Studio Talk at JennaClaire!

2009-11-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

And the Winners Are...

2009-11-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

On November 1st we drew the winners' names for our most popular raffle ever! With 100% of proceeds benefiting the Women's Wellness Fund of Dayton (which provides mammograms & services to those who need assistance) and the help of Althea Harper (Project Runway finalist), our customers raised over $400! Congratulations to the following winners:

"It's A Cinch" bag (custom-designed by Althea Harper): Traci Dohme
$50 Gift Certificate to JennaClaire: Patricia Wynn
$25 Gift Certificate to JennaClaire: Sue Brake
$25 Gift Card to The Greene: Emily Raymond

The donation you all helped raise will provide mammograms to 3 women in the Dayton area who otherwise would not be able to afford this service. Thanks to all of you who participated!

Army of Women

2009-10-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing time yesterday at the Ribbon of Hope luncheon. This is a major fundraiser for the Women's Wellness Fund, which the studio has adopted as our Breast Cancer Awareness Month charitable organization (http://www.kmcfoundation.org/events.cfm). The featured speaker was Dr. Susan Love, who formed a partnership with The Avon Foundation called "Army of Women". The groundbreaking initiative, which actually partners women volunteers with breast cancer prevention researchers, strives to eradicate breast cancer and improve the quality of women’s health through innovative research, education, and advocacy. The Foundation works to identify the barriers to research and to then create new solutions.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit their website at http://www.armyofwomen.org/. Volunteering is simple; you will be periodically emailed information about current research and if you qualify you can choose to respond. The choice is yours, and it's easy to sign up.

Tomorrow is also the last day to purchase your raffle tickets to benefit the Women's Wellness Fund! Prizes include both a $25 & $50 gift certificate to the studio, an $25 gift card to The Greene, and our grand prize is an It's A Cinch bag designed by Althea Harper from Project Runway! Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25, available at the studio. 100% of all monies will be donated to the Wellness Fund!

We would like to recognize our workroom manager Mary Z. Bach (who is herself a breast cancer survivor) for her personal act of kindness. Mary single-handedly created over 50 flower pins which were sold for a donation to the Women's Wellness fund (you can see them in the pictures below). Mary and her mother Irene, who is also a breast cancer survivor, attended the luncheon along with Daina Levine & Susan Faulkner, Director of Donor Services for the Women's Wellness Fund.

We have had a very successful fund-raiser this month, and wish to thank all of our dear customers who contributed as well! Bravo!

Find us on Facebook!

2009-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

We now have our own personal URL for our Facebook page! We can easily be found at www.facebook.com/jennaclairestudio. Tell your friends & sign up for news & updates today!

We Love to PARTY!!!

2009-10-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't LOVE a good party??? Well...if you do then you're in luck! Now through November 21st if you host a party at our Studio we will double your hostess credits!!! We'll give you & your guests 10% OFF all purchases and you'll receive even more savings with your double hostess credits. There's always a reason to party at JennaClaire...Girls Night Out, Bridal, Baby, Sorority, or Office. With the holiday season just around the corner we want to treat you and your friends to a good time. What could be better we provide the space and the invitations you provide the guests? No house cleaning, just inviting & arriving!!! Besides, designing is much more fun with friends and now you can have that perfect handbag or tote for any occassion without spending a fortune. Contact the Studio at 937.431.1888 or visit our website at http://www.jennaclaire.com/ and click on PARTY.

It's Here! Bid on Althea Harper's custom It's A Cinch bag!

2009-10-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's here, and you have a chance to win it! Althea Harper (designer from Project Runway) visited our studio October 3rd to help kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She created this awesome It's a Cinch bag. She chose Java Giraffe for the main outside fabric/interior pockets, and Plum Ultrasuede for the lining and belt. It's a great combo and can be yours if you win our raffle for the Women's Wellness Fund. An identical bag has been made for Althea.

Tickets may be purchased at our studio for $5 each or 6 for $25. We will be selling tickets through October 31st and the drawing will be November 1st. Other prizes include JennaClaire accessories & gift certificates, as well as a gift certificate to The Greene. 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Women's Wellness, a great organization which provides mammograms and follow up services to those who need them.

For more info give us a call at 937-431-1888 or email us at info@jennaclaire.com.

Think Pink Events in October!

2009-10-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

JennaClaire is all about giving back, so in the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we have decided to donate a portion of our bag sales, in October, to the Women's Wellness Fund of Dayton. This is a local based organization that provides health services to women who cannot afford them otherwise. We have numerous ways to help! Besides purchasing a handbag, there are pink fabric flower pins, made by a breast cancer survivor, for $5 and raffle tickets to win Althea Harper's It's a Cinch bag she designed during her visit to our Studio. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25. All proceeds from the flower pins and raffle tickets will be donated directly to the Women's Wellness Fund. We are also having Think Pink Events every weekend in October. This past weekend was Diva Days, women who visited our Studio were given cookies with rings attached and cards that said "Diva's Donate." Next weekend (Oct. 17th-18th) is Color Me Pink, where we will offer our ready-made totes that can be decorated and taken home that same day, at a discounted price. A portion of those totes sold will also be donated to the Women's Wellness Fund. Stay tuned for future Think Pink Events!!!

Althea Harper Visits the Studio!

2009-10-06T09:58:00.001-07:00

Althea Harper from Project Runway graciously spent 2 hours in our studio last Saturday answering questions, mingling with customers, and designing a custom It's A Cinch handbag. What a treat to get to know this talented designer- she was truly an inspiration to all who attended. Althea graduated from the University of Cincinnati and during that time had landed internships with design greats such as Anna Sui, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, & Zach Posen. To top it off, she solicited a grant from the fabulous Taroni Fabrics in Italy who provided amazing textiles for the 12 designs in her senior fashion show, entitled "The Raven" (see her website for more information- http://www.altheaharper.com/).

After her morning presentation we joined her and her mother for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory at The Greene. We got to chat some more about her life post-Project Runway. This girl is on the go! After debuting her new Spring/Summer 2010 collection during New York's fashion week (and what seems like a never-ending life of special engagements), she took some time off in Mexico before coming back to Dayton to visit family. We had fun talking about what she's learned about the design industry (now employed by Tori Burch in NYC) and some of her favorite fabric haunts in the garment district. Now living in Brooklyn, it turns out her 2 roommates are actaully Carol Hannah Whitfield and Malvin Vien from Project Runway. As our lunch date concluded, she was off again to The Color of Energy art gallery to show some of her sketches!

Althea's visit was the kickoff event for our breast cancer awareness program entitled "Design for a Cure". During the month of October, JennaClaire will donate a percentage of studio sales to Dayton's Womens Wellness Fund, which provides mammograms & follow-up services to those in need. In addition, we will be raffling some GREAT prizes: Althea's custom It's a Cinch, made of Java Giraffe and Plum Ultrasuede (check out the fabrics in our Fabric Gallery!), plus gift certificates to JennaClaire Studio and The Greene. The tickets are available in the studio (cash or check only). We are proud to say that 100% of the raffle money will be donated to the Women's Wellness Fund! In addition, for the month of October we'll be giving away a free handmade flower pin for purchases $50 and over, or for a donation of $5. These pins are handmade by our workroom manager (Mary Z. Bach) who is herself a breaset cancer survivor. (Available in studio only.)

We hope to see you soon- watch our posts for more fun weekend events throughout October!

Althea Harper from Project Runway to Visit JennaClaire

2009-09-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

We are very excited and honored to have (Dayton native) Althea Harper from Project Runway visit our Studio to help us kickoff our "Design for a Cure" this Saturday Oct. 3rd. Althea will speak about her expereinces and collections as a designer. There will be an autograph and design session that people can partake in. Limited tickets available!!! Tickets are FREE and will be given out Saturday Oct. 3rd beginning at 8AM in front of the Studio. Althea will design a JennaClaire Collection by choosing from our designs and fabrics; it will be raffled off to benefit the Women's Wellness Fund. For more information visit our website at http://www.jennaclaire.com/.

JennaClaire's Newest Creation

2009-09-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

We listen to our customers and have created The Trio. It has 3 in 1 functionality! It fits all cell phones, most cameras, & MP3 players. Equipped with a convenient card/ID holder and external zip pocket for change. The strap is also multi-functional, able to serve as a wrist strap or attach to another handbag or tote. Strap size can be adjusted to a desirable length. The Trio is not yet available on our website but can be purchased in our Studio or by phone. Check it out and let us know what you think! Visit our website anytime for other products or to give us suggestions www.JennaClaire.com.

Studio Event for Moms

2009-05-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

International speaker and best-selling author of "The Momager Guide", Christine Martinello will be at the JennaClaire Studio on Saturday May 9th from 2-3. As a leadership & life balancing expert, she offers fun, inspiring and practical programs & seminars. She will cover the latest and greatest information to keep your body, mind, and spirit balanced and much more. Reservations are preferred, the cost is $20 per person and includes: FREE book, studio coupons/goodies, door prizes & refreshments. Contact the studio for more information 937.431.1888 or visit our website at http://www.jennaclaire.com/.

Epi-Pen Bags are here!

2009-02-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, so you have allergies and must carry an Epi-pen at all times. What's a girl to do? Well, thanks to the creativity of one of our designers (who is in elementary school and was fed up with her boring black nylon bag), we can adapt our "One For All" zippered accessory bags to be used to carry all your emergency essentials. Choose your fabrics & ribbon trims! Visit our studio to custom-design one of your own. A sample is also on display at the office of allergist Dr. Ron Cox, 8379 Yankee Street, Dayton Ohio, 45458.

Beat the Winter Blues- Take a Studio Class!

2009-02-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

As many of you have found, the studio is offering monthly "Make It/Take It" classes. Last month we featured on the blog our "Doll & Me Design and Tea" and this continues to be popular amongst our young JennaClaire fans (and has become a hot theme for studio birthday parties!).

On February 7th we had our first Make/Take Greeting Card Class. Tina Shaw (from Stampin' Up) instructed, and those who attended made 3 greeting cards and a darling goodie bag with a purse embellishment. The cards incorporated pieces of fabric along with the beautiful papers Stampin' Up offers.

We will be offering another Doll & Me class on Sunday, Feb. 22nd as well as a Photo Board class on Tuesday the 24th. For more information click here to see our website calendar page.

2009-02-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

We'd like to congratulate cute little miss Taylor (who is five and a HALF!) on winning a studio gift certificate at Dayton's Chinese New Year Festival! Taylor stopped by today and chose an awesome "Let's Do Lunch" tote (which matches her pink outfit perfectly).

Go Red for Women

2009-02-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

JennaClaire is proud to support "Go Red for Women" and hopes to bring awareness to women's cardiovascular health. With each JennaClaire purchase mention "Go Red" and a percentage of your sale will be donated to The American Heart Association. For more infomation go to The American Heart Association's website at http://www.americanheart.org/. To learn about "Go Red" events held at The Greene Towne Center, visit http://www.thegreene.com/ and click on events.

Doll and Me Design & Tea

2009-01-28T14:43:00.001-08:00

Adding to our "Make-It/Take-It" classes, we now offer design sessions where girls can bring their dolls and design "doll & me" matching handbags! The first session was held on January 18, 2009 and it was a great success. Girls with dolls in hand came eager and ready to have some JennaClaire fun! They were served light refreshments and drank pink lemonade out of mini teacups. We offered dress up accessories such as feather boas and hats with complimentary necklaces. The girls enjoyed some creativity as they chose from the many fabrics and ribbon trims JennaClaire offers as they designed their very own handbags. This is a great way to celebrate a birthday or just to treat your daughter to some girly fun. Our next class will be offered on February 22, 2009. Contact us if you would like to hold a private session or to attend our next class.

Here are a few pictures from the design session:

Make-It/Take-It Photo Board Class

2008-11-23T16:06:00.001-08:00

As we were working on our studio events calendar, it occurred to us that we could offer customers more than just custom bag design. Many of our creative clients would just love the opportunity to design something and be able to take it with them the same day. A wonderful new idea was born- and we will now be offering various Make-It/Take-It classes throughout the year!

Our first class was November 22nd- a fabric and ribbon photo board. Participants were able to select fabric & ribbon from our swatches and had the option of adding covered buttons. We had a great time and every board was just adorable! These will make great holiday gifts or a great addition to any room.

Stay tuned for our next Make-It/Take-It class, and if you have any suggetions for another project, we'd love to hear your ideas! Here are a few pics from our class:

Our Studio Moves to The Greene!

2008-10-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we have relocated our Centerville studio to The Greene Towne Center in Beavercreek. Although we miss our friends in the Centerville business community, we had outgrown our studio & workroom space. Our beautiful new studio is 3 times larger which allows for us to conduct private group design sessions during regular store hours! We've also gained the convenience of being on a first floor.

If you have not been to visit our new studio, you may find specific directions and a downloadable map at http://www.thegreene.com/. With lots of shopping, restaurants & ample parking, visiting The Greene is a great way to spend an afternoon. We hope to see you soon!

Ugly Bag Winner!

2008-07-05T15:14:00.001-07:00

We have a winner in our Ugly Bag Contest! Congratulations to Elizabeth Twillbeck from St. Louis, who submitted Ugly Bag #5. Elizabeth will receive a $50 gift certificate to JennaClaire Handbag Studio!

We would like to thank all who participated in this fun contest!

Ugly Bag Contest Entries

2008-07-02T09:43:00.001-07:00

It's time to vote! Our entries are all in for our "Ugly Bag Contest" and we need your help in deciding a winner.

Please cast your vote by emailing us at info@jennaclaire.com (one vote per person, please!). All votes must be cast by noon (EST), July 5th, 2008. A winner will be announced on this blog and in our studio.

Winner receives a $50 gift certificate for a new bag!

Aids Gala Participation

2008-04-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

We are proud to have been a participant in the Dayton OH Aids Gala held on April 27th & 28th ("Red: Design & Dine"). This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the Aids Resource Cneter and features 40 different "over the top" vignettes. Within these 12'x12' vignettes is a table with seating for 8 people. Sponsors "purchase" a booth for their guests who are treated to a fabulous dining experience.

Our vignette was a runway-inspired look with the "runway" converting to the dining table. The theme conveyed how handbag designs evolve from sketch sheets to finished products.

We would like to thank Tara at Envy XOXO for the beautiful mannequin and red silk dress (Twelveth Street by Cynthia Vincent). Envy is located at The Greene Towne Center in Beavercreek OH. We'd also like to thank Entertainment Unlimited & Prime Time Parties for pipe, spandex, table and chairs.

Online & Magazine Reviews

2007-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

We're receving fabulous reviews from online & printed magazines for moms!

We are thrilled to have received a product review from international magazine Baby Couture. The holiday issue of Baby Couture magazine is available now through Barnes & Noble or B. Dalton Booksellers. Our reversible Bib in Red Mod Floral (reverses to red/white polka dot) was one of their favorite bib designs. Also featured was the Baby I'm Yours tote in our funky Woodstock Floral. If you love urban chic fashion for your children you'll love this publication!

Boutique Flair posted a wonderful onlined review of our Baby I'm Yours tote & accessories as well as mentioning us in a recent podcast. Great reviews of up and coming clothing and accessory lines!

Boutique Cafe spotlighted JennaClaire online in their annual "12 Days of Christmas" podcast feature, interviewing owner Daina Levine. Both of these online magazines are wonderful resources for moms who are interested in fabulous baby/children's items available through independent boutiques and "mompreneurs"!

We would like to thank our wonderful clients and supporters for a wonderful 2007! We wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.

May your Holiday Wishes Come True!

Adoptive Families LOVE our Stuff!

2007-11-08T07:10:00.001-08:00

We are proud to offer a new line of Asian-inspired fabrics for our products! If you know anyone who has adopted from China (or enduring the endless wait to travel for their child), finding clothing, toys, or accessories with an Asian theme is a real treat! As my family & I personally experienced the thrill of receiving our daughter from China last April, I am proud to introduce these new items to our line!

Check out these products on our website- they will be mixed in with each category. If you are local to the Dayton area you may visit our booth this Saturday at the Dayton "Families with Children from China" Adoption Bazaar. It will be held from 11-2 at the Dorothy Lane American Baptist Church in Kettering OH.

A percentage of proceeds from these items will be donated to Half the Sky, a wonderful non-profit organization which provides individual nurture and stimulation for babies, innovative preschools that encourage an early love of learning, personalized learning opportunities for older children, and loving — and most important, permanent — foster homes for children whose special needs will keep them from being adopted. You may visit their website for more information at www.halfthesky.org.

We're a HIT with the Tennessee Baby Guide!

2007-11-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

Recently JennaClaire was contacted by a Tennessee magazine, called The Baby Guide, wanting to know what JennaClaire is all about. We sent them one of our most popular diaper bags called "Baby I'm Yours" which is now featured in the Fall 2007 edition!

Our "Baby I'm Yours" (in Woodstock Floral fabric) is featured in their Baby Bits' Bounty section. It is referred to as "hip" and considered an item for "stand-out moms who want to make life a wee-bit more stylish!"

The Baby Guide is distributed throughout Williamson, Nashville, and Rutherford, Tennessee. Visit our website at: http://www.jennaclaire.com/ for more stylish baby items or for great everyday handbags and accessories!

~The JennaClaire Girls

Holiday Staff Gifts

2007-11-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

It is about that time of year again- making your list and checking it twice. And if you are an employer looking for that perfect, one-size-fits-all gift for your staff...you've come to the right place. Girls, feel free to print off this little blog entry and leave it on the boss's desk.

If you are local to our Centerville, Ohio location, a studio staff party is a great way to say "thanks". Host a design-your-own bag party for the girls in our studio (we even have a fully-equipped kitchen) -OR- we can bring the party to your office with swatches, sample bags and a dedicated staff person to assist you.

If you are not local to Centerville, OH, online gift certificates make a great gift idea. These may be purchased online via paypal or we would be happy to gift package our studio gift certificates & mail them to you. Please contact us for more information at 937-439-1272.

As always, to keep informed about our sales & party promotions please sign up for our email list via our website (www.jennaclaire.com)! Remember, "It's Not Just an Accessry; It's an Experience!"

Welcome to our New "Home"!

2007-10-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our newly re-designed JennaClaire website!

Those of you who have been avid JennaClaire.com fans will notice the new site layout & brand-spankin' new features we added. Custom design your own bag with your choice of fabrics; email a page to a friend, see "What's Hot" on the front page, sign up for emails at the touch of a button, and email us right from the site with your questions or to book a party!

As you peruse the site, we would love to know what you think. Drop us an email or give us a ring! Your feedback is invaluable to us.

Check back often- more products are being added daily! Ready-made diaper totes, handbags, and accessories are added frequently. And as always, if you would like an item made with fabric you see on another bag, please call us. It might just be available & we would be happy to custom design a bag for you!

All the Best-
Your JennaClaire Girls