West Seattle Raffles for Japan
Yesterday was a great day in West Seattle! 28+ businesses opened their doors for business with the purpose of donating a portion of their profits to "West Seattle for Japan", as one large community effort. "Initial deposits are in: 7 of 28 participating businesses have collected $3665.11 This is an exciting number to report this early in the collection, and remember all these funds will be matched..." the West Seattle Herald reports. The tragic earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11th, 2011 is beyond a horror that any of us can imagine. We watched, feeling helpless, as houses ...
Stroller Strides
Athena Fredricks is committed to motivating an important community inside our neighborhoods – the moms. Stroller Strides gives these busy women a chance to get in a workout and spend some social time with adults without having to find childcare, but these children are far from neglected. Many of the exercises involve singing songs to them and interacting with the child while in the stroller. You could call it the ultimate in multi-tasking! She and her staff run classes throughout the week and around the city in locations like Fremont, Wallingford, University Village, Green Lake and Woodland Park Zoo, to name ...
Paron’s Closet: A True Family Business
The pair behind Paron’s closet put a new twist on a “mom and pop” store – Kimberly Homes and Bev Ward are niece and aunt. Even the store’s name pays tribute to a branch of the family tree that goes back for generations, most recently held by Kimberly’s daughter, Paron. November 2010 marked the store’s first birthday, and if their loyal patrons have anything to say about it, the first of many more. With Kimberly’s background in interior design, the two created a space that they call, ” kind of boutique-y, unique, and organized.” That atmosphere has been key to defining ...
Fremont Abbey Arts Center
One of my first questions for Nathan Marion, Director of the Fremont Abbey was: What do they do? “We’re always continually figuring out better ways to say that,” he laughed, “because it’s definitely one of those unusual spaces where you kind of have to be here and interact with an event or class or experience to really get it.” As of October 2010, their website explains it by saying, “Fremont Abbey Arts Center is a vibrant community venue where people of all ages & incomes are supported in their artistic and social development through new collaborative arts experiences.” What that translates ...
It’s QuallyQue Tweetup Time!
One of our founding principles here at QuallyQue is the importance of continuing online relationships offline at the face to face level - because let's face it, sharing a laugh in person beats an LOL and an actual hug is worth a million XOXO's. We want to let the businesses that we "Like" know why we really like them. So, we recently took to the streets for a Tweetup tour of ten Seattle neighborhoods to get to know our neighbors, interact and meet the people we love to follow online. We hit happy hours armed with our green "cash-infused" t-shirts as ...
Get to Know Your Neighbors: Capitol Hill
A neighborhood is nothing without it's neighbors - meet the next "man on the street" that QuallyQue found roaming your 'hood. Jamie from Capitol Hill How would you describe Capitol Hill in one word: "Diversity" Favorite place to hang out: Cha Cha Lounge and Pony. Do you agree with Jamie? Disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and keep an eye on the streets for QuallyQue in your neighborhood!
Zovo Lingerie in University Village
Victoria Roberts opened Zovo Lingerie in University Village over five years ago. “I do all my shopping in boutiques as opposed to department stores because I feel overwhelmed in big stores - and mostly privately-owned small boutiques, not chain stores. When I went to go bra shopping before I opened the store, I was frustrated with my choices of where to go.” So, instead of complaining, she decided to do something about it. “A lot of things in the Universe sort of fell into place in the same year. I was recently divorced, which really allows you to sort of take ...
Yesterday was a great day in West Seattle! 28+ businesses opened their doors for business with the purpose of donating a portion of their profits to “West Seattle for Japan”, as one large community effort. “Initial deposits are in: 7 of 28 participating businesses have collected $3665.11 This is an exciting number to report this early in the collection, and remember all these funds will be matched…” the West Seattle Herald reports.
The tragic earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11th, 2011 is beyond a horror that any of us can imagine. We watched, feeling helpless, as houses were ripped off their foundations, cars picked up and carried through the raging waters that were once streets, men, women and children running for safety, many of them not making the race. Dave Montoure of West 5 couldn’t just sit by and do nothing (see story here and here), so he started in on a plan offering the idea of a day of community where all the businesses and residents of West Seattle could band together and make a difference. This plan allowed us all to do something active with the situation – because as a single person, it’s often hard to make a difference, but a community can move mountains and that is what we did!
It was a day of fun across the neighborhood, with film crews and local media adding to the excitement. People were out enjoying their favorite places, making oragami cranes, tasting wine, running into neighbors and having an all around great time, all the while knowing that their dollars were going to a greater cause. The opportunity to add to this fund is not over yet, it just so happens that our tweet-up for this month was planned for this coming Thursday, 3/31/11, at West 5. With the creation of the “West Seattle for Japan” event, we decided to add a raffle into the picture. WS businesses have graciously donated some great prizes and you can still be a part of that raffle!
What is a Tweet-up you ask? It goes with basic premise QuallyQue West Seattle and West Seattle on Social Media was built on; connecting community, strengthening the bonds between business and neighbors. We have a monthly Tweet-up, usually on every 4th Thursday, organized to bring neighbors together – ones that have met online, to meet in person, or just neighbors wanting to meet others in their community. Everyone is welcome at these events, you don’t have to be on Twitter (although we may tweet about you:) )
Some of the prizes offered so far include:
- A One-night stay and breakfast for two at Crystal Mountain Hotels compliments of QuallyQue.
- A gift certificate for 2 tickets to any show at Arts West Playhouse.
- A $25 gift certificate to Cherry Consignment.
- A $25 gift certificate to Village Green Perennial Nursery.
- A $50 gift certificate to Christos on Alki.
- Two $25 gift certificates to Spring Hill.
- A gift certificate for Knows Perfume.
- A bottle of Patterson Cellars 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon signed by the wine maker from Bin 41 Wines and QuallyQue.
- A $100 credit to LoqalWave.
- Two copies of Fable III for XBox 360.
more still coming in… (if you are a business and would like to donate, contact Nancy at QuallyQue.)
A big thank you to three West Seattle businesses are selling tickets to the raffle now through Wednesday close. Capers, Bin 41 Wine and Cherry Consignment have kindly offered to handle these sales so we can further the donation to West Seattle for Japan. Prizes will be drawn at the Tweetup on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 at West Five, but you do not have to be present to win. We will be tweeting, FB posting and emailing prize winners. Then we’ll send out prizes by mail, or deliver if they are too big to send.
If you missed it, watch this King 5 account of the day…
Athena Fredricks is committed to motivating an important community inside our neighborhoods – the moms. Stroller Strides gives these busy women a chance to get in a workout and spend some social time with adults without having to find childcare, but these children are far from neglected. Many of the exercises involve singing songs to them and interacting with the child while in the stroller. You could call it the ultimate in multi-tasking!
She and her staff run classes throughout the week and around the city in locations like Fremont, Wallingford, University Village, Green Lake and Woodland Park Zoo, to name a few. Stroller Strides goes beyond a gym membership and really focuses on the participants getting to know each other. “We try to make sure every new mom makes a connection,” Athena told us.
If there is any doubt whether the plan works, Athena is happy to share her own story. She explained that people often expect to see a group of moms strolling along with their lattes. “We don’t do that,” she insists. When she first got involved with Stroller Strides she weighed over 215 lbs, but within a year she had dropped 75 lbs. She offers both low and high impact options that are approved for both moms and even pregnant women.
Beyond the workouts, Stroller Strides offers moms nights out, play dates and a community full of shared resources and support. Athena’s passion and exuberance for her work are written all over her face within a minute of getting her talking about Stroller Strides. “I have the best team,” she said proudly. She even tears up a little when remembering some of the notes and feedback she has received, adding, “It’s not often you do a job that makes such a difference.”
Stroller Strides Seattle
Facebook: Stroller Strides of Seattle
Story and Photos by Auburn Scallon
The pair behind Paron’s closet put a new twist on a “mom and pop” store – Kimberly Homes and Bev Ward are niece and aunt. Even the store’s name pays tribute to a branch of the family tree that goes back for generations, most recently held by Kimberly’s daughter, Paron. November 2010 marked the store’s first birthday, and if their loyal patrons have anything to say about it, the first of many more.
With Kimberly’s background in interior design, the two created a space that they call, ” kind of boutique-y, unique, and organized.” That atmosphere has been key to defining themselves with many customers commenting that it doesn’t feel like a traditional consignment store. “It’s a nice, warm, welcoming, inviting space,” said Kimberly.
The idea was born out of her own experience while raising her two children. “There are great consignment stores in the area, but nothing that’s specific or a little higher end, or just clothing oriented” Kimberly continued. “I just wanted something…” she paused. “Nicer,” Bev interjected. “Not so cluttered,” Kimberly added with a smile.
After surveying the city and weighing their options, Wallingford Center became their happy home. “What really brought us here is the neighborhood, the parking lot… it’s family oriented around here,” she explained. They enjoy sharing space with fellow family-friendly businesses like Trophy Cupcakes, Li’l Klippers and Izilla Toys, a benefit that working mothers can appreciate. “If I can park my car, get my kids out and go to a couple of places, it’s way more convenient than having to drive all over town.”
Paron’s Closet also prides itself on being selective, serving a niche market rather than trying to offer everything. “We just do clothing and shoes, diaper bags, and blankets, but we don’t do any of the big items,” she explained. They also feature a few new items from local designers, including hair clips, hooded towels and adorable miniature aprons.
In their first year of business, Paron’s closet has enjoyed a growing number of accolades including “Best Children’s Clothing Shop” from Seattle Magazine in 2010, along with multiple nominations in QuallyQue’s “Neighborhood Gems” campaign. Much of their success has come naturally from a strong social media presence on Twitter and Facebook along with word of mouth from loyal customers. “I keep hearing how we’re on all these Mom blogs,” Kimberly marveled, adding that all of their grassroots campaigns were started by supporters while they’ve been busy running the business.
After one year in business, the pair are looking excitedly towards their future with one major accomplishment in mind – “We’re still here!”
Paron’s Closet
1815 N 45th Street, Suite 204
Seattle, WA 98103
206-695-2455
www.ParonsCloset.com
Facebook Fan Page: Paron’s Closet
Twitter: @paronscloset
Story and Photos by Auburn Scallon
Business Stories Wallingford by .
One of my first questions for Nathan Marion, Director of the Fremont Abbey was: What do they do? “We’re always continually figuring out better ways to say that,” he laughed, “because it’s definitely one of those unusual spaces where you kind of have to be here and interact with an event or class or experience to really get it.” As of October 2010, their website explains it by saying, “Fremont Abbey Arts Center is a vibrant community venue where people of all ages & incomes are supported in their artistic and social development through new collaborative arts experiences.”
What that translates into is a place for classes, neighborhood gatherings, art events and a strong overall sense of community interaction. During their monthly event “The Round”, for example, Nathan described, “There are musicians on stage together, collaborating and sharing the stage in a new way they’ve never done before, and there are live painters on the side and slam poets get up and perform as well.” Whether they include music, dance, visual or culinary arts, literature, or something completely avant-garde, Abbey events are rarely limited to a single discipline.
Audience interaction is an integral part of the organization. “It’s very much about educating and growing and developing all ages,” said Nathan, “and that being done through the arts and different arts interactions, not necessarily just viewing something. Even at art gallery shows we try to have people interact somewhere.” A Fremont Abbey event encourages the opposite of a silent theater – they want you to open your mouths and your minds, creating an opportunity for conversation with the person next to you.
“It came from the community, really,” Nathan continued. “Fremont obviously is an artistic neighborhood, so a number of people who are in the community, they wanted space and wanted a place to have things occur. The neighborhood plan for Fremont has always called for an arts-oriented community center. The idea has grown over the years, really, but the concept was just let’s provide a space for people to do good art in whatever form that might take within the context of a neighborhood like this.”
The gorgeous, almost one-hundred-year-old building, owned by the Church of the Apostles, went through extensive renovations from 2005-2008 to create the current interactive space – and The Abbey maintains a distinct, non-denominational presence. “They basically didn’t need the building for more than one day a week and so they said ‘Well, let’s have it be used by the community,” explained Nathan. “It’s a separate, non-profit, not religious organization. That was a really important distinction for me wanting to be involved because the community’s got to be able to own it and really want to be a part of it.”
True to its roots, The Abbey often hosts fundraisers for other organizations. “That’s another one of our niches, to support non-profits and to help them,” Nathan told us. “A young group maybe that’s starting up or a few years old, [we can] do a benefit, get the word out and raise money for their cause while working in a space that’s more flexible than a hotel or something that’s going to cost a lot of money.”
And, working on a tight budget themselves, the Fremont Abbey has turned to social media for a majority of their marketing. “We do that a lot – that’s our main promotion right now because we can’t afford anything else and it’s fairly effective I think,” said Nathan – and he’s not the only one who thinks so. “We actually won a web award from Seattle Weekly for our online presence!”
Check them out and see if you agree:
Fremont Abbey
4272 Fremont Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
www.FremontAbbey.org
Facebook Fan Page: Fremont Abbey Arts Center
Facebook Profile: Fremont Abbey
Twitter: @FremontAbbey
Story by Auburn Scallon Photos by Amber Oman
