This is not a jewelry blog post

Rene Magritte - This is not a Pipe
and this is not a post about
jewelry, or is it? ;-)

“Many of life's failures come from people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison.

I thought it would be a nice change to talk about something other than Senzu jewellery for a change (though I am always happy to talk about that!). So I thought it would be more interesting to give you a bit of an insight as to why we started Senzu, and what challenges come with building your own business. 

Playful Metal Colours Necklace
& matching bracelets
SZFNL37

The quote this post started with was tweeted by Bear Grills, one of my favorite personalities on the Discovery Channel. I love his ‘can do’ attitude towards any situation he’s dropped into or that crosses his path. In one way, he is the ultimate boy scout; always prepared. On the other hand, he improvises when he does not have a particular tool to get him out of a pickle. When he can’t have elk steak in some tundra he’s stuck in, he opts for catching something or eating bugs. Ok, I would not go that far, but the underlying idea is flexibility and adaptation to your environment. It was also tweeted the same day by Anthony Robbins, the well-known self-improvement and inspirational speaker. The bottom line is, don’t give up too soon! If you truly believe in a project or concept, the business model and the strategy, then go do it! Nay-sayers be damned ;-)

Multi-Tone Metal Chain Necklace
SZFNL45

For me, I always wanted to get back into in the jewelry industry. Many years ago, when living overseas, for a while I worked with another jewelry company that used a proven, no-pressure networking sales method and I got a taste of it, and ever since then it was always in the back of my mind to return to that industry. 

If I had given up on this idea for a jewelry business concept over 15 years ago, Senzu would not exist today. Timing is everything, and the rest is enthusiasm and perseverance! 

So if you’ve ever had the idea to start your own business, work for yourself (no boss!) or work from home, then why not grab the bull by the horns and make 2011 your year? There are lots of options out there, a Senzu Stylist bring one of them. 

Next blog post I'll talk about the advantages and challenges of being your own boss as well as working from home. 

Until then, Style it Up and Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Cristel, your Senzu Style Insider. 

The LBD & other styles that never fade, literally!

Good morning everyone,

Having just come back from Shanghai on a Senzu sourcing trip, I was welcomed by some good news out of England this morning. It just goes to show you that true style never goes out of fashion and never fades away. Now we can actually say this and mean it literally, thanks to the scientists at the University of Leeds, who came up with a black dye for fabrics that does not fade in the wash. It was about time, right? ;-)

As was reported on also in The Toronto Star a few days ago, Partick McGowan and colleagues at the University of Leeds are proud of the dress because “black is the hardest colour and the most sought after. More than 50 per cent of clothing is black.” Glad to hear I am not alone in favouring this colour as a basic! It is flattering on most people, makes you look a bit more lithe and goes with nearly anything. Plus, the little black dress is one item that nearly all us ladies have at least one of, in our closets. 

Though I am not big on techie-speak, I thought it was worth quoting Mr. McGowan's process to create this little miracle (Nerd alert: science paragraph coming up!).  

The eco-friendlier process behind the dress and the dyes “turns a traditional problem in polymer chemistry on its head,” said McGowan. The process uses PLA or polylactic acid, a polyester derived from renewable sources. “It biodegrades, it is carbon-neutral, and it doesn’t rely on products from the petroleum industry,” he told The Star. 

“We’ve eradicated the wet-dyeing step and achieved a homogenous colouration.” Fabric dying traditionally uses oil-based material, lots of water, high temperatures, and creates considerable waste. Each type of textile needs to be dyed differently or takes the colour differently, even in the same garment. “The dye actually stays attached to the polymer. When you wash your PLA fibres, it doesn’t come out.”. 

Separate research is developing hair dye “without some of the chemicals perceived to be nasty. Organic is one of our goals.” concludes McGowan. Now would that be nice, to be able to colour your manes without all the horrible chemicals? 

When Sumitra and I started Senzu, we also wanted to ensure the colours and materials in our jewelry were long-lasting, which is why we love our Stainless Steel line. 

It is also a recyclable, very durable, non-staining, hypo-allergenic, and long-lasting material that will keep the same beautiful sheen, look and colour for a very long time with minimal care. 

Just like the non-fading LBD! 

Styling it up with a wink and Senzu jewelry of course,

Cristel, 

Your Senzu Style Insider.

PS: Don't forget to join our FB page too, for all the latest updates, and follow us on Twitter @senzustyle

Senzu Interview for Biz Opportunities - Part 2

Good morning everyone,

A few weeks ago we at Senzu had the honor to be asked for an e-Interview with Biz-Opportunities.biz, and were contacted by Ms. Angela Shupe with 11 questions. The Business Opportunities Weblog is a moderated list of legitimate business opportunities for entrepreneurs. It will be posted on their website on the 21st of December 2010, but you get to see the questions and my answers here first, in this 2-part blog post. Part 1 was published on this blog last week, here's the conclusion!  It was my pleasure to do the interview and I hope you enjoy reading it here and on biz-opportunities.biz from 21 December onwards!

6. What separates your business and opportunity from the competition?

- Senzu is very young, and therefore the market for Senzu Stylists is still wide open. Other companies may have been around longer, but people are ready for something new and fresh, which is reflected in our designs as well as our business model. 

- Senzu Stylists are not bound by any territories; all of Canada is wide open, so lots of room to expand their sales!

New Bracelet in Senzu's
Stainless Steel Collection

- Senzu Stylists can track their commissions and orders online.

- The Senzu website sets us apart from much of our competition. It allows our Stylists to sell direct from the website and also track their sales and commissions right there. It is very mobile-device friendly, so Stylists can have the Senzu e-Boutique at their fingertips wherever they are. In today’s world of smartphones and iPad-type mobile devices, we believe that it is important to offer our Stylists the best advantage in direct market sales.  The website supports our Stylists and our Stylists support the web site, it is a symbiotic relationship. 

- Our jewellery ranges in price from $8 to $154, with the average piece being about $40, so it is very affordable for every budget.

- Senzu carries a Stainless Steel Collection, all made from 316L stainless steel, which is 100% hypoallergenic. A great advantage, as some people have allergies to silver, gold or other metals. 

- Senzu also has a Naturals Collection, made from all natural products such as silk, cotton, semi-precious stones and wood.

7. When was it launched, and how has it grown since then?

We first formed Senzu in early 2010 and we had our Soft Launch Party on the 29th of September. About three weeks later, in late October 2010, the e-Boutique went ‘live’ and online ordering has begun. We’ve had quite a few Soirées since then, both hosted by us as well as by hostesses for our Stylists. We’ve been using this first Christmas season mainly as a vehicle to get the word out in Oakville about the Senzu company, the Senzu jewellery and we are already registering new Stylists in and around the Greater Toronto Area.  

8. Do you have any goals you'd like to accomplish in the next year or so?

Our main goal is to grow our network of Stylists and our sales of course, throughout Ontario and Canada. We will continue to create beautiful, affordable jewellery and by doing so, our Stylists will find that it sells itself. Our focus is on supporting our Stylists in their Senzu business and encourage their sales by continuing to enhance the website, the Stylist webportal, an easy to understand commission and downline structure and great customer service and Stylist support. 

9. What are some lessons your business has taught you?

New Earrings in Senzu's
Stainless Steel Collection

Together with my husband Brad, both Sumitra and I have run (and still run) many businesses, but this is our first business supported by an online store. I love browsing through our own e-Boutique! I have learned that for as many people there are in the world, that’s how many tastes and styles there are. I am inspired by working with the designers and manufacturers to develop great looking, high quality jewellery for Senzu. For Sumitra, this is the first time running a business in Canada. I think for her it is a breeze, compared to the challenges of doing business in other countries. Of course we all love being active in an industry that deals with such an exciting product as well as giving people the opportunity to change their lives and offer them a chance at financial freedom. 

10. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

A Senzu Stylist’s earnings are only limited by their imagination and efforts. Based on our records, our Stylists typically do around $1200 in sales per Soirée (our home party), which means about $300 in commissions for them, for just about 3-4 hours work. In addition, anyone can be a hostess (those who host a Soireé) and potentially receive hundreds of dollars in free jewellery, compliments of Senzu.  Our Stylists have no minimum sales requirements, but no maximums either! Anyone can become a Senzu customer, hostess or a Senzu Stylist. Our Senzu jewellery is high quality and attractively designed and priced, so it practically sells itself.  

11. Any advice you'd like to offer fellow entrepreneurs that are just getting started?

Immerse yourself in the industry, read up on your peers, their experiences and be open to advice from people who’ve been there. Don’t give up on your own concept but be prepared to adapt it to what the market will support.

Read the complete interview at www.biz-opportunities.biz from 21 December 2010 onwards.
In the meanwhile, a quick reminder to all our readers that Senzu has express shipping and can still deliver your shipments (within Canada) to arrive in time for Christmas, which is only 5 more days away!

Styling it up!

Cristel

Senzu Interview for Biz-Opportunities: Part 1

Good morning everyone,

This past week we at Senzu had the honor to be asked for an e-Interview with Biz-Opportunities.biz, and were contacted by Ms. Angela Shupe with 11 questions. The Business Opportunities Weblog is a moderated list of legitimate business opportunities for entrepreneurs. It will be posted on their website on the 21st of December 2010, but you get to see the questions and my answers here first, in this 2-part blog post. It was my pleasure to do the interview and I hope you enjoy reading it here and on biz-opportunities.biz! 

1. Tell us a little about Senzu Style.

Senzu is Canada’s newest direct sales company that focuses on fashionable jewellery and emphasises stainless steel, sterling silver and other high quality materials that are accented with freshwater pearls, Swarovski© crystals, cubic zirconias and other top quality features. It is based right here in Oakville, Ontario. 

SZSN5, Stainless Steel, Pearl & Onyx

2. What inspired it?

The name Senzu was inspired by the Japanese word for Style. I have lived in many countries in Asia for many years and still spend a lot of time there now.  Sumitra, my business partner, moved from Thailand to Canada just about 18 months ago, so our inspiration is found in the East. We have tried to translate the elegance, grace, beauty and modern advances we encounter there into beautiful, very wearable jewellery here in Canada.  

3. What are some of the more popular products that you offer?

Our most popular line is the Stainless Steel Collection. One of the first jewellery we started with are our stainless steel and freshwater pearl necklaces and matching earrings, set in dual tone stainless steel and cubic zirconias. It is available with white, pink or black pearls and looks great on everyone. It is a contemporary, modern woman’s take on a classic look. But we have already expanded into 5 unique Collections: Stainless Steel, Prestige, Elements, Spirit and Naturals.   

4. Tell us a little about your Stylist opportunity.

Senzu’s Stylist opportunity is a chance to get into a direct sales organisation while it is still young, with an opportunity to grow your network of customers and sponsored Stylists along with the company. By joining now, you get in on the ground floor and have a chance to help shape this organisation and have a say in how it develops and expands.  

SZEA8, Stainless Steel
Freshwater Pearl & CZ

5. What is included, and how much does it cost?

Right now it only costs $75 to register as a Senzu Stylist. For that you get 50% off all of your first sample order of jewellery, then 30% off all your subsequent orders. Usually the beginning Stylist’s sample order saves them so much, it covers the cost of their registration fee. Apart from the discount, the starter kit also includes personalized Senzu business cards, promo cards, hostess invitation cards and other marketing materials that will help them get their Independent Senzu Stylist Business started successfully. Stylists make 30% profit on anything they sell from their own inventory, but there is no obligation to purchase stock. Of course wearing Senzu jewellery yourself does make selling it even easier! We encourage Stylists to refer their customers to the senzustyle.com website as well. When their customers buy online, the Stylist also makes 30% commission on any of their online sales, and Senzu handles everything from payment, gift wrapping and shipping directly to the customer.    

Next blogpost will answer her questions about what sets Senzu apart from the competition, our goals and what the business has taught me, so come back and read Part 2 in the next few days! 

Styling it up!

Cristel

PS: Don't forget to vote in our Christmas Shopping Poll on the right! ->

Read About Us here!

Introducing: The Senzu Prestige & Naturals Collections!

Good morning everyone,


Today it is my pleasure to introduce two new Senzu lines of fine jewellery today; the Senzu Prestige Collection and the Senzu Naturals Collection. 

Swarovski© Divine Rock Set
SZ9EA9 and SZ9PE2

The Prestige Collection focuses on genuine 92.5 sterling silver and are considered statement jewellery, and high elegance. We have included a limited number of pieces that are made with Swarovski© crystals, with my personal favorite being the Swarovski© Divine Rock Earrings and Pendant. In addition to Swarovski©, you'll also find top quality cubic zirconia statement earrings and pendants, which most of the time include elegant silver necklaces. Many of the new jewellery pieces in this collection is handmade for Senzu by Artesans in Thailand, a country known for its creativity and craftsmanship especially in silver. The gorgeous jewellery in our Prestige Collection brings your look to the next level and would be very well suited for evening wear, as well as to dress up your daytime outfit. New jewellery pieces will be added to the Prestige Collection shortly, so be sure to visit the Senzu website.

Twilight Agate Silk Choker
Necklace - SZWNL1

The Naturals Collection was created to introduce jewellery based on natural materials.  The first jewellery featured in The Senzu Naturals Collection is a handcrafted silk choker necklace with Agate stones, both beautiful gifts from Mother Nature. These necklaces are available in a trio of Agate stone colours, named Fire, Forest and Twilight. Agate is a semi-precious stone that is characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness and range of colours and because it is a made-by-nature item, each Agate necklace is unique and a little different in colouring and shape. The Naturals Collection will focus on the beauty found in natural stone such as Agate and Turquoise, as well as other natural materials. New jewellery pieces will be added all the time, so be sure to visit the Senzu website regularly. 


Today was Senzu's first annual Holiday Soirée and it had a great turnout! More about our Soirée in the next blog post, as well as an interview with Sumitra, my partner-in-Style who hosted it. 
Styling it up until then! 
Your partner-in-style,




Cristel

How to recreate the 'Mad Men' 60s chic today.

Good morning fellow Stylistas,


With the new Season of Mad Men underway, the latest 60s style revival has reached a new level of excitement in the fashion world, from the runways to looks seen on the street by ordinary mortals like us. 



The characters of Betty Francis (played by January Jones), Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks) and Peggy Olson (Elizabeth Moss) have become the personifications of elegance, style and female empowerment, and the looks they sport in the show are being recreated by women around the world, who love the femininity it exudes. So how to recreate that 60s elegant and stylish look without looking old-fashioned?


So to help you put together a '60s look using pieces in your closet (or as an excuse to go shopping) here's Senzu's Top 10 Tips for '60s Chic today:


10. Show off your curves! Keep it form-fitting on top, flowy on the bottom. A-Line skirts flatter every shape. Dress it up with a little jacket for the office, or a cardigan for a more casual look. 
9. Go floral! Soft coloured floral dresses, skirts and tops add a feminine touch. If wearing a flowered dress, keep all your other accessories and shoes in matching solid colours. 
8. Use 1 bold colour for an elegant monochromatic look. Gem colours are very on trend right now; emerald greens, ruby reds as well as royal blue and purple.   
7. High heels will add drama to your look. Flats will make your look more casual. Nude tones are great at elongating your legs visually. 
6. Emphasize your waist. Synch it with a narrow leather belt in contrasting colours or a fabric belt in the same pattern as your dress. 
5. Clutch your purse. A small purse or clutch that compliments your look without overpowering it. 
4. Up your 'do. The 60s style trend is great if you like wearing your hair 'dressy'. Elegant buns, high ponytails, but also pretty hairbands are all back in style. 
3. Love your Eyes! Ultra-feminine eyes with 'cat-eyes' lined eyes. Bring out the eyeliner and 'Bardot' your look for that extra va-va-voom.  
2. Luscious Lipstick in bold reds work best for this '60s look. For a less dramatic look, go for pale pinks. Keeping cheeks light and soft will give your eyes and lips centre stage. 
1. Accessorize with Senzu jewellery! Especially pearl earrings and pearl pendants, as well as oversized pendants on long necklaces work really well to recreate the look. 

Check out Senzu's new Elements Collection, with some beautiful sterling silver pieces, as well as unique designer long pendant necklaces in brass with silver, rhodium or pink gold plating. Very elegant and these are only going to be available for a limited time (nickel-free and lead-free, as all Senzu's products are). 


There is still time to confirm your attendance to Senzu's Holiday Soirée on December 1st, in Oakville, Canada. It promises to be a fun get-together; perfect to get the Festive Season started in Style. Bring a friend along and be the first to look and purchase  new Senzu jewellery creations that with Swarovski(c) crystals and silver that won't even be available on the Senzu website yet.


We put together a Mad Men '60s Stylebook with products readily available at The Bay, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Aldo's, H&M, Mango and other main street retailers, and of course Senzu Jewellery to inspire you to create your unique Mad for Mad Men '60s style elegant look:

Let me know how you recreated the '60s elegance in your look? I'd love to see your personal take on this '60s trend!

Your Senzu partner-in-style,




Cristel

Senzu at Events for a Cause

Good morning dear Style Fans,

A quick post today with an update on what we at Senzu have been up to this past week! It has been a busy and social one, with a number of great events that Senzu participated in. 

Wednesday was the Oakville Chamber of Commerce's Business After-Hours Networking Event, which took place at Cogeco Canada in Burlington. Quite a few of Oakville's business leaders attended including Senzu's Sumitra.  Here's a snapshot of Sumitra at the Oakville Chamber event, with Warren F. Boyd, gemologist of note and President of R. T. Boyd Limited. 

The Wine Ladies Holiday Special in support of the United Way was the second event this week that Senzu attended with much gusto. The event, which was held at the Otello's Banquet and Conference Centre was the second Wine Ladies Event Senzu enjoyed the pleasure of participating in (the first one being the Silkeborg opening of Café Borg for the Angels Project Charity Evening). Quoting @thewineladies' tweet the day after:"...a Fabulous event! It was a roaring success and so much fun."

Senzu's Sumitra Mahakanok, Maureen Mol (above) and her husband John, as well as Senzu Stylist David Lecitra (left) who attended, could not agree more and Senzu was happy to donate Our fabulous crystal heart necklace set to the Silent Auction to help raise funds for The United Way cause. We will soon be posting pictures of the event on our Senzu Facebook Page, and if you have pictures of us at the event, please share them there as well! 

There are a number of upcoming events that Senzu will be holding, including:

- This Wednesday the 17th of November will be Senzu's David Lecitra's Stylist Launch Soirée. David is our first (and as yet only) male Stylist, so please support David and start your Christmas shopping at his Soirée! 

- 27th of November Senzu Stylists and the gorgeous Senzu Jewellery can be found at the Christmas at the Beach Craft Show at the Beaches in Toronto.

- The 1st of December marks the First Annual Senzu Holiday Soirée, held at a lakefront private estate in the Bronte Area of Oakville. If you'd like to attend this RSVP event, please contact Sumitra or myself or confirm via the Facebook Event Page. In connection with this, Ms. D.e.v.a, also known as Elizabeth Correia, our newest Senzu's Stylist in Brampton, is also doing a blanket drive for the homeless. Please check out her blog if you'd like to donate, follow or participate in her girls' empowerment events and groups (next event is on the 27th of November, some seats are still available!) 

- 4th of December will find Senzu Stylists and a great selection of Senzu Jewellery at the Sunrise Residences Christmas Fair. 

While I am in Thailand, working with our manufacturers and artisans on great new products (more stainless steel and silver earrings being added this week!), as an active member of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, this past weekend I had a chance to volunteer and husband Bradley Mol to play golf at the First Annual Beaver Invitational Golf Tournament for Khun Mechai's Village Development Partnership and Thai Fund Foundation’s community projects. No prizes won, but excellent funds raised for those two worthy causes and another wonderful tradition started! 

We hope we will see you at one or all of these events and if you'd like to host your own Senzu Soirée and earn beautiful free Senzu Jewellery, contact Sumitra or myself today!

Styling it Up,

Cristel,
Your Partner-in-Style.