Flour, Sugar, Salt: A Baker's Gift from the Heart

My good friend, Kathleen has a baking business called Flour Sugar Salt that specialized in handmade scones. Inspired by her Scottish grandmother, Kathleen has adapted her family recipe into 3 delicious varieties that she bakes and sells by the dozen: Blueberry, Cherry or Cranberry.

We met for tea to celebrate our birthdays (a detailed post about that tomorrow!) and she surprised me with a batch of her blueberry scones that she had baked that morning!  It was a beautiful presentation; She arranged her scones in a dish towel-lined serving basket with three beautiful boxes of tea. Are we kindred spirits, or what?

I told her that the tea boxes were so pretty, I might just make one into a clock! Remember when I converted a pancake mix box?

If you live in southeastern Michigan and love traditional baked goods, you must order some scones from Kathleen's Flour Sugar Salt.  And like her Facebook page to see her farmer's market schedule.  

The beauty and tradition of baking is alive and well. Bravo!  

Anne Reeves, Entrepreneur and Maker

When I was applying for the first-ever Country Living magazine "Pitch Your Product" event (which ultimately led to me being chosen and honored as one of their Women Entrepreneurs) I needed to submit a bio. Whenever I turned to the end of a particularly good magazine article, it always said something along the lines of: "So-and-so lives in Connecticut with her husband, 2 children and beloved Golden Retriever, Sam." Yawn.

I mean really, is that any way to summarize a person? And since I don't have any children or pets, my "standard" bio was non-existent. I countered with this ridiculous, clear and possibly obnoxious (?) bio in my application.

Who is Anne Held Reeves?

A hip craftster who repurposes vintage tablecloths into aprons?

No.

A fern-loving antiques dealer that lives & breathes Limoge boxes?

No.

A devoted scrap-booker that makes 3-D murals of Disney vacations?

No.

A Perrier drinking, cookie cutter collecting, photograph taking,

hydrangea loving, candy eating entrepreneur?

Yes!

_______________

I have an imaginary magazine that allows me to photograph & design magazine covers & then build them into modern day bags made entirely of plastic & tape. They are fresh, durable and push graphics into fashion.

I also own a design company, ANA, that specializes in one-of-kind

cigar box purses, tin wallets & ANA Delight Totes. 

I knit, sew, glue, tape, plant, bake, buy, try, think, feel, and live like

I am starring in my own movie.

That is how I described myself and my business (before I started writing).  I couldn't put artist, because that conjures up images of paint and galleries. I couldn't put professional girl because that makes me sound crazy. I wanted to describe myself as a maker - someone that succeeds in making things in many categories, but my mom vetoed that on the spot. I think she thought it sounded odd and old fashioned. 

When I tried to explain to her how "maker" made sense by enumerating all of the things that I did (knit, sew, glue, tape, plant, bake, buy, try), my mom said "Bingo! That - say that!"...and I did. 

Why am I telling you all about this now?  Because I was just reading Fast Company magazine and a business was described as having "a maker attitude." 

With the growth of Etsy (a website selling handmade and one-of-a-kind items) and Pinterest (an online inspiration board showcasing designs to buy, recipes to try and projects to make), the term "maker" has become part of the American lexicon.  Finally.

That being said, now that I can change my bio, I don't think I will.  I mean, being able to put that I "live like I'm starring in my own movie" is pretty accurate and very fun.  What do you think?

A Delightful Year

2010 is going to be a delightful year!

I am excited about my gift subscription company, "Subscribe To Delight" and I know that there will be lots of women running to the mailbox each month to see what I have sent!

What is "Subscribe To Delight?"

Each month, subscribers receive a surprise in the mail that I think is beautiful and interesting. The gift-wrapped package includes a narrative that explains what it is, why I chose it and how it can bring DELIGHT. The narrative adds to the experience and gives some talking points to explain delight to others. The purpose of SUBSCRIBE TO DELIGHT is to give the subscribers a “lift” and to let them know that someone is thinking of them. My goal is to add some fun and anticipation into our subscribers lives. Do you know a woman that would love a subscription to DELIGHT?

Have you read the write up in Country Living magazine?

Women Entrepreneurs

Remember when I had a book-signing for Moments of Delight as part of a progressive tea event in Ohio?

After the book signing, I was able to join in the fun and attend the last stop on the progressive (a discussion on steeping & keeping tea) at Summer Kitchen Interiors.

Lots of ladies were gathered around the super-cute shop listening to the speaker and tasting tea and sweets. It was all very "girl-y" and I loved it. I am telling you about it today because I came across the favor we all received. A silverplate teaspoon tied with a teabag and business card (naming the tea on the back). Smart smart smart.

• Mix & match silverware is very popular, so another teaspoon is always welcome.
• The attendees all love tea and now they could sample one at home.
• The tea & tag presentation was so cute I kept it "as is" all this time.

If you are a woman entrepreneur and are planning an event, you could learn a lot from the Summer Kitchen Girls. Bravo!

On another note, the amazing backdrop shown is a paper die cut from BoBunny. Although it is intended for scrapbooking, I use it as a doily! So pretty and dynamic on a wood tray.

Country Living Entrepreneurs

I have loved Country Living magazine for almost 20 years, so it was an enormous thrill to be selected as one of their 2007 Women Entrepreneurs after pitching my business to their editors. Want to see something cool? My profile is part of Country Living's web page! Click this link to see (or type Anne Reeves into their search box - so cool!).

The current issue of Country Living announces the Pitch Your Product winners for 2008. Congratulations to this year's Country Living women entrepreneurs!

Women Who Inspire

I was honored to return to the Country Living Women Entrepreneur event this year as a 2007 Pitch Your Product winner. It was there that I met the ladies of Make Mine Pink and was asked to be a part of the "Women Who Inspire" series at Make Mine Pink.com

You can click the "Women Who Inspire" link above to read my interview and get a sense of who I am and how I founded my business, Subscribe To Delight.