Lorla's Blog A Small Shop Big on Style 2008-09-01T21:28:09-07:00 lorlas http://lorlas.myblogsite.com/index.html admin@fortunecity.com tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog Pivot Copyright (c) 2008, Authors of Lorla's Blog Midnight Madness Sale 2008-09-02T00:02:00-07:00 2008-09-02T00:02:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.33 I am blown away by how good you people are to me!  How good God is to me!  We knew we were closing on Labor Day (the last few years have shown us that it's not worth taking the time away from family for little or no business on the holidays) and we knew we were going to have to close on Thursday of the same week.  Ekk.  But, hey... it's not the end of the world.  Bob and I are going on a much needed buying trip to book our Spring 09 lines and all our girls are back to college.  As it turns out, Thurs is a "no one can work the store" day.  Oppsy.  So... we thought...ok, how can we make up for the lack of sales, the fact that we may disappoint customers by being closed, and make up for it.  Hence, MIDNIGHT MADNESS!  We reopened the store on Sunday, August 31st from 8pm-11pm and wondered if anyone would actually show up.  Oh ye of little faith!  Bob actually looked out the door and down the block at 2 minutes past the hour to see hordes of women carrying white paper invitations to receive the biggest (dare I say "Maddest") deals in the store.  Boots were flying.  Shoes were being tossed across the room.  Our small space was jammed from front to back.  And you made it our best Sunday ever in an hour and 45 minutes!  WOW!!  We should know we have nothing to worry about.  Thank you to all that showed up for our Mad Sale and congratulations to those of you that received 30% off of all the new boots, shoes and handbags in the store, along with $40 Italian leather boots and $20 shoes (discounted 80-90% off).  We were MAD!!!!  Mad about our customers and crazy for your business. I am blown away by how good you people are to me! How good God is to me! We knew we were closing on Labor Day (the last few years have shown us that it's not worth taking the time away from family for little or no business on the holidays) and we knew we were going to have to close on Thursday of the same week. Ekk. But, hey... it's not the end of the world. Bob and I are going on a much needed buying trip to book our Spring 09 lines and all our girls are back to college. As it turns out, Thurs is a "no one can work the store" day. Oppsy. So... we thought...ok, how can we make up for the lack of sales, the fact that we may disappoint customers by being closed, and make up for it. Hence, MIDNIGHT MADNESS! We reopened the store on Sunday, August 31st from 8pm-11pm and wondered if anyone would actually show up. Oh ye of little faith! Bob actually looked out the door and down the block at 2 minutes past the hour to see hordes of women carrying white paper invitations to receive the biggest (dare I say "Maddest") deals in the store. Boots were flying. Shoes were being tossed across the room. Our small space was jammed from front to back. And you made it our best Sunday ever in an hour and 45 minutes! WOW!! We should know we have nothing to worry about. Thank you to all that showed up for our Mad Sale and congratulations to those of you that received 30% off of all the new boots, shoes and handbags in the store, along with $40 Italian leather boots and $20 shoes (discounted 80-90% off). We were MAD!!!! Mad about our customers and crazy for your business. ]]> Kangaroo Trunk Show 2008-09-01T23:50:00-07:00 2008-09-01T23:50:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.32 A special THANK YOU to Jim Lummis from Kangaroo's and to all of you that showed up to experience our first ever Trunk Show.  WHAT FUN!!  Jim laid out the entire Fall and Holiday line for us and we offered a 20% discount for all special orders and 25% off for all Club Card Members.  We were excited to see that you loved what you saw and we were especially excited to see how many men were interested in ordering shoes.  Kangaroo's are a fun throw back to my youth and it's exciting for me to see the young guys coming back in to see if we still have them in the store.  Don't worry, Alex, come on in and we will show you the catalog and let you order anything you want.  Kangaroo's keeps plenty of shoes in stock and they send them quickly.  Jim assured us that he will do more trunk shows for upcoming seasons and we are already making lists of vendors we would like to show.  Stay tuned! A special THANK YOU to Jim Lummis from Kangaroo's and to all of you that showed up to experience our first ever Trunk Show. WHAT FUN!! Jim laid out the entire Fall and Holiday line for us and we offered a 20% discount for all special orders and 25% off for all Club Card Members. We were excited to see that you loved what you saw and we were especially excited to see how many men were interested in ordering shoes. Kangaroo's are a fun throw back to my youth and it's exciting for me to see the young guys coming back in to see if we still have them in the store. Don't worry, Alex, come on in and we will show you the catalog and let you order anything you want. Kangaroo's keeps plenty of shoes in stock and they send them quickly. Jim assured us that he will do more trunk shows for upcoming seasons and we are already making lists of vendors we would like to show. Stay tuned! ]]> Transformation 2008-06-16T02:12:00-07:00 2008-06-16T02:12:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.31 Sometimes it's time for transformation and other times, transformation just comes.  When did I get old?  I mean, I must be old to have a son that just graduated from High School, right?  I remember my HS graduation like it was (almost) yesterday and last week, I witness my son (the baby that I longed for all my life) accept his high school dipolma and I knew it was time for transformation.  Grand Valley State University is not that far.  2 1/2 hours or so.  A great school.  He's so excited... and I've been preparing myself for a year.  Getting used to the idea that he would be gone.  Starting his own life.  Having the time of his life.  On our way back from the Orientation day, he found this butterfly emerging from it's cocoon.  It's strange enough (a miracle I would say) that we were allowed to witness such a thing, but even stranger that it was along the curb of the gas station store a midst an ongoing flux of traffic both automobile and foot.  How had it sustained and how had so many people missed it?  I was (at this point probably looking like a fool) down on my hands and knees on the cement taking this picture and no one, (I mean it.. NO ONE) stopped to see what I was doing, to see if I was all right (insane or not), and everyone but my son and I missed the miracle of this tranformation.  It was incredible.It got me thinking.  My life.  My son's life.  The transformation of my marriage over the years.  (almost 24 years and we're still learning and growing and loving each other)  The store.  The stores in our neighborhood that have closed.  My friendships.... the new ones ... the old ones... the ones lost.  Transformation.  Things change.  People change.  We are transforming ourselves (and our image of ourselves) everyday.  Is anyone stopping to notice?  Is anyone stopping to take a snapshot of what is going on right this minute?Our store is transforming every day.  We have a new store manager.  A new employee.  A college student back for the summer.  (Jessica, Diana, and Jenna respectively.)  Inasmuch as I have loved all the women that have worked for me, I dare say this is the best (most cohesive) staff we've ever had.  Transforming.  Eager.  Brilliant.  Proactive.  All with a servant's heart.  I love that.  Now, how do I bottle it?As we head full on into summer, we are noticing a transformation in our customers.  They still want shoes (thank you God), but they are looking for either pure CANDY or pure COMFORT.  Excellent.  That is the direction I've been heading toward for the last 3 1/2 years.  We don't want much of what I call "dumb shoes".  You know, the shoes that everyone has in their wardrobe (the shoes you are just dumb not to have).  Those can be found anywhere.  Ok, don't worry, I will still carry the plain black pump, but what we're going for is CANDY and COMFORT.  We will never compromise fashion for comfort... but give you both.  Another strong transformation is the lean toward GREEN.  It's so very important to use reused and recycled materials.  We are carrying more and more products in this area.  Look for WeBe Bags (now in the store) and LadyBug Bags (coming soon).  Take them to the grocery store, school, keep one in the car.  Soon we will be offering our Club Card Members a very special deal on LadyBug Bags for their purchases.  stay tuned.We are always looking at ways to help transform the world by investing in companies that give back.  Soon, we will have TOM's Shoes.  For every pair you purchase, Tom will give a pair for a child in need.  Check them out http://www.tomsshoes.com/.  It's all about transformation.  Don't you think?  Evolving into the people, the parents, the spouses, and even the store that God would have us be.  I'm so thankful that I'm not the same person I was 20 years ago.  For that matter, 20 minutes ago.  (ok not that radicle).... but we are always given the opportunity to change.  I'm taking a snap shot of this minute and I'm going to start noticing all the things that are changing around me.  It's pretty cool.
Sometimes it's time for transformation and other times, transformation just comes. When did I get old? I mean, I must be old to have a son that just graduated from High School, right? I remember my HS graduation like it was (almost) yesterday and last week, I witness my son (the baby that I longed for all my life) accept his high school dipolma and I knew it was time for transformation.

Grand Valley State University is not that far. 2 1/2 hours or so. A great school. He's so excited... and I've been preparing myself for a year. Getting used to the idea that he would be gone. Starting his own life. Having the time of his life. On our way back from the Orientation day, he found this butterfly emerging from it's cocoon. It's strange enough (a miracle I would say) that we were allowed to witness such a thing, but even stranger that it was along the curb of the gas station store a midst an ongoing flux of traffic both automobile and foot. How had it sustained and how had so many people missed it? I was (at this point probably looking like a fool) down on my hands and knees on the cement taking this picture and no one, (I mean it.. NO ONE) stopped to see what I was doing, to see if I was all right (insane or not), and everyone but my son and I missed the miracle of this tranformation. It was incredible.

It got me thinking. My life. My son's life. The transformation of my marriage over the years. (almost 24 years and we're still learning and growing and loving each other) The store. The stores in our neighborhood that have closed. My friendships.... the new ones ... the old ones... the ones lost. Transformation. Things change. People change. We are transforming ourselves (and our image of ourselves) everyday. Is anyone stopping to notice? Is anyone stopping to take a snapshot of what is going on right this minute?

Our store is transforming every day. We have a new store manager. A new employee. A college student back for the summer. (Jessica, Diana, and Jenna respectively.) Inasmuch as I have loved all the women that have worked for me, I dare say this is the best (most cohesive) staff we've ever had. Transforming. Eager. Brilliant. Proactive. All with a servant's heart. I love that. Now, how do I bottle it?

As we head full on into summer, we are noticing a transformation in our customers. They still want shoes (thank you God), but they are looking for either pure CANDY or pure COMFORT. Excellent. That is the direction I've been heading toward for the last 3 1/2 years. We don't want much of what I call "dumb shoes". You know, the shoes that everyone has in their wardrobe (the shoes you are just dumb not to have). Those can be found anywhere. Ok, don't worry, I will still carry the plain black pump, but what we're going for is CANDY and COMFORT. We will never compromise fashion for comfort... but give you both.

Another strong transformation is the lean toward GREEN. It's so very important to use reused and recycled materials. We are carrying more and more products in this area. Look for WeBe Bags (now in the store) and LadyBug Bags (coming soon). Take them to the grocery store, school, keep one in the car. Soon we will be offering our Club Card Members a very special deal on LadyBug Bags for their purchases. stay tuned.

We are always looking at ways to help transform the world by investing in companies that give back. Soon, we will have TOM's Shoes. For every pair you purchase, Tom will give a pair for a child in need. Check them out http://www.tomsshoes.com/.

It's all about transformation. Don't you think? Evolving into the people, the parents, the spouses, and even the store that God would have us be. I'm so thankful that I'm not the same person I was 20 years ago. For that matter, 20 minutes ago. (ok not that radicle).... but we are always given the opportunity to change. I'm taking a snap shot of this minute and I'm going to start noticing all the things that are changing around me. It's pretty cool. ]]> Spring Into Action 2008-05-03T17:13:00-07:00 2008-05-03T17:13:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.30 Here we are in the midst of spring and most of us are wondering if it will ever catch up to us.  For those of you wondering when the weather will prove itself worthy of our expectation, you need only to walk into Lorla's to smell the colors of spring.  Yellow daffodils, purple iris, pink pansies, and orange day lilies prominantly fill our garden with the hopes of brighter days ahead.This season, we have changed our back room into the Comfort, Casual & Clearance section.  Focusing on shoes that fit your life style with brands such as: Tsubo, Puma, Kangaroos, Eric Michaels, and Bernie Mev, we demonstrate that you don't need to compromise fashion for comfort.  I can't tell you how many people have walked in (seeing only the high heel fashion shoes) and have said that we have nothing for them.  Oh contraire!  I really pay attention to the women that are shopping in our store.  Then, Bob and I make firm choices for our lines based on our vision and our customer needs.  Wide feet, narrow feet, bunions, wide bridge with a narrow heel... we see it all.  It's our biggest challenge to embrace all your needs, in our little space, while not compromising our vision nor our integrity.  So, with all that being said, we wanted you to see how important that message is to us.  Hence, an entire room dedicated to cool Lifestyle brands.The bags this season are whimsical, fresh, and flirty.  Patent leathers and prints are strong.  Big is better, but the small bags are special.  For those of you that know me, you know that Bob teases I have a Handbag Store disguised as a Shoe Store.  Truth be told, I am a handbag girl first and foremost.  This season, my focus has been on better bags with longer lasting appeal.  Our handbags range from $18 - $400 and we only carry a few of each.  The high-end bags are singles and it would be unlikely that you will see another pass you on the street.  For those of you that have love affairs with your bags, pay special attention to:  Oovuu (my personal favorite) which are all hand embroidered, Anushka (hand painted) and my newest finds from Almas and Ellington.  In the synthetic and fabric catagories watch for these fun lines:  RedLantern's Silk Brochades (a company that gives back 20% of their profits to children in Cambodia), Sondra Roberts, and MojoWare.  Something that you may not know is that we carry more Puma handbags than any store in the metro Detroit area.  Our entire back room wall is covered end to end with the latest offerings of Puma sport, travel and handbags.  It's simply an explosion of color and energy.  That's what I like most about Puma.Hats are a big thing this season, as well.  We are focused on hats that make a statement (and hide a bad hair day... so that's good too).  Goorin Brothers, Puma and Delux (Canada) top our list of head toppers and we have expanded our selections this year to include sizing for hard to fit heads.  Are you a hat girl?  Prices range from $20 - $40.  What says summer as much as sunglasses?  Summer in Michigan finally gives us this glorious reason for wearing sunglasses.  The sun!  AJ Morgan dominates the scene this year in cool, casual, and catchy styles.  $15 is all you pay for 400UV protection.  That's excellent.  Now, you don't have to worry if you leave them behind on the boat or if he sits on them by accident.  We have plenty in stock in variety of styles and colors.Summer styles are light, airy, colorful and fun this year.  To round out our collections we have paid special attention to our jewelry counters.  Special is the key for me when choosing accent pieces.  Each piece tells a story, adds flavor, and makes you stand out from the crowd.  Watch for our new bangles (that look like china tea cup patterns), Poppi rings that bloom a little party on your hand, and 3Sisters Domino inspired jewelry.  Get ready for a fun ride this summer at Lorla's. Here we are in the midst of spring and most of us are wondering if it will ever catch up to us. For those of you wondering when the weather will prove itself worthy of our expectation, you need only to walk into Lorla's to smell the colors of spring. Yellow daffodils, purple iris, pink pansies, and orange day lilies prominantly fill our garden with the hopes of brighter days ahead.

This season, we have changed our back room into the Comfort, Casual & Clearance section. Focusing on shoes that fit your life style with brands such as: Tsubo, Puma, Kangaroos, Eric Michaels, and Bernie Mev, we demonstrate that you don't need to compromise fashion for comfort. I can't tell you how many people have walked in (seeing only the high heel fashion shoes) and have said that we have nothing for them. Oh contraire! I really pay attention to the women that are shopping in our store. Then, Bob and I make firm choices for our lines based on our vision and our customer needs. Wide feet, narrow feet, bunions, wide bridge with a narrow heel... we see it all. It's our biggest challenge to embrace all your needs, in our little space, while not compromising our vision nor our integrity. So, with all that being said, we wanted you to see how important that message is to us. Hence, an entire room dedicated to cool Lifestyle brands.

The bags this season are whimsical, fresh, and flirty. Patent leathers and prints are strong. Big is better, but the small bags are special. For those of you that know me, you know that Bob teases I have a Handbag Store disguised as a Shoe Store. Truth be told, I am a handbag girl first and foremost. This season, my focus has been on better bags with longer lasting appeal. Our handbags range from $18 - $400 and we only carry a few of each. The high-end bags are singles and it would be unlikely that you will see another pass you on the street. For those of you that have love affairs with your bags, pay special attention to: Oovuu (my personal favorite) which are all hand embroidered, Anushka (hand painted) and my newest finds from Almas and Ellington. In the synthetic and fabric catagories watch for these fun lines: RedLantern's Silk Brochades (a company that gives back 20% of their profits to children in Cambodia), Sondra Roberts, and MojoWare. Something that you may not know is that we carry more Puma handbags than any store in the metro Detroit area. Our entire back room wall is covered end to end with the latest offerings of Puma sport, travel and handbags. It's simply an explosion of color and energy. That's what I like most about Puma.

Hats are a big thing this season, as well. We are focused on hats that make a statement (and hide a bad hair day... so that's good too). Goorin Brothers, Puma and Delux (Canada) top our list of head toppers and we have expanded our selections this year to include sizing for hard to fit heads. Are you a hat girl? Prices range from $20 - $40.

What says summer as much as sunglasses? Summer in Michigan finally gives us this glorious reason for wearing sunglasses. The sun! AJ Morgan dominates the scene this year in cool, casual, and catchy styles. $15 is all you pay for 400UV protection. That's excellent. Now, you don't have to worry if you leave them behind on the boat or if he sits on them by accident. We have plenty in stock in variety of styles and colors.

Summer styles are light, airy, colorful and fun this year. To round out our collections we have paid special attention to our jewelry counters. Special is the key for me when choosing accent pieces. Each piece tells a story, adds flavor, and makes you stand out from the crowd. Watch for our new bangles (that look like china tea cup patterns), Poppi rings that bloom a little party on your hand, and 3Sisters Domino inspired jewelry.

Get ready for a fun ride this summer at Lorla's. ]]> FIRE, FALL & GOOD FRIDAY 2008-03-20T13:11:00-07:00 2008-03-20T13:11:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.29 FIRE:  It happened so fast and I've decided that I will never try to deep fry again.  Leave it to the experts.  When the fire started on my stove, I thought it would go out (you know... like the small bursts you sometime get from spatting fat under the broiler or in the toaster oven), but when the flames grew, well... my mind could not wrap around what my eyes were seeing.  The flames ended up being 4 feet wide and 6 feet high.  The plant in the kitchen window was in flames, my curtains (thank GOD were canvas and not frilly but they) burned.  The dishwashing liquid bottle just crumbled in melty fashion before my eyes.  No slow motion here.  It was fast.  Grayson and I were beating the flames out with a towel.  The fire extinguisher in the front hall closet (not my brightest move).  I was just about to give up, grab the phone, and let my house burn down, when we beat the flames.  I had cut my foot, my kitchen was black with soot and my son just held me tight.  Then, he said, "Mom... your hair!"  The whole left side of my head had been singed.  I didn't care.  My son and I were safe.  Bob was safe.  He had been grocery shopping and came home just as we put the fire out.  The smoke alarm was going off and smoke filled the kitchen and he came in saying, "Momma's cookin'!"  Only to find out that "momma" had nearly burned the house down.  The fire had blown up in my face.  I'm not kidding.  Whooosh!  Right in my face.  It's by the grace of God that I still have a face.  Not a burn on me.  Not my hands, arms, face, chest, or neck.   My hair... I rinsed it out and you couldn't tell anything had happened by the next day.  To me anyway.  Now, my house is a different story.  But we were so blessed.  So favored.  Clean up crews are in my house (as I write this) cleaning walls, ceilings, floors and cupboards.  Insurance is covering everything, including repainting the entire house and replacing things that were lost or damaged. FALL:  I know it must seem rushed that summer hasn't even clearly arrived, and I'm already talking about fall.  But, that's how we do it.  Two days after the fire, we had to pack up for Chicago to book our Fall 08 lines.  Jessica went with us this time to learn more about how and why we make our choices.  She was delightful to travel with and showed us a confidence in buying that far surpasses her 19 years.  She is going to be a great buyer/owner someday.  We had a day and a half to book our entire fall line and we did it in 14 hours.  AMAZING!  These trips are usually fast and furious and (as much fun as most people think they must be) we work very, very hard.  I'm extremely excited about what Fall 08 will bring.  New lines, new looks, new fabrics.  But... lets enjoy our summer before we talk too much about next fall.  GOOD FRIDAY:  I know that Good Friday is just another day for some people.  For me, however, it is one of the most important days in the history of the world.  I know that God is real.  I know that Jesus is real.  I know it is by the grace of God I was saved from the fire in my house and from an eternity without Him.  I am overwhelmed with the thought that God would sacrafice His son for me.  I couldn't do that.  I just couldn't be God.  I want to encourage you, friends.... if there is even the tiniest thought in your mind that maybe, just maybe God is real.... take a moment and talk to Him (privately) and ask Him to reveal himself to you.  It just might save you from the fall and the fire.  Happy Easter!  God bless you, your family, and all your friends! FIRE: It happened so fast and I've decided that I will never try to deep fry again. Leave it to the experts. When the fire started on my stove, I thought it would go out (you know... like the small bursts you sometime get from spatting fat under the broiler or in the toaster oven), but when the flames grew, well... my mind could not wrap around what my eyes were seeing. The flames ended up being 4 feet wide and 6 feet high. The plant in the kitchen window was in flames, my curtains (thank GOD were canvas and not frilly but they) burned. The dishwashing liquid bottle just crumbled in melty fashion before my eyes. No slow motion here. It was fast. Grayson and I were beating the flames out with a towel. The fire extinguisher in the front hall closet (not my brightest move). I was just about to give up, grab the phone, and let my house burn down, when we beat the flames. I had cut my foot, my kitchen was black with soot and my son just held me tight. Then, he said, "Mom... your hair!" The whole left side of my head had been singed. I didn't care. My son and I were safe. Bob was safe. He had been grocery shopping and came home just as we put the fire out. The smoke alarm was going off and smoke filled the kitchen and he came in saying, "Momma's cookin'!" Only to find out that "momma" had nearly burned the house down. The fire had blown up in my face. I'm not kidding. Whooosh! Right in my face. It's by the grace of God that I still have a face. Not a burn on me. Not my hands, arms, face, chest, or neck. My hair... I rinsed it out and you couldn't tell anything had happened by the next day. To me anyway. Now, my house is a different story. But we were so blessed. So favored. Clean up crews are in my house (as I write this) cleaning walls, ceilings, floors and cupboards. Insurance is covering everything, including repainting the entire house and replacing things that were lost or damaged.

FALL: I know it must seem rushed that summer hasn't even clearly arrived, and I'm already talking about fall. But, that's how we do it. Two days after the fire, we had to pack up for Chicago to book our Fall 08 lines. Jessica went with us this time to learn more about how and why we make our choices. She was delightful to travel with and showed us a confidence in buying that far surpasses her 19 years. She is going to be a great buyer/owner someday. We had a day and a half to book our entire fall line and we did it in 14 hours. AMAZING! These trips are usually fast and furious and (as much fun as most people think they must be) we work very, very hard. I'm extremely excited about what Fall 08 will bring. New lines, new looks, new fabrics. But... lets enjoy our summer before we talk too much about next fall.

GOOD FRIDAY: I know that Good Friday is just another day for some people. For me, however, it is one of the most important days in the history of the world. I know that God is real. I know that Jesus is real. I know it is by the grace of God I was saved from the fire in my house and from an eternity without Him. I am overwhelmed with the thought that God would sacrafice His son for me. I couldn't do that. I just couldn't be God. I want to encourage you, friends.... if there is even the tiniest thought in your mind that maybe, just maybe God is real.... take a moment and talk to Him (privately) and ask Him to reveal himself to you. It just might save you from the fall and the fire.

Happy Easter!
God bless you, your family, and all your friends! ]]> Two Dots and a Hug in California 2008-02-08T13:25:00-07:00 2008-02-08T13:25:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.28 Two Dots Showroom from Austin, TX, carries United Nude and Tennies, as well as other celebrated brands.  They contacted us in December to interview our store for their National Newsletter and to feature us on their website.  I was so surprised and delighted that such a big company would be paying attention to our little store.  We filled out a small questionaire and forgot about it.  On February 5th, their newsletter hit the internet and we were featured prominantly on their website.  That was cool enough, but not half an hour later, I received a call from Grass Valley, California.  "You don't know me, my name is Maria, and I own a small boutique in Grass Valley."  She went on to say, "You've inspired me today and I want to thank you!"  I had no idea what she was talking about.  Apparently, she had received the Two Dots email and had clicked on to our website.  She read about our store, what we do, and how we do it, and it inspired her to try some new things.  In the business only a year and a half, Maria was falling "into a rut" and not sure if this was really going to work our for her.  After reading through our site, she got so excited that she called me to say that we had inspired her to keep going and to try things like our Club Card Membership.  What a blessing and a treat for us to know that we are helping business owners clear across the country.  We talked for nearly half an hour and she was just on fire to take on some of our ideas.  See the Two Dots profile on us at http://lorlas.com/page9.html or check out www.twodots.com and read more about them.  THANK YOU Two Dots.  What fun to connect with other women in the business and to encourage on another. Two Dots Showroom from Austin, TX, carries United Nude and Tennies, as well as other celebrated brands. They contacted us in December to interview our store for their National Newsletter and to feature us on their website. I was so surprised and delighted that such a big company would be paying attention to our little store. We filled out a small questionaire and forgot about it. On February 5th, their newsletter hit the internet and we were featured prominantly on their website. That was cool enough, but not half an hour later, I received a call from Grass Valley, California. "You don't know me, my name is Maria, and I own a small boutique in Grass Valley." She went on to say, "You've inspired me today and I want to thank you!" I had no idea what she was talking about. Apparently, she had received the Two Dots email and had clicked on to our website. She read about our store, what we do, and how we do it, and it inspired her to try some new things. In the business only a year and a half, Maria was falling "into a rut" and not sure if this was really going to work our for her. After reading through our site, she got so excited that she called me to say that we had inspired her to keep going and to try things like our Club Card Membership. What a blessing and a treat for us to know that we are helping business owners clear across the country. We talked for nearly half an hour and she was just on fire to take on some of our ideas. See the Two Dots profile on us at http://lorlas.com/page9.html or check out www.twodots.com and read more about them. THANK YOU Two Dots. What fun to connect with other women in the business and to encourage on another. ]]> MAGIC or was it? 2008-02-07T17:20:00-07:00 2008-02-07T17:20:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.27 It's hard to know where to start sometimes.  I'm absolutely overwhelmed with how good God has been to me and I just want to tell everyone that will listen!  Ok, last Friday it had been a bad day.  I was in a bad mood (get those?) and the store had been empty all day.  In fact, the store had been slow all week.  This is a "down time" for retail in our area anyway, but that week had been particularly slow.  Not only that, but 4 stores in my neighborhood had closed or had announced their closing and we were all feeling the shock of the economic backlash in Michigan.  Dreadful.  So, there I was alone in the store... all day... feeling sad for my fellow retailers..and maybe a little sad for myself too.  I started to pray.  This store is not owned by the economy.  I know who owns this store.  I thanked God for all He had done and planned to do through our store.  It's always been about His plan for my business, not my plan.  I mean, I never planned to own a shoe store in the first place.  The relationships we have developed in the store, the friends we have made, the opportunities to serve women... have always been at the forefront... and then, oh, we sell shoes and handbags too. (smile)  I asked him to take any spirit of fear from me.  I didn't want it finding a home in my store or in my heart.  AND, I asked him to work on my attitude, because I was feeling sorry for myself that no one had been in all day.  Then in walked John.  John is 52 years old, white, Jewish, balding on top, thick glasses and so friendly.  I thought he must want directions or something because he walked straight to the counter.  It wasn't until he handed me coupons for Cottage Pizza (in Novi, MI) that I realized he was passing out promo material for them.  He told me about their pizza and delivery services and then he started to leave.  Almost at the door, he turned around and said, "I'm a songwriter too!"  I thought that was funny to tell me on the way out, but he started back for my counter.  "Has anyone ever written a song about your store, Lauren?"  "No!", I told him."Well, I wrote a song about your store and it goes a little something like this here!"... and he proceeded to RAP!  Oh my gosh.  It was so funny... I laughed until I cried.  And he left.  He told me to order pizza and he'd sing for me every time he delivered, and he left.  I called his boss and thanked him for sending John the singing Pizza Man.  I told him he had been an answer to prayer and that my attitude had been changed.  Not only that, but I would buy my pizza from them for now on.  I hope it's good!Then, not 10 minutes later I got a call.  "I can't explain it", she said.  "I was just searching the internet when I came across your website.  I didn't even know about your store.  I love Shoe Of The Week!  I love your website!  Tell me about Shoe Parties!"   Then she said, "My name is Jennifer and I'm in charge of PR and Marketing for MAGIC 105.1 fm in Detroit and we would like to partner with you.  How would that sound?"  Seriously, you guys... I had to ask her for her name three different times.  So, that's how we ended up on MAGIC 105.1.  For the next three weeks, they are having SHOE-A-PALOOZA during the 9-5 workweek schedule.  The 25th caller for the FREE SHOE SONG OF THE DAY wins a $75 gift certificate to our store.  In exchange, we are being mentioned on the radio over 100 times, we have a prominent spot on their website (which gets nearly 6000 hits a day) and they are sponsoring a WINNERS party at the CHASE BAR & GRILL (in Northville) on Feb 21st.  All the winners (and a friend) will come to enjoy free appetizers, cash bar, entertainment, and be eligible for free shoes for a year.  A Shoe A Month for a year!  How cool is that???  I had to remember my prayer.  "Thank you for all you've done and are going to do in our store.  Please help me with my attitude."  Within 30 minutes of that prayer, John the Singing Pizza Man & Jennifer the PR person from MAGIC had come to call.  I'm thinkin' "Who doesn't pray enough!"   Right?Then, the very next day, we had a visit from Strut Magazine to tell us that we had won Best Independent Shoe Store in Detroit, in the Women's Choice Awards for Strut Magazine.  The winners will all be listed in their April Issue, but they wanted to tell us personally.  WOW!!!  I just wanted to share that good news with you.  God has been so good to us at Lorla's.  He's the one that owns this store.  If it's going to make it, He's going to have to be in charge.  I simply get to go along for the ride. It's hard to know where to start sometimes.  I'm absolutely overwhelmed with how good God has been to me and I just want to tell everyone that will listen!  Ok, last Friday it had been a bad day.  I was in a bad mood (get those?) and the store had been empty all day.  In fact, the store had been slow all week.  This is a "down time" for retail in our area anyway, but that week had been particularly slow.  Not only that, but 4 stores in my neighborhood had closed or had announced their closing and we were all feeling the shock of the economic backlash in Michigan.  Dreadful.  So, there I was alone in the store... all day... feeling sad for my fellow retailers..and maybe a little sad for myself too.  I started to pray.  This store is not owned by the economy.  I know who owns this store.  I thanked God for all He had done and planned to do through our store.  It's always been about His plan for my business, not my plan.  I mean, I never planned to own a shoe store in the first place.  The relationships we have developed in the store, the friends we have made, the opportunities to serve women... have always been at the forefront... and then, oh, we sell shoes and handbags too. (smile)  I asked him to take any spirit of fear from me.  I didn't want it finding a home in my store or in my heart.  AND, I asked him to work on my attitude, because I was feeling sorry for myself that no one had been in all day.  

Then in walked John.  John is 52 years old, white, Jewish, balding on top, thick glasses and so friendly.  I thought he must want directions or something because he walked straight to the counter.  It wasn't until he handed me coupons for Cottage Pizza (in Novi, MI) that I realized he was passing out promo material for them.  He told me about their pizza and delivery services and then he started to leave.  Almost at the door, he turned around and said, "I'm a songwriter too!"  I thought that was funny to tell me on the way out, but he started back for my counter.  "Has anyone ever written a song about your store, Lauren?"  

"No!", I told him.

"Well, I wrote a song about your store and it goes a little something like this here!"... and he proceeded to RAP!  Oh my gosh.  It was so funny... I laughed until I cried.  And he left.  He told me to order pizza and he'd sing for me every time he delivered, and he left.  I called his boss and thanked him for sending John the singing Pizza Man.  I told him he had been an answer to prayer and that my attitude had been changed.  Not only that, but I would buy my pizza from them for now on.  I hope it's good!

Then, not 10 minutes later I got a call.  "I can't explain it", she said.  "I was just searching the internet when I came across your website.  I didn't even know about your store.  I love Shoe Of The Week!  I love your website!  Tell me about Shoe Parties!"   Then she said, "My name is Jennifer and I'm in charge of PR and Marketing for MAGIC 105.1 fm in Detroit and we would like to partner with you.  How would that sound?"  

Seriously, you guys... I had to ask her for her name three different times.  So, that's how we ended up on MAGIC 105.1.  For the next three weeks, they are having SHOE-A-PALOOZA during the 9-5 workweek schedule.  The 25th caller for the FREE SHOE SONG OF THE DAY wins a $75 gift certificate to our store.  In exchange, we are being mentioned on the radio over 100 times, we have a prominent spot on their website (which gets nearly 6000 hits a day) and they are sponsoring a WINNERS party at the CHASE BAR & GRILL (in Northville) on Feb 21st.  All the winners (and a friend) will come to enjoy free appetizers, cash bar, entertainment, and be eligible for free shoes for a year.  A Shoe A Month for a year!  How cool is that???  

I had to remember my prayer.  "Thank you for all you've done and are going to do in our store.  Please help me with my attitude."  Within 30 minutes of that prayer, John the Singing Pizza Man & Jennifer the PR person from MAGIC had come to call.  I'm thinkin' "Who doesn't pray enough!"   Right?

Then, the very next day, we had a visit from Strut Magazine to tell us that we had won Best Independent Shoe Store in Detroit, in the Women's Choice Awards for Strut Magazine.  The winners will all be listed in their April Issue, but they wanted to tell us personally.  WOW!!!  

I just wanted to share that good news with you.  God has been so good to us at Lorla's.  He's the one that owns this store.  If it's going to make it, He's going to have to be in charge.  I simply get to go along for the ride.

]]> Some like It Hot 2008-01-22T21:08:00-07:00 2008-01-22T21:08:00-07:00 tag:blog,2008:lorlasblog.26   What a great idea!  The City of Northville, Tom Holzer Ford, and local businesses (LIKE US) are sponsoring FREE MOVIES at the Marquis Theatre in Northville.  I was so excited to be part of this and even more thrilled that "Some Like It Hot" was still available.  I've always been a Marilyn Monroe fan and we even host a painting of her in the store (a love gift painted by my husband).  The downside of this venture, is that the tickets for all the movies were distributed at the same time and given out at an Indy500 type speed.  They were gone almost before we realized we had them.  Leaving us whiplashed and bewildered.  Luckily, some tickets have been returned and we will be posting their availability on the home page of our website.  During the month of February, be the first one in on the required day(s), mention that you saw the tickets on the site, and they will be yours.  No sales required.  We just want you to have another opportunity to see the movie.SOME LIKE IT HOT PARTYMarch 8th - 5:30-7:00 pmIn the storeWine tasting from "Simply Wine" Special drawingsDiscounts and SalesEVERYONE iS INVITED!Free red boa to the first 60 ticket holders.We like it hot!  We know you like it hot!  Come to the hottest shop in Northville - Lorla's!! What a great idea! The City of Northville, Tom Holzer Ford, and local businesses (LIKE US) are sponsoring FREE MOVIES at the Marquis Theatre in Northville. I was so excited to be part of this and even more thrilled that "Some Like It Hot" was still available. I've always been a Marilyn Monroe fan and we even host a painting of her in the store (a love gift painted by my husband). The downside of this venture, is that the tickets for all the movies were distributed at the same time and given out at an Indy500 type speed. They were gone almost before we realized we had them. Leaving us whiplashed and bewildered. Luckily, some tickets have been returned and we will be posting their availability on the home page of our website. During the month of February, be the first one in on the required day(s), mention that you saw the tickets on the site, and they will be yours. No sales required. We just want you to have another opportunity to see the movie.

SOME LIKE IT HOT PARTY
March 8th - 5:30-7:00 pm
In the store
Wine tasting from "Simply Wine"
Special drawings
Discounts and Sales
EVERYONE iS INVITED!
Free red boa to the first 60 ticket holders.

We like it hot! We know you like it hot! Come to the hottest shop in Northville - Lorla's!! ]]>