Spotlight on Kara Martinelli and her book, My Very Dearest Anna

Kara (front left) w/ the crew of “The Restorers”at B-24 Bomber Fantasy Camp.

I have gotten to know and become friends with Kara Martinelli of Hemlock Films through  the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing and the documentary that was done about our volunteers and the Doolittle Raiders Reunion.  

It wasn't long after we were introduced that we became friends. We both share a love of WWII Airplanes, history, and there is a special place in both our hearts for our Grandfathers. When I learned that Kara was writing a book about her Grandfather around the letters he and his wife wrote back and forth to each other during WWII, I knew I had to read it! Once I read it, I knew it had to be shared. As the WWII Veteran's around us slip away at alarming rates, we need books like My Very Dearest Anna to remind us of a different time and the Greatest Generation. 

I asked Kara to sit down and answer a couple questions, I hope you all enjoy!

Where are you from? 
I am from New Philadelphia, OH. My Grandparents lived there their whole lives. The only time they left was when Grandpa went into the service and my Grandma worked briefly at the Pentagon in DC.

What inspired you to start writing your book about your grandparents and their letters? 

My mom gave me Grandpa's letters not too long after he passed away, stating that I was the one who deserved to have them, since I was the one who spent all of my time with him talking about the war. I spent all my time with him when I was home from college and my visits home after I moved away, and we spent most of the time talking about that stuff. He tried to get me to read them a few times, since we had gone through his albums and scrapbooks and that was the only thing I hadn't looked at. But it didn't feel right, so I never read them.

Kara's Grandparents

I came across my grandparents letters after they both had passed away and had no idea they had such a romantic letter life! I found out they had written letters to each other when I was in college. I was 18, which was the same age that my Grandpa was when he began writing those letters, my Grandma was still in high school.  

So I had them in my possession for a few years before I even read them. And I really wanted to read them, but just couldn't. And I found myself forgetting little details of the time I spent with Grandpa and Grandma. So I thought I needed to get those memories down on paper, so I wouldn't forget them. Then I had the thought that all of us should have the letters, since my whole family was so close to my Grandparents. Originally, I was just going to photo copy all of them and give everyone copies. But the more I mentioned the project to people, the more responses of how they would like to read them as well. So, I decided to make it into a book.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I never really had an interest in writing. I liked to write in my journal a lot, but that was about it. Though, being a filmmaker, I do tell stories through film and script writing. I had never thought about it translating into book form. And now that I've written one, I'm already thinking about the next one.

My passion for airplanes and history came from my Grandpa when I was in college and found out that he took part in WWII. I'm not sure why, but I was fascinated by it. So in that regard, my Grandpa was my influence to pursue those subjects and  to become a film maker. He was always recording movies for me as a kid and would let me use his camcorder. And we spent a lot of time watching Turner Classic Movies together.

Kara and her Grandfather

How long did it take you to write the book?
I started writing the book last summer in 2010. I actually started reading the letters and transcribed them then, and I ended up getting really busy with work, that I didn't get it finished in time for Christmas (which was my original goal), so I kinda slacked off on it for a while. Then I really got back into writing it again this year, and found time in July to really get working on it again. So I finished up in October with the draft, and was able to get the finished paperback to the printer in November.  

Do you think you will write additional books and what would they be about?

I have a few ideas for other books. I've found they are cheaper to make than movies :) So I may take some of those movie ideas and make books of them first. I think I'm going to write a fictional story set during the Women's Air Race next. Whenever I have the time.

Who designed the cover of your book?

I designed the cover. It took me a good while to put that together, since I was re-teaching myself photoshop. Adam helped a lot with those technical problems. I got his opinion on most of the design elements too. 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

I hope they like the book! And I hope it helps them think about the time spent with your own families and perhaps inspires more people to investigate their own family history.

Where can people purchase the book?

It is available currently in paperback on www.dearestanna.com in the website store. It is also available in ebook version through amazon at  http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Dearest-Anna-ebook/dp/B005ZIHSTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324319588&sr=8-1

Spotlight on Camba Jewelry by Kristin Krull

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting Kristin Krull of Camba Jewelry at a Parc Boutique trunk show in Minneapolis, MN.  Her table was next to mine and over the course of the event, we began sharing our passion for creating jewelry. 

At that time, Kristin was getting ready to quit her day job and start living out her dream of working for herself.  That is a leap I commend her for taking, especially in this economic downturn.  After following her line throughout the last year, I can see that it will be no problem for her take her business into full swing and go many places with her inspirational jewelry. 

Kristin has a very unique way of expressing herself in her work. She has much more than a line of jewelry, she tries to motivate and encourage while creating unique and stunning pieces.  She is not afraid to make her own mark on the world while continuing to be a kind hearted person. 

It's not just about buying something pretty for yourself, it's about Courage, Ambition, Motivation, Bravery, and Acceptance or Camba when they are put together as an anagram. 

 To get a better idea of Kristin Krull and what inspires her, I asked her a few questions:

How did you start your company? What inspired you?

Although I'd been making jewelry as a hobby since 1995, I officially started Camba Jewelry in 2009 after much contemplation about the direction of my life. I've always realized the importance not only of what is inspiring, and what is not. I started paying more attention to times went I felt good, and those times were always when I was creating something. Conversely, I began plucking away the things that were making me unhappy. 

Six months after high school graduation, I moved to the Bay Area of San Francisco and bounced from job to job while attending San Jose State. In college, I was able to churn my creative energies into delicate handmade paper, metal sculture, oil and watercolor paintings, cast figurines, and made installation art. I also taught myself to make handmade soaps and candles. Much of my art was sold to surrounding businesses to help pay the sky-high rent. I never took one business class.

One day I made a necklace from some old plastic pink beads to spruce up my otherwise mundane waitress uniform. I reluctantly sold the necklace right off my neck for $5.00 to an enthusiastic coworker. "Well," I thought, "I'll just go make a another one". One by one, necklaces and bracelets were jumping from my body onto the necks and wrists of those around me. 

I honed my skills by assisting in the design and production of jewelry by Keren Peled (Bay Area and Tel Aviv based) and Rowena Gill (Bay Area and London based). I was also mentored by jewelry designer extraordinaire Rosalina Lydster. These women were truly inspiring; we had in common a deep love of rich color and how to align it beautifully with a woman's silhouette, and we weren't afraid to put in the hard work to see results. These sneak peaks of the life of a designer made me wonder if jewelry as a hobby could become something more, something meaningful. 

My stay in California lasted almost 15 years. I always say that I was raised in Minnesota but grew up in San Fran. 15 years was enough, and I missed my family. I moved back to MN in 2007.

With owning your own business, it can be hard to have down time. How do you balance work with relaxation? How do you keep motivated to try new things?

For me, throwing myself into jewelry design and assembly is my down time. There's nothing I'd rather do. It's like getting a 12 hour massage-- at the end of my work day, I feel relaxed, fulfilled, and totally energized. I leap out of bed in the morning and can't wait to get started. I can work 10-14 hours easily. Sometimes I have to force myself to take small breaks-- to have lunch, call a friend, or go to the gym. I become anxious when I'm not creating. Thus, my breaks are short, but necessary to maintain a social and physical balance. Otherwise I'm a bit of a hermit.

What is the best thing about owning your own business?

 Freedom and personal growth. It takes tremendous confidence to portray what you think is relevant in an industry to an audience that has so many other options. Belief in yourself means power, and realizing this power fuels inspired thought. 

You recently took a big leap and transitioned into working solely for yourself... can you tell us about that? 

I worked for a great company for almost 3 years. It paid well and came with tremendous benefits. However, being a checkout girl at Costco was not why I got a BFA degree. I am not a good employee; my work ethic generally suffers when I feel degraded all day long. I don't like being on someone else's watch. I was surrounded by people who are convinced that this way of life was not only acceptable, but necessary, yet everyone complains about it. I felt a burning misery everyday that I wasn't suppose to be there, that I had other things to accomplish, and that I was not partaking in Costco's ethical business practices. A mere 6 hour shift would send me into depression. 

One night after a particularly (emotionally) grueling day, I shined a light on my first and fourth mantra (I have five) and summoned their fullest potential; it was Courage and Bravery that led me to finally write my 3 week notice. It takes massive amounts of courage and bravery to walk away from that steady paycheck, but I felt my options were very black and white: to remain miserable and paid, or free to discover just how far my creative adventures could take me. If not now then when? I have no children (yet), I've got my degree, and I'm no longer in the grip of Bay Area costs. I needed to commit to one or the other, and I chose to trust the universe and follow my passion. Costco was very supportive of my decision and even offered to give me my job back should I have a change of heart.

What sets your jewelry apart from other businesses out there?

I'm not one to judge the trends and tastes of other businesses. I don't focus much on what other businesses are up to. There are far too many people with different ideas of what is beautiful; My jewelry is simply an interpretation of what I think is beautiful. My hope is that other's will think so too, and based on results, I see that people are agreeing with my vision.

Fun Rib Cage necklace for October

 What key words best describe your business?

I am creativity on the end of a diving board. I am overflowing with visions and ideas and can't get to them fast enough. The key words that are driving forces for me are Courage, Ambition, Motivation, Bravery, Acceptance. These mantras are an anagram, Camba, which was born 

while walking a Bay Area neighborhood I once lived in called San Carlos. During my regular walks through this peaceful neighborhood, I began repeating these mantras to encourage self betterment. Camba Jewelry is a very fitting name for my company.

What is the biggest obstacle you have had to over come with running your own business?

I have been seeking some assistance as my business grows, and I've had a few people offer their time to help out. There was no better education than when I apprenticed for two amazing designers, and I'd love to provide that experience to someone who wishes to explore this path. My obstacle is trusting people. I pay more attention to a person's actions than their words. If their actions do not coincide with my five mantras, I do not ask them back. I believe staying true to Camba. Perhaps forgiveness and understanding should be the 6th and 7th mantra!

Where is your business located and how far is your reach? Meaning can you work remotely to any location?

I work out of my home in Minneapolis. I could potentially work anywhere, and am open to the possibility. Since I have a strong online presence, my business reach extends to North America (I don't ship overseas, unless I know you personally). I have an Etsy shop and post daily creations on Facebook. I get many requests for items that I post. Some things don't even make it to the stores, they're gone that fast. I also currently sell in 11 stores in the Twin Cities Area, and one store on Vieques Island off Puerto Rico.

I usually end my blog articles by asking people to give me a favorite fortune cookie they have received to end with something funny. I really like the personal spin Kristin put on it.

I don't really enjoy the fortunes of cookies, as they usually have nothing to do with fortune, but I do have a favorite quote as July 2011: "You know you really have it when you've got the nerve" -Lady Gaga

Spotlight on Trendesigns

My good friend Brian Trendler owns and operates his own Design for print company called Trendesigns, located in Bothell, Washington. Trendesigns can do brochures (which are amazing, I speak from personal experience), websites, logo designs, and so much more! They really have a great handle on all things related to marketing and design for small to medium sized businesses. The great thing about the age of technology is that his reach is far beyond Bothell and the Seattle area. Their clients range in location from Washington State to New York. Their philosophy is that they can work anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection.

Aside from great graphic design skills, Brian has a personality that make you feel at ease. I asked him questions to better define the company in his own words.

What key words describe yourself and your business? "Dependable, professional, fun, caring, and thorough."

What inspired you to start your own company?  "I began my business the slow and tiresome way, freelancing for business for over 15 years, while maintaining day jobs to support my design habit. It was rewarding and non-stressful to merely build my portfolio and trust/word-of-mouth by clients. When a particular day job laid me off 3 years ago, I was able to never look back and simply go full-time as Trendesigns. (TD)

My inspiration has always been to help others where they can't. In this case, it's with a delivery... a look, a feel, a direction that best suits and represents the client from a logo all the way down to the type of branded pen they carry. With the advent of social media - it's also become more of a personal vehicle for folks, since it's so INSTANT and current; this allows us to quickly drive results for them. Their success is ours, 'nuff said."

Owning your own business, it can be hard to have down time, how do you balance work with relaxation? How do you keep motivated to try new things?  "Owning a business is hard, pure and simple. It's also the most rewarding experience I've ever taken on. The biggest issue IS downtime! Working from home is great to have a tax write-off for workspace, and to NOT have overhead costs that in turn get passed on to clients. Knowing when to say "enough" is most difficult. The key thing is, balance. I schedule time to make sure my family gets to see me, especially now that we have a 1-year old that demands attention! Weekends can be tough because sometimes clients are demanding, but overall, balance and workload/distribution comes in time (I'll get there some time). Motivation for me IS my family. I want them to have a good life, not one of excess, but just comfort. It's what I aspire to as well and that will be achieved by hard work, taking care of my clients and the rest will fall into place."

How would you pitch your business to a potential client looking for your services? "People appreciate being able to reach out to me and get ME on the phone and email. People appreciate our responsiveness via emails, our ability to furnish entire solutions from A to Z, instead of just giving a thumbdrive to a client, collecting money and walking away. The biggest thing I tell people is to look at and read our Testimonials page online FIRST. Anyone can create a shiny portfolio online... it's what people SAY about working with TD that earns us the business."

What makes you different from your competitors? "What sets TD aside from our competitors is our ability to provide total solutions. From Design4Print, Web, Branding, Promotional products, Marketing and more..., We PRIDE ourselves in either being able to furnish a solution to our clients or bringing resources to the table who can."

 What is your favorite fortune cookie wisdom you can share with the readers? "I got a fortune cookie one time that said " look behind you " - after a full body shudder, I chose to take it as a reminder to always remember where I came from, what I've accomplished, and where I want to go..."

To find out more information about Trendesigns and their services go to:

www.trendesigns.com
www.CornMug.com
Facebook.com/trendesigns
Facebook.com/TDpromoproducts
Facebook.com/CornMug

Special offer: Contact TD or CornMug.com, mention coded SPOTLIGHTTD11, and receive 10% off any design4print service, or a free color or setup fee for any promotional products or new CornMug order!

Spanish Wine Fair coming soon!

What a busy summer its been for Spotlight Business Solutions. Between working the Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force, and all of the rest of our existing clients, we are now working on a Spanish Wine Fair with Import Iberia and Chateau St Croix.

The Spanish Wine Fair will be on August 20th at the Chateau St Croix Winery (1998A State Road 87, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024).

Along with wonderful wines from both Import Iberia and the Chateau St Croix, we will be featuring Spanish Tapas from Solo by Bonicelli and other tasty local treats. We are currently organizing a variety of other vendors to enhance your experience with us. We hope to artists, crafters, hand massages, and so much more!

More information will be coming soon about the time of the event, and vendors, but for now just know that the event is free to public! You can purchase wine by the glass and food during the event!



I can't wait! It's going great! 

Welcome James Hunt Designs

It's not very often that you meet someone that you instantly connect with and understand their vision for the business they have created.  To appreciate the process they go through when they create something special for someone else. When I met James Hunt of James Hunt Designs, it was exactly that way.  It took no time at all to understand the importance of his artisan work and the lives he has touched with his beautiful designs. I can't say I have had that experience at a chain jewelry store, can you?

James is a wonderful artisan Jewelry that specialize in custom wedding rings, bands, and so much  more. He does not carry an inventory of gold, silver, or diamonds, so his costs can be much more affordable then most jewelry stores. One item I was really impressed with was the fact that all of his diamonds are conflict free, something a lot of people think about before purchasing a diamond these days.

 He is clearly more then just a custom ring designer. He puts your story in a ring or symbol that you can cherish for the rest of your life.

Check out his website for more information about his custom rings or if you would like to get another piece of jewelry custom made. The possibilities are endless! www.jameshuntdesigns.com

Welcome to the new blog

Welcome All to our new blog! We will do our best to keep you up to date with Social Media, Press kits, networking and so much more!

Don't hesitate to send us a question or two if you have one or to set up your free consultation!