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Gifts That Give Back

Published on December 8, 2016February 15, 2017 by jloconnectionsLeave a comment

The holidays are in full swing which means it’s time to exchange presents with the ones you love the most. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for someone in your life, consider finding a gift that not only will bring a smile to your loved one but will give back to noteworthy causes as well.

For the animal lover: AnimalGift.org

If you have a friend who just loves animals big and small, then this is the perfect gift for her! Help animals in need this holiday season by making a donation in their name to the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s Gifts for Animals program. Sending support in your friend’s name will help to protect endangered animals and provide emergency relief to animals in need such as dogs, cats, elephants and more.

For the beauty lover: Lush Charity Pot

This lotion does a lot of good not only for your skin but the environment as well. Made of a cocoa butter base, this lotion contains ingredients from the SLush Fund projects. With the purchase of every Charity Pot, 100% of the price (minus the taxes) are donated to small, grassroots organizations that help in the areas of animal welfare and environmental conservation.

For the Baby: Cuddle and Kind

Every baby needs a cuddly friend! The duo behind these hand-knit dolls created them because they’re a family of five that are on a mission to feed children in need. For every doll sold, 10 meals are provided to children in North America and around the world. Plus, each doll is handmade by women artisans in Peru, making each doll unique and providing the female artisans with a sustainable, fair trade income.

For the man in your life: Conscious Step Socks

Give the gift of style to the favorite guy in your life with a pair of socks. Each pair is designed to match a specific cause that helps an issue of global concern. Hunger, literacy and HIV are among some of the nonprofit organizations that benefit from each purchase.

For your bestie: Alex and Ani Charity by Design Bracelet

Show your bestie love and support by gifting her one of these stylish bracelets. Each of the Charity by Design bracelets by Alex and Ani support a variety of causes from Best Buddies International to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

For the #girlboss: Tory Burch Foundation Seed Box

Tory Burch is best known for her timeless accessories including shoes and purses. This holiday season, she takes it a step further and is showcasing the talents of fellow female entrepreneurs with this holiday box. Featuring a curated selection of products from seven women entrepreneurs, including a necklace and a clutch, the proceeds from this box benefit female business leaders with financial support and mentorship.

And if you’re looking for a easy way to give back this holiday season while you’re out and about, consider downloading the TAGG app and choosing to support the Junior League of Omaha! By eating at your favorite restaurants and shopping at participating businesses, you’re helping to support the local community.

Junior League of Omaha Communications Committee Fall Favorites

Published on October 13, 2016December 8, 2016 by jloconnectionsLeave a comment

Leaves are changing and the flavors are changing to all things pumpkin spice. You know what that means: fall is officially here! To share in the excitement of the changing of the seasons, we asked our Communications Committee to share some of the things that make them look forward to the fall season each year.

Megan, Communications Coordinator for A Book of My Own, says that fall is her favorite time of year! The leaves are changing to their most beautiful oranges and burgundies. The crisp, cool breeze is in the air. A delightful warm latte in hand. And to top things off, a chic blanket scarf and cognac, knee-high boots to complete her cozy outfit.

One of the fall memories that Brandie, Communications Coordinator for Project Hope Pack, has is growing up in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina where the fall season meant driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway to view the beautiful changing leaves.

FASHION

The Communications Committee can’t get enough of all of the fall fashion. Bring on the scarves and flannel shirts!

Our social media guru Jillian loves pairing a scarf with a cute long sleeve or quarter sleeve dress and booties!
Communications Chair, Katie, just LOVES fall fashion! From cable-knit sweaters to soft leather boots to crisp capes to textured layers, autumn style is her favorite!
bRUNch 5K Communications Coordinator, Britt, is a big fan of wearing vests. Her favorite is from J Crew because you can throw it on over any outfit when the weather gets cooler.

OUTDOORS & EVENTS

Enjoying the crisp, cool days outdoors is also a fall favorite among some of the ladies along with all of the fun traditions that the season brings.

Sierra, Communications Coordinator for Cookbook, is a big fan of walking to Aromas Coffee and enjoying a warm drink and one of their delicious cinnamon rolls on the patio!
Apple Picking at her family’s farm is a favorite thing to do for Lakelyn, who is the Communications Coordinator for Done in a Day. Then, she loves to bake all sorts of yummy apple dishes!
Megan, the Column Editor, always watches Practical Magic once it gets close to Halloween. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witches dressed in amazing late 90s fashion PLUS a stellar soundtrack with lots of Stevie Nicks? Yes please.
Our Website Editor, Sarah, especially loves Thanksgiving. Specifically, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. She gets together with her high school friends the night before Thanksgiving to have dinner and catch up.

HOME DECOR

Bringing the aroma of all things pumpkin and spice indoors is also another favorite. A lot of the Communications ladies are crazy about fall candles!

Our Communications Vice Chair, Jennifer, says Fall is her favorite time of the year. Starting in July, she counts down the days until she can get out her fall scented candles… Kitchen Spice from Yankee Candle is her favorite. The name doesn’t scream fall, but once you smell it, you know scarf and boot season is upon us (which is another great aspect of fall, right?!)
For American Girl Fashion Show Communications Coordinator, Alysia, nothing christens fall like new candles. Warm hues of crimson and patchouli compliment the season perfectly! Her favorite candles for welcoming in the season are from LAFCO, and her absolutely favorite one this fall is Myrrh Cassis. And if you’re familiar with LAFCO their scents are fitting to areas of the home. This scent is appropriately named Boudoir. Nowhere she’d rather be on a cozy fall day than in some pajamas, hot cup of tea, and snuggled up in bed!
Assistant Blog Editor, Katy, loves the local candle maker wax buffalo (out of Lincoln, NE). They have a new fall collection that she can’t wait to get her hands on. In Omaha, you can find wax buffalo at Everbloom in the Loveland shopping center (and they will donate 5% of your purchase back to Junior League through TAGG).

Give Gifts That Give Back

Published on December 10, 2015November 25, 2016 by jloconnectionsLeave a comment

Last month, guest blogger Megan Nelson challenged us to evaluate our holiday priorities and look for opportunities to make a difference. This month we asked our membership to share their ideas on how they make a difference during the holiday season. The response was nothing short of impressive and inspirational. When holiday shopping, consider these gifts that give back.

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Gift a Goat
“My family has a neat tradition that my mom started several years ago. She would gift us a donation to World Vision. It started with the gift of a goat. This goat was given to a family in a third world country so they could provide food for their family and sell their goats milk for income. Once I entered the business world, my mom gifted me the donation of a micro loan. This micro loan was given to a women for the purpose of starting her own business and the opportunity she needed to rise above her circumstances. Each year, I look forward to this gift and it makes me happy to know that someone else will get a gift as well. This unique gift idea is something that keeps on giving to others and can be customized to fit your loved one’s personality. With over 100 ways to donate, you can give goats and other animals, clean water, education, clothing, medical care, micro loans and more! Visit the World Vision Gift Catalog to find a gift for all of the special people in your life.”
-Submitted by Lakelyn Hogan

All Across Africa Makeup Bags
“All Across Africa currently works with more than 3,000 artisans in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, paying them for their creations at local market price. The sustainable income helps them send their children to school, feed their families and even set up savings accounts. Among their holiday collection (which also includes jewelry, baskets and kitchen items) are these eye-catching makeup bags.”
-Submitted by Meredith Duling

ONEHOPE
“This winery donates a portion of their wine and coffee sales to a number of causes, i.e. helping children with autism, donating products to premature babies, and providing clean water.”
-Submitted by Alexandra Stone

Stone and Cloth
“Each purchase from Stone and Cloth provides 25 hours of classroom learning through the Knock Foundation. Great for career women, mamas, travelers – they sell cool totes, back-packs, cross-body bags. You can place pre-orders for Christmas right now – some items sold out, but others still available. Recently, they did a great collection at Target, which goes to the same cause!”
-Submitted by Alexandra Stone

Little Market
“Started by Lauren Conrad, Little Market, empowers women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families. They practice fair trade principles and the proceeds help fund the artisans communities through literacy workshops, business training and health programs. Plus the products are fun and functional and some would make great stocking stuffers. So far I’ve only seen and heard great things.”
-Submitted by Megan Thomsen

MAC Viva Glam Lipstick
“Mac was just rated as one of the best lipsticks on the market today by consumers. One hundred percent of their Viva Glam Lipsticks proceeds goes to the MAC AIDS fund. Great idea for girlfriends or sisters.”
-Submitted by Megan Thomsen

Amazon Smile
“I love using AmazonSmile, it has the same products/prices as Amazon, but a portion of every purchase will be donated by the AmazonSmile Foundation to a charity of your choosing that has registered with the program. It’s an easy way to support the Junior League.”
-Submitted by Lindsey Bray

TAGG – Together A Greater Good
“When you download the TAGG app, you can help schools and other non-profits of choice. Download the free smartphone app, use the app when holiday shopping at local participating businesses, and they’ll make a 5% donation back to your organization of choice!”
-Submitted by Veronica Wortman

15 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Your Own Business

Published on July 8, 2015November 25, 2016 by jloconnectionsLeave a comment

15 Questions to Ask Yourself before Starting a Business

The Junior League of Omaha is proud of its many members who are successful business owners.

15 Questions to Ask Yourself - Starting a Business

These women serve as great role models and networking connections to our community’s future entrepreneurs, and are always willing to support the League. We asked business owners in the League, “What are the most important questions to ask yourself before starting a business?,” and they provided us with great food for thought.

Self Discovery

Do I love what I do?
Is my business idea really just a hobby?
Is there a need for my product or service?
Am I willing to fail to learn?
Can I be patient with growth and success?
Do I believe in my business?

Logistics

Do I have a business plan?
Does the business plan accurately detail how the business will make money?
Do I want a business partner and go solo?
Do I need start-up money? If so, where do I get?

“Do you have plenty of money to start with? You can definitely do it on a budget but you want to make sure not to skip certain steps because you don’t have the start up cash. Find investors, look in to small business loans, etc. You never want to start in the red – it will lead to always needing to catch up,” says Chaley Chandler, Junior League of Omaha president-elect and local clothing boutique owner.

What type of legal work, state filings do I need to complete?
Do you have an accountant and an attorney?

“The first year I was in business, I did all my own book keeping. However, I realized very quickly that that was not what I should spend my time on. Same with an attorney – it just makes it easier if you already have someone lined up and that you trust,” says Chaley.

Work-Life Integration

Am I ready to dive in with both feet and do WHATEVER needs to be done?

“You need to be prepared to do everything from cleaning the toilets to hiring and firing employees to customer service to cleaning the windows. Just because you want to own a boutique, doesn’t mean that you will only be going on glamorous buying trips – you will be doing literally everything even if you have employees – employees do not own your business and do not notice things that need to be done like you will,” Chaley advises.

Chaley Chandler attends a market event to purchase clothing items for her boutique.

14. How to manage business and family time?
15. Are you willing to eat, sleep and breathe your business?

“In order for a small business to succeed, you will have to literally live your business – at least for the first few years or usually more. You need to be prepared for it be all consuming – it will keep you up all night! There is always, always something to do, something to change and something to think about. You really have to be all in,” says Chaley.

In addition to Chaley Chandler we would also like to thank Lexie Frahm, Julie Hockney and Melissa Hegarty for their help in compiling this list of questions.

How to: Host a Dinner Party Fundraiser

Published on June 8, 2015November 25, 2016 by jloconnections2 Comments

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Recently, Melissa Hoeman Carlberg and her husband Zach hosted a dinner party fundraiser in their home to benefit the Literacy Center, which provides basic literacy education, General Educational Development (GED) prep and technology training to adults in the community, free of charge. “I think the most important first step in hosting a fundraiser like this is to ensure you are raising money for a cause you care deeply about and have a personal connection established,” Melissa says. She is on the board of directors for the organization and became involved after hearing about what it’s doing to prep hundreds of students each year for GED testing, the work force and even simple, taken-for-granted tasks like reading a menu or a storybook to their kids. Every spring, the Literacy Center hosts a formal campaign to create awareness and raise funds to cover operating costs. While a lot of that campaign is done over social media, Melissa and Zach decided to take a more personal approach to raising money. “My husband and I both love to cook and entertain. I thought it’d be fun to have a party, host our friends and raise money for a good cause. For us, it is fun to prepare menus and cook together,” she says. Menu planning took about two weeks and the couple spent two days preparing the dinner.

Melissa started with a large guest list. Her intention was to cast a wide net with the invitation to spread general awareness. “I knew that not everyone would be able to attend, but that some might still be willing to make an online donation,” she says. She invited past and present co-workers, members of her book club, fellow Literacy Center board members as well as Junior League of Omaha members. The invitation was designed by a friend of hers that incorporated a book-related ABCs theme and suggested a “hardcover” donation of $20 or “softcover” donation of $10 to the Literacy Center. The invitation was sent electronically through Facebook and email.

“Zach and I wanted to play off the ABCs theme by offering appetizers, beverages and conversation at our event,” she says. The couple’s signature cocktail for the event was named “Teacher’s Pet,” an Old Fashioned made with apple-flavored whiskey. Zach and his sister spent a great deal of time putting together decorations of custom flowers made from the pages of old books that the local library was planning to toss. The evening of the dinner party, roughly 60 guests poured in and out of their house. There was no formal programming that evening, rather a cocktail party like atmosphere where Melissa and Zach could pop around to guests and casually pepper the organization’s mission and plans for their upcoming building plans and move into conversation. “We sat a laptop by the front door so guests could make a donation as they came in or left,” Melissa says. “Most of our guests were willing to donate about $50, and I am guessing that figure came from what they would have spent on a night out for dinner and drinks, which we provided that night.”

Junior League of Omaha members attend fundraising dinner for the Literacy Center. Back row, left to right: Erin Fairchild, Alysia Radicia, Megan Riebe, Amy Henderson and Kelly Giese. Front row, left to right: Melissa Hoeman Carlberg (host), Lindsey Buchanan and Katie Triplett.

The donation results from the dinner party were quite impressive. Initially Melissa set her campaign goal at $750, then increased it to $1,000 for the party after receiving so many “hardcover” and “softcover” donations from those who could not attend. The evening ended with $1,300 donations made to the Literacy Center as a direct result of Melissa and Zach’s efforts. To put the total amount into perspective, $1,300 could pay for 10 students to take the GED test. Melissa and Zach will be hosting another dinner to benefit the organization next spring. “We were really thrilled with our friends’ generosity and were so pleased to have the money to go to the overall campaign.”