Ashley is Leaving the Hive

Since Ashley is a football fan, I'm going to use a sports metaphor to break the news.

Our Ashley has been called up to the big leagues of domestic manufacturing. Next month she's off to work at Boeing, after more than six and a half years at Laura Bee Designs. Instead of ordering zippers and  faux leather, she'll be purchasing airplane parts.

We're lucky to have her humor and expertise with us for a few more weeks; her last day is February 10th. Stay tuned for information on Farewell Ashley open house we'll host early next month.

Those of you who know our shop know what a key player Ashley has been in the evolution of the company since she started here in 2004. Not only is she a production and customer service rock star, but she also worked behind the scenes on systems, design, procurement, invoicing, and myriad other tasks that have helped us grow and improve.

The thing I will miss the most, however, is talking with and seeing Ashley every day. Whether analyzing Project Runway or sharing funny stories about random retail interactions, her constant presence has enriched my life immeasurably.

I know there are many Ashley fans out there who will miss her too. Please stop by the shop to congratulate her on the next phase of her life. Boeing is lucky to get her!

You can also keep up with her fashion and beauty advice by following her witty blog: http://www.theworeroom.blogspot.com/

Heather Lewis Earrings

Local jewelry designer Heather Lewis creates beautiful sterling earrings under the label Crescent Moon Designs. We've sold her line for a couple of years now, and Heather always keeps things fresh with new designs and materials.

She recently sent this stunning photo our way. One of her best-selling styles, he earrings shown are made with luscious green Swarovski crystals.

We're in the Book

Last night I went to a party to celebrate the launch of the new Crave guide to Seattle.

I'm proud to say that Laura Bee Designs is one of the 100 women-owned businesses profiled in the book. At the party we ate Fran's Chocolates, sipped on Dry Soda, and talked shop.

I left with a couple of boxes of the Crave guide to sell here at the shop. The guide came out beautifully with lots of pictures and really interesting tidbits about local entrepreneurs.

Last night was also a special night because I met the graphic designer who did much of the layout on the book. Her name - Amanda Buzard - is amazing because it's quite rare.

In fact, Buzard my last name too but I've never met another woman with my name who is not a relative. Amanda and I bonded over childhood teasing, correct pronunciation, and pride in being different.

Meet Sandi Heinrich

A little while back professional photographer Sandi Heinrich (above), owner of an LBD snap coin purse, contacted me to see about arranging a swap. She took a bunch of terrific pictures of our store, and we made her a bag.

Since I started selling bags back in 2001, I've met many inspiring people like Sandi who have taken a passion and turned it into a small enterprise. I've been lucky to 'talk shop' with so many great women doing cool things, that I've decided to introduce you to some of them here.

Sandi has agreed to be the debut woman featured in this column. She specializes in images like those I'm showing here. Her work merges a loose journalistic style with lovely portraiture. She offers reasonably priced packages for all types of work including baby portraits, family groupings, as well as weddings.

Part of her service is to provide her customers with a high-res disc of images so that you can use your favorite vendors to order prints. Gone are the days of being tied to a photo studio for all prints. I encourage you to visit her two blogs to see more of Sandi's work here and here.

Here are some more essential things you should know about Sandi.

• Nickname: "San"
• Favorite soundtrack for creative pursuits: KEXP streaming online
• Born in: Seattle, WA
• Favorite color combo: Black & white
• Favorite snack: Chips & salsa
• Nerdy factoid: Toenails have been painted every day since age 12
• Passionate about: Sunshine, great chocolate, travel & photography!
• Something surprising you'll find in my purse: An Epi pen... in case of bee sting!