HIGH HEELS IN HIGH PLACES

If you’ve ever thought of starting your own business, it can seem like a daunting task. But these ladies bit the bullet, became their own bosses and started successful businesses just around the corner. And no matter what kind of company you want to own, they prove that a little push in the right direction is all you need to get started. From superb customer service and embracing social networking to honing in on great ideas, these “girl power” entrepreneurs are sharing the strategies of their success with absolutely! IN THE LOOP and speaking out about how being Houston-based has boosted their business.

Nicole Mora
Frosted Betty

Mojito, Pina Colada, Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Baileys Irish Cream and Strawberry Daiquiri… No, this isn’t the happy hour menu at Houston’s hippest new watering hole, but just a few of the cocktail-inspired cupcakes that are available “on-the-go” from the Frosted Betty Mobile Bakeshop. Including everything from the fabulous and traditional chocolate and vanilla to trendy tastes like Pistachio Cardamom, Green Tea Basil and Maple Bacon, this mobile line of cupcake couture aims to delight every palate.

The brainchild of  Frosted Betty is Nicole Mora, owner and creator, whose idea for these signature mini-cakes was born in her stationary bakery in Katy, Texas. But today, the mother ship has expanded citywide, thanks to the company’s hip, retro van. Cruising around town keeping the cravings of Houston satisfied; the mobile is almost always in the loop and on the go, but if you are looking for a bite… the word on the street is that Montrose is one of the owner’s favorite stops (wink, wink)!

Although the cupcake mobile is inspired by vintage motifs, Nicole uses the modern word-of-mouth techniques like Twitter to inform Houstonians of the whereabouts of the van. “We are in the age of social networking and so I think its almost a must,” says Nicole. “You get such an advantage when you are able to facilitate the communication with customers and potential customers.”

Nicole had an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, foreshadowing her success today as a young professional business owner.  “I was making cheesecake cupcakes at the age of six and selling them for a quarter at the neighborhood swim meets,” explains Nicole.

With other cupcake competitors popping up around town often, Nicole feels that building strong brand recognition will keep her on top of the competitors. “We set ourselves apart by the types of products we use to make our cupcakes,” says Nicole. “We offer unique flavors that no one else does and we try to cater to all individuals, even vegans and celiacs.”

And Frosted Betty Mobile Bakeshop will continue to WOW inner-loopers with unique products. Starting in mid-June, she will partner with a wellness company to create lower calorie recipes with added nutritional value. Not-to-mention, catering is also on the menu. Rent, park and serve charismatic cupcakes in front of any party or shindig for the perfect frosting finish.

Her advice to future young business owners: “If you really have something that you want to do, don’t be afraid of doing it. Fear is one of the biggest reasons why people never start their own business.”

Elaine Turner
Elaine Turner Designs

When you walk into the Elaine Turner’s flagship store in Rice Village, girly hues of pink (the brand’s signature color) and vacation nostalgia welcome you.  The bamboo accents and tropical prints will entice you to grab a tote, a pair of sandals and take off to the beach. And, as it turns out, that is exactly what Elaine is going for!

A Houstonian through and through, designer Elaine Turner’s influence comes her upbringing. Crediting the inspiration for her travel, escapism and fantasy-based collection to her childhood in the Sunbelt and family vacations to the coast, she explains, “all those experiences seep in to your brain.” But with a brand that has taken on a life of its own, Houstonians also deserve credit for Elaine’s success. “Houston women understand what I am trying to say,” says Elaine. “There is a small town support mentality; when they find out you are a Houstonian, they are devoted to you forever.” And Elaine is grateful for that!

Beginning her career designing straw bags for vacation wear, Elaine’s line has taken off since its birth in 2000. Also carried in her own Houston and Dallas boutiques, Elaine’s designs are available at 250 stores nationally.

For Elaine, simply witnessing how women feel when they wear her designs is the most rewarding part of the job. And although she’s not just the designer anymore, but also the figurehead, face and visionary, Elaine says that after all the challenges and struggles, seeing someone pick up and enjoy a bag or pair of shoes makes it worth it. “I don’t pretend that what I am doing will change someone’s life. But if my work helps a woman feel beautiful or differentiated, then I’ve done my job,” says Elaine.

As a 10-year business veteran, Elaine has wise words for future female business owners. “My biggest advice would be to have passion for what your idea is. Think about it from beginning to end; really know what your mission and purpose is. Why do I exist? What am I doing?””

A hopeful future entrepreneur may look at this designer and think she’s made it to the top, but Elaine Turner isn’t even close to stopping yet! Her personal goal is to continue to grow and create accessories that make a statement. She also plans to build her lifestyle brand through wholesale, accounts, retail stores and in the virtual market place. Elaine Turner aspires to be THE “go-to” place to round out your look.

Luvi Wheelock
Casa de Novia

“It’s like Christmas!” Casa de Novia owner Luvi Wheelock said as she tears open a large brown box within minutes of its delivery. The treasure inside? A long awaited Oscar de la Renta gown. Although Luvi has already been a bride, her excitement is fresh as she flutters around the shop, stocked with wedding dresses from such industry royalty as Monique Lhuillier, Elizabeth Fillmore and Angel Sanchez.

But Luvi was not always the wedding dress connoisseur she is today. Starting as a finance major, she tried her hand at private banking abroad, but discovered it just didn’t fit.  Wanting to take a walk down a different aisle, it was her other half that encouraged her to start a business.

“I had a great time looking for wedding dresses in Houston but never found the right one,” said Luvi. “While my husband and I were driving one day, I commented on how Houston needed a boutique that offered something more fashionable for brides.”  Her hubby nonchalantly replied, “Well, you should open one.”

And she did.

Opening in a converted cottage near Allen Parkway in 2005, Luvi named her boutique Casa de Novia, which means “House of the Bride” in Spanish. Luvi, who has a self-proclaimed “weakness for fabulous fabrics,” selects a variety of gowns aiming for unique cuts and designs. And her expert eye for exclusive frocks isn’t the only thing that keeps customers coming. She also takes extra steps to ensure that each of her brides receives the value of personalized service, offering a variety of amenities including one-on-one consultations and an in-house seamstress. Luvi contributes the success of Casa de Novia to the people of Houston, who “make it easy to own your own business” and appreciate service, which is her favorite part of the job.”