Friday, March 19, 2010

Waiting on a few more additions...

Check out the latest picture of the newly painted Humanité. The building owner next door loved the color so much, they wanted us to paint their side too - We're digging the new face lift!

Is it warm in here or did I just pee my pants?

Let's take the day off from talking about updates on the store and instead indulge ourselves in the excitement of what's to come…SPRING!! Selfishly, I want to talk about warm weather because as of yesterday, I've been on my couch or in-bed sick with the flu that's been going around not being able to enjoy the beautiful change in weather we've been experiencing. Oh, and I'm opening in one week…can't get out of bed…sick…hmm, where's the nyquil when you need it? But I digress…
So what are you looking forward to most in the upcoming months? For me, dresses! And not the girly, frilly kind. It's the, "wow, this is so much easier to think about than an entire outfit", kind. It's the new jeans and t-shirt and it always goes with a pair of flip-flops. The best of this elite category is made in jersey or knit fabrics - just like a t-shirt. Put it with a jacket, a cardigan, a belt and Bada-Bing - you look like a J.Crew ad. Simplicity is key. Who has time to worry about what their going to wear for the day? We're women conquering the world here not a group of lunching ladies! (I've always wanted to say that) Have a more structured dress you want to wear more often? Try the flip-flop and cardigan rule with that one to dress it down as well. I'm telling ya, you will feel like a ray-of-sunshine.
Ahh, flip-flops. How I love thee. Your a stylish, busy-girls dream and your kind enough to allow us to feel the warmth on our feet. And because of our love for you, Humanité has decided to throw you into the masses of Bryson City and carry the wonderful line of all-star flip-flop's called Havaiana's. Versatile, stylish and affordable - we love how you never let us down.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Work hard, Play hard

Know of anyone who is looking for a part-time job? Humanité's on the search to hire part-time sales associates to work the floor of the store. The hours and days will vary depending on schedules - But here at Humanité, one thing reigns true; we work hard and we play hard. Great attitude, lover of people and a willingness to learn is a must! While working for Humanité you'll have the chance to advocate for two special organizations that we support and will have access to volunteer opportunities galore. Sound like you or anyone else you know? Send us an email at litsemba@gmail.com and we'll see if we're a fit!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Meet Liz!

Thank goodness for this gal...

I believe that everyone needs a go-to person. Someone who’s repertoire exceeds your wildest notions and is nothing but professional to boot. Meet Liz. My go-to resident artist extraordinaire. And she makes Humanité look good. Really good.
In the beginnings of Humanité, I set out to combine the obvious beauty of the surroundings we live in with a dash of modern sophistication and a dose of accessibility. For those that know me well, know that caffeine highs, too much HGTV and a wildly talented mother fuel my creative whims. But those collective notions equal nothing more than the artistic genius’ of ill-drawn stick figures and the handwriting of a 6-year old (just ask my college friends – disastrous) So when I approached Liz about an idea of making a giant paper mache tree to hold the jewelry in the store, I was elated when her response was, “I really enjoy making paper mache!” I knew she was a keeper! From there, I kept throwing ideas at her out of left field and each one was always met with an enthusiastic response and a way to make them come into fruition. Like I said, she makes Humanité look good. Not too long ago Liz began learning the art of professional sign making from Frank Lee of Frank Lee signs. If you’ve been to Bryson, chances are you’ve seen some of his great work. Frank’s band, The Freighthoppers, – whom you need to check out, PRONTO - have been taking off and really making a name for themselves in the Old-time music world. Thus making room for Liz to take over a significant amount of Frank’s clients and work while he’s touring and singing.
Signs, pillows, apparel tags, paper mache, signs, screen-printed tees and bags; just a few of the things that artist Liz Nance can handle without breaking a sweat. ….Oh, did I mention she sings like an angel, plays the guitar and anything else you put in her way? She’s truly an artist and one of the best I know.
If your interested in talking with Liz Nance for one of your projects, feel free to email her at folkdom@yahoo.com and consider this one highly rated recommendation!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Busy as a Bee

There are so many new things happening each day with the build-out of Humanité - way too many to list. I'm sure you’re not as excited about insulation, blocking and sheet rock as I am, but it only means were merely steps away from our Grand Opening! The official Opening date will be announced next week, but rest assured it will absolutely be open by end of March. So here's a little taste of the action that's been going down....

We’re getting a website! Since a website is an extension of our physical store, I want it to perfectly complement the look and vibe of walking into Humanité. You'll be able to browse and buy items from the store online as well as have a direct link to our blog and other notable organizations we think rock. We're working with Amy at SimplyCreative and there simply a perfect fit for Humanité and the message we want to convey. My lovely friend Katie out in Austin, TX recommended Amy since she's going through the similar process with starting up her design company. It's amazing the amount of help it is to have someone already pave the way in terms of researching vendors. Kate also designed Humanité’s logo (she’s wonderful!) but more on that later.

A few new shipments have arrived - and of course I already have one of everything! This could turn out to be a problem...but everything is so stunning! Shipments are from Karlie, London Times Dresses, Towne & Reese Jewelry (under $20!) and Anne Michelle Shoes. New merchandise is coming in everyday, so we'll keep you in the know!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Pictures



Explain to me where I find that in Home Depot, again....

It's no secret that my extended family dabbles in the world of construction. And by dabble I really mean completely immerse themselves and go ga-ga over the thought of a new idea. So back in October when I was pulling the many components of Humanité together, I didn't even think twice about whom to hire to complete the construction side of my project. Why reinvent the wheel if it already works so well? So my father-in-law so graciously allowed me to take his crew (who also happen to be part of my extended family...hmm, I'm sensing a theme) and I hired them onto my team. So in honor of their hard work and fantastic dedication to explaining construction vernacular to me that I didn't even know existed, I'm posting pictures of work they did inside the store in one (1) day...yes, one day. I asked them to demolish everything, and demolish they did. I hope they were able to release some stress on those walls! Enjoy the pictures of the hollow shell that will be Humanité.