Skirt.com - Springing Into Things

I love Spring!  (Though I wish my allergies could share my joy!)  I especially love this Spring for all of the amazing things that are about to blossom on skirt.com.

First, join me in welcoming new members to the skirt.com team!
Ginger Emas has joined skirt.com as our new national web editor.   Many of you have known Ginger for years on skirt! as a skirt!setter and the author of Back on Top – Fearless Dating After Divorce.  Before joining the skirt! team, Ginger was a freelance writer, editor and marketing consultant for over 20 years working with many notable clients and celebrities.  
 
When Ginger’s marriage ended six years ago, she created a divorce so amicable that her ex is one of her best friends.  So now Ginger spends her free time with the family of four she always wanted, though it looks slightly different than what she imagined: her son, her ex, her boyfriend and herself.  If you don’t know her yet, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know her through her blogs!
 
On a personal note, Ginger is one of my favorite people.  Her infectious warmth and humor is something that instantly grabs hold of you to the point you feel like you’ve been her bff for years.  I’m so pleased that she has chosen to lead our editorial initiatives.
 
Sherry Sanders has joined our team as our national sales manager.  Beyond knowing where to find the best cupcakes in town, Sherry is one of the best and most knowledgeable sales executives that I have ever met.   I’m pretty sure she’s successfully sold, well…pretty much everything. Sherry’s career has spanned from magazines, newspapers, digital, and across a couple of states.  In the national sales role, she will be managing our sales efforts in print, digital, event sponsorships and our new amazing shopping deals (skirt!Deals) coming soon to a screen near you!
 
Sherry is married and has a great daughter.  When she’s not selling or talking, she’s dreaming about what she can sell or talk about and I’m pretty sure she knows just about everyone somehow.  (You know…that six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon thing).
 
On another personal note, Sherry is also a favorite of mine.  In the few weeks that she’s been with us, I’ve found her enthusiasm and drive to be inspiring.  She’s great fun to be around and we couldn’t ask for anyone better to lead our sales efforts.
 
Skirt! Creative Conference
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!  Yes, it’s on and we are so excited!  skirt! will be hosting our first national creative conference.  
 
Quick details:  It’s June 10-12 in Atlanta at the W Hotel Midtown
Click here for the official site and registration information.
 
First big speaker announcement!
We are thrilled to announce that author Emily Giffin will be keynote speaking at the conference!  Dubbed a “modern day Jane Austen” and a “dependably down-to-earth storyteller,” Giffin is also a warm and engaging speaker. She has since penned four more New York Times bestsellers:, Something Borrowed (2004), Something Blue (2005), Baby Proof (2006), Love the One You’re With (2008) and Heart of the Matter (2010). Her five novels, all filled with endearingly flawed characters and emotional complexity, have been translated into 30 languages, with over 6 million copies in print worldwide. In addition, four of her novels have been optioned for the big screen, with Something Borrowed scheduled for a May 6, 2011 nationwide release (just a month before our conference!) by the production companies of Hilary Swank and Edward Burns.
 
The rest of the schedule
Many of you have asked about the schedule.  Currently we are finalizing the speakers for each of the sessions, that we will announce as we finalize.  In the meantime, I thought I’d share the topics that we are covering at the Atlanta event.  *Note that many of these topics are based on suggestions we received from you!
 
This year’s theme is all about women creatively telling their stories. In that vein, each of our sessions will be focused on ways to inspire and creatively tell your story.
 
This Odyssey Called Blogging
How to start, what to say, what to expect and how to leverage

OMG I’m In Print!
Learn the story of getting published in print.    How the publishing world has changed and how to hook your pitch and not get ditched.
 
Move Over Deadwood
There’s a new sheriff in town named e-publishing and all the rules have changed.  Learn about the next wave of creative storytelling in the digital Wild West.  Bandanna wearing, optional.     

Your Story/Your Brand
Learn how important personal branding is and how to enhance your reputation.

Mind/Body/Spirit
Finding the balance. Oommmmmm...

Desperately Seeking Musings
You know she’s there!  Tapping into the inspiration that your inner creative muse is whispering.
 
The Social Scoop
How tweet this will be!  This isn’t the hash (tag) your mama knew.  Learn new and creative ways to connect socially. #skirtcreative!
 
I Should Have Married A Geek
Never fear, the techs are here.  Learn the mechanics to starting your own blog, design, syndication and SEO.

Fashion/Beauty/Design
How to look good, feel good and be badass hot.

Show Me The Money!  
Great advice about turning your creative dream into a business that can support your shoe habit and much more.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun  
…and that is what this session is about.  Having fun – laughing hard and living out loud.

Let’s Get Multi-Media’d
How to use video, podcasting, and other media to tell your stories in a new, creative ways.

Remaining Conscious
Learn the ethical and moral ropes of digital media and the important role of transparency while still keeping your bleeding edge.
 
Whew!  So much is going on!  Stay tuned for more exciting news and announcements. If you have any questions or suggestions, we would love to hear them.  As always, we couldn’t do any of this without you!
 
Peace, love and skirt!
Heather

director - skirt.com