Friday, October 21, 2011

NINE ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN CREATE A HOT SPOT TO SHOP WHILE BUILDING BRANDS

What happens when nine women pool their resources and creative genius? One hot spot to shop for gifts, fashion, décor, beauty and accessories.


Nine women, most of whom were friends already, joined together one year ago to create their own shopping center by rehabing a building that had been sitting vacant for nearly five years and turned it into one of Orange County’s hottest shopping spots (as named by local lifestyle guide

Orange Coast Magazine). The Cove, a hip and newly re-purposed shopping destination on Newport Beach’s Mariner’s Mile, is home to local designers and lifestyle and retail brands focused on women, children, home décor, jewelry, beauty and fashion, including: Blend, Clarity RX Skin Wellness Boutique, Laura Matthews Designs, Little Relics, Little Stylings, MerMade Designs, Posey Couture, Studio Fringe, and The Hat Loft.

For jewelry and accessories designers like Laura Matthews, Caitlin Whelan (she’s only 20 years old!), and Paige Van Rensselaer-Kunkle is was a chance to have a shop to showcase their creations. For others like Beth Zehnder and Amy Rosten, opening a shop at The Cove fulfilled a lifetime dream of owning their own retail store. For Karla Keane, Merideth Fleener and Pam Terry, they already had established, successful businesses for years but wanted a headquarters and storefront that could be open to the public.

There is something for everyone at The Cove from fashionistas and beauty product addicts to gals-on-the-go, aspiring interior designers and the stylish, eco-responsible kid.

 
Blend (Beth Zehnder) – Contemporary women’s clothing with a focus on easy to wear weekday to weekend clothes for the gal on the go. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blend/160278977347077  


Clarity RX Skin Wellness Boutique (Karla Keene) - Skin wellness boutique featuring the owner’s unique, patented line of high quality cosmeceuticals, which have been formulated for results-driven benefits to the skin, resulting in a smooth, youthful, supple, toned and radiant appearance. http://www.clarityrxskinwellnessboutique.com/

Laura Matthews Designs (Laura Matthews) – Original, handmade jewelry with a funky edge, designer handbags, belts and accessories. http://www.facebook.com/pages/laura-matthews-designs/117112398324097

Little Relics (Caitlin and Donna Whelan) - Antique Jewelry and Found Objects; based jewelry line Of recycled repurposed antique pieces. http://www.littlerelicsjewelrystudio.bigcartel.com/

Little Stylings (Melinda Hovee-Harlan). Newborn - 16 years plus maternity, Little Stylings is a high end children’s consignment for moms to be economical, fashionable, and live a little lighter on the planet. http://www.facebook.com/pages/LITTLE-STYLINGS/186104404941

MerMade Designs (Merideth Fleener) – Sea inspired home décor and gifts - Coral, seashells, handmade treasures. http://mermadedesigns.com/merdesigns/index.asp

Posey Couture (Paige Van Rensselaer-Kunkle) – Pearls, Vintage & "Haute" Costume Jewelry, Sugar Factory Couture Lollipops, and all things bling. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Posey-Couture/110345382327146

Studio Fringe (Pam Terry) – A full service interior design studio, unique linen pillow collection, home furnishings, fine art and textiles. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-fringe/158949867496990

The Hat Loft (Amy Rosten) – Designer hats, caps and fine millinery. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hat-Loft/102818689797486