Retail Boot Camp will help Women’s Initiative graduates take their products and displays from good to great. Retail and consumer experts will give the entrepreneurs feedback on products and presentation, share tips on selling techniques, help tighten margins, expand markets and create new relationships that will help everyone achieve their business goals for 2006!

This event is open exclusively to Women’s Initiative graduates, and the retail and consumer experts, from gallery owners to major retail store strategists, who want to help them take their products to the next level. Come see how the successful Meadowlark Gallery displays and sells quality artisans goods, mingle and make new business connections, discover opportunities to support these creative, talented women in bringing their energy and potential to the market place.

When: Saturday, January 21, 2006
5:00-8:00pm

Where: Meadowlark Gallery
317 Town Center,
Corte Madera, CA 94925

Cost: Free for all SuccessLink members
$50 for graduates that have not yet joined SuccessLink
Free for Women’s Initiative friends, business and retail experts (by invitation only)

We hope you can join us!

Please RSVP to Christiane Gonzalez at cgonzalez@womensinitiative.org or (415) 328-6995.

In an effort to connect you with some of our terrific clients and their businesses, we have added a “Pick of the Month” section that will feature businesses frequented by a staff member. Enjoy!

Heather’s Picks of the Month
February is right around the corner and love is in the air. Even more so for me because I am getting MARRIED. I am organizing all my Valentine’s Day and wedding purchases around my favorite Women’s Initiative clients. I highly recommend you do the same thing. Our graduates are so terrific to work with, I know you will love them as much as I do.

Andrea Doffing, owner of Mirabai Truffles, has chocolates that will have your honey howling at the moon. Her truffles are event better than Joseph Schmidt, yes it is possible, because they are handmade with lots of love and creativity. My favorite flavor is lavender, but since my wedding is in Mexico, I suggest you go south of the border too. Think cayenne, cinnamon and other less traditional flavors. Andrea will deliver your chocolates beautifully wrapped in the most eco-friendly way possible. You can find her at 415-608-0247 or andreadee@msn.com.

Anasa Tatum of Herbal Grace has these luscious body soaps and creams. They smell yummy and are made of all natural ingredients. Her body lotion is perfect for February weather. It is creamy and thick, so you feel like you are really taking care of yourself. Do your sweety a favor and buy a his and hers pack, or hers and hers or whatever your preference might be. You can find Anasa at anasa@herbalgracebathandbody.com.

According to The Chronicle, pole dancing has becoming the “new Pilates.” I am not so sure about this trend, but I do know that graduate Catherine Rose owner of Slinky Productions has gotten voted “Best Way to Learn North Beach’s Sex History”. Personally, I am intrigued, but a bit squeamish. I haven’t dragged Bashir on the tour, but I am really impressed by Catherine and what she has done with her business. To me, she is a entrepreneurial genius – and your Valentine’s day entertainment. Catherine runs tours of the North Beach clubs for couples, girls-only, and more. She also does group classes in the finer arts of lapdancing and strip tease. And yes, she does bachelorette parties. You can find Catherine at www.LearnEroticDance.com or 510-465-7607.