Gluten-Free Allergen Friendly Expo 2016

My enthusiasm is heightening as I look forward to the Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Expo coming back to Schaumburg, IL (Chicago) May 14 and 15, 2016. 

This year, like 2015, I have the opportunity to attend as an Official Blogger. This time last year I was transitioning gluten out of my diet. I have been basically gluten free for over a year, however, I have slipped off the wagon, so to speak, mainly due to difficulty finding egg-free gluten free bread and some other gluten free items especially when traveling.

Since the elimination of gluten, I have noticed the difference in the way this gluten intolerance has on attacking my muscles, joints and my gut which includes less intestinal infractions. 

Besides the "free" samples at the Expo my focus this year is on learning more from the classes about diet and supporting a healthy immune system. A few of the classes are “Can your Food Allergy or Gluten-Free Diet Cause Other Health Problems?","Sneaking Ancient Grains into Everyday Life", and "How to Use the Low-FODMAP Diet to Ease Symptoms of IBS".

GIVEAWAY!

I have two (2) TICKETS* as a GIVEAWAY. Leave a comment and let me know if you're interested in attending the Expo.

*tickets are good for 1 day of the expo either Saturday OR Sunday (you can choose which day you want to attend)

20% off Tickets can be purchased here to the GF and AF Expo until May 13 in Schaumburg, IL (Chicago). 20% off expires at midnight May 13 (tickets $20 @ door). You can print tickets or have tickets sent to your phone.









EVENT DETAILS from Eventbrite

The GFAF Expos are the greatest events on earth for those living a gluten-free or allergen-friendly lifestyle. You will sample products, receive coupons and discounts, attend informative classes, and be with thousands of people just like you. We often hear "this place is better than Disney" from kids attending. The Expos are a fun, family-friendly, educational and safe place made just for you!


What do you get with your Expo Ticket?

• Entry into the vendor fair with over 100 exhibiting brands
• Valuable coupons from the best gluten-free and allergen-friendly brands
• FREE samples from exhibitors- baked goods, pizza, healthy options and much more
• Discounted products available for purchase
• Informative classes related to the gluten-free and allergen-friendly lifestyle
• Free reusable bag to carry your goodies
• The chance to meet your favorite brands, restaurants, authors and bloggers

*All sales are final. No refunds.

GFAF Expo Sponsored by Udi's Gluten Free and Glutino

  

Gluten and Nut Free Area Presented by Enjoy Life Foods

*All ticket sales are final, no refunds.

#GFAFEXPO  #Chicago

Did Your Pharmacist Tell You This?

I am still reeling from some information I received from my Pharmacist consultation this week.  After entering the time continuum stage where hormones are in an uproar your dialogue changes.  You know that stage of life where a woman is losing her nurturing hormones and where the dialogue used to go something like this, “oh, sure you need that done, okay, anything to help sweetie.”  Now the dialogue is like this, “you need that done, well, over there are the washer and dryer, do it yourself…I’m over here having tea.” (And this is the nice version.)

 

Actually, the doctor said I had no progesterone and very little estrogen.  No problem...compounding “bioidentical” replacement therapy (BHRT) to the rescue.

“Are you going to hold your pet later,” she asked.

When you begin a new regimen, the pharmacist usually consults with you on how to take your medication. How hard can this be? Let’s see, a few pumps of the estrogen cream, rub it in and away you go. Then she asked me, “are you going to hug anyone or hold your pet today?” With a puzzled look on my face, she repeats the question, “are you going to hug anyone or hold your pet later?” So was thinking…husband and daughter are out of town, actually I’m the one out of town. Still thinking...I don’t usually hug with the fragrance allergy I have... I don’t like to risk transference (see my blog post here).  A friend has adopted our cat, so “no”, I said.  Then I asked why. She then informed me that especially when you hug your husband or anyone for that matter, you need to be careful in not transferring the estrogen cream on to them. Remember, the estrogen is being absorbed through your skin, it can also be absorbed through his skin and he can develop female mammary glands (men breasts.) I’m like, uh… good information to know.  

Baffled, I had never heard that before, though, it makes good practical sense as I pass this scent-free savvy tidbit along.

I thought my biggest hurdle was to be assured that the bio-identical hormone cream was soy, egg, and fragrance free. The possibility of unwanted mammary glands for my husband or pet…well, I didn’t see that one coming. Therefore, I will wear my estrogen cream proudly and take precaution… as I continue to be savvy and scent free.

Eco Friendly Fragrance Free Salon in New Hampshire

After seeing a post on Facebook at the website Women's Voices for the Earth about Moira's Story: Fragrance & Formaldehyde, we reached out to Moira to ask if we could include her fragrance free salon on our blog page "Scent-Free Professional & Retail Establishments.

After Moira began having symptoms to chemicals at work, she found it necessary to open her own fragrance free salon. 

Seeking a healthy and safe environment, in 2011 she opened Earthly Roots Hair Studio. Please read her full story HERE. We applaud you Moira.

People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) or that have fragrance allergies and sensitivities need safe service providers and vendors.  We are in great need of people that provide personal care and services such as hair stylists, dentists, doctors, attorneys, insurance agents, realtors.  In addition, we need retail establishments that are fragrance free. In places such as these, it can be difficult to shop or get services when we are inundated with fragrant odors.

As well, we are looking for employers that have a fragrance free policy established or looking to establish a policy. If you know of any employer, professional or retail establishment contact us at scentfreesavvy@gmail.com and continue to be savvy and scent free.

Way to Go Califia Farms®

When I first saw this Pure Cold Brew coffee with almond milk by Califia Farms®, I couldn't contain my excitement. I'm so happy... I'm so happy.  For me I am ecstatic to have allergen friendly non-GMO alternatives.

When my friend's son came in with this coffee drink, I noticed that the product was soy free, dairy free, GMO free, bpa free and vegan.

Whaaat! Now you are talking my language.  I can get a coffee product without aggravating my allergies.  I was hooked at almond milk and soy free. All the allergen friendly/non-toxic ingredients is a bonus, so I am shouting from the mountain tops.

I finally found two cold brew varieties at Wal-Mart. Recently, I found Califia Farms® almond milk and the combined coconut and almond milk combination at the local grocery store.

Earlier today, I checked their website (I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner) and I found a variety of coffees, almond milks, and juices.

For those allergic to almonds these products may not be for you.  But check out the website for juice alternatives.

The website states that all of their products are now 100% carrageenan free, this includes the juices people (the coffee products I photos that are shown are prior to this change.)

The coffee drinks, I found at Wal-Mart and Target. My friends found them at Costco in smaller bottles. I found the almond milk at the local grocery stores in California such as Ralphs and Vons.

"You Can Hug Me"

Are you a hugger? I'm a hugger. I like hugs. I think hugging is more than a mere show of affection. To me it can be therapeutic and comforting. With a fragrance allergy you can be are cut-off from the physical affections of others, like a simple hug. 

My friend Ashley gives these giant bear hugs so strong you might lose a bit of oxygen if only for a moment. I miss those hugs as she lives thousands of miles away. You see, Ashley doesn't wear fragrance or perfume of any sort. 

Drawing by Lana Willison.  Copyright, All Rights Reserved

I found as my fragrance allergy worsened, I was not able to give or receive hugs from others wearing perfume or cologne because the toxic chemicals would transfer to my clothing, face or hair and I would be sick the rest of the day. I found myself not being able to find the oxygen in the air, my chest would compress and my breathing would be compromised. 

Sometimes Benadryl® would help, however that is not a viable alternative if I am the designated driver. I'm a Realtor® and mom of an 11 year old. I'm on the road quite a bit. 

At times, I would have to go home, shower, change and go to bed. As I say to my family I'm "done for the day." 

This "transference" can pose a huge problem if I am some distance from home or in a situation where going home is not possible.  Now, before I hug, I've learned it is best to stop and ask if a person is wearing perfume or cologne. 

Recently, overcome by not seeing a long time friend, I went in for the "Ashley bear hug".  Unfortunately, that mistake...that hug led to "transference". I had to immediately change plans, go to the nearest retail store which in this case was "Ross" and purchase a new blouse just so I would not be ill on the drive home.  My symptoms can range from vomiting, a headache, chest pains and excessive spitting.  I know, I know "gross" as my daughter would tell me. 

So even though I haven't seen a person in decades, I've found it best to let them know I love them, not hug and be as the old cliche says "better safe than sorry".

Some years back, there was an incident that changed me forever.  At weekly meetings that I attend, I was having a particular wearisome time coping with this fragrance allergy. One day, a friend, whom we affectionately call Grandma Kate pulled me aside and said, "you can hug me today."  I know I had a perplexed look ~ to hear someone say that to me, I didn't understand.  She said again, "you can hug me today, I stopped wearing perfume for you". 

I don't think she truly understood what that selfless act meant to me. She put aside her own wants and preferences for my safety. I gave her a huge hug. I wanted to do and say more, however, I don't think I could truly respond in the way I would have liked without actually sobbing and going into the ugly cry. I understood that statement to signify, "you matter to me", "I love you". Grandma Kate I will forever love you and what you did for me that day. Thank you for allowing me to hug you free of fragrance and harm. 

Without hugging, we can assure our friends that we love them so as not to compromise our health and enjoyment of day by stopping, asking and then resuming the hugging position. 

So if you are a hugger, like me, hug in a way that you can be savvy and scent free. 

Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Preservative-Free Sausage... I Found Swaggerty Farms

Oh my, I absolutely am ecstatic to find Swaggerty Farms gluten-free, soy-free, and preservative free sausage.  This sausage has no nitrates, no BHT, no MSG... look at the package. 

Fresh Thyme in the Chicagoland area has it. As of yet, it is quite shocking to find that no Southern California store carries this product. Usually, I can find most natural, gluten-free products in the L.A. area.

Get the word out to @sproutsfarmersmarket or +Whole Foods Market sales reps. This is the best sausage I have found. Making sausage from scratch...so far for me, has been an epic failure. However, since I found this product I am super happy, especially since it is soy free and does not contain BHT. 

Being extremely sensitive to foods, preservative free products work well for me. This is now my go to product for breakfast sausage.  Deliciously, looking forward to experimenting with dinner recipes using this find.  If you have a delightful recipe using Swaggerty Natural Sausage, please share. 

Check out this YouTube video HERE from Swaggerty Farms!  HERE is their Facebook page and they also have a coupon club HERE.  

Let me mention, I do not get paid for referrals for this product. If you are like me ~with food allergies~ consistently you hunt high and low for eatable foods and can appreciate why I find it important to spread the word. 

Enjoy and let me know if you found it and what you think.

I'm Done With Theme Parks

Years ago, my first indication not to get on certain rides at theme parks were the signs that read "remove your hearing aid and your earrings."   In my younger days, I loved roller coasters. Now has come the time, as my body warned, unless you have the chiropractor appointment set the next day "don't do it"; so I resolutely listened.

California Adventure was the first stop on our complimentary theme park day at California Adventure and Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.  It looks like this may have to be my last visit to the "happiest place on earth".  I've read several posts that Disneyland is accommodating to people with food allergies and food intolerances.  Even so, my focus in the morning was that I had enough soy-free, gluten-free snacks to get me through the day. However, I entirely forgot that with a large, crowded environment that I would encounter a perfume saturated assault to my senses.  Two years ago, when we blew through our "leaving California" bucket list with my friend Rhonda and her children, I don't remember having this difficulty.   

Right now I am done.   My husband and daughter are off to their own devices and I will sit on a bench and enjoy the 90 degree weather and type this blog post.  

With too much fragrance, lotions and potions, and waiting in the long lines, my legs have given out.  I decided to ask one of the guest services personnel if the theme park started spraying deodorizers throughout the park. She assured me that was not the case.  Of course, I realize the park has no control over the thousands of guests who decide to overindulge in their right to wear scented products.  They want to "smell good" and unbeknownst to themselves are affecting not only people like me who would like to enjoy a day out, but cannot because of our sensitivity to the toxic output of their choice but children's health and behaviour as well.  

Theme parks like this draw many children to their doors, remember it is best to keep it light or better, not at all. Although I am happy that on this trip my daughter had the opportunity to visit both theme parks, for me it is not worth the pain and ensuing fragrance fallout I will experience. 

The next time, I must remember, I too have a choice as those who choose to wear fragrance, for me it is to save myself and not patron the "happiest place on earth."  Seeking a breath of unadulterated air, I now wait for my family at the side of Starbucks in the back by the lockers at Disneyland as I encourage you to be savvy and scent free.

Take Your Power Back From Food Allergies

Ever felt powerless at the entrance of a grocery store when you realize you don't know what you can eat? You find that the food that you had been purchasing for years is now making you, or your family member ill.  Especially when it is your child that is ill, you become an avid, somewhat obsessive, label reader.

After several bouts of "food Russian Roulette" you or a family member have been diagnosed with food allergies.  

Me, well, I found avoiding soy, eggs, kelp, gluten, and dairy is challenging.  So that means no store bought breads, cheese, soups, snacks and more.  At age 11, my daughter seems to have outgrown most of her allergies/intolerances yet she still must avoid pepper, red dye and almonds. 

I make most of my foods, snacks, hair and body products from scratch, thereby avoiding or lessening the "break-down" at the entrance of the grocery store.  Besides, I now have more knowledge to search and find the ingredients to confidently eat in safety.  I am still working on a few baking projects, for instance, making bread that doesn't collapse since I cannot use an egg in gluten-free recipes.  I will eventually search for and purchase a gluten, soy and egg free recipe book, but it's more enjoyable experimenting. 

I recently made my own granola snack and can't get enough of it. I will forever love the granola from "Bakery on Main" (their granola make my neurons happy) but making it myself is truly fun and economical. 

I first Googled "how to make your own granola"  and found this link... http://bit.ly/1LvWUxJ, a blog post from the gluten-free goddess.  Below is my version. 

"I'm Not Powerless Anymore"
 

I first used gluten-free rolled oats and black mission figs from Trader Joe's and also found organic oats from Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets.  I found the Gluten-free Crunchy Rice Cereal at ALDI's.   I like Hadley Pitted Deglet Noor Dates. I get these from Jon's Marketplace in the San Fernando Valley in California or you can find them here. 

Like Karen at the Gluten Free Goddess I found this recipe can be vegan-friendly or not.  However, "friendly" is determined by which sweetener you choose. So far in my granola recipe I've used raw honey, maple syrup, molasses and organic raw cane sugar as sweeteners or combinations. 

Choose whichever sweetener suits you. However, this version is tailored to be soy-free and gluten-free.  Can I say, I don't always measure so you don't have to be exact. 

Janet's Gluten-Free Granola Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups organic gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/4 cup or so of Chia seeds
• 1/4 cup of Flax seeds or Hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup Gluten-free crunchy Rice cereal
• 2/3 cup rough-chopped organic pecans or nuts of choice (I need to avoid almonds for my daughter's sake)
• 1/4-1/2 cup of chopped pitted dates
• 1/4-1/2 of chopped dried figs 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup pure organic maple syrup or use a combo of raw honey and maple syrup, raw honey and molasses.  Molasses by itself may be too bitter.  So it needs another sweetener to lighten the taste.  My next batch will be a combo of organic raw sugar and molasses. 
• 2/3 cup coconut or olive oil (be careful, contrary to the bottle label, not all olive oil is soy free.) As with the volume of ingredients you choose you may need to add a bit more to coat not saturate. It depends on your quantities of ingredients.  I made a larger batch this last time...

 

Add-in after baking: 

1 cup dried cranberries and blueberries (less dried blueberries than, cranberries) after your original granola has cooked. 

I stir the cranberry/blueberry combo into the glass container I mixed the syrup and oil in and marinate until I am ready to use.

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325º. Find a baking dish large enough to hold the granola mix.  (I don't like Teflon anymore, but that is me.) You may need to use two baking dishes depending on the sizes you have on hand.  You want the granola not to stacked.  Set baking dishes aside for now.  Coat bottom with a small amount of oil. 

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dates and figs, pecans, crunch rice cereal, chia and flax seeds and stir.

 

In a glass measuring cup, combine the your sweetener of choice, along with oil, and vanilla. Mix well with a fork. 

Then, drizzle the syrup/oil mixture over the oats, and stir as you go. Gently keep stirring until all the oats are coated with the syrup/oil blend.

Spread the granola mixture onto your baking dish. Bake in the center of the oven for roughly 25-30 minutes until golden and toasty. Stirring half way through is recommended.  

Remove the baked granola from the oven and allow the pan to cool a bit. I add the dried berry combo (that has been marinating in the left over oil/syrup mixture) shortly after removing from the oven mixing into the already baked granola.  I do this when it is still hot, however, not necessarily hot enough to cook the berries.  Since my baking dish has a cover I usually keep it in that container, however, it is important to stir so your baked granola before it completely cools so as not to stick to the bottom of the pan.  

You can pour the cooled granola into an airtight container and maybe if you are like me, it is gone is a few days... so my original container works fine.

Update:  cold molasses, raw sugar and coconut oil do not mix well... oops!

When you try this recipe, let me know what you think.  

Don't let the food allergies and food intolerances overtake you, your power and well being.  Get your power back too!  Become that avid, somewhat obsessive, label reader and feel better.  Have fun with it and as always be savvy and scent free!

Always Looking for Soy-free Chocolate!

People without food allergies, don't understand why people with food allergies are always looking, hopeful and sharing great finds!  Either we (the food allergy people) make our own or are always on the lookout.  Well I look at that this candy company found me. I actually confiscated these packages from husband who found these at the Gluten-Free and Allergen Friendly Expo in Schaumburg, IL .  Somehow I missed this booth.  I was certainly super happy when I saw the Chocolaty Fudgee Rolls from the Lovely Candy Co. in his bag.

 Choco-holics don't share well!

Normally, my husband, who doesn't share chocolate gracefully, is one who needs "sharing" lessons.  However, since finding soy-free chocolate is not his challenge and chocolate is abundant in his world, these are mine.  I've quietly hidden them from him and my daughter... they are so good.  He does know I have them ... but.... they are mine now.  They are not dairy-free, but they are gluten-free, soy-free, gmo-free and indescribably yummy that spreads to my taste buds...Wow!  They are a winner in my world.  And that is all I have to say about that and "live live lovely"

Gluten-Free and Me at the Expo

This past weekend, I attended the Gluten-Free and Allergen Friendly Expo held in Schaumburg, IL; a Chicago suburb. Despite not being a celiac, I am gluten intolerant or as I understand the term to be "non-celiac gluten intolerant". My food allergen priorities are soy and eggs. Of course, fragrance is first when it comes to non-food offending substances. 

Bloggers On Board

Massel, headquarted in Australia (I love Australia), sponsored the bloggers at this event and supplied our beautiful red boxed "swag bags" containing many of their products. Massel produces natural gluten-free bouillons and seasonings used to enhance any recipe. These seasonings, although, labeled beef, chicken and vegetable are completely vegan using all vegetable ingredients. Unfortunately, I am unable to do the "happy dance" yet as they are not #soyfree, and for me, soy-free is a must. We all appreciated their generosity and support.  In the meantime, I will anxiously await the soy-free version. 

As expo bloggers, we met Saturday morning prior to the opening for the public.  Many of the other bloggers have been on the road to gluten-free eating long before me. I know becoming gluten-free is going to as life changing as is fragrance, soy and egg free and I need all the assistance I can receive. Here is a short list of a few of the few bloggers that I met.

• http://www.theeclecticelement.com
• http://www.sensitivemommy.com
• http://www.idonteatnowheat.com 
• http://www.thewholeytrinity.com

Finding Soy-free and Gluten-Free Vendors

At this expo, I found a lot of snacks and products that I can eat that are soy, egg, and gluten-free. I am not used to buying prepackaged foods as I had given up on breads and crackers in my search for soy-free. Additionally, I found it easier and cost-effective to make my own bars and sunflower butter, however here I found great alternatives. 

My Gluten Free Education

There is much to learn about living gluten-free.  With only two days, my intent was to speak to many of the vendors and finding soy-free egg-free and gluten-free food, for that reason, I didn't attend as many of the educational sessions as I should have. I did attend the "Nutrition and Gluten-Free Baking" session given by Vanessa Maltin Weisbrod, who is the Executive Editor of Delight Gluten-Free Magazine. I learned quite a bit about the different gluten-free flours and the different qualities of each flour for baking, as well as, the need for binders, other than eggs, when baking. She discussed the need to use a blend of flours in certain recipes. Additionally, she gave a tip on cutting the fat in baking by using an avocado instead of butter. Your dish may have a mint green hue, but you will cut the fat. 
  
One of the educational classes I missed was "Gluten Free 101: Get All Your Questions Answered" by Jen Cafferty. Jen Cafferty is the Founder and CEO of the Gluten and Allergen-Free Expo (www.gfafexpo.com) and Host of Living Free (www.livingfreetv.com). She is a nationally recognized expert on cooking and living gluten and allergen free. Moreover, since I am learning to cook most of my food and purchase not so much prepackaged, this should have been a must for me. Because of other obligations, I missed it. I will check out her website at www.gfreelife.com and check out her book at the local library before purchasing. 

Gluten-Free Certified

As a "foodie", we "foodies" like food. When we have intolerances and allergic reactions to foods we once loved it can be disheartening and when you have to tell your child they can't eat something...wow the debates and negotiations abound! At this expo, it was enjoyable watching the children's expressions of excitement knowing they can try the gluten-free samples and not worry about getting ill. 

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GFCO), a Gluten-Free Certification organization,  tests and certifies other companies that they are certified gluten-free and are then issued a internationally recognized certification symbol with that designation. My assistant, my daughter, was all over the place sampling and finding gluten-free "yummy food". 

I was grateful I didn't need my mask for the event. Yes, there were quite a few  fragrance offenders, however, I managed to get through two days with minimal effects. 

  

"I found the red apple lipstick booth"

I'm excited that I found a lot of soy-free items. Finding soy-free products can be challenging. One of the vendors I wanted to sample was Red Apple Lipstick. 

As you many know, Valana Minerals will always be one of my "go to" soy-free gluten-free beauty suppliers though I found out they would not be attending this Expo.  However, when searching the list of vendors, I found that Red Apple Lipstick was to be an exhibitor and my excitement skyrocketed. I heard they had bright red lip shades that were soy-free. Amazingly, I didn't think about searching for gluten-free makeup prior to becoming part of the blogger community for this expo. My search has always been for soy-free products.

It wasn't until joining in on the discussions at the Gluten Free Facebook Group, that I  understood that those with celiac or a gluten intolerance need to avoid gluten, like I avoid soy, in their beauty and personal products. Finding gluten-free make-up is equally difficult to find as soy-free. 

After two days, I was wiped out but, all in all, I'd say this was a successful weekend. There are a few more expos scheduled throughout the U.S. here's the link gfafexpo.com.  If you haven't previously attended and have the opportunity I urge you to go. As a gluten-free newbie, I feel I can be successful with this next stage of my dietary journey. More posts will follow about some of the other vendor finds so stay tuned and follow me on Instagram @scentfreesavvy for more pics. 

And, of course, if you are entering this stage (gluten-free) with me... subscribe... stay awhile and as always I encourage you to be savvy and scent free.  

Last Call for Advanced Tickets to GF & AF Expo!

This Expo is the largest gluten free and allergen friendly event in the US.   If you are looking for specialty products, learning how to cook and bake gluten free, this is where you need to be.

This is the last call for 20% off Tickets to the for the Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Expo May 2-3 in Schaumburg, IL (Chicago).  20% off expires at midnight May 1 CST (tickets $20 @ door).  You can print tickets or have tickets sent to your phone.

As a Scent Free Savvy Life followers you can get a FREE 1-year subscription to Delight Gluten Free Magazine if they purchase a ticket HERE!

EVENT DETAILS from Eventbrite
The GFAF Expos are the largest and fastest growing special diet consumer events in the US. Started in 2007, the events are professionally managed and have expanded from one to seven cities throughout the United States. In addition to meeting the needs of the Celiac community, the Expo welcomes those with gluten sensitivities, auto-immune/inflammatory diseases and autism.

What do you get with your Expo Ticket?

• FREE Subscription to Delight Gluten Free Magazine ($24 value)
• Entry into the vendor fair with over 100 brands
• Valuable coupons at the vendor booths
• FREE samples from the vendors
• Discounted products available for purchase
• Informative classes related to the gluten free and allergen-friendly lifestyle
• Free reusable bag to carry your goodies
• Meet your favorite vendors, authors and bloggers

*All ticket sales are final, no refunds.

#GFAFEXPO  #Chicago

"Passion to Profit" Tour on the Move!

I was excited to learn that Mimi Goodwin of MimiGStyle was kicking off a business tour in Chicago. As soon as, I viewed this post, I knew I had to attend. ‪#‎mgpassion2profit‬

I first became aware of Mimi G back in 2013 when I came across her Facebook page and blog at MimiGStyle.  Through her blog, she rekindled my dormant love of sewing.  The following July, I attended the Mimi G "Sewing, Fashion + Style Conference 2013" in Los Angeles.  There I met a roomful of style mavens, seamstresses and "would be" seamstresses on various skill levels listening intently to what she had to say. 

For me, my sewing resume includes over a 35 year history, which began after a high school home economics class. I avidly began sewing in the late 70s, after returning home from a year of college with no money and the need for clothes to gain summer employment.  Sometime in the late 80s to 90s, long after my move to California, I lost my zeal for the craft. 

Although, I was mainly a pattern sewer that was "self" and "mom" taught, learning how to sew was not the problem. After all, my mom was a seamstress and my dad was an upholsterer. Being fashionable, on the other hand, that innate sense of style, there is where I was always lacking.  I needed help. Through her blog, I loved how Mimi G merged sewing with style. There is where she incorporated her love of sewing with tutorials for those who wanted to learn how to sew along with her sense of style into MimiGStyle.

Furthermore, I remember when I noticed a post showing what Mimi created by a New Look pattern (2013 image below), from that moment I was hooked!  Initially, I would have lost interest because of the flowered fabric dress on the model of the pattern cover. I would never, ever have purchased this pattern had I not seen Mimi's interpretation of this pattern. To me, it was perfection. I couldn't stop thinking about that dress, the fabric choice, that look. I immediately sought out the  pattern. I still haven't sewn the dress. However, that fire, for my love of sewing, was reignited.

I steadily watched Mimi's Facebook following grow from the 10s of thousands to over 500,000 followers in a few short years. Her blog now has over 12 million page views a year; impressive for any business.  I observed her marketing techniques, linking certain social media platforms to grow her business.  I knew that if I was to learn anything from anyone about running and branding an online business she was the one to teach me.  My husband and daughter heard me talking about her all the time, purchasing her patterns, and watching her videos.  It was no wonder that when I mentioned to my husband about the seminar that he didn't object and rearranged his schedule for me to attend.

‪#Verizon‬  gives away an
Elipsis 8 Tablet and a $550 gift card

At the conference, she shared her knowledge and resources of the business.  Information that most speakers would "upsell" to attendees for them to obtain.  However, Mimi G is not just "most" speakers, she was there with a willingness to show all the attendees how to succeed in business with their passion.  She shared her background and experiences as a single mom, dealing with homelessness, surviving domestic violence and working that 9 to 5 to make ends meet. She has been in the trenches, as many of us are, trying to make our way.  She had a passion, however, defining the direction to grow that passion was another thing.  With her generosity, style and determination her business grew.  #Verizon was one of the sponsors of this event and gave away an Elipsis 8 Tablet and a $550 gift card! I'd say she made a success of that passion. 

I've been ruminating, and making practical steps with the information I acquired on Saturday. I know that I left the session with a renewed vigor and inspiration to work on my passion and see where it leads.   

The tour is scheduled next in Atlanta, then Houston, New York, D.C. and Philadelphia. If Mimi G is coming to one of your cities with her Passion to Profit Tour you do well to get your tickets and listen carefully.  Get there early as it will be packed full of eager potential business owners.  #PotentialOfUs

Just a mention, Mimi G has a similar plight like mine, and is sensitive to fragrance. She doesn't blast that info, however, if you want to get the best out of her and the information she provides tone it down a bit or better yet, be savvy and scent free!