Connect Club - Connecting Women in Business - Colorado » graphic design

Hair Salon/Printing-Colorado

connectclub — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:36:29 +0000

Our first speaker today was Edna Miklos of The Hair Place in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. At The Hair Place, they have four stylists and a receptionist to take care of your hair care needs. The Hair Place has celebrated over 25 years in business, concentrating mainly on hair services such as haircuts, colors, foils, glosses, perms and some nail services.

In the 25 plus years of being in the hair care industry they have seen many changes and yet Edna states nothing is completely new. Many of the new trends spiral around with a new twist. The BOB is a perfect example – it was one of the most popular cuts in the 30’s & 40’s and they still use the basics of the cut today.

Today Edna wanted to tell us about Redken New Shades E.Q. Cream and Shades E.Q. Cover Plus.

First Edna spoke about the types of color: Weekly, Semi, Demi, Permanent and Lighteners.

Weekly Color – these are water soluble and wash out with each shower. (fanciful rinses, etc.)

Semi-Permanent Color – these colors penetrate the cuticle layer of the hair to add tone and shine, these colors also wash out over 4-6 weeks.

Permanent Color – these colors change the structure of the hair by either removing or depositing color in the cuticle layer. Permanent hair color will eventually have a demarcation line as you hair grows out.

Lighteners – this is the same as the permanent colors except they decolorize or remove natural pigment or artificial colors in the hair.

Next Edna talked to us about PH balance –

ACID and ALKALINE.
Acid range is 0-7.0
Middle range is 7.0 (water)
Alkaline range is 7.0-14 (allows color to lift out)
Hair’s normal range is 4.5-5.5
This is important because the acidity or alkalinity of the product will make a difference in the result and type of color that you get.

Effects of acid pH:
* Ensures gentle processing
* Outstanding condition and shine
* Won’t lighten hairs natural pigment
* Minimizes swelling and cuticle damage
* Maintains the hair lipids

Effects of alkaline pH:
* Greater penetration of dye molecules
* Longer lasting color
* Subtle brightening effect
* Allows for increased grey coverage

When mixed with the developer:
* Acid hair color – the mixture remains acidic
* Alkaline hair color – makes the mixture alkaline (permanent colors or lifters)

The Shades E.Q. Cream is used to glaze, correct or blend gray. Shades E.Q. Cream blends gray with a richer color and will not lift the natural pigment. So you won’t have a line of demarcation as your hair grows. Shades E.Q. Cream blends the gray because it has more dye molecules for deposit under the cuticle layer of the hair. The colors are richer and deeper for a more even shine. It can also be used to define and add dimension to low lights. Shades E.Q. Cream is an acid pH with no ammonia or lift technology. The Shades E.Q. Cover Plus has up to 75% gray coverage with semi-demi permanent results, subtle brightening effect for more visible results in a non-ammonia formula. Shades E.Q. Cover Plus will correct uneven tones, harmonize your tone from the scalp out with less banding – it is great for brightening and refreshing mid-shaft of the hair of the hair from previous colors or to refresh the ends.

Edna went to a hair show over the weekend and one of the classes she took was called “Maximize Your Chair” the speaker went over something that we all know and sometimes need to be reminded of.

Your Thoughts become your words – so think positive thought
Your Words become your actions
Your Actions become your habits
Your Habits become your character
Your Character becomes your destiny
Always remember that positive thoughts and actions are important!

Keep Edna Miklos and The Hair Place in mind when you need a change or new look for your hair!

Edna Miklos * The Hair Place * 303.233-4764

Cindi Thordarson of EcoGraphics Printing in Lakewood Colorado was our second speaker today. Cindi took her time today to discuss the changes in artwork and design work for printing.

First she showed us an old three ring binder that was filled with a variety of different business forms that they used for many years – these forms were designed for a variety
business needs from invoices to purchase orders to sales receipts. Cindi told us that they still have a few clients that use these forms for their sales receipts and purchase agreements – although the files have been recreated on the computer. Cindi then passed around “art” books – these were originally produced in the 80’s and are filled clipart that can be used for a large variety of situations. The company that produced these books would produce a book for every season – summer vacation, school starting, Halloween and Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year, etc., but along with that they would produce clipart for business situations and family images. EcoGraphics still has a large number of these books – for what reason Cindi is not quite sure as she pulls out her laptop.

In today’s graphic design world, 98% of our work is done on one of these – as she brought up a graphic design program called Corel Draw – a PC program that allows us to create forms, design logos and create flyers in less time than has been required in the past. Although the sophisticated design programs are not cheap – they allow the designer to create without limits. At EcoGraphics Printing they have both PC and Mac formats with InDesign – the top Mac graphic design program – which enables EcoGraphics Printing to work with a variety of formats.

Cindi showed us a couple of tricks in Corel Draw that they are able to do with a photograph – such as changing the photo from color to black and white or adding a filter to make the photo look like an embossed image. Cindi, also went through how many typestyles are available just by pulling a drop down , menu, showing even on her home computer that she has hundreds of typestyles. They can match pretty much any type style that you bring to them – although – Cindi did mention that if you don’t know the exact name they may be able to come close but with the amount of typestyles out there they may not be able to come up
with exact typestyle.

At EcoGraphics Printing they will work to provide you the design, style and price that you need and want. Keep Cindi and EcoGraphics Printing in mind when you are looking to produce your next marketing piece!

Cindi Thordarson * EcoGraphics Printing * 303.238.7791 * www.ecographicsprinting.com *
cindiecographicsprintingcom

Interior Design/Printing/Financial Planning

connectclub — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 02:50:38 +0000

We had three speakers today, the first to go was Joan Brown of JB Decorating of Denver, Colorado. Today Joan wanted to discuss with us about her new division, The Design Coach, the new interior re-design service. This new division of JB Decorating, offers a service that will give you options to re-do, re-use, re-purpose & re-arrange with your existing furniture and space. Joan will consult with you to maybe move furniture from another room and find those little touches to accentuate and define your taste and style. Today, Joan wanted to give out some simple options that we could look at in our homes. This first of these option is to RE-DO: This category includes those small things that one can do in their home such as replace the baseboards to unify the space, add crown molding to enhance and heighten the space, you can add chair rail to define the space, replace those ugly hollow core doors, in kitchens or bathrooms add new hardware or paint the space to create big changes. Other small things you can do – is to change out your outdated light fixtures or window treatments. If you want to step it up a bit you can upgrade the flooring or replace your windows. The second option is to RE-USE: the plan here is to walk through all the rooms in your house and reshuffle items from one room to another – many of us are so used to a piece of furniture in one place that when moving to a different space – it can totally redefine not only the piece but also the new space. Other things you can do in this category is to cover up flaws with a picture or mirror or slip cover an unattractive piece of furniture – slip covers have moved into the 21^st century and are easier to use and much more attractive than they used to be. The next option Joan spoke to us about was RE-PURPOSE: This option includes finding those vintage suitcases and stacking them to make an end table or using your ottoman for a coffee table. She suggests to go flea market shopping or to second hand stores and find those simple but unique pieces that will define your space. Joan also spoke about when furniture shopping to ask about pricing on the floor model – this is a great way to get a piece of fine furniture at a great discount! The last option is RE-ARRANGE: This option talk about changing the furniture placement and traffic pattern of a room – this is guaranteed to make your space feel brand new. Another thing you might want to keep in mind is to simply de-clutter a room – getting rid of half of the knick knacks can go a long way into refreshing a room! So where to begin: Number 1: is hiring a decorator who will give you direction and ideas for your space. Number 2: collect pictures of rooms and deco that you like or find interesting. Number 3: work from a plan – which room – which things and stay focused! Number 4: have a focal point – something special that sets off the space or a specific theme that defines the space. The last thing that Joan discussed with us was low cost replacements or re-use, such items that are easy to replace or move around like table lamps, mirrors, clocks, vases, wall art, silk or real plants, faux displays of fruit, twigs, swags or wreaths. These can be purchased at Pier One, Michael’s or Hobby Lobby for a really inexpensive price and can really liven up a space. Also – keep in mind your walls – use that space for a gallery of your favorite pictures or prints that you have collected over the years can become a gallery for you to enjoy everyday! “The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything.” If you need someone to look over and RE-PURPOSE your space give Joan Brown of JB Decorating and let her be you Design Coach!

Joan Brown * JB Decorating and The Design Coach* 303.399.6208 * joancbrownqcom (joancbrownqcom)

Our second speaker today was Cindi Thordarson of Ecographics Printing in Lakewood, Colorado. Cindi took her time today to let those new to our group let her know where she came from and how she got to where she is. Cindi started out be being the first girl to take wood shop in her jr. high school in 1977 in Spokane, WA and really didn’t realize how big of a deal that was until her 20^th high school reunion when one of her class mates told her that their teacher took all of the boys aside and told them that they needed to treat her just like they would any other classmate… This was enlightening to Cindi – because when she was hauling around 8 x 8 sheets of plywood on crutches and no one would help her – it all came back and she realized that maybe her dropping out of Home Education (which she got a D) was kind of a big deal. Her start in the printing world was in her high school that had a full service printing/graphics shop, where her teacher told her upon finishing high school that she would never get hired on as a press operator – because she was a girl. Well, about 5 years after graduation and some college and working in hotels, 7-11 (3^rd and Broadway – for those in CO, fun pace to work… besides she met John Elway there) and some free lance graphic design work – Cindi moved to the lovely hamlet of Vacaville, CA got hired on at PIP Printing. She was hired by the manager there not because she had experience but because the manager liked her attitude. Cindi learned a lot about working within the frame work of eco-friendly printing, as California, even in the 80′s, they had some of the toughest regulations on printing. The experiences in California taught her a lot about eco-friendly printing and what a company can do to lessen the impact on the environment without being eco-crazy. This learning experience gave her a great base for working in her current shop. Not only did working in California help her with being aware of the environmental impact of printing but PIP Printing cross trains all of their employees in every aspect of the operation, this allows for all employees to be a more versatile. She also mentioned the use of acrylic based inks in California and how the soy based inks used today have really come along way to improve the printing and impact on the environment. At Ecographics they work to keep their clients happy with the best service and quality printing based on what the client needs and wants. There was a mention from another member that Cindi should say that Ecographics Printing was nominated for one of the small businesses of the year by the West Chamber! If you want customized service and quality eco-friendly printing with 20 yrs of experience on how to get it done for you give Cindi at Ecographics Printing a call!

Cindi Thordarson * Ecographics Printing* 303.238.7791 * cindiecographicsprintingcom (cindiecographicsprintingcom) * www.ecographicsprinting.com

Our third speaker today was Lori Bush-Engel of Modern Woodmen of America and for all your financial needs give Lori a call!

Lori Bush Engel * Modern Woodmen of America * 303.880.4084 * Lori.Bush-Engel.com * www.modern- woodmen.org

Don’t forget to join Laura Kilty and other Shaklee Representatives to learn about switching brands and making a difference – The Shaklee Way! They will be having Shaklee Open House - Feb. 17^th from 7-8 pm at the Arvada Public Library – 7525 W. 57^th Ave. – Arvada, CO 80002. Please RSVP so they can have adequate handouts and information to Laura Kilty at 303.420.3359

Printing/Financial Planning – Colorado

connectclub — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:17:46 +0000

Our first speaker today was Cindi Thordarson from Ecographics Printing in Lakewood, Colorado. Cindi spoke today about the variety of services that Ecographics Printing offers – such as wire-o binding – a similar but cheaper alternative to spiral binding, wire-o is similar to the plastic comb binding but being that they are made of metal they last longer than the plastic combs, which will become dry and brittle over time. Cindi had a variety of samples of wire-o bound books and manuals that Ecographics Printing have done over the years – including one that they put together for a training program where the customer wanted to have a pocket in the back, where their clients could put their notes and papers that they received throughout the training. Ecographics Printing also offer perfect binding, which is how paperback books are put together. Cindi also passed around samples of books that they have done for a variety of clients. The next item she showed us were pocket folders – Ecographics Printing has done many of these over the years in a variety of styles, including folders with expanded pockets and spines – Cindi did mention that on the expanded pockets you might consider limiting this to a quarter inch, the folders over that don’t hold up as well and can get damaged just in packaging. Cindi also showed us a three ring binder that they do for a school education program, with a silk screened cover and spine although they do not produce these in-house they work with a wholesaler here in Colorado. If there any part of your project that Ecographics Printing can’t produce in their shop they work with manufacturers in Colorado to support the local industry. Through the many changes in the industry – Cindi states that Ecographics Printing has worked to keep up the digital age and yet in keeping with their roots kept 2 small offset printing presses to maintain the clients that want offset printing – yes there are a few of those left. They are also now moving into the sign business – where Cindi’s business partner started, we can now offer signs in most any format you need – from the simple metal sign to hang over the door to the big lighted box signs that we see in every strip mall around town. Ecographics Printing can take you from design to completion including permitting with your local municipality. So if you need any help with design and implementation of your marketing plan Ecographics Printing certainly could help you with all of it!

Cindi Thordarson * Ecographics Printing * cindiecographicsprintingcom (cindiecographicsprintingcom) * 303.238.7791

Our second speaker today was Pam Thomas of Thrivent Financial Services in Lakewood, Colorado. Pam spoke to us today about IRA’s and whether or not you should convert you traditional IRA to a Roth. The main benefit of a Roth IRA is that you have already paid taxes on the money so you will not be taxed on the growth or withdrawal. This year would be a good year to do a conversion as they have removed the income cap of 100,000.00 and for 2010 only, Pam tells us that you can pay the taxes in two different ways – either the whole bill in 2010 or you can pay half in 2011 and the other half in 2012, this will help with the tax hit if you are converting a large amount. This year you also have the opportunity to revert back to a traditional IRA with out any penalties - you may want to do this if the value of your Roth IRA drops significantly. Pam also remarked that when converting to a Roth you can open as many accounts as you want so you can revert back easily without mixing your funds. What accounts can be converted – Traditional IRA, 401K, 403B, 457 and inherited 401K, but not an inherited IRA or educational IRA. Who should convert to a Roth? You may want to consider converting if you are planning to pass it on to you children, with a Roth it passes on without taxes, if you are going to be in a lower tax rate in retirement, and if you want to shelter your income now and offset your taxable income. You have up until April 15th to re-characterize your IRA – something very serious to think about! Pam also want to briefly cover the New Credit Card Rules put in place by the Federal Reserve. Number 1: they must notify you 45 days in advance of any rate change. Number 2: your due date must remain the same day of the month. Number 3: they must mail 21 days before the bill is due. Number 4: any payment over the minimum payment must go to pay off the high interest rate balance. Number 5: until the age of 21 the credit limit is 500.00. Pam at Thrivent Financial Services has a lot experience dealing with financial planning and if you need some one to guide you through your retirement planning, you should give her a call!

Pam Thomas * Thrivent Financial Services * www.thrivent.com * 303.962.6265