With October 2011 already midway, reflecting comes naturally and with this post I wanted to share a little bit about our Wine, Women, and Shoes experience since exactly a year ago we were gearing up for our first event and our launch into the Sarasota market.  Being born and raised in Sarasota it was beyond exciting to be a part of WW&S and showcase our new line to the community I will always call home!

There were over 500 attendees at the Sarasota Wine, Women, and Shoes and WOW what fun! What woman doesn’t start to drift into a fantasy world when they hear those three fun-filled words representing the SAME event!?! There were winemakers and shoe vendors from around the world, a fashion show, champagne reception, “sole-men” pouring wine, and women having the time of their lives at this event and the best part about WW&S events is that they ALL benefit local charities! The Sarasota event benefits Forty Carrots, a learning center that provides many family services for our community.

Upon meeting Elaine Honig, the founder of the nationally syndicated event, I was completely inspired and wanted to learn more about the charitable work and business opportunities this organization had to offer.  After a conference call with Elaine and her Director of Business Development, Kimberly, we were completely on board with Wine, Women, and Shoes and became a national retail partner. We feel so lucky to be a part of this organization and to date we have participated in 18 nation-wide events in the following cities: Sarasota (FL), Tampa (FL), Naples (FL), Tulsa (OK), Peoria (IL), Bay Area (CA), Orlando (FL), Seattle (WA), Bakersfield (CA), Portland (OR), Paterson (NJ), Orange County (CA), Buffalo (NY), Monterey (CA), San Diego (CA), Marin County (CA), Lexington (KY), Cincinnati (OH)  and are absolutely thrilled to be starting round 2 with the Sarasota, Tampa, Naples, and all of the other markets that we had such fun being a participant. If you don’t have this fabulous event in your community – YOU NEED IT!!! All of the information can be found on their website, www.winewomenandshoes.com.

Just a fun fact that must be acknowledged: Wine, Women, and Shoes has donated over $7,000,000 for women’s and children’s causes! This is a true testament to Elaine’s incredibly strong work ethic, many strengths, and her great team: Kimberly, Lu Ann, and Andrea!

Wine, Women, and Shoes Sarasota with models Janelle Beruff, Meghan Buchanan, Amy Bronston, and Larysa Switlyk

Shoes on Silver!

The event in Naples.

Who wouldn't love some SOLEMEN at their event?! Pouring wine and walking around with beautiful shoes!?

The speaker at the event was Leigh Ann Tuohy, the real life mother from the movie, The Blind Side. She was animated, down-to-earth, and hilariously funny. She told stories of Michael, Collins and S.J., talked about the accuracy of the movie, and shared how much their lives had been touched by Michael. She stated the movie was scarily accurate except for a few details that would not matter to the story. For instance, in real life Collins was a record-breaking, pole vaulter. Slightly difficult to train for, the actress in the movie took on volleyball as her high school sport and I do not blame her!

Started in 1961, the Center for Family Services is a nonprofit social services organization whose mission is strengthening families through counseling, education and homeless intervention. The Center has provided critical life-changing services to at-risk families and children in Palm Beach County. Proceeds from the event benefit programs providing counseling to victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence and emergency shelter for homeless families with children.

If you are ever on Worth Avenue, you can see our shoes located at ViVi G shoes (150 Worth Avenue)! We love our retailers! Happy shopping!

Can you spot our Elizabeth heels?

Our orange cork clutch featuring the alligator brooch

Miss Florida, Jacyln Raulerson

Speaker, Leigh Ann Tuohy

The ladies at the Old Bags luncheon with Honorary Chair, Amie Swan

Enjoying the beautiful Florida sunshine

ViVi G Shoes on Worth Avenue

We love celebrating this day for many reasons – two being our heritage is Irish…Kelly… and any excuse to wear GREEN shoes (not that you need an excuse) – count us IN! One of our favorite parts of St. Patrick’s day is re-reading the Irish Blessing, enjoy!

May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

May your day be filled with lots of green and the luck of the Irish!

Heels up!
Diana

We attended our first expo in Las Vegas two weeks ago and wow what a great experience! Of course I had a little anxiety packing for the show as I had no idea what to really expect; however, after many hours (and many lists) we landed in Vegas with 4, 50-lb suitcases. The look on our taxi driver’s face was priceless! Most importantly we had made it safely and with all of our samples/décor. We checked into FN Platform and started setting up. We ended our long day of traveling with a nice dinner at Emeril’s Table Ten restaurant in the Palazzo.

The show was three days long and full of very informative seminars, interesting people and new relationships. I am so grateful my wonderful mother and friends that helped with the show, Tracy (www.tracynegoshian.com) and Amy.  Being a part of FN Platform and WWD MAGIC was an experience I am very grateful for, it was exciting being a part of the show!

Post set-up

Morning of the first day - Very exciting moment

with Tracy and Amy

With elegance and embellishment,

Diana

4am - traveling light

The visit to overseas began the sampling process. Trying to manufacture something especially overseas proved to be a much larger challenge than I could ever explain on paper. Language barriers, difference in styles, material selection, engineering of the shoe, logistics of the business including legal and accounting factors have proven to be a 24 hour job (literally because of the time change).

After two weeks abroad, not much sleep, countless hours editing, and hundreds of decisions and headaches we returned…with two samples, the rest were still coming. On November 23, 2009, Diana E. Kelly, Inc. was formed and the ball hasn’t stopped rolling since. December followed with the rest of the edited samples. A HUGE 6’x5’x4’ box arrived at our doorstep in January with 28 pairs of further edited samples. We lined every single pair up on the fireplace and my mom, sister, and I wore them around to test them out.

Due to the busy and backed-up schedule of the factory we made our decision to place our order in late January to get on the production schedule for April. I went overseas in March to confirm all of the samples for our fall production (which will be available late Summer 2010) and sign off on our production. After two days of back and forth and two hours face to face in a tiny sampling room with the factory boss, his wife, our translator and myself the negotiations finally came to an end and I signed my life away.. goodness gracious!

This journey that began ten months ago has been the most exciting time in my life thus far. The fact that this dream can even become a reality is due to the fact that I was blessed with being born in America and with two hard-working parents that valued their faith, family, and career. I am not sure when the journey will lead me but I am holding on as tightly as I can for the ride and trusting Him to guide me every step of the way.

Please join us in trying to build stronger communities, one step at a time.

With Elegance and Embellishment,

Diana

The dream started at age five. The journey began last October.

As far back as I can remember my favorite past time was designing. I would sketch out clothes, shoes, handbags, and people on any writing space I found. My school books, napkins, notes, and mind were filled with beautiful creations of what I thought exemplified elegance. My mother’s shoes that I hoped to fill one day, literally and figuratively, were my favorite dress up commodities and my inspiration.

As I grew older, I dreamed of my own brand. I wrote out logos using my name in my best cursive. During this time, GAP was “the must-have brand” thus at the time I wanted to answer with DEK. Middle initial is a vowel, first and last name start with a consonant, could be a word…it was perfect! Over time DEK evolved into DK, D.Kelly, DEKelly, Elizabeth and finally Diana E. Kelly.

Now that the name and ideas were implanted and evolving in my mind I just needed a way to make my dream tangible. My father has always loved business and I get my entrepreneurial determination from him. He is very astute and knowledgeable in this area; it is one of his favorite hobbies. I have always been interested in his business ventures and have long dreamed of starting my own business with his blessing and partnership.

Almost three years ago the idea for my first business venture sprouted. It was the summer before my senior year at the University of Florida and I wanted to create some cute game day pieces that I could sport to the games. I started drawing and very quickly designed a line of clothing for men and women that I wanted to create. I consulted with my father and he suggested I work with a lawyer to create a Limited Liability Corporation. In partnership with him I began to sample clothing and I gained my first experience with overseas manufacturers. Unfortunately as the school year started back up again, my studies took precedence over the business, and the cute game day clothing had to take a backseat to my schooling.

Fast forward two years, a BA in Business Administration and one year down of a Master’s of Architecture in Interior Design degree and clear-as-day came the “aha” moment driving back up to Gainesville to start my second year of my masters. I could feel God pulling me in another direction and I needed to switch gears. I called my parents and my mother thought I had gone off the deep end – or had a severe case of cold feet. My father on the other hand remained calm and simply said “I never felt this program was for you.” I went to the first few classes of the semester and determined it wasn’t cold feet, I needed to change course and take a stab at following my dream.

Being born in this great country, I had the opportunity to make my dream a reality, the American Dream. Our founding father’s created the incredible free enterprise system that fosters creativity and encourages imaginative entrepreneurship. My parents are both phenomenal examples of the pursuit of this dream (with my mother being a first generation American). Growing up, one of the most valuable examples my parents set for me was their impeccable work ethic. I still have yet to meet two people that are as devoted to their careers and their family whole-heartedly as these two people. They are my biggest role models and the two people I try to emulate the most. Without their love and encouragement I wouldn’t have had the “guts” to take the risk.

October 2009 rolled around and as I was gearing up to fly overseas to hunt for an ethical and capable manufacturer to give my business to, my parents, consultant, and I sat down to discuss the direction of these “game day” clothes. At the end of our three-hour meeting, our consultant simply said “why don’t you design shoes?” UMMMM, WHAT!?!?!? I had planned on designing clothing that would be my avenue toward ultimately designing shoes (as my good friend and role model, Tracy can attest). I was VERY open to the idea as shoes are my favorite accessories.

After some discussion we all agreed that shoes were the new direction. I quickly shifted gears and designed a new collection and in November my wonderful and caring mother took off work to go overseas with me to settle on a manufacturer. We traveled half way around the world to visit a list of highly recommended factories to visit and our own ideas of the quality and social responsibility the factories had to produce. The factories we signed contracts with far exceeded our expectations of overseas manufacturing. They provide all of the food and housing for their employees, along with giving bonuses and having various parties that recognize achievement within the company and awards. These factories provide steady and sought after jobs in the community and also have been evaluated by different inspectors and have been found to be up to European standards. In congruency with the goals of Diana E. Kelly Inc. we decided that these factories would provide a great foundation for the corporation sticking to our motto, “Building stronger communities, one step at a time.”

And so it began…