MerriMail

Issue Five is Shipping October 8th

2007-10-01T16:10:00.000-04:00

Issue Five is shipping on October 8th. So you should receive it sometime next week. We are looking forward to this latest issue and hope that you will enjoy it. But we aren't ready to spoil the surprise. Check back in a few weeks if you still haven't subscribed.

Save the Date for Friday after Thanksgiving

2007-10-01T16:02:00.000-04:00

Come shop with us. We will be selling an array of demonstrations, handmade gifts and MerriMail subscriptions on Black Friday. Buy local and handmade with this event, which will be held in Bermuda Run, NC. We'll send out more information later. If you would like to receive an invitation, please let us know and we'll add you to the list.

look at who's having a baby

2007-10-01T15:59:00.000-04:00

Eris is due today! We'll be sure to report our newest MerriMail addition once she arrives.

eat local and win big

2007-07-24T17:51:00.001-04:00

Check out this challenge to pledge to eat local. Have your friends sign up and you can win prizes.

As we covered in Issue Three, eating local tastes better and these small steps can make a big difference. Start with your local farmers market.

about the issues

2007-07-24T15:13:00.001-04:00

After hanging out at the bottom of our to-do lists for months, we have finally posted a web page for each of the issues. This will give readers direct links to the resources on the web. So if there is something that you have been meaning to look up, but left your idea card at home, no fears. Just go to Merri-mail.com and you will be able to find the link on that issue's page.

We haven't included the full articles. In a few instances we have included more information than we were able to fit into the idea card.

Let us know what you think and what some of your favorite resources are.

so on trend

2007-07-23T15:06:00.000-04:00

We love to hear from our subscribers, especially what they are doing with their latest gifts. Last night we received this update from Denise Lisbesy, the founder of CHIC-life.com, the online shopping source to living CHIC: CONSCIOUS-HEALTHY-INNOVATIVE-CULTURED.

I wanted to introduce myself and congratulate you both on the wonderful service you provide with MerriMail. The last gift, Herban Essentials towelettes, really came in handy. I had been running errands all afternoon and had just picked up my MerriMail package from the Post Office before heading to two networking events. It was a hot day, so I was feeling quite sticky and needed a boost. I opened the package, used the towelettes on the back of my neck, forehead and wiped my hands. I was instantly refreshed and re-energized. I’m keeping them in my car and every handbag I own.

Denise also featured us in the CHIC-Life Style Diary on July 13th. Be sure to check it out and don't forget to subscribe to her mailing list for tips on how to live a CHIC-Life.

We also received another comment through my dear friend, Amy. She gave MerriMail to her friend Carol, who emailed her saying - The MerriMail gift I received yesterday was JUST featured in Lucky Magazine! I feel so on trend!

It is so nice to open your email and such kind words.

Issue Four is almost ready

2007-07-12T18:10:00.000-04:00

We are to the final step of getting the next issue out. We love the next gift. Granted, we don't want to give it away yet, but it is the perfect accessory for the summer. Subscribers should receive their issues next week. And if you haven't subscribed yet, it is the perfect time to treat yourself!

The Day in Charlotte

2007-05-23T10:40:00.000-04:00

We had a great morning in Charlotte for the second NC Signature event. It was outside in the warm sun, so we were a little thankful for the huge black cloud that came along a couple hours before the official end of the event.

Check out our display with the delicious plate of honeycomb cake. I thought that I would have an actual battle with a honeybee that spent most of the morning staking his claim. Fortunately no one was harmed during the event.

Special thanks to everyone at NC Signature magazine for including us. Pick up their second issue and check us out on page 90.

Eris at Hanes Mall

2007-05-09T10:58:00.000-04:00

Special thanks to Eris, Karen and Ed for representing MerriMail at the NC Signature launch event at Hanes Mall this past Saturday. We look forward to seeing everyone in Charlotte this Saturday.

Visit us at the NC Signature events

2007-05-04T17:31:00.000-04:00

We are thrilled to be featured in the NC Signature Magazine's Summer Issue, which is the second issue. If you haven't heard of the magazine, be sure to check it out. Published by the editors of Our State Magazine, NC Signature is a look at all of the hip and exciting things going on throughout North Carolina. Check out the write up.

We are participating in a few of their launch events. Come out to meet Eris this Saturday at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem. The following Saturday, May 12th, you can find Eris and me at Southpark Mall in Charlotte. We hope to see you there.

Past and Single Issues Now for Sale

2007-05-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

We are now offering back issues and single issues for sale, along with year-long subscriptions. So please be sure to share the great news with all of your friends. We have sold out of the first issue, but we are excited to offer Issue #2. If you subscribe now, you will receive Issue #3. Be sure to order both today so that you can have the complete collection - well, almost.

MerriMail for Mother's Day - May 13th

2007-05-02T10:58:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day is right around the corner. MerriMail is the perfect gift to send to your mother to say that you are thinking of her all year long. Better yet, also subscribe for yourself so that you can discuss the dozen or so topics found in each newsletter. Our third issue featuring a delicious honeycomb cake by Savannah Bee Company is ready for immediate delivery. Or, just let us know that you want to send it to mom and we will hold it to mail until next week.

And don't forget about our adorable downloadable cards. They are free and we have the perfect one for Mother's Day.

First MerriMail Event

2007-05-01T15:40:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday, we had a fabulous first event - a five-course tasting dinner at The Kitchen at Elkin Creek Vineyard. Thanks to Eris, Jesse and Hugh for you all of your hard work. Welcome to Bonnie, our new subscriber, who joined us that evening, along with 18 other guests.

We posted a few pictures from the event. We are hoping to get several more from Jamie, a friend who took quite a few pictures during the event. You can read a follow-up to the event in our April email newsletter, which also include some interesting ideas that we were not able to fit into the Spring Issue. Please be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date on all of our activities.

Save the Date for Tuesday, April 24, 2007

2007-03-16T15:41:00.000-04:00

Join us for a
Five-Course Tasting Dinner and Complementary Wine Flight
Featuring
The Honeycomb from The Savannah Bee Company

Exclusively Prepared by Head Chef Jesse Williams for
Subscribers and Friends of MerriMail

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
6:30 p.m.
The Kitchen at Elkin Creek Vineyards
Elkin, North Carolina

$65 per person
Please make reservations by April 20, 2007
336-526-5119

Visit www.merri-mail.com or www.elkinmill.com for additional details.

What Inspires You?

2007-02-12T19:56:00.000-05:00

Nature seems to be the overriding them in what inspires the artists featured in our Branching Out Issue. Lisa Thomas and Kim West, members of the Create.Ink design team, as well, as artist Patrick Dougherty site their love for flora and branches. For me, it's paper. (And flowers, too!)

What inspires you?

Wallcandy Dottilicious Wall Decals

2007-02-12T18:37:00.001-05:00

This is a fabulous collection of vinyl art that I found on This Next, a social shopping web site. The circles are so fun and playful. Great for a kids room or an art studio.

Check out these other lists on This Next:
Beyond a Can of Paint by AuntBeep
Blik recommendations
Wall Decals

Love the vinyl art concept?

2007-02-07T16:15:00.000-05:00

For more vinyl art and other decorative concepts try...

Wallpaper menagerie by Romp

Wall tattoos by Rockett St. George

Window decals by Avery (Label 3276) and create your own design
Know of any other fabulous vinyl art? Add them to the list using the comments below!

The Sweetest Valentine Greetings ~ They're Free!

2007-02-02T19:13:00.000-05:00

Download these free Valentine postcards to send to all of your favorite little Valentines. There are four different designs. Two of the designs are from our original sets of downloadable gift cards. We added two more so that you could print out four little designs just like the ones you gave to all of your friends in elementary school (save the tiny envelope).

For printing instructions: Print the first page as many copies as you need on a heavy bright white cardstock. Then replace the stack of printed Valentines in your printer. When you print the design on the back of the postcard (page 2), only print one at a time to make sure the stack is turned in the right direction. Once they are printed, cut the postcards into quarters. Enjoy!

Where are you using your vinyl art?

2007-01-30T14:51:00.000-05:00

When playing around with Issue Two's gift, we found several interesting places to add the art around our homes. The ideas seemed to be endless - a mirror, a platter, a lampshade, on the wall above the bed, or even a laptop. So we wanted to see where our readers placed it. Or have you put it anywhere yet? We can't wait to hear what you think about it. Plus we are happy to give any tips that you might help with your application.

Tips for Entrepreneurs (Fox 8 Follow-up)

2007-01-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

1. Believe in your business.
The main reason we took the leap and started MerriMail was because it was a totally unique concept that we believed in and that we knew we could be successful. We could see ourselves doing MerriMail every single day.

2. Surround yourself with a strong support group.
We have participated in several women run business groups. We found that the women in these groups are more than willing to share advice, ideas and networking opportunities. A few of these include Ladies Who Launch, Industry, Chix in Business and The Little Black Book. We also check in with several of our entrepreneurial friends who are working on their own projects. We share words of encouragement, which can make a huge difference.

3. Write a business plan and use it.
A business plan is a working document that business owners should actually use and refer to often. So many times it’s created and then thrown in a drawer and never used. A business plan should guide your company and enable you to stay focused on your mission. Many times people get stuck trying to write a business plan. To get started, we simply followed sample business plans that we acquired from classes, friends and the internet. We took bits and pieces from each plan and then wrote our business plan to suit our needs. We refer to our business plan frequently and we keep it updated.

4. A little money can go a long way.
Depending on your business, you may not have to have deep pockets or take out a loan to get started. In the beginning, we didn’t know how we were going to fund our business. We were very apprehensive about taking out a loan. We applied for a grant that we didn’t get. We briefly looked into seeking out investors, but we wanted to maintain control of our company. So, we decided to begin by investing small amounts of our personal money into the company only when we needed it. During our first five months, we invested about $1,700 and that help us start the company and launch the first issue of MerriMail. We’re now in our 9th month of business and the company is currently self sustaining. Don’t underestimate the power of that loose change you’ve been saving. It adds up and it could be all the money you need to start your business.

5. Use simple things to keep you organized and focused.
For us, it was and still is a weekly conference call that lasts about one hour. On the call, we review our business plan and any action items that we need to discuss. This call has helped us stay in constant communication, keep our priorities straight and stay focused on the real issues of the business.

6. Sweat equity: Use your talents and friends' talents and find ways to pay for other professional services.
Then barter, trade or pay for professional assistance where needed. This is good old sweat equity. It’s important to divide your labor so that you’re not duplicating efforts and divide it according to your strengths. Here are a few examples of what we did. Caroline is a graphic artist so she created our logo, which saved us time and money. We asked a colleague who is a copyright lawyer to help us with some questions we had regarding trademarking and he did so for free. After we exhausted all of our options, we hired a certified public accountant to help us manage our finances for a very reasonable fee.

7. Leverage public relations to promote company.
This is important because PR or editorial coverage in the form of newspaper stories, magazine articles and television news coverage is free. And, because it comes from a third party, it’s more credible than a paid advertisement, which also can be expensive. Since September, we’ve issued two press releases, and those releases combined with our follow up calls have resulted in two newspaper articles, one product feature in a magazine, five online product features and this television interview. All of this publicity was free. It helped us get MerriMail in front of thousands of people and we can say for certain that it helped us double our subscriber base.

8. Launch sales and marketing by starting with friends and family.
Neither of us are very strong in sales and marketing so we decided to start by reaching out to our friends, family members, acquaintances and professional associates. After compiling a contact list, we signed up for an email marketing service that only cost $5.25, and then we sent them an email. This was our first sales and marketing effort and it provided us the first half of our customer base.

Issue No. 2 is on the way

2007-01-18T14:29:00.000-05:00

Eris had a 9:30 appointment with the Post Office today. Your packages are on the way! Take a quick sneak peek at the Issue Two letter included in the card. Above you will find a picture of two of your three gifts this issue.

Be sure to check back to the blog for updates and more resources associated with this issues idea card. We can't wait to hear more about our experiences with Branching Out.

Thanks to DCmom

2007-01-17T19:12:00.001-05:00

Special thanks to Christina of DCmom.com for this great write up about MerriMail. The following excerpt was included in the weekly email newsletter sent prior to the holidays. Be sure to sign up for great finds and fun things to do with your kids in the Metro DC area.

merri all the way

For the gift that will keep on giving even after the holiday season has ended, check out MerriMail a new creative living subscription. At various points in the year, MerriMail sends out a gift and an idea card to your recipient, based on one of several themes: Creativity, Body, Social, Exploring, Indoors and Outdoors - so there's always a new surprise waiting in the mail!  A unique feature is that the idea card provides different ways to use the gift in your home and in conjunction with the ideas.  For example, the salt and pepper set come with ideas for how to, subtly, plan a dinner party around them.  Who doesn't like getting a little gift in the mail every once in a while...
Check out other finds at DCmom.com

Set your Tivo!

2006-11-30T17:14:00.000-05:00

On Monday, December 11th, Eris and I will be on WGHP Fox 8 at 7:45 a.m. to talk about MerriMail and Tips for Entrepreneurs. If you are in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region, please tune in and see what happens.

We will post our advice for entrepreneurs on our blog after the show airs.

The MerriMail Web Site Face Lift

2006-11-30T17:08:00.000-05:00

I have just spent the week giving the MerriMail web site a much needed face lift. New animation (seen above) and bright new colors. Be sure to check her out.

If the little bird is already perched on the M, refresh your screen to see the animation.

Venus :: Indie giver guide: For the mom

2006-11-27T22:54:00.000-05:00

We are so thrilled to be featured as part of Venus' Indie Giver Guide as presented by Jessica Hood. We love being associated with Venus, the No. 1 source for coverage of women in music, art, film, fashion, and D.I.Y. culture. Be sure to check out this quarterly on the newsstand and online.

Rock & Shop Market

2006-11-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars for the next Rock & Shop Market on Saturday December 2nd! The Rock & Shop Market is a hip, urban market in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina showcasing designer goods from over 35 local & national emerging artists as well as live performances by The Midtown Dickens, The Octobers & DJ Marco!

We love Skirt!

2006-11-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Skirt! Magazine for the kudos in their November issue. Be sure to pick it up for a great read during the Holiday weekend.

new downloadable cards

2006-11-19T21:52:00.000-05:00

Want to give MerriMail as a gift, but need something to present? We now have the answer. We put together a set of eight different cards for you to choose from. Select your greeting and print it out. Enjoy!

Branching Out with Patrick Dougherty

2006-11-13T16:17:00.000-05:00

Jug or Naught, Fredric Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1999.
Photographer: David Ferris.

I just had an excellent interview with Patrick Dougherty, a world-renown sculptor from North Carolina. The interview will be featured in the upcoming issue of MerriMail, due out in January. Fly through Twisted Logic to get a sense of the depth of his work.

workshops, conferences, classes wanted

2006-11-10T18:16:00.000-05:00

We are in the process of collecting a comprehensive list of inspiring workshops, conferences and events. Please browse our listing and be sure to add any of your favorites in the comments section.

The Handmade Market

2006-11-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do tomorrow in Raleigh, NC? Check out The Handmade Market.

The Handmade Market is a showcase of artists, independent designers, and crafters that is produced by The Handmaidens, a North Carolina collective of nine independent designers.

And if you can't make it, you can see the fabulous list of vendors who will be promoting their delightful goods.

Pink Mink Open House

2006-11-06T17:33:00.000-05:00

A special thanks to Eris for representing MerriMail at Pink Mink's Open House. Be sure to visit Pink Mink for life's little luxuries the next time you are in Winston-Salem. This is where Eris first discovered the sweet little bird salt and pepper shakers.

new workshop listings

2006-11-06T17:27:00.000-05:00

We just added a list of workshops hosted by a few of our friends, along with places we have taken classes before. Thanks to Melba for sending in the information for JustBe... Connected, a creative bloggers conference next fall in Cape Cod.

We would love to hear of any of your favorite places to take classes and workshops. Please add them in the comments section and we will be sure to add them to our workshops page, as well.

One Chic Mama: Merriment in Your Mailbox

2006-10-17T09:45:00.000-04:00

One Chic Mama: Merriment in Your Mailbox

What an honor to be featured on Mary Michelle Little's One Chic Mama. She designs incredible clothes and aprons for children and their moms. She also creates non-traditional wedding dresses. So be sure to check her out.

design*sponge

2006-10-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

We are so thrilled to be featured on today's blog from design*sponge. Read more about Grace and design*sponge to see why this feature is so important to us.

Thanks, Grace! Your photo and write-up is fabulous.

Our First Press Coverage

2006-10-06T16:32:00.000-04:00

We received our first press write-up today in the Elkin Tribune. Please be sure to check out page 11 of the paper. It may be a lot easier to read than this image.

A special thanks to Karen, Yvonne and Nancy for helping us assemble our first issue on Monday. You helped make the day fly by.

Also, for those of you who are fortunate to read the Elkin Tribune, Caroline actually grew up in Germanton.

We have a Squidoo Lens

2006-08-18T16:05:00.000-04:00

Today we created a MerriMail lens on Squidoo to help promote our new publication. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/merri-mail.

Issue No. 1 Expert - Stephen from Top Chef

2006-07-25T16:02:00.000-04:00

We were so thrilled when Stephen Asprinio agreed to be our first guest expert. Known for being an expert in pairing ingredients with fine wine, Stephen almost made it into the final round of Bravo's first season of Top Chef. We knew that he would be the perfect person to advise our readers on a range of peppery wines in our first issue of MerriMail. How exciting when he said yes!

Plus with his entrepreneurial spirit, Stephen seemed like a perfect person to feature. Food has been his passion from a very early age. After training in many of the leading restaurants in the country, it is exciting to see that Stephen is launching his own venture - FoodReal. Be sure to visit his web site to learn more about his new restaurant, which is opening in 2007. And for all of you Top Chef fans, Stephen also features his insight from each episode. Enjoy!

Our site is up!

2006-07-25T15:40:00.000-04:00

Isn't the menu for our web site sweet?

We actually launched the MerriMail web site a couple of weeks ago, but we have had a busy couple of weeks creating a sample idea card for the first issue to share with vendors at the Atlanta Gift Mart. We have lots of fabulous guest experts and wonderful gifts that we found while we were on our trip. Eris and I are both very excited about the first year of MerriMail. I am in the process of adding the subscription page so that it will be very easy for you to subscribe.

Our New Logo!

2006-07-03T00:16:00.000-04:00

Eris and I finalized the MerriMail logo today! Time to celebrate. Just one baby step keeps us moving towards our Fall launch. More details to follow.

Originally published on Beyond Friendship Gate on

Merritt Studios

2006-07-03T00:08:00.000-04:00

Eris and I first started talking about working on a business together over a year ago. I called her with an idea after watching the intro episode of The Apprentice in 2004. Now two years later, the idea is finally starting to evolve into a reality. We had our first weekly conference call this morning to determine our action items. One of my tasks was to register the Merritt Studios domain name with Webmasters. Done.

The name Merritt Studios comes from our mom's maiden names. They are sisters. And, needless to say, we loved playing together as kids. Among our discussions about Duran Duran, Guiding Light and our upcoming Barbie weddings, we also discussed starting a business together. How exciting that it is finally coming to fruition.

The picture above is from my second birthday party. Eris is to the far right, climbing into the chair. I feature this picture on my fortunehearts about page.

Originally posted on Beyond Friendship Gate on Tuesday, February 28th, 2006