On The Town: DGG got Launched! with the She Is Project

Launched! A Women’s Entrepreneur & Branding Summit was described at two parts business, and one part party - and that was exactly what went down on Saturday. This was a full day of interactive experiences that educated, motivated and inspired all attendees to light a fire underneath passions and ignite careers. It is also the brainchild of DGG board member Carlotta Tutt Holloway, founder of the She Is Project, and we couldn’t have been more excited to attend. It’s hard to give a rundown of the day because so much happened, but we’ll try with all of our might to recap in hopes that you get a serious case of FOMO and will make sure to attend next year’s event. 

Launched! started at noon with ongoing activities happening throughout the day, including DJ entertainment, YouTube training, 10 Second pitch training, headshots, a beauty lounge and a social lounge in the main room. The Social Lounge was set up with beautiful furniture from Sit On It Detroit, complete with a selfie stick, that was used extensively throughout the day. Another day-long activity was the Fem-Preneur Marketplace and Tasting Room that happened down the hall, and it was full of local talent.

Local entrepreneurs featured in the marketplace included Super Business Girl, Salika’s Handcrafted Jewelry, Green Bliss Environmental Home Store, Dr. Ray Natural Tees and more. It was an array of women from the age of 11 and up selling t shirts, jewelry, candles and environmentally-friendly items. A major takeaway from the market place were the young entrepreneurs in the room. Look out for the eleven-year-old entrepreneur of Dr. Ray natural Tees and twelve-year-old entrepreneur of Super Business Girl – they were very inspiring. But that’s another blog post. Stay tuned.

While the above activities were happening, mini workshops were held to educate women how to grow their money, buying safe hair products and how to master your business and personal brands. The crème de la crème of the day, however, had to be the Panel Chat, featuring five experts in the business of entrepreneurship. The experts include April Boyle, Executive Director of Build Institute and Co-Owner of Gold Cash Gold; Mia Ray, of Confessions of a Glamaholic; Carla Walker-Miller, President and CEO of Walker Miller Energy Services; Christen Rochon, media personality; and Pam Perry, PR Coach and Social Media Strategist. They gave great advice and got attendees excited about putting their passion to work.

While all of the workshops, panels and booths were stimulating, looking around to see all of the women in the room coming together to learn and connect with each other was hands down the most inspiring thing about that day. If you weren't able to attend Launched! this year, I would definitely suggest marking your calendars for next year's event, as it is something that should not be missed. Cheers, Carlotta!

Industry Spotlight: A Start-Up Magazine Looks to Write a Beautiful Love Letter to Detroit

Native Michigander Alex Trajkovski moved back home from New York City, and wanted to do something to show the world what Detroit is really all about. Fast forward to Grand Circus magazine, and his dreams of telling Detroit's story are inches away from coming true. You can support his efforts, too - but you have to keep reading to find out how!

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Alex.

Alex Trajkovski: I’m a graphic designer living in Detroit and dedicated to making a worthwhile magazine about our culture. I’m on a personal journey to try every Coney in the city limits.

DGG: Tell us about Grand Circus Magazine.

AT: The purpose of Grand Circus Magazine is the show the world about Detroit. The city is so misunderstood, but it’s actually the best place in America, and we want to convey that to our readers. It’s a full on 7 Mile to Belle Isle survey of Detroit life – we cover design, business, urbanism, art, music, and things of that nature. 

DGG: Why did you want to start this up, and what have been some of the trials and tribulations you have encountered with the start up?

AT: I wanted to start this magazine when I was living in NYC, and I came to realize that nobody knows anything about Detroit. They might be able to parrot something they read about the bankruptcy, but they have no idea about the Guardian Building or The Redford Theater or Haute to Death or any other Detroit institutions.

The biggest hurdle is actually getting funded. We have been raising money on Indiegogo right now. It’s a little pricey because we want to use the highest quality materials – we want to make it a beautiful love letter to Detroit.

DGG: When does the first issue come out?

AT: Hopefully, it will be ready by the end of April. Check our website and Facebook page, or follow us on Instagram at @_grandcircus to stay updated!

DGG: If someone wanted to start a magazine and came to you for advice, what would you tell them?

AT: It’s not what you’re going to expect it to be, but in the best possible way. You need to use your network and reach out to a lot of writers and photographers, and also make an effort to meet new people. Also, try and change the paradigm and do something new - find and fill the gaps.

DGG: Who is the Grand Circus team?

AT: Eileen Tjan and I make the magazine. Eileen is such an amazing designer that I’m literally in awe when I watch her work. She has her own graphic studio (OTHER Studio) that you should check out. She’s a genius. Then we have Paulina Petkoski from Playground Detroit, who was the first person I reached out to for help, when we were a pair of  grumbling Detroiters living in the Big Apple (telling everyone how awesome Detroit is and how much Brooklyn sucks). Paulina is indispensable - another extremely brilliant mover-and-shaker who is like a mentor to me. Alex Hoxie completes the dream team. He’s the Photo Editor - an incredibly talented old friend of mine whom we’re lucky to have on board. He did a great job with a series we did on Yamasaki architecture for this issue. 

Our team has worked with a ton of great contributors, as well, including Michelle and Chris Gerard, Ellen Rutt, Kristin Adamcyk, Shane Ford, and more, ranging from illustrators to art directors to writers. It grew a lot bigger than I anticipated.

DGG: Describe your style.

AT: Normcore.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

AT: From Anthology. I miss the Ardi (Ethopia).

DGG: Dazed & Confused or Interview Magazine?

AT: Dazed & Confused, even though I was lucky enough to intern at Interview Magazine when I was just a dumb kid.

DGG: Anna Wintour or Glenda Bailey?

AT: Glenda Bailey, for sure.

A Letter From DGG’s President: Want To Become a Household Name? Start With This Simple Plan

By Karen Buscemi

If you are a serious fashion designer (or fashion photographer, wardrobe stylist, etc.) with intentions to one day have a well-known brand, yet the only people currently aware you have a product or service are your parents and close circle of friends, you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you.

While Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither is your fashion brand – you can build your audience daily by applying these four simple strategies:

1. Get a Professional Business Card
Even in this digital world, business cards are still exchanged all day every day. If you want to be viewed as a professional, if you want to be remembered, if you want people to have easy access to your phone number, email and website (because you have a functioning, easy to view website, right?) you need a business card. A professional business card. Not one you printed out on perforated card stock from Office Depot. Business cards are quite inexpensive and there are tons of graphic designers/firms to whip up a beauty of a business card, plus online options that provide hard to mess up templates for the DIY-er. Make sure the font is large enough to be read by all the aging eyes out there (I may be a little sensitive about that one), the design is simple and clean, and you have proofread EVERYTHING. No typos are ever allowed on your marketing materials.

2. Create a Social Media Presence
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all crucial to building your brand. But just creating a Facebook page or Twitter handle or Instagram account isn’t enough. You have to populate it. With stuff. Good stuff. Stuff that makes readers want to read your stuff. And it shouldn’t be all about your dog. Or your daily meal. People want to see what you are creating. And your creative process. And what inspires you. And what’s important to you (keep your political views and anything else controversial off your professional pages, please). You must update regularly. That doesn’t have to mean every day. But at least three times a week. It takes a long time to grow your social media presence, but if you stick with it, it will indeed grow. Be sure to follow others, and like and comment positively on their posts (but not in a stalker-ish way). One personal gripe here: List clearly what it is that you do/make and how to reach you on your social media pages. A cutesy or vague statement that leaves editors, buyers and customers confused is a very bad idea.

3. Network, Network, Network
I don’t particularly love networking, but I can tell you this: Every time I go to an event, I ALWAYS meet at least one person who can help my organization in some way. Every. Single. Time. So I mingle, talk and share. And I don’t make it one-sided, either. I listen to what others have to say and actively try to help them, too, if I am able. Take your schmancy new business cards, clean yourself up nice and get out there. If you don’t have an elevator pitch about your company, now is the time to create one. All you need is one to two sentences that clearly and easily defines what you are doing and why. Memorize it and share it with everyone you meet.

4. Volunteer or Join a Committee
It’s easy to stay within the confines of our comfort zones (Game of Thrones marathon, anyone?), but if you want people to learn about what you do and potentially become your next customers, you’ve got to spread your wings outside your job, friends, family and smart phone and insert yourself into groups and events that align with your talents and abilities. In addition to giving back to your community – which is just a darn good feeling – you’ll also get your brand out there. You can get your company name on programs, websites, signage, social media and more. There are all sorts of opportunities that nonprofits will provide in return for your time and energy. And of course the group you are working with will become familiar with your brand during the course of your time working together. It’s a win-win.

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

This weekend is light on fun and fashionable things to do, but if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

YumVillage Funding Dinner | Friday, April 3

Enjoy sushi from Dr. Sushi over a casual conversation about crowd funding hosted by Michigan Funders and Bamboo Detroit. New laws have just been passed to raise funds through platforms like Michigan Funders, and distribute equity to your investors. Learn more about this and network while enjoying a delicious meal. Networking and drinks start at 5:30 p.m., the crowd funding chat follows shortly after and the dinner begins at 7. The menu for the night includes sesame seared tofu salad with sherry vinaigrette, salmon Camembert mazemen and pork shitake gyoza. Tickets can be purchased at YumVillage and more information can be found at Michigan Founders and Bamboo Detroit.

Bamboo Detroit is located at 1442 Brush St., in Detroit.

LAUNCHED! 2015 | Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4

Boss ladies all over Southeastern Michigan, this is the event you have been waiting for! This interactive experience will educate, motivate and inspire you to take action, all while having a whole bunch of girl fun. Hear inspirational stories and get great advices from local doers, experts and entrepreneurs that have successfully walked the walk. Have a girls night like you have never imagined from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westin Book Cadillac 24 Grille for Girls Nite In. Spend time chatting with your favorite local entrepreneurs and pick their brains over libations. Saturday is the day to really learn and take notes from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum. The day is full of interactive education, including stage presentations, an entrepreneur marketplace, smart workshops, cool lounges, and resources to get yourself launched. For more information, and to register for the event, go to Laucnhed!.

The Westin Book Cadillac is located at 1114 Washington Blvd., in Detroit and the Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E Warren Ave., in Detroit.

Detroit Tigers Opening Day | Monday, April 6

There are too many events happening on Monday to write them all out, so we’ll list them below.

-Old Shillelagh Party

Doors open at 7 a.m. for three stories of fun, and a huge, heated tent with live music. Old Shilelagh is located at 349 Monroe st., in Detroit.

-Hockeytown Café Opening Day Party

All levels of Hockeytown will be open at 8 a.m. to celebrate opening day with live music and fun. Hockeytown Café is located at 2301 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

-Exodos Que and Brew

Head over to Exodus to escape the crowds and dance to DJ Captn20. Doors at 9 a.m.; Exodus is located at 529 Monroe St., in Detroit.

-Grand Trunk Pub Opening Day Party

Party starts at 10 a.m., and raffle tickets are available all day with proceeds to benefit the Detroit Firemen's Fund Association. Cover is $5. Grand Trunk Pub is located at 612 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

-97.1 Block Party

The block party starts at 10 a.m. at Grand Circus Park, and admission is free.

-Cheli’s Chili Bar

This front-row view of the Comerica will make you feel like you're inside the stadium. Enjoy live music and a parking lot party. Cheli's Chili Bar is located at 47 E. Adams, in Detroit.

Wear It’s At: Dreaming of Coachella, Part 1

It’s the time of year, again. Fashion girls everywhere who aren’t able to attend Coachella are going through serious spells of FOMO, and dressing in their best Coachella-inspired outfits while scrolling through images of all the celebrities and stylish attendees dancing at the most chic festival around town. Or, maybe that’s just me... Anyway. Dressing for Coachella is relatively easy because you have to look effortless. Also, Indio, CA is hot this time of the year, so the less you wear, the better - unless it's raining, then rain boots and a poncho will do the trick, but that's another post! 

1. Dreamy Crochet Lace Bustier $15, Forever 21, metro Detroit locations.

2. Adirondack Short Overalls $118, Madewell, 248.643.4029.

3. Island Falls Flower Crown $20, UrbanOutiffters, metro Detroit locations.

4. Ray-Ban Sunglasses, RB3025 62 Aviator, $160, Macy’s, metro Detroit locations.

5. Free People Cypress Suede Leather Sandal $128, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

6. Shoulder Bag $13, H&M, metro Detroit locations.