I'm not sure if was the refreshing innocence of children's clothing that isn't trying to be anything else or the little models in quirky poses that caught my eye.

But when I stumbled across Ola & Olek this morning via Finders Keepers it made me smile and I just had to give it a bit of love.

Check out Ola & Olek, from designer Eliza Lopatowska.

Isy Galey is the founder of in.cube8r, a retail space where artists can rent a space in a gallery. It’s for anyone who makes anything to have their wares displayed in a public space.

Isy galey, ex-nanny, kindergarten teacher, almost art teacher, glass blower and general girl friday, nurtured a dream for over a decade to open a top-notch, friendly and approachable gallery, a “one-stop-shop” for all things hand-made in Melbourne (and now Australia-wide). a retail space which took no commission on sales, with a non-elitist friendly approach, acting as a platform for fledgling design.

Here, Isy talks to us about what makes in.cube8r unique, following her dreams and making them a reality.

Q1) in.cube8r is an original concept. Tell us how it works?

The concept is this…

Artists can rent out a glass cube, 2D partition, wall space, shelves or clothes rack for a 3 month period but can change their stock over regularly. Rents start @ $20 per week and is paid monthly; we then pay the artist monthly for what has sold in the store.

The artist benefits from the retail selling price not wholesale as they pocket 100%, we take no commission.

Insurance etc is all included in the rental price, just GST is extra and a one off enrolment fee.The onus is on the artist to fill and decorate that space.

This principle supports my belief around self responsibility and creates a challenge for the artists to keep their space happy and varied.

We have purpose built software, which all the artists can log into and edit their stock info, see sales, print invoices from etc.

Q2) What was your motivation to start in.cube8r?

I saw a niche market and need for choice in the retail sector. Commission and consignment was all there was to choose from and lots of people can't do markets for many different reasons.

I held onto this dream, sat on it for close to 12 whole years. To be honest, it was fear that held me back.

When I stood in that disheartening dole queue in early 2007 I saw the flyer for NEIS.  I stood there and listened to how the desensitized social workers spoke to everyone with grouchy disdain and I thought to myself, “OK. So I’m lying on my death bed, what’s my biggest regret?” The answer came immediately, “Not having done anything about the in.cube8r gallery dream”.

At that point I knew it was now or never. That was the turning point of my life.

I opened an empty shop with only 9 cubes filled to the general Melbourne public on July 7, 2007.
Here we are 3 years later with over 100,000 Google mentions and 2 in.cube8rs!! I often pinch myself. It still doesn’t feel real.

Q3) What was the path that led you to open this business?

Ever since I can remember I was complaining to my mother that school interfered with my ‘making-things-time’.

I was never bored as a kid. I loved making miniature shops with salt dough fruit, veg and bread and fake money. It’s funny looking back, because it’s exactly what I’m doing now!

Around ‘91 to ‘93 I discovered a shop in Auckland (where I grew up) called Texan Art Schools, they represented students of arts courses and young artists.

At the time I was part of a small central Auckland co-op called The Fish Tank. We were 4 young women in our early 20’s taking turns running the shop downstairs and painting our stock upstairs. We mainly made hand painted t-shirts and bags. I’d had a dream ever since to run a similar space.

Years later, I signed up to NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme). Without them I would not have had the courage or the know-how of starting a business and I can’t speak highly enough of them. They also gave me a mentor, who followed the progress of my business throughout the whole first year, and it’s all free!

They helped me put together a 50 page business plan through which I got taken seriously and received funding. Part of the course was also to conduct 100 market research surveys, so I had a fair idea that the concept might work. I went and gave talks at some of the local art schools and my old uni along with the surveys.

On July 12, 2007 in.cube8r opened its doors to the public with 9 cube holders.

I was amazed by the feedback and by people’s trust. My first cube holder sent a box of her beautiful silver jewellery from Tassie to someone whom she’d never met and to a shop that hadn’t even opened its doors.

Q4) What's been your greatest success so far?

The whole thing!

Within 7 weeks from opening we were full and have stayed that way ever since. About 70% of people who were with us from the beginning are still here, which speaks volumes to me about my intention for this space and the reality of what it has become.

It's been an honour to mentor and host so much talent. I'm surrounded by all this handmade love all day it's overwhelming.

Now the best bit is finding the right people for franchises with joy for handmade. I’ve had a lot of applications, but they have to love it as much as I do.

Q5) What's the biggest challenge you've faced?

3 things:

• Glass half empty people
• Copy cats and
• The amount of daily email I receive. I'm getting a VA this week.

Q6) What's your top tip for women in business?

Don't wait! Do it now!!! Jump into it with all your might, like I said before; even if it doesn't work AT LEAST YOU TRIED  :)

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Check out Incube.8r via their website, blog, Facebook & Twitter.

This weekend I could feel Spring in the air, the warmth of the sun is heating up a notch and thoughts of Summer aren't far away.

And with it, comes the dread of serious heat, humidity and baring of legs. You're either a lover or a hater of Summer in Brisbane. Myself? I'm a hater. You'd think that after living here my entire life I'd be used to it by now.

If I could spend the Summer by the pool maybe I'd be more into it. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen just yet. So on Sunday it seemed as good a time as any to resume/start my morning walks.

I'm fairly certain I say this every time I exercise but really, the energy and clarity it brings amazes me.

Sunday's morning walk had me thinking about my tasks for the week.

• I've got a big week of preperation for the next round of my online marketing eCourse
• Some client deadlines
• I'm also going to try out this one thing that apparently brings happiness to all
• Schedule in a little fun

All work and no play makes Jill/me a sad girl so this Wednesday I'm going to be heading in to GOMA to check out the Valentino exhibition.

Do you schedule in some fun for the week? What do you want to achieve this week?

P.S. Was just thinking maybe this is a good way to hold ourselves accountable to achieving our goals/tasks for the week - it's not like we've got bosses breathing down our necks. And to make sure we schedule in something each week that's just for play. What do you reckon? I could do a post on Friday checking in to see how we all went?

First impressions count. When meeting a new client you want to make a good impression and look your best.

Of course in most cases what you wear will be directly dependent on the client and the reason for meeting them, but generally try to find a happy medium in terms of looking smart but still dressing to show your personality and style.

Take a clean, white crisp shirt and tuck it in to a high waisted, graphic print skirt. But be sure that the skirt's not too short. The white shirt will show your professional side and the graphic print skirt will bring out a little bit of your style and personality. If you prefer a dress, try a long sleeved printed dress similar to this one from French Connection.

A grey blazer will mix up your outfit from a generic black corporate blazer but will still keep you looking smart and chic.

Accessorise your outfit with a black bag and well-heeled shoes, a statement ring and add some colour to your nails with a brightly hued polish.

Shop these pieces online now:

1. Wittner Black Bentley Heels AU$169.95 from Wittner
2. Les Petites Zen Blazer AU$352 from My Chameleon
3. OPI Nail Lacquer The Thrill of Brazil AU$19.95 from Adore Beauty
4. Sportscraft Washed Oxford Shirt $95.95 from Sportscraft
5. Mimco Black Bartertown Day Bag AU$399 from Mimco
6. Barkins Blueprint Skirt AU$39.95 from Barkins
7. Samantha Wills Luna Efffects Ring AU$180 from Samantha Wills

Olivia Palermo image via I Heart Olivia Palermo. Words and artwork by Fashion Clique.

A few months back I confessed to everyone a big fear of mine. Somewhat happily, I can report, I'm no longer fearful. Oh no, now I'm self conscious.

I've been thinking to myself, oh I really need to do a personal post. And all I could come up with were negative things.

I didn't want to write a post about how I'd been taken over by doubt. About how when I started this business journey, the first thing I learned was if you didn't believe in yourself you may as well stop now.

Usually when I say...'What if..?" I'm thinking about the next fun thing to implement. Occasionally though, the "What if's...?" aren't so cheery.

I know it's normal and it happens at times, I just didn't want to write about and or dwell on it.

It's not the first time it's happened either. My husband can tell when I'm feeling a little anxious. I walk around with a worried look on my face without realising it.

He'll stop me and say, "Don't be a tomato."

Ah huh.

Here's where it starts to make sense.

A few years ago I had a little poster from Storypeople above my desk. It read:

My grandma used to plant tomato seedlings in tin cans from tomato sauce & puree & crushed tomatoes she got from the Italian restaurant by her house, but she always soaked the labels off first. I don't want them to be anxious about the future, she said. It's not healthy.

When I read it, I feel a bit better and remember this business thing - it's a marathon, not a sprint. If I keep putting one foot in front of the other, I'll get there.

How are you going? What do you do to get rid of that icky self doubt when it creeps in?

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I've been thinking about success lately and just how important it is to have your own definition of it.

For me, I find that since I defined it it's easier for me to make decisions and brush off things that don't matter.

I was interested to hear how other people had defined success for themselves so I asked Twitter. The responses are above. Love the diversity.

How do you define success for yourself? Share it in the comments below.

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How sweet are these handmade swing tags from new online shop, Emerald and Ella?

The answer, in case you were wondering, is very. They become even sweeter when you hear the story behind them.

Opening a homewares shop has been a long held dream of food stylist, Jane Collings. When she heard about her daughter opening an online shop, Jane's mum got in on the action.

My mum loves collecting old books, letters, sewing patterns, maps, music scores etc. So when I started using rubber stamps to decorate paper shipping tags she was inspired to very patiently cut out her vintage paper goods and turn them into very cute gift tags.

I tend to use them as little gift tags attached to presents, packaged baked goods or even pegged to a thank-you bottle of wine now and then, but they are also very cute as name tags at a table place setting.

It is a labour of love really and she spends days pressing the creases out of the vintage patterns and searching through op shops for old maps and other bits. She has only been making them since the beginning of the year when the idea for my website began.

Ah huh. Gorgeous and sweet. Check out the goods at Emerald and Ella online now.

Name: Alicia Hannah Naomi

Hometown: Melbourne

Business name: Alegorie and Drown Jewellery

Business description: Fashion Accessories Online Store and Boutique Jewellery Label

Established: 2008 and 2010

Website: Alegorie & Drown Jewellery

Connect: Twitter: @goaskalicia Facebook - Drown Jewellery and Alegorie

Bio: I have a background in art, graphics and multimedia development, and after working in the jewellery industry for several years, I started my first jewellery label in 2006.

My love of jewellery and accessories was bigger than my own label and in 2007 I began planning to open my own jewellery and accessories online boutique where I could also incorperate my skills in multimedia development.

After some issues with business trademarking, I finally launched Alegorie the next year. Still not able to sate my love for jewellery I eventually launched my newest jewellery concept - Drown Jewellery, this year.

What inspired you start your own business?

I was given a freedom in my role in the jewellery industry that made the position feel more autonomous than perhaps it was. I suppose at the time I didn't even really realise what I was doing - just that I wanted to do something that would give me the continued autonomy I'd been enjoying for so long, coupled with an intense passion for the product.

Biggest achievement so far?

I've recently teamed up with a young Australian fashion label, Subfusco, collaborating on a limited edition Spring/Summer 11 jewellery collection for their MBFF runway, which is probably one of my biggest dreams come true.

How do you maintain your motivation?

I run a fashion and style blog called Sea Of Ghosts where I collect and share artwork, graphic design, music, interior design and fashion that inspires me. The presentation and subsequent interaction with the people who take the time to read the blog is highly motivational.

If you could do it all again what would you do differently?

Go a little more slowly. It's easy to let passion and excitement cloud your judgement.

Top tip for aspiring women in business?

Love what you do and be prepared to make sacrifices. It's worth it.

Father's Day is coming up in Australia on Sunday, 5th of September.

We've compiled 8 gift ideas for Dads of all types, all available for you to purchase online. Do your shopping at your desk and mark one more thing off your to-do list!

1. Ascii robots hand printed on 100% organic light weight cotton, $48 from Blue Caravan
2. Pocket size guitar amp with real tube-amp sound, plugs directly into guitar or bass, $39.99 from Think Geek
3. Illustration of vintage Eastman's Kodak camera printed on an Oxford Dictionary page, US$16.50 from dspdavey
4. Father Knows Best BBQ Apron, US$30 from Dear Edna
5. Hardcover book featuring selection of quotes that are a touching and timeless tribute to Dad, $29.95 from Gifts for Blokes
6. Trilogy Natural Actives Men's After Shave Balm, $30 from Adore Beauty
7. Apple iPad Tablet, 64GB, Wifi, $821.99 from Amazon
8. Darth Vader Breathing Keychain, $12.99 from Think Geek

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The Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers is the latest eBook offering from Darren Rowse of Problogger and Glenn Murray of Divine Write.

Both leaders in their fields, they have come together to produce a straightforward, practical guide to crafting blog posts that are focused on achieving your objectives by using copywriting techniques.

Description

It’s a 59 page eBook that contains tips, tricks and examples of ways to ensure each and every post you produce for your blog is taking you closer to meeting your personal and/or business goals.

The Copywriting Scorecard takes into account the fact you are writing for the web and need to consider SEO best practices by focusing on keywords.

The eBook also contains a printable ‘scorecard’ for you to critique your blog post against in order to produce best results.

Who it’s for

Anyone who wants to create blog posts that provoke action from their readers.

Why I wanted to read it

Having read both Darren’s eBook, 31 Days to Build a Better Blog and Glenn’s SEO Secrets eBook I wanted to know more about writing blog posts from a copywriting perspective.

In particular, Glenn’s recommendations gained from 17 years as a writer (8 years as copywriter and 9 as a technical writer).

The Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers Review

What you can expect (chapter overview):

• Before you start covers off the fundamentals of knowing your objectives, brand, audience, target keywords and planning your post
• Write your post guides you through getting your thoughts into written words
• Recommendations includes tips on writing, scannability, SEO and common grammar pitfalls
• The Scorecard is a checklist of things you should address in your blog post

The good

• Getting back to basics in the Before you start chapter was a great start to the book. It’s not often that you revisit why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s so easy to get bogged down in the day to day tasks that I really appreciated revisiting my objectives.
• The blog post questionnaire is the type of thing I imagine becoming like a mental checklist when writing each post. I can see myself asking “Have I done, x, y and z to produce best results?”
• The eBook shifted my perspective on the purpose and value of each blog post. Sure you can have your call to actions at the end of the blog post - but does the content you've written support and encourage your visitor to take that action?
• The reminder to believe in yourself - the most important thing about walking the path less traveled as someone working their butt off to make a living as a blogger

The not so good

• I would have like to see some recommended reading links in the Write your post chapter - granted that could be a whole other eBook
• In the Grammar Pitfalls section I would have liked to see a reference for headline best practices

My favourite bits

The Recommendations chapter was 15 pages of pure gold including:

• Practical tips for writing effective headlines
• How to tell a story to capture interest with examples to help you understand

The recommendation that struck a chord with me was to always promise an outcome. Your readers are fickle; they can click off your blog in seconds if you're not holding their interest.

If you think of the blog posts you read all the way through, they usually offer you something – they promise you an outcome.

I usually scan when I'm reading, thinking ‘I've got to get through this then on to the next thing'. I found myself scrolling through this section, then having to scroll back up again because I wanted to read every word and let it sink in.

How it helped me

I feel more confident that each blog post is taking me closer to achieving my objectives. I’m writing with more thought and purpose thanks to the information in this eBook.

Buy The Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers

UPDATE: The Copywriting Scorecard for Blogger has been updated. The new version includes interactive scorecard and 30+ pages of new information and recommendations including case studies.

Download your copy today for $29.97 USD.

Buy it now.

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