Behind the scenes with Queen Bee Creations

Rebecca Pearcy, the mastermind behind Queen Bee Creations, Rebecca Pearcy Textiles, and Chickpea Baby, is 1 of 13 designers participating in Power of the Purse this year. For this year’s event, she is working with Lisa Sedlar, CEO of New Seasons to design a one-of-a-kind purse to be auctioned at the event to raise money and awareness for the missions and programs of Girls Inc of NW Oregon. Rebecca and Queen Bee are also participating in Boutique Night a one-night shopping affair in which 20% of all proceeds will be donated to Girls Inc.

Since its launch in 1996, Queen Bee and Chickpea Baby has seen big growth and success, taking over Portland and the country. Her line is available in over 80 boutiques in 25 states across the country. Rebecca’s designs have become an iconic aspect of local business and aesthetic.

We had the fortune to visit Rebecca at her studio and store, located at 3961 N Williams, where all of her products and textiles are created, to get a tour of her workspace and for the inside scoop on her collaboration with Lisa and her involvement with Girls Inc.

How did you get involved with Girls Inc of NW Oregon? I was invited – I think it was for the first year that they did the POP event

Why did you get involved? It was a great opportunity to support an organization that works to empower girls – and the premise of the event – to pair local “celebrities” with local bag designers was creative and cool.

Why did you want to support Girls Inc? When I was growing up, my Mom made it a point to show me a lot of examples of what women were doing in the world. Seeing all of these creative people (including my Mom) was a powerful way for me to imagine the possibilities for myself. There are so many negative and damaging messages in the world for girls that I think it’s important to make an effort to show them all the amazing things they can do and just how powerful they are.

You are paired with Lisa Sedlar, CEO of New Season, what can you tell us about your collaboration and purse design?

Lisa’s idea for her bag was really similar to something that we are already making, so it was easy to make some modifications specific to her. The fabric is a waxed canvas in a stunning plum color – it is beautiful but also very tough-wearing fabric, designed for weathering the elements. It is a no-fuss fabric, which is ideal for our climate. I really focus on function with my designs, so this is a bag that you can use every day – it is not too fussy, but has that incredible color and also some nice design detail – like the stitching that is inspired by mid-century design and also, in Lisa’s case, resembles plants and produce! They are shapes that can look like many things.

There are pockets on the outside and inside, to keep things organized, and the bag itself is convertible – it can be folded half when you have less to carry, or expanded to it’s full size when you need to stop by New Seasons on your way home and pick up some groceries for dinner!

It also has a little ring where you can clip an additional strap if you are bike commuting and need to stabilize your bag so it doesn’t slide around while you ride.

What are you looking forward to in regards to the collaboration? Being paired with Lisa has been great – there was an ease to the process that was really enjoyable. I think my designs and aesthetic clicked with her right off the bat, so it wasn’t hard for us to come up with something great. Plus, I think that New Seasons and Queen Bee have a lot of shared customers, so it’s a natural fit.

What are you looking forward to in regards to the event? It’s pretty thrilling to see the bags being auctioned off – I think this will be my third POP that I attend. It’s great to see those who have the finances to support such a great cause bidding on these original creations.

What has been the most rewarding part of being involved with this event? Getting to meet Lisa and find the connection to be so easy. And of course, knowing that all the effort is going to support girls!

If you could do it again, who would be your dream celebrity collaborator? We were trying to get Carrie Brownstein to participate this year – I would love to work with her. I also think that Mia Birk would be an excellent celebrity to pair with – she is so inspiring and it would be fun to do something that is bike-specific.

As a business owner, what advice would you give to girls on pursuing their passions, becoming a designer or even starting their own business? Number one is follow your heart and your inspiration – that will lead you to your real work in the world. Know that you will make mistakes and take some wrong turns, but just keep plugging away, it is all a part of the learning. Take up space – listen to yourself – reach out to others that are doing things in the world that you would like to do, and learn from them. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Nurture relationships.

What was the best advice you got as you were starting your business? Find what it is that you have to offer that is unique and focus on that.

What has been the most challenging part of owning your own business? most rewarding? Well, it is a lot of work, and it is never-ending. That is why you have to love what you do, otherwise you will just give up. It is a lot of responsibility to own a business and more importantly, be an employer. It is hard to find balance, and running a small business can be very stressful at times.

Another view into Rebecca's office

It is also incredibly rewarding. I feel very lucky to be doing my own work in the world. I don’t love every minute of doing it every day – it is work, but I am my own agent – I am the decider. It is especially great to be self-employed as a parent – the flexibility that it allows is very key. Mostly, what is so fantastic is getting to see my ideas, my visions and dreams become real in the world and see people respond and carry them out the door into their lives!

a look inside Rebecca's office

How are you STRONG, SMART, and BOLD?

I am strong in my sense of self

I am smart in my thoughtfulness

I am bold in my creative expression

To see Rebecca and her one-of-a-kind purse first hand make sure to get your tickets for Power of the Purse March 9th at the Mark Building at the Portland Art Museum, or purchase a $35 ticket to shop her lines at Boutique Night. Both events benefit the mission and programs of Girls Inc of NW Oregon, inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Naturally NW Natural

Girls Inc of NW Oregon is excited to have NW Natural as a first time, yet passionate, sponsor for our 7th annual Power of the Purse 2012 fundraising gala. NW Natural is a local leader in their supportive and conscious business practices.

When they found out about this Power of the Purse blog, they immediately wanted to get involved. Learn more about their legacy and how they inspire Women in Trade to be STRONG, SMART and BOLD:

NW Natural has been serving customers in the Portland area since 1859. So we’ve been through many changes – technological, economic and social.

But the one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to the community. Our
philanthropy, volunteer and work force development have a positive effect on
girls and women in every part of our service territory.

1947 photo of women meter readers from NW Natural's archives.

Several years ago, we focused much of our charitable contributions on programs
that help children and families at risk. Two of our three Programs of Focus are
directly kid-oriented: Camp Fire USA and Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia
Northwest.

These programs help both boys and girls. But they also have a big spillover
effect. They help families, particularly single parents, so many of whom are
moms.

Our third Program of Focus is The Freshwater Trust. Our annual contributions
support educational programs that offer girls and boys first-hand experience with
environmental restoration. They also get a glimpse into careers that protect fish,
wildlife and fragile ecosystems.

These are just three of the dozens of nonprofits that NW Natural supports through contributions and through our Dollars for Doers program that contributes to employees’ favorite charities. Other organizations that receive our support include the Clackamas Women’s Center, the Children’s Relief Nursery, Family Building Blocks, Community Transitional School, the Theodore Roosevelt Women’s Scholarship Association, among many others.

NW Natural also supports the Women’s Network, a voluntary organization of NW Natural employees. Each year, network members select community organizations that help girls and women. This year, they selected Girls, Inc., the Letty Owings Center and the Kids on the Block Awareness Program of Impact NW to receive cash grants and volunteer efforts.

NW Natural is proud to be a sponsor of Women in Trades’ annual career fair, supporting it with contributions and technical demonstrations. Each of the three days of the event focuses on one of three groups: middle-school students; high school students and adults, encouraging girls and women to open their minds to these great career possibilities.

We are so thankful to have NW Natural as a sponsor of Power of the Purse 2012. To buy your ticket to this event on March 9 please click here.

Who runs the world? GIRLS!

Every year, Cindy Thompson Event Productions plans something exciting and surprising for the opening number to kick off the live auction for Power of the Purse

Check out the inspiration for this year’s number:

Power Lunch with Jill Eiland

Jill Eiland is a proud mother of three and the Northwest Region Corporate Affairs Manager for Intel Corporation. She also serves as the Vice President of the State Board of Higher Education, chairing the External Relations Taskforce.

Jill, left, with her friend Elizabeth Kramer, COO of Ignite Education Group on the right at the Power of the Purse 2011 held at Pure Space

Jill Eiland (left) with her friend Elizabeth Kramer, COO of Ignite Education Group (right) at the Power of the Purse 2011 held at Pure Space

Jill was a 2011 Power of the Purse Purse-o-nality.

Also, Jill is doing something very new and exciting for the 2012 Power of the Purse event. This year she is a Power of the Lunch Silent Auction package, in which you can win a one-on-one lunch at the Heathman Hotel with this inspiring female leader and business woman.

On why she feels mentorship is important, Jill had this to say:

We have all been supported by numerous women throughout our lives: mothers, sisters, friends, and colleagues. To me, mentors are something different. Wikipedia describes a mentor as ‘a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person.’ Some professions have mentoring programs in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people who advise them and serve as examples or role models as they advance. Schools sometimes offer mentoring programs to new students or students having difficulties. Mentors come in all shapes and sizes, and many of the mentors who have given me a hand up along the way have been men. In my experience, those who agreed to be mentors are flattered that someone asked them for their guidance. I believe that a mentoring relationship needs to be a somewhat formal agreement between both parties if it is to work well. I can attest to the value of strong mentors and hope I can give back to my community now that I’ve earned the right to be called ‘experienced’.

In addition to her work and experience with Intel, Jill is a graduate from Oregon State University, with an MBA from George Washington University, and is very active in the local community. She is a member and chair of several locals boards including the Government Relations Committee, Oregon IDEA, the Oregon Business Association Board, The United Way of Columbia-Willamette Board, The Oregon Global Warming Commission, and the Oregon State University Foundation.

To bid on this amazing silent auction package, and for the opportunity to lunch with Jill, you must buy a ticket to either Boutique Night ($35) or to the Power of the Purse ($150 for an individual ticket). Both events will be March 9th in the Mark Building at the Portland Art Museum.

Power Lunch with one of Portland’s most insured

Julie Burnett is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Liberty Northwest, a $660 million commercial property & casualty insurer based in the Northwest, in which she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company, including direct leadership and management of underwriting, sales, financial, actuarial, marketing and human resources operations.
Julie is another strong, smart, bold female leader offering her time to be a Power of the Lunch Silent Auction package.

On why she is participating in this one-of-a-kind mentorship silent auction package, Julie had the following to say:

For girls to succeed, personally and otherwise, it is important for them to understand they can do anything they put their minds to, and to learn how to go about achieving that. So many girls do not get that kind of messaging or support as they grow up. They don’t have in their roles positive role models. Even in today’s more advanced world, there remain too many unproductive cultural messages, too many examples of girls and women being put down, put in second-tier status. And while those messages are certainly counter-acted by positive, esteem-building examples, it takes more. It takes one-on-one relationships with women who have created success, in whatever way they define that for themselves. Not women who are perfect (who is?) but women who are self-reliant, have earned respect, who have found their way. It takes one-on-one relationships to impart the nature of the challenges and obstacles that will be faced, and how to think through overcoming those. To learn from example how to fail, and get back up again. Girls Inc. is providing a much needed mechanism to create these learnings and these individual experiences. I am very excited to be able to offer up, even in small way, the benefit of what I have learned, and am learning, from my journey

Julie represents Liberty Northwest on the boards of the Oregon Business Council and the Oregon Mentors Association. She is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Oregon Industries and Secretary/Membership Director of the Portland Business Alliance.

Julie’s experience in the insurance business spans across all areas of the industry, as she’s held positions in Marketing, Sales, Commercial Underwriting, Commercial Product, and Field Operations. Prior to her current position, Julie served as Vice President of Offshore Operations for Safeco and established the company’s outsourcing oversight operation in India.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Managerial Economics from the University of California at Davis and attained her CIC designation in 1991, her AIM designation in 1994, her CPCU designation in 1997, and her CRM designation in 2007.

To bid on this amazing silent auction package, and for the opportunity to lunch with Juliel, you must buy a ticket to either Boutique Night ($35) or to the Power of the Purse ($150 for an individual ticket). Both events will be March 9th in the Mark Building at the Portland Art Museum.

The Power of Mi Mo Handbags

Mia, designer and owner of Mi Mo Handbags located in Lake Oswego, has been an avid supporter of Girls Inc. for several years. She has designed for Power of the Purse before, creating gorgeous custom purses for Gwyneth Gamble Booth, and for the University of Portland soccer team, the Portland Pilots, in 2010.

Sara Jackman, player for Portland Pilots, models her custom Mi Mo bag auctioned in 2010

She was also behind the beautiful handbag, inspired by flight attendent uniforms from the 1960′s, created for Purse-0-nality pair Sho Dozono of Azumano Travel & daughter Elisa Dozono of Miller Nash for the event last year at Pure Space.

Gwyneth Gamble Booth purse from 2010

Mia was a school counselor for 17 years before she started designing and importing handbags. She actively incorporates what she focused on for so many years as a counselor into her new business. This is why Mi Mo Handbags donates 5% of earned profit to programs that are designed to stop domestic violence.

We recently caught up with Mia to talk to her about her involvement with Girls Inc and Power of the Purse:

“When the opportunity to work with Girls Inc., came up….I was delighted. I love what they do—agree with their purpose and how they go about it. I love that Power of the Purse is about economic independence and how the program offers great women-in-business role models for the girls involved.”

Sho Dozono & Elisa Dozono purse on the runway at Power of the Purse, 2011

This year, Mia is collaborating with purse-o-nality, Erin Hubert, VP of Entercom, to create a custom purse with her style in mind.

Sketch by Mi Mo's graphic artist Wyatt Benoit

“One thing I will say about being the designer working with purse-o-nalities is that I am constantly amazed by the powerful women in the world of business that I have the honor of working with.”

“Since I had been in education for so long….I really hadn’t been aware of what was going on in business. What I found out, was that the world has really changed and women are in all kinds of positions of power!”

In addition to designing an one-of-a-kind purse for the live auction, Mia also donated Mi Mo handbags for an exciting purse give-away with 105.1 The Buzz. Starting the week of February 20 and running through the night of the fundraiser, listeners of the station will have a chance to win a purse as well as tickets to Boutique Night.

You can purchase a Mi Mo handbag online or at the Power of the Purse Boutique Night in which 20% of the proceeds will benefit Girls Inc. We are so thankful for Mi Mo’s involvement and support! Make sure to follow Mi Mo on facebook for more updates on the purse Mia designed for Erin.

Mia and Erin reviewing materials for Erin's purse

Happy Valentine’s Day!

If you are still looking for a Valentine’s gift, tickets to Power of the Purse make an unique and glamorous present for your sweetheart or your sweetest friends. It is an opportunity to get dressed up for a fashion filled evening, to dine with some of Portland’s most influential “purse-o-nalities,” and shop some of Portland’s best designers all while supporting Girls Inc.

We have two fabulous ticket packages whether you are looking for a romantic evening with your sweetie or a fun night out with the girls!

The Double Date: 4 tickets ~ Reserved Seats ~ $800

Enjoy dinner, select wine and dessert at your seat. Watch the runway show from reserved seats with your date.

For Girlfriends: 6 tickets ~ Unreserved Seats ~ $600

This year make it a “Gal-entine’s Day” with 5 of your strong, smart, bold friends, by getting dressed up for a night on the town for a great cause. This package is at a discount for reserving with friends! Includes dinner and dessert. Seating is unreserved.

Individual tickets are also available for $150 each.

The 14 Portlanders you must meet at Power of the Purse 2012

1. Debbie Rosas

Debbie teaching her technique. (Photo via http://www.lesleytipton.com/nia.html)

Co-creator of Nia, a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit. With classes available in over 45 countries, Nia is positively shaping the way the world feels, looks, thinks and lives.

2. Erin Hubert

This Lake Oswego resident, is currently the Vice President of Entercom Portland, overseeing 7 radio stations – 1080AM The Fan, 94/7 FM , 94/7 too, 99.5 The Wolf, Charlie FM, 92.3 KGON and 105.1 The Buzz. With over 10 years in media sales and management, 12 years with the Portland Trail Blazers , and currently involved with such causes as the Citizens Crime Commission, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland, Erin is making an impact on Portland.

3. Jack Jewsbury

Relatively new to Portland, this Midfielder and Captain for Portland Timbers is ranked among the Timbers’ scoring leaders with seven goals and registered a team-high eight assists last season. He and Ziba are documenting their Power of the Purse collaboration and experience:

Photographs by Alicia J. Rose

Shop for a Good Cause during the month of February

Over 25 local Portland business have created something exciting this February to support Girls Inc and to celebrate Power of the Purse. During the entire month, these local boutiques and online stores are featuring special discounts and offers to benefit you and Girls Inc.

Boutiques include:

Many of these vendors, plus many local purse designers, are also participating in Boutique Night, March 9th from 4:30-9pm at the Portland Art Museum. Tickets are $35 and includes drinks and desserts

The more you shop the more you inspire the girls of Portland to be STRONG, SMART AND BOLD!

Make sure to visit the Boutique section for details on the special offers.

Cindy Thompson Event Productions: The Power of the Purse magic maker

Since its inception in 2006, Cindy Thompson, owner and event producer at Cindy Thompson Event Productions has been committed to creating the magic that is Power of the Purse. She has assisted Girls Inc of NW Oregon with the production of various parts of the event, year after year. Over the course of 7 years, the event has developed grown and expanded. As we are in the middle of this year’s planning, and looking forward to the big night on March 9th, we had a chance to look back with the person who has been there since the beginning.

Katie Lesseg, Dionne Warwick, and Cindy Thompson at the Power of the Purse 2010, Portland Art Museum

How did you get involved? The founder of the Girls Initiative Network—which eventually became Girls Inc. of NW Oregon—came to me with the idea of pairing local celebrities with local purse designers for a fund-raising idea she called “Power of the Purse.” Because the organization was so small, they needed an event professional to help get the project off the ground and hired me.

Why did you get involved? Who doesn’t love purses, fashion and celebrities?? It was an easy decision! No, seriously, I thought it was a creative and unique concept for a very important non-profit organization, and felt I could offer my years of experience and contacts to make the event successful.

What is the most challenging part of planning the event? There are so many “moving parts”, and you need to bring them all together in a powerful and meaningful way, which is not always easy. Identifying the roster of celebrities and matching them up with purse designers each year is a feat in itself!

How has the event, and how you plan it, changed over the course of the past 7 years? The structure of event itself has become more of a fashion show format rather than traditional dinner auction, which is fun. And we have incorporated a purse boutique alongside the live auction event, where we can involve many more local purse and accessory designers, as well as more of the general public.

As far as changes in how my company plans the event, there are now 2 of us who work on Power of the Purse. My rock star employee, Katie Lesseg, does a great job coordinating the celebrities and purse designers, making sure that the final product gets delivered to Girls Inc. in a timely fashion. She also handles all of the live show production elements and acts as a technical director the evening of the event.

And, the Power of the Purse committee has grown and developed over the years and now plays a much larger role today than when the event first started, which is very positive.

What is your favorite part of planning the event? Working with the committee and Girls Inc. staff to to identify the roster of local notables each year who will get involved and become “purse-o-nalities”.

Power of the Purse, Live Auction at Pure Space 2011

What is the most rewarding part of planning the event for you? Creating such an exciting, high profile event for a very worthy non-profit organization is very rewarding. I also enjoy connecting new people and businesses to the event for the benefit of Girls Inc.

How is planning this event different from other events? The biggest difference is that the budget is extremely limited (like most fund-raisers), so we have to rely on donations from many of our event vendors and personal contacts. This takes more time and can present challenges, but we are so appreciative of how they step up to the plate to help out.

What is your favorite part of the event? Watching the Girls Inc. girls walking down the runway the evening of the event, knowing that this is one of the biggest nights of their lives, and the impact it will make on them.

What is your favorite moment of all the Power of the Purses you have been a part of? Without a doubt, watching music legend Dionne Warwick on stage singing “What the World Needs Now is Love” at the 2010 event. When I was in elementary school, I listened to her records and her music had a big impact on my life. So to have her design a purse, come to Portland for the event, then sing at the auction….it still gives me chills!

Who is your dream purse-o-nality? On a national level, Michelle Obama or Lady Gaga.

Who is your dream designer? On a national level it would probably be Kate Spade. But I think all of the Power of the Purse designers are fantastic (I maybe be biased…)!

What would be your dream collaboration between designer and purse-o-nality? That’s a hard one…, I’d like to see a Portlandia purse designed by Carrie Brownstein and Queen Bee Creations, and then see that line of handbags sold in various stores with proceeds going to Girls Inc. NW Oregon.

As a business owner, what advice would you give to girls on pursuing their passions? When I was growing up, my father always told me I could do whatever I wanted to do in life, as long as I was committed. He also had me setting goals for myself as early as age 10, teaching me that if I put my mind to something, I could do it.

What was the best advice you got as you were starting your business? The world was very different in 1987 when I started my event business. We didn’t have cell phones, we barely knew what a computer did, and there was no such thing as email! We really had to rely on personal communication and relationships. Now more than ever, we have to remember the power of human relationships and face-to-face connections.

What has been the most challenging part of owning your own business? most rewarding?
The most challenging part is all of the balls I have to juggle at one time, constantly multi-tasking. The most rewarding part is seeing an event that started out as an abstract idea in my head unfold, as if by magic to the audience. I also really enjoy working with diverse businesses and organizations to help them achieve their goals and create an event that is unique and unforgettable.

Gun Denhart founder, Hanna Andersson, on the runway during Power of the Purse 2007

How are you strong, smart and bold?
STRONG: My years of experience and the belief in my skills give me strength and confidence to succeed. If I feel weak about something, I seek advice from people who know more than I do to help give me strength.

SMART: I am very practical and pragmatic, which makes me feel smart. I take very calculated risks—just enough to create some excitement, but nothing that would be foolish or put anyone in danger professionally. I also know my limits and call upon others to step in where needed.

BOLD: There’s no question that boldness manifests itself through my creativity. Whenever possible, I will take a risk to create something unusual at an event to make it more memorable and interesting, thus creating wonder and magic for the guests.

Photos courtesy of James Colhoff Jr., Dodge & Burn Studios