The Road Travelled

Nobody said starting your own business is an easy thing, I would probably say it is one of the hardest things to do - its not so much the work flow but it all boils down to the cash flow thing.

Like all new Businesses Tangerine faces the same struggles, I just thank my lord every night that I have him watching over me. He has given me so much to be thankful for over the last few months.

Finally I am at a place in my own life where I know I am doing the right thing, there is not a moment that goes by that I am not excited about what is happening. On top of that I am surrounded by people who really believe in what I am doing as much as I do.

I suppose what all this is about - through no matter what life throws at you if you are doing for God nothing can get in your way.

If anybody can tell you about the experiences of banging your head against the same brick wall over and over again and never getting the lessons, its me, but thankfully sometimes it just takes one thing and its like a light switch and everything just makes sense. Well thats where I am in my own life.

To anybody out there who can seem to find the peace with in believe me it is there

Sold out

Have to share what happened today, my daughter and I were suppose to do the market on Saturday it was so cold that everybody packed up, hence we couldn't do the market. This really meant that we didn't make any cash, cash I wanted to pay one of our new ladies.

So what do you think happened today, 15 beautiful American students, 3 teachers visited the John Wesley Centre and bought nearly everything we had - and guess what I have more than I envisaged and I also paid one of our ladies.

Again I just can't get over what is happening everything we need and more just keeps coming our way.

Let me say again - Thank you so much My Lord

Weekend is here

Another week has gone by, my Daughter and I are doing our first market day tomorrow, and the weather is turning for the worse. But no fear I am positive that we will still have a good day, like all things it takes a bit of time.

With 2 minor changes my very first email campaign hits the airwaves on Monday, gosh we have come along way.

Its also great that my business partner is heading up to Johannesburg on Monday.

Well I know this is a short one, just wanted to close of the week.

You know what they say "Do you want to be a Superstar - well guess what you are"

Ceramics began today

Finally we are there, the ceramic project kicked of today, we had great interest from the local community, on top of it the supplier GW Base has donated nearly 6 tons of slip powder which is an equivalent to nearly 2 years worth of material for us to use.

All I say is thank you LORD.

Today we also met to discus the new building, men some times are really weird, they ask you to comment on your needs but then they tell you it is not feasible, instead of giving you the options before hand, they same women are the ones who are weird - time for them to start looking in the mirror.

Tonight I am having an early night it has just been go go go since I can remember, in just over a week I am at the One of Kind show at Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg and then straight afterwards I'm of to Durban by the sea - and then a small break - probably going to take a few days to see my friends and catch up.

Well have a great one

Good morning

Good morning from a sunny South Africa, it looks like winter is finally coming to an end, I even woke up earlier due to the warmth in the air.

Couldn't get online last night and I must admit I missed closing down my day with my blog. But I can now really say that all the new art material is a done thing and within hours I believe it will be visable - wow can't wait to see it all in action.

Yesterday afternoon I got caught in a very bad traffic due to a horrible accident on one of our main freeways (5 cars and a truck) and it made me just think internally to who I am and why I am doing what I am doing.

The peace I felt from just tuching my own soul with these thoughs were are amazing, never before have a been so sure of what I am doing.

Also how grateful I am to have a partner like Gordon, a man with such a big heart who I know I drive crazy sometimes.

So again I just want to thank my Lord for putting me in this place so that I can find my own peace and to be fortunate enough to assist so many people in their own lives.

So with that have a beautiful day, live it to the best and dream of all your dreams to come.

Tangerine a buzz of excitment

Wow what a day, just go go go, took Nox to meet Bronwyn from Out of Alex, her concept is really refreshing, clean and easy to transform.

I am looking forward to seeing this on the shelves in the big retailers. I come across the concern raised by Bronwyn moving from a small initiative to going into the main stream of business. This is not just a community upliftment focus but in all start up operations - it all boils down to the mind set, the belief in ones ability to take it to the next level, also really understanding what you want in your own life and accepting some times that you might never be the person who is going to make or take it to the next level.

I do though believe Bronwyn's concept is going to fly and she will fully embrace where this is all going to.

We spoke really indepth how important it is for all of us to understand our own responsibilities in the work that we are doing, and by believing in our faith to follow the vision we see before us.

South Africa's Inspiration

I have lived most of my life in South Africa, since a young girl I have always been inspired by how many people really do want to see South Africa succeed in achieving on the most wonderful opportunities.

Today Nox from Dreambuilders came out to visit with me at Etwatwa, Nox is the person that I have got to know working on another project and must admit we have a very strong relationship. She is up here to work on a school project that Mr Price is funding, the project is to help young adults last 3 years of school plan their future.

Every where you go in our country you find so many different people, and or groups really committed, it makes me so proud to be doing what I am and to be part of a group that is committed to making South Africa great.

Tangerine Marketing - a successful Week

Well can you believe it the week is over, and Tangerine Marketing has had another successful week, yes I know we still havn't finalised the look and feel but I know the wait will be worth it.

Yes I know the kiln is not coming on Monday and there has to be a reason and I am trying to understand what the message is about and why this is just not coming together, everything is ready we just can't get anybody to deliver the kiln for us.

Well next week Nox is up to visit the two groups that I am working with and to get a feel of the projects.

Its also paperwork week and I am committed to signing of the look and feel for this email campaign on Monday I know its going to happen

Well I hope its a good weekend for everybody, I am presenting my products to the committee for Northfest and my daughter is at the market again, trying to get rid of old stock - need to clear the cupboards were running out of space.

Also I am going to look into employing somebody 1 day a week to start of with to help me with my paper work.

Tangerine Marketin marching on its way to fame

Well its official we are on our way, orders are coming in on a regular basis, market place is starting to recognise us, we have a great team of suppliers working with us to make it all happen.

We work with great projects and project leaders, we market great products and now we are days away from hitting the corporate market with our new look campaign. Everybody loves the new look.

The kiln is finally being delivered tomorrow, the ceramic project will start on Monday, the art classes will follow, and Kenny has done his second day learning design.

I am now ready to sort of breath and accept that Tangerine Marketing is definitely on its way. I am fully behind what you believe and think is what happens, gosh I am proof of that, to think I walked out with R13 in my pocket and no idea of what was next.

Lisa, Linde, Pauline and Gordon you guys have never stopped believing in me,, my daughter Jessica she has been through so much with me and through it all it has made us closer.

It has taught me to love my parents and respect everybody's point of view, Philip you are a darling always willing to go the extra mile to make my life out in Etwatwa as pleasant as possible.

Hold on to your seats, lift off has begun

Ceramic hassels

Well I missed writing to you yesterday, spent time typing out about my day, and I lost the signal and couldn't get back online, got withdrawal symptoms.

So fill you in, yesterday met with the stand designer for the One of a Kind Show being held in August at Gallagher estate Johannesburg. Decided to go the whole way, have the stand done professionally, with the knowledge that it will increase our presence to the trade and buyers at the trade show.

With regard to the ceramic project, we keep getting let down with the movers who keep promising to move the kiln, nearly 3 weeks behind schedule now, and again the movers have said that they will come tomorrow, so lets just put it out there so it will happen.

The mind power book says you must visualise that it is happening or how will happen, so everybody please visualise them moving the kiln for me.

Lastly the ladies from Impumelelo finished the bags before their due date, well done ladies, so proud of all of you

So to all of you out there keep supporting the beautiful women of South Africa

Beautiful Women

Had to write, because I am so proud of the women from the Impumelelo projet, they worked right through the night to finish the bags for the Hillcrest Aids Centre, for a conference - I feel really bad because I did doubt we were going to finish on time, now we have finished earlier than the due date.

I could see how they actually thrived on their achievement - I love the fact that these women are growing in confidence and that they are really beautiful women, committed to making this business of theirs a success.

I am so glad that I am a part of it, I really feel part of something special

Women committed to making a difference

Saturday 14 July 2007, 9.30pm

Worked the whole day cutting material to assist the group of women who are making conference bags for the Hillcrest Aids Centre.

I could see that they were really tired, but their dedication to achieving and to become something was so obvious that it made me so proud to be associated with them.

It will for eternity uplift me when I work with these women, most of these women live in shacks in the informal settlement, they always have a smile on their faces, always signing, always ready to go the extra mile and always willing to work and trust their fellow human beings.

The western world could learn so much from understanding this fellowship, learning that everything is never just black and white, and that every person is part of something bigger. That is what I am learning by working out in the township on a daily basis.

To the women I am proud to be able to work with, I say thank you so much.

2010 madness

Good evening, Friday 10pm, time to reflect on my day, - honestly I have had a mad day, rushing around.

I did though manage to fit in one really exciting meeting, which is linked to the 2010 soccer world cup - well the lead up to it anyway.

If this materialises it will be amazing for all crafters, designers and even maybe jewelers.

Just so many opportunities, I love the fact that everything is just falling into place and on top of it all, I find out that one of my parents oldest friends works for a company that I need to meet with to get the material for the ceramics - another one of those miracles.

Well tonights a short sharing of events, never slept last night far to excited after seeing the proposed email campaign, were running a bit late but it will hit the net next week.

Well have a good one....

Conference Bags

Thursday evening 9pm Johannesburg South Africa

Why do I keep starting my daily account putting the date and time etc, easy I can't get the blog to record the time that's shown on my computer, it is fixed in an American time - so I wanted you all to know my time.

Well the Impumelelo project is racing against time to finish order of conference bags by the 19th, and I must admit we are running a tad behind, now we have to finish 13 day, compared to 10, if we have to sleep there we will, this is their first biggest order within a set time period, and there is no ways we are going to mess it up.

Definitely a major learning curve, once we get producing for the larger retails which looks promising we are going to be faced with this on an ongoing basis.

When you initially start these projects, everybody has to know everything, eventually you have dedicated people who only do certain things, which definitely pick the speed up.

Well wish us well, I know i'll be reporting that we did it.

For the next few weeks definitely got my work cut out, 2 shows plus a major corporate drive, can't wait to see what it looks like

Tangerine counting the days to our new identity

Wednesday 7.38pm Johannesburg South Africa



So new feel a done thing, this time next week the web and all our marketing material will display the new polished look of Tangerine.



It is though with mixed feelings, the present design was something that was put together with limited understanding of where we were venturing, and where we are now is not the concept we started with.



I really hope the market likes it, I hope it will give everybody confidence which in return will allow more products to be sold, which mean more women make money.



Spent most the morning going through PR opportunities planned for the next few weeks, plus the frame work for the email campaign - all the things I have planned for so many companies over the many years, now they are being planned for my business.



I truly believe you need to employ the services of professionals if you serious about your business, you always look at your business different than experts who look at it from a market point of view - well time will tell - but I am very confident that this campaign is going to be very successful.



Must admit I'm starting to get the hang of the blogging thing, its sort of a slow down to the day, after you rush around all day - it allows you to wind down and digest whats happening.



Well I think thats me, I am bushed today, I off to have a good hot bath and an early night, every night for many now I have been working till the very late hours of the evening, my battries are now flat.



Over the weekend I'm going to start bringing in pictures and playing around with the format, I've seen some really groovey looking blogs.



Goodnight

Miracles do happen daily

Time 21.40 Tuesday evening freezing cold Johannesburg South Africa

Need to share on my experiences lately, I need to say right out - I have never seen myself as much of a religious person, but I have always believed in Jesus and God. Usually when things happen I put it down to a coincidence - but lately there have just been toooo many.

Tangerine Marketing decided to set up office in the Etwatwa Township on the East Rand in Johannesburg, at the John Wesley Centre, an outreach programme of the Northfield Methodist Church Benoni.

Since operating from there my belief and vision for Tangerine has never been so grounded, like its a really clear picture of what needs to be done. So let me share some of things that have been happening.

About a month ago my laptop finally bombed I thought for good, well thats what the repair guy told me after having him fix it for the 3rd time.

So like I do everyday, I don't pray I just seem to have a good old conversation with Jesus and the Lord, telling them about whats happening, well this time I said, cash flow is a bit tight, trying to build up stock, do you think somebody from the church could hep me to find the finance to buy a new lap top.

2 days later, my dear friend Philip (runs the centre) came to me and said that would I mind if he takes my laptop to the company that he works with for his computers - first I said it is a waste of time, eventually he convinced me that I have nothing to loose.

At the end of the week I get back my lap top which is working top class, and Philip tells me, that he wants me to know that he has paid to get the lap top fixed, it was something he knew he had to do. (Number 1)

Around the same time I have been just visualising setting up a ceramic project in parallel with other things going on at the centre, the person who I thought would help me decided that he no longer could help me. The very same day I get a message on my phone from Lorraine from the Anglican Church with a name and contact details of William who is very keen to help set up a ceramic project. William starts the project this Monday (Number 2)

At the beginning of June at the Aids Conference in Durban, I woke up with a clear thought that we need to implement an art and design academy at the centre in Etwatwa, when I got back to JHB the idea just never left, so I mentioned to the Design Company that is producing our new branding material, long story short the design element kicks of tomorrow (Number 3)

And to day, this just blew my head away and made me realise that these aren't coincidences, Johannes an African gentlemen (believe it or not) who lives across the road from the centre, why now came in, he is an artist and he wants to work with me to setting up art lessons for the youth (Number 4)

All I know is that this vision for Tangerine is fully in the hands of being directed to deliver greater good for many women and communities, and I need to just say Thank you God

craft research: New Craft Blogs

craft research: New Craft Blogs

Tangerine's Designs

Monday 6.09pm Johannesburg

Well saw the new look and feel for Tangerine today, another major milestone, with a few changes, we will be launching a powerful feel for the brand.

I've been saying for along time now, need to sell the power of achievement in everything we do, showing how a seed can create a major lifetime of opportunities.

I hope you like the feel, my money is on the fact that you will.

Must say my head is racing with creative ideas for new products and concepts - just really so exciting.

Well until tomorrow

Powerful thoughts

Sunday evening 6.38pm Cold Johannesburg South Africa, wanted to share what my daughter wrote, blew me away how deep her thinking is!

They wont hold you back or judge you, keep them near they respect your gear. Life is full of unknown items, thoughts thrown in your head, loud noises taking over your mind, whats the point of being scared, they just there to warn you of whats to come for your life, the friends you make, the girls that dislike you, leading you to have guy friends who protect you from harm, teaching you to be street wise in case something happens when they not around to protect you from those harmful beings who take you down. Why do people rule our lives with fear when they not even near, how do they take over our minds with thoughts that can’t be described, of blood and death, rape and violence, why do they take over our minds? Why? Why is their a spirit watching over you? That can only be seen by the corner of your eye? That protects and warns when something bad is going to happen, and how does it warn you when you can’t even hear it? What is the purpose of life if you can’t even prove how Adam and eve where created, because you revolve your life around a bible that tells us stories that make us believe in god. Who is god? Is he even real or is he just something we can’t see and have been brought up to believe in something to stop us from doing evil? Which doesn’t work because each year crime gets worse and lives get less? How do you predict that you will be here tomorrow or even next week, do you just make plans and hope for your life to carry on? You might not be here tomorrow or even next week, why do people plan their lives? Do you just not think about death? How you might die? Don’t deny it you do think about death, everyone does, why do you think people have life insurance and medical aid and all those kind of things, you know its going to happen one day, so why wait? Have you ever thought of killing your self, just because life is a waist of your time? Why? Don’t you think you are stronger to live? To face those fears and hard days to come? That’s what we are here for, to make a difference with our lives, to say no to drugs, to stop our friends from crime, to help those in need and to live until our purpose has come to an end. We don’t know when that will happen, but don’t live in fear of death until it does come to you. Until your end has come!!!

2007
Jessica Reed. (17)

Beautiful Day

Wow what a day to day, I really have to thank my blessings, I really need to thank my Lord for putting this vision in place.

Today many opportunities availed themselves to allow women from South Africa to make a truly sustainable living.

To Nox and the team really excited to hear what is happening
To Merle and the team from Blackrock thank you for your inspiration
To Tasja and her creative team can't wait to see the design material on Monday

To everybody keep your faith and amazing things can happen

Poverty no more

Well from a freezing cold Johannesburg, South Africa, the whole day I've wanted to get my thinking down.

Recently there have been quite a few articles about Bono from U2 stating that its time to sell Africa fashionable - I am so behind that, its time to stop writing about the poverty and its time to start talking about the amazing culture and happenings that are happening in Africa - South Africa.

Women of South Africa are making a real difference - there is a saying from IBM in Africa "Africa is not for sissy's" well believe me the women of South Africa are definitely not sissy - the vibe these women have is the most uplifting feeling you can encounter.

The vibe you feel in everything that they make, whether its a beautiful product that can be used for a gift or for a corporate give away - when you purchase one of their products you take their vibe and passion with you.

Living each day to its fullest

Well, ive just come home from my baby brothers birthday, got there to find my dad in bed really sick - it always worries me when you see members of your family ill. Always a wake up call about how short life really is, and in the real big picture we only have so much time to make the most of life.

That is what I am doing now, working with these women have shown me the true facts about life, now being based in the Etwatwa township, and seeing how everyday life is a real blessing to all of them no mater how dreary the day is.

So to all of you out there live your life, don't wake up and find yourself old and realise how much of life you still have to live.

Follow your dreams it makes it all worth it.

Impumeleo is growing

Just come from a meeting at the Methodist Church in Benoni, to give feedback on our partnerships between Tangerine and the John Wesley Centre.

It is really encouraging to know how committed they are to our partnership and their determination to make a difference to the Etwatwa community.

Impumelelo is growing, firstly it was just the sewing side, now we have an element of beading, we are about to start ceramics, next were bringing in art for the younger generation - really so exciting - testimony to the fact that everything starts from a seed.

Ceramics on the way

What a day, rushed out to the John Wesley Centre today Etwatwa to meet William, you know the person I mentioned that is going to set up the ceramic project.

We found out that we can't use recycle glass, but what we are going to do is contact glass manufacturers such as window makers to gather their off cuts etc.

The project will start no later than 2 weeks from today, with 3 people, William will come out to the centre once a week on Mondays for the whole day initally. Once the inital team start to get comfortable with what they are making, I'll take the concept to the market.

Its a pitty we won't be ready for the One of a Kind show, but next time.