises!

Our journey since we launched in November 2009 has been amazing with markets in Hunters Hill, Paddington & Mosman before setting up home in the Sutherland Shire earlier this year.

We're located by the beach side suburb of Cronulla and the event makes for the perfect day trip, to enjoy the coastal scenery and trendy café culture that is on offer. At the market, there is a festival vibe, featuring live music, good food, a children's craft activity area, supervised by Shire Nannies, qualified child care professionals, and of course, a stylish,
boutique shopping experience.

I know most of our customers are also fashion savvy and will delight in meeting face to face with the designers, who will be excited to talk you through the inspiration behind their Spring Summer collections. And if you're about to undertake an annual household spring clean toss out the old, as you will find the most stunning selection of hand crafted home wares and textiles at the market, perfect for a stylish home makeover.

Allies Attic supports local designers including kids fashion wear label, Cheeky Chickies as featured regularly in Shop4Kids, Little One Baby, Studio Bambini and My Child magazines. We're also proud to be showcasing unique women’s wear designer, Natasha Dwyer of Arthur Ave You may have seen this extraordinary Shire local on the Kerrie-Anne Show recently, as she is the talent behind the inspirational National Costume to be worn by Australia's Jesinta Campbell, in the upcomming Miss Universe pageant!

Allies Attic is a premier Sydney must do event for the calendar and offers extensive free parking, free entry, easy access and is also accessible by public transport. Held on Saturday 18th September from 10.30am-3.30pm.

Allie x

You're Fast Asleep & Your Smoke Alarm Goes Off..What Would You Do?

Its one of those things you think will never happen to you. Really what's the chance of your house burning down and if it did what would be the first thing you took whilst trying to save your life? Family photos? Passport? Mobile Phone? Chances are if you were in that situation the only thing that would really matter is getting everyone out of the house in time.

My heart went out this week to Bowral local, Lisa Rochiax and her family when I heard about their story. The fire was going through the house so quickly that they only had time to get all four kids out of bed and grab a mobile phone. The house has been totally destroyed with not much retrieved except for a few odds and ends.

And now here comes the mammoth task in rebuilding their lives and replacing everything from the simple items to larger home appliances not to mention the house itself. Lisa's story was actually introduced by a friend of hers, Katie Alpen who's just as passionate as me in helping others in a time of need.

Along with Allies Attic I also have another hat in which I am also a signatory BraOlogist. Today infact I'm going along to a Allies Attic designers house to hold a Lingerie party.. where no doubt I'll spend a few hours styling, measuring and fitting Katie's friends for new bra's.. It's Katie that rang me to tell me about Lisa.. and hence our idea to hold today's party as a fund raising venture for Lisa to help her replace a few essential items.. Ahhh how i love two minds getting together for the greater good!

I'd also like to rally together and help Lisa and her family to replace some much needed items as quickly as possible. All help would be appreciated and every bit counts!

Here's how you can help:-

- Purchase any item from Intimo Lingerie for yourself directly through today's Fundraiser and 10% of sales will be used to purchase much needed items for Lisa (this will include everyday bra's, undies etc). The Intimo Collection can be viewed at www.intimo.com.au

The lingerie includes everything from everyday bra's to active sports bra's, intimate items and maturity options. To purchase please email myself at allie.duval@intimo.com.au with your contact details, item size, code and color; You can also ring me direct on 0414 601 057. Purchases for the fundraiser will close 5pm Thursday 12th August, 2010.

- In case you're not looking to purchase you may also like to donate directly to the fundraiser for Lisa to purchase something.. It doesn't need to be a huge amount, $5, $10 or $20 would be greatly appreciated; Please contact me directly to find out how you can donate.

- Book a Intimo Lingerie Party via myself before the end of the fundraiser next Thursday. This will entitle Lisa to more credits to purchase items with;

- Post a link to this page on your Facebook/ Blog and tell your friends who you think might be interested in helping too, and/or spreading the word!

- If you are an Allies Attic Designer you may also wish to donate clothing/ accessories for Lisa's children. Their are four children including Kiara 9, Noah 4, Emmerson 4, Luca 1; please email me at allie@alliesattic.com.au for a forwarding address;

Lisa's story could happen to anyone of us and maybe that's why I'm so passionate about helping her! Mostly its nice to help one of us when it does happen. Now I'm asking for your help to make it a little easier for Lisa. Can't wait to see how much we help Lisa's family!!!

Tis The Week Before Market...

Just where has this year gone? Its a blink of the eye and here we are... already in July. I for one can't wait until Spring and it starts to warm up a little.

If you're in the market for something warm for your little ones don't miss out on our next Allies Attic Winter Market next Saturday 10 July! We're also in indoor market just in case it rains!

Allies Attic is on Sat 10 July at Cronulla Sharkies Leagues Club 10am-2pm where you'll be sure to find lots of winter specials! Shire favourite, BLUCY will be there with lots of amazing designs and Cheeky Chickies will also be having a amazing two for one offer that we know won't last long!

Come and visit Allies for beautiful baby & kids clothing and accessories that you won't find in the retail shops! Kids can play in our Kraft Korner whilst you shop.

10am - 2pm
Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club
461 Captain Cook Drive Cronulla NSW 2230
FREE ENTRY & PARKING ON SITE

Happy Mum Happy Baby

We've all heard happy mum equals happy baby but in the first critical years following the biggest change of our lives is this possible?

Jenny Dugard, mother to 22-month-old Marley and currently pregnant with baby number two believes that exercise, well being and great nutrition are a vital part of daily life and that what we teach our young will stay with them forever.

Jenny is the founder and director of Body Beyond Baby; an Eastern Suburbs business specializing in pre and postnatal health and fitness. You can work out and there’s experienced nannies to look after babies and young ones while mums exercise.

In 2009 Jenny produced a postnatal DVD called “Rebuild from the Inside Out”. She delivers regular presentations to mums, writes for the Blackmores Wellbeing Blog and stands on the expert panel of newbornbaby.com.au

To attend one of Jenny’s group exercise sessions, purchase a copy of her DVD, book into a workshop or invite her to talk at your seminar or mothers group you can visit the Body Beyond Baby website www.bodybeyondbaby.com.au, email Jenny on jenny@bodybeyondbaby.com.au You can also phone her direct on 0402 728047.

Australian-made is the way to trade

This article was published in the St George & Sutherland Shire Leader written BY BELINDA CONNOLLY

A NEW mum is doing her part to support small businesses by encouraging shoppers to buy Australian-made.

Allie Duval said she was disappointed when she started shopping for clothes for son Izac and discovered most items were mass-produced and imported.

She started Allies Attic, a market specialising in handcrafted, limited-edition pieces of clothing, accessories and homewares.

The indoor market will be held from 10am to 2pm at Sharkies this Saturday.

"Once I started shopping for him I realised everything was blue for boys and pink for girls,'' Mrs Duval said. "I wanted something that wasn't mass-produced.''

Items from local businesses including Tippy Toes, Cheeky Chickies and Blucy are sold at the markets.

"I was quite passionate about starting a market that would support small businesses and mums working at home,'' Mrs Duval said.

She spent several months researching designers at different markets to ensure the right mix of stalls. Her research paid off, with many shoppers commenting on the beautiful quality of clothing.

To make the shopping experience even more relaxing a craft table is set up to keep little hands busy.

"The support we're getting in the shire is just fantastic,'' Mrs Duval said. "There's definitely a need for it; there's not a lot out there like what we've got.''

Trends This Season....

I love winter fashion.. all the scarfs, coats, boots and especially hats - so much more can be done in winter and unlike summer, layering is so much more fun.

It's also true in winter, rugging up also means keeping warm.. I'm already on the hunt for a new winter coat and I can never have enough hats... I think I'm up to 9 but honestly who's counting.. some collect shoes.. its hats for yours truly and more often than not covers a bad hair day happening which is very frequently the case as a working mummy on the run.

You can imagine how excited I am that our dee-licious markets are just around the corner where I know I'll find lots of winter warmers for my little one and also presents for a few birthday's I have coming up. I just love this outfit pictured here by Sydney designer Cheeky Chickies... I love how well key pieces and layering bring such fun to an outfit! Girls no longer need to be wearing pink, pink and more pink to look pretty! Tell us how layering works for you in Winter.. We'd love to hear all about it.

The only handmade market in the Shire for little people, Allies Attic is where you'll find lots of little surprises ranging from beautiful clothing and accessories for baby and kids. Best of all, designer no longer means it has to have the price tag to boot, its retail handmade heaven at affordable prices!

10am - 2pm Saturday 22 May, 2010
Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club
461 Captain Cook Drive Cronulla NSW

FREE ENTRY + PARKING ON SITE
kids can play in our Kraft Korner whilst you shop!