May 1, 2013

A Fun Business Opportunity Has Come My Way!

I've been offered a great business opportunity. 

 I'm sure you won't be surprised that it has something to do with dress forms!  And true to my form, I will blab all of the details.


Here's a little background
I have a great working relationship with Barr Display. They sell store fixtures and displays in a large retail space here in Orlando and online.   

I have shopped at Barr for years, getting display pieces for my Antiques booth...


...And a slat wall and other supplies for my craft room


Two years ago as I was wandering around the store, I saw a table top dress form.  It was inexpensive, so I bought one and later transformed it with sheet music. 

 I did a blog post on it entitled "Where To Buy Dress Forms And How To Transform Them".  In the post I said "Barr Display does not even know I exist".....Until.....


I went into Barr Display a week later to purchase another form and they said "We are completely sold out".  I said "Shoot, I bet that's because I did a blog post and told people where to buy them".   The guy at the counter said "Are you The Polka Dot Closet?"......Let me get my Marketing Manager!

That's when I met Julia, the Marketing Manager, she's young, forward thinking, smart, and ....Oh cripes, she's even pretty!   She understands the impact of social media and thanked me for all the business I sent her way. She then offered a dress form as a giveaway on my blog.   Since then I have had many dress form giveaways, and transformed more table top forms, like this lace one.


I've had it in my head for awhile that I wanted to make a new dress form look old.   So, in January I was back to Barr and shared the idea with Julia, she was all for it and sent me home with a form to try and make my vision a reality.

 So, here's the business opportunity

Julia liked my transformed dress form so much that she offered to display it in the store......
......To sell,
  But wait it gets better....


They are also going to put it in Barr's online store 


 Here is the link to the dress forms at Barr Display

Customers will have 3 purchase options

A fully altered dress form with a crackle paint finished base and vintage look body for $165.00

A transformed vintage look body only with a natural base for $119 or with a dark walnut base for $139



Only the base and neck block transformed with a crackle paint finish and unaltered jersey knit body is $119




The back of each form will be personalized with a name.    


Now, neither Julia or I know where this will go

 ............But I figure, if I'm going to dream...Dream big...Throw it out to the universe.   

Here goes, I'm throwing it out...

...I think every clothing store, boutique, lingerie store, Ann Taylor Loft.....Oh, and Anthropologie....Should have this form.

There, I did it....I threw it out to the universe!


I'll keep you posted and let you know Josettes' journey......Right now she is standing proudly at Barr Display surrounded by a bunch of plain DUMMIES!

I hope you all Dream...Dream big...Then throw it out to the universe.   What do you have to lose??

Happy Creating!
Carol




83 comments:

Terra said...

Carol, dream big. The sky is the limit on this idea, the forms are beautiful after you transform them.

Kathy said...

Oh.My.Gosh. How wonderful! Congratulations on such a great opportunity. I will be cheering you on and looking forward to hearing about where it takes you.

Jan Cohen said...

Congrats! can the sheet music look be done on the linen forms or just the hard plastic ones? love your style! thanks

vintage grey said...

Congratulations on such a neat new venture and opportunity! They are beautiful!! Thank you again for all your help today! xo Heather

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Sounds wonderful! Good luck to you!

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Congratulations,dear Carol:)I'm so happy for you and I'm sure they will sell like crazy.
Hugs,
Marie

debi said...

Wow! She's the prettiest form on the display floor! Congrats on your new venture!

Bente said...

Oh, so nice for you. Congrats. You make them so fantastic.

Hugs

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

That's a great and very well deserved opportunity, Carol! Your girls are so beautiful. Congratulations! I'm very happy for you.
Hugs,
Julia

Diane said...

Congratulations....Very happy for you Carol! Hugs, Diane

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh how exciting!!!! Congratulations!1 If anyone can do this you can, you just have the super magic touch!!!!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Wow Carol, this is great news!
I'm very proud of you.

hugs
Sissie

Irene Helms Designs said...

WOW Carol ... Congratulations! Well deserved as well. As usual you are an inspiration for the creative entepreneur!

Irene

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

oh Carol, this is wonderful ! I hope you go to the moon and back. Can honestly not think of one single person who deserves it more. I also think there should be at least 3 in every boutique and shop to show and hundreds in each to sell ! (())

Sharon xx said...

Sharon here from the UK, just wanted to say love your posts, your inspiration, your style and your blog. Oh and love the story and seeing how your beautiful art is spreading out into the universe. :-) xx

decorayadora said...

Oh.Carol How wonderful! Congratulations on such a great opportunity.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

That's wonderful, Carol! Congratulations! It's great seeing pictures of all the dress forms they carry. I did just buy one locally at Christmas Tree Shop for my booth, but I'd like to get a little one for my child-size aprons, since I brought my little metal one to the booth. I'm going to check out their site.

Unknown said...

Carol, not surprised at all about your opportunity, I wish you best of luck in this endeavor. I wonder if you would do me a favor. I am having a cake server giveaway over on my blog and deadline is tomorrow. I would love it if you would mention it on your blog as you have so many followers and of course I would love for you to sign up to. Just leave me a comment. www.gracefulrose.blogspot.com.

Thanks and have a great day!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Carol,
Dream as big as you can and reach for the stars!! Good for you , girl!! I am so happy to see a fellow nurse who got out of nursing, doing exactly what she wants to do!! I can't wait for my turn!!

CONGRATS, my friend!!

Hugs,
Deb

Kat said...

Congratulations Carol. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Have a wonderful weekend.

Marilyn said...

So cool!! Bet that isn't even a word with the younger generation any more, but it expresses my delight for you!♥♫

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

You go girl!! It is good to let it all hang out sometimes.....because you never know...
I love the dress form by the way ;)
xoxo,
Amy Jo

shari said...

Carol, Josette is beautiful! I wish you lots of success with this new venture. I would buy one if I had the extra money.

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Congratulations on a wonderful new adventure!! :) Happy week-end xo Holly

Teresa said...

Talent always recognise talent. So glad Julia found you and between you both you'll have a commercial adventure but also - and more important - will experiment, play and enjoy lots.

I'm sure you'll have huge sucess. You are great and she has the stuff for you to deal with. It would look so well in several shop windows I know... even here in the other side of the Atlantic.

Wishing you The Best. Success. Fun.

Yours,
Teresa

Debbi said...

that is awesome Carol...funny how our creativity muse has it's twists and turns and comes back to reward you! Congrats!

The Speckled Hen Cottage said...

Woo..Hoo!!! Congratulations, a business opportunity doing something you love, can't get better than that.
Wish you all the best...Mickie

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

Carol, this is AWESOME!! You have the talent--no doubt about it. I can see you hiring others of you to fulfill the demand!! You're right; Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, boutiques, they ALL need your creations!! My best wishes to you for happiness in this endeavor. ~Zuni

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol, Oh I am so excited for you. Your form looks fabulous in that sea of dummies. LOL
Yes, great marketing and advertising are the key to good business. I think you will be flooded with sales. Love it. All the rest of the shoppes will be calling.

By the way, after your dress form ball, I redesigned my long skirt form by giving her an antiquing and french graphic with lace. I have antiqued items for years, just not a dress form yet. It was part of my new guest room redo. I'll be sharing it soon.
Thanks for the inspiration.
So happy for you!
Hugs, Celestina Marie

mizdarlin said...

Another thing you could do for Barr (and all of us here in Canada!) is suggest that they set up a franchise here...so tired of trying (and never succeeding) to find any decent (or decently priced) display items here- it's frustrating!
I always am envious of your easy access to these and other remarkable items that are simply pipe dreams North of the 49th...at least, on the West Coast...now that mailing things here from the US has quadrupled, it will be even harder to find things for us..

Little Miss Maggie said...

Congratulations, Carol. I can't think of anyone that deserves this opportunity more than you. You are one creative lady.

farmhouse-story said...

bless your heart, that is wonderful, carol!! congrats to you! i'm thrilled for you:) and i just love how you distressed josette!

pipigirl said...

good for you. im so happy for you. you are so very talented and i think you will do well. compared to the other ones shown,it so outshines them. all the best wishes for you. congratulations.....susy oh, keep doing what you do!!!!!

A Southern Rose said...

Congrats! I'm so happy for you. This will be so exciting. Always dream big!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Woot-woot!

You go girl! You, your vintage dress form and your Polk.a.dot Closet!!!!

I hope this goes well for you.
Dreaming..., Pat

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

Well, you are no dummy, I am so excited for you. If I was still in Orlando, I would go down there and take a picture next to her. So Happy! Di

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I love Josette - Patty/BC

Deneen@dreaming-n-color said...

So happy for you Carol! Love your forms and now everyone else will!!

Primsandroses said...

Love the idea, I know it will be a hit for you. And "throw it out to the universe, what have you got to lose?" Very inspiring for me, thx.

karan

primsandroses.blogspot.com

June said...

Wow! I am so excited for your new opportunity. There is just something so special about dress forms... love this new chapter in your creative book.

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness Carol how very exciting!! Guess you having a business plan has really worked out even if this particular venture wasn't in the plan!

Excited to hear how this turns out for you!

Had to go to Phoenix for a funeral this week- it was 102 there- came home to 20's and snow! Goodness what extremes!

bee blessed
mary

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

CONGRAT'S my friend! I hope you make your Millions! You are very creative and how nice to get paid for it!
It DIDN'T snow in my neighborhood! But, it was only in the 30's while I was out at garage sales! LOL!
Warmly,
deb

Connie@shabbyforsure said...

Hi Carol, How wonderful. Sounds like all of your hard work might just pay off...Connie

20 North Ora said...

Carol, Congratulations! I think you will do wonderful. I would sure do up some of the waist up ones like you've done. I love them. You are so creative that I'm sure people will snap them up!!

Judy

Jane said...

Wow, wow, wow!!!! How exciting! I am so happy for you and this fabulous opportunity! Best of luck and keep us posted on how it goes!!!
Jane

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Congratulations! My best wishes for much success!! I look forward to your updates of what happens!!

Katherine

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Congratulations and good luck on your new business adventure! I hope you will still have time to continue posting on your wonderful blog! I enjoy it so much. Nancy

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Good for you sweetie! Well deserved I might add. I remember that post where you said they didn't know you existed. Well girl they do now! lol!
hugs,
Jann

Maureen Wyatt said...

This is truly exciting! I hope you sell a zillion of them.

Joi said...

Congratulations, Carol...this is so well deserved! Have fun with it and I'll be checking out Ann Taylor and Anthropologie for more Josette's!

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

Oh Wow, Carol! That's big!! Yours is definitely the prettiest :) Soon you'll be rolling in the dough and I will say...yeah, I knew her when she was just a blogger. I knew she was going places~

Createology said...

Congratulations Carol! I was hoping that Barr Display would recognize you and your uber creative talents with their dress forms and NOW they are! Hooray. The Universe is ready for you my dear...

Mom E. said...

SO MUCH FUN!
I hope htis grows to beyond your imaginations, Carol!
I love your "Smart Looking" dress form as opposed to those other "dummies"! ROFL
You are so clever, girl!
Hearts,
Betsy

Tamara said...


That is so exciting! Congratulations! I love the work that you do. It is soft, feminine and gorgeous. I'll look forward to
hearing more about the journey. You're such an inspiration.

Blessings to you,
Tamara

Unknown said...

Everything you touch, turns to gold! It's gonna rock!! :)

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Carol ~ you are so awesome and I'm so proud of you! Remember that phone call we shared a few years ago...I knew you would do well! You on definitely on your way to something BIG! xoxo

my cup of tea said...

Wow! That is so darn cool!!! Congrats! You just never know do you?
So exciting!
~Donna~

Mari said...

This is indeed great news carol ;)
Congrats...

Smiles~
Mari

Unknown said...

Congratulations Carol, you were the winner in my give away. Please send me your name and address and I will be mailing your cake server to you. Send it to jsgreer@twc.com.

Thanks for entering my give away!

Connie said...

Carol, if you could see me, I am beaming with pride. I am so proud of you . . . you go girl!!!
Your dress forms could be the stars in Macy's windows all over the country. The sky is the limit. You spread your wings, now fly sweet friend :)
Connie :)

Ivy and Elephants said...

Oh, how exciting!!! I'm so happy for you, what a fabulous opportunity! I wish you all the success the world has to offer. Your dress forms are truly amazing! Congrats and best of luck!
Patti

Lynn Hasty said...

Yes, Dream Big! I hope the Universe loves your idea and you have great success!!

xoxo
Lynn

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you!! I'm so happy for you and your beautiful forms. It's always such a blessing to have others love what you do as much as we love what we do. Ask, Believe, Receive.... throw it out there and it comes back to you. Hugs.Tammy

Ann said...

Congratulations! With your talent many doors will open for you. Your lady looks infinitely better than the others. Enjoy the journey!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Oh Carol this is wonderful news. I love the idea of personalizing these gals. It's going to be an amazing journey. Congratulations.

Debbiedoos said...

You go girl! I wish you all the very very best. I think the universe just may take you up on this offer! love the idea, your brilliant!

Bluebirdbasketry said...

Carol,
Squuuuuuuuuuuuueeeeeaaaaallll!!!

SO excited for you. This is the start of something big!

Keep us posted,

Sue

Unknown said...

So proud of you. The universe will respond Laurie DeBruin www.foreverboundart.wordpress.com

Marlynne said...

Go Girl! Good for you!

Savannah Granny said...

OH MY!! Carol, this is awesome! That is so neat, you do what you love, you do a great job and opportunity knocks. I am soooooooo proud of you. I have told you before you are my inspiration...what I could hope to be if I were younger. LOL!
Love and blessings to you, Ginger

Rhissanna said...

This is wonderful, Carol! All your hard work and good humour and creativity deserved to be rewarded. Really good luck with this venture and well done Barrs, responding to their sudden surge of sales!

Lynn B said...

Congratulations Carol, you are a very talented lady!
Funnily enough I have just purchased a new dress form over the internet (I live in England) and I can't wait for it to arrive, it is going into my new craft room, I will use it for making clothes but when it is not being used for that I will dress it up!
Thanks for the design ideas, keep up the good work.

Desires of the Heart said...

Wow, that is quite a story....so happy for you!! Congratulations, hope you can keep up with the business you have just created for yourself. The dress form looks just wonderful!! Love your blog!! Blessings, Linda

Terri said...

Couldn't be happier for you!! Way to go!

Stampindamour said...

Love it! Dream BIG, my friend...you never know WHERE your creative ideas will take you! ♥

-PaMeLa ;)

Sisters Treasures said...

I echo all the congratulations, Carol! You have been a great business asset to Barr and I'm glad they're including you in this opportunity!! Best wishes for tons of success.
You are an inspiration!
Betsy

Unknown said...

Congratulations, you've done a beautiful job of it all! You deserve it!

Debbie said...

I don't even know if you will ever see this, but I am woohooo-ing up here in Georgia. I tell you, Carol, this is your ZONE. It's like you have been waiting your whole life to be doing exactly what you're doing now. First it was the magazine with the paper doll thing, and then it has been one thing after the other.

If you ever had any doubt that God had a huge plan for you after the job thing, you sure don't have any now.

I mean this sincerely: You inspire me.

Debi said...

Wow Wow Wow Carol! This is just awesome for you! You are such a talented lady and I have loved everything you do and share! Your dress forms are beautiful! I'm sure she will sell right off and you'll be on your way to many more!
Big Hugs!!!

Debi

FabShabbyRoses said...

You're amazing! This is amazing! I'm so happy for you to get some extra recognition for all your talent. You really are AMAZING!
Carolyn

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is awesome, Carol!! Good luck on your new venture!!

KimMalk said...

What a great, fun opportunity, Carol! It couldn't have happened to a nicer, more creative lady.

~Kim

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

This is amazing! Maggie talked about you during the soldering class and mentioned the good news. Congratulation! I checked the web site and the also have tissue paper!!! Thank you for sharing, Carol and your dress forms are perfectly done. Ciao Rita