http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/travel/20100509-WHYWETRAVEL-4.html

At Sikara & Co. we cannot stress enough the importance of being affected by what you see and experience. Allowing those responses to be expressed in a multi-dimensional sense whether through a photograph, “a shout”, or new piece of art is the basic joy of life. We hope that wherever you are today, you are finding beauty in what you do.

This image could not be a better model,  striking me with awe in only a few moments. The infinite natural colors overflow through the flower rows while the brightly clad young woman peacefully passes through in observance.

I pose to you: Where and how are you observing beauty today? (feel free to post photographs!)

For all of our valued soccer and Sikara fans and in honor of Spain’s victory in Sunday’s 2010 World Cup, we are featuring our two rings inspired by the innovative architecture of Bilbao, Spain. Our Bilbao Curved Square ring (also available in 18K Vermeil and silver mix) and Bilbao Swirly ring (also available in brushed silver) are perfect for everyday wear! Either of these unique rings would be a great way to show your Spanish pride and a stylish compliment to your championship jersey!

Viva La Spain! Viva Sikara!

Bilbao Curved Square Ring (also available in vermeil & silver)

Bilbao Swirly Ring (also available in brushed silver)

This Wednesday, July 14, 2010, Sikara & Co will be hosting an event for the San Francisco chapter of Indus Women Leaders (IWL). IWL is an association that works to inspire South Asian women to build themselves as leaders, despite any and all obstacles.  The organization is devoted to helping women achieve their goals in areas of industry ranging from healthcare to the arts. They also have chapters in multiple cities including New York and Chicago.  Founder and Creative Director, Mousumi Shaw, will be speaking at the event and sharing her experiences with other entrepreneurial women. Mousumi will talk about everything from parlaying her love for travel into a thriving business to continuing to build the Sikara & Co brand. This is sure to be an inspiring night and Sikara is so excited to host it! We hope to see you there!

For more information about IWL visit www.induswomenleaders.org.

Smmertime is the time for travel, and we were thrilled to interview an extraordinary woman who has visited 46 countries, 47 states, and founded a travel website from all of her experiences: Ms. Kerry Rupp. Kerry has created an online travel planner, Holiday Golightly, which helps women organize the perfect getaway with their girlfriends. From bachelorette parties in Las Vegas to ski trips in Sundance, Holiday Golightly has a trip for every kind of girl. It’s a wonder how Kerry finds time to travel! In addition to acting as President of Holiday Golightly, she is the Managing Partner of DreamIt Ventures and the Vice President of New Business at AllRecipes.com.

Hear what she had to say about her journeys, her accomplishments, and her take on the importance of girl power:

Sikara: Of all the places you’ve visited (which includes 47 states and 46 countries!), what is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Kerry: I loved Vietnam for many reasons: the natural beauty; the energy level, natural curiosity and friendliness of the people; and the dramatic difference of Southeast Asian life from modern Western culture.  In the city, women in rice hats still hoist yokes with live ducks while buzzing mopeds zip by.  In the hill country, subsistence rice farming and hill tribes still live a simpler life and it’s not uncommon to see a boy straddling a water buffalo amidst a sea of green patchwork fields.

S: You’ve been to 47 states! What are the 3 you haven’t seen?

K: Actually, I’m now up to 48.  Passed through West Virginia on a road trip last summer between Austin and Boston while working on the CRAVE books in each city!  Still have yet to hit North Dakota and Alaska (which is a shame, as in Seattle I lived directly across the street from the cruise ships heading to Alaska for several years!)

S: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a different country?

K: Keeping an open mind and respecting the local culture.  It’s easy to get frustrated that things don’t work the way you’re used to when the noisy kids in the hotel woke you up in the middle of the night and your flight’s delayed.  Remember that you travel to see a different way of life and that means adapting to different ways of doing things – sometimes inefficient, confusing ways!  Take a deep breath and practice patience!

S: Out of all the places you’ve lived, which location do you call “home”?

K: This is a tricky one for me – I think I’ve become a bit of a nomad and don’t really have an answer when people ask me that question.  I tend to make myself at home wherever I am.  One of the best things I’ve learned from so many moves is a pretty solid ability to adapt to change and new environments.

S: We’re inspired by your endless list of accomplishments! Which one are you the most proud of?

K: Thanks – that’s sweet!  I’m most conscious right now of the present, so the recent publication of “The Parisian Cowboy’s Guide the Round Top Experience” was pretty exciting.  My friend and business partner Gretchen von Rochow and I created the book from beginning to end, and it was really fun to be able to hold and peruse the beautiful finished product.

S: As a woman of many titles (Vice President, Consultant, Partner and Founder just to name a few), how do you do it all? How do you balance all of your responsibilities?

K: (As evidence by my inability to get this to you in time … I don’t always!)  It’s definitely a challenge – and one I can’t say I’ve totally mastered.  I’m in a period right now, where I’m juggling several things and will ultimate have to narrow down to really focus on the projects that deserve it the most.

S: What motivated you to start a travel website for girlfriend getaways?

K: A friend told me she and her sisters talked all the time about getting away together but never actually did it, while I was always off on such trips.  She thought I should write a book on the topic. I thought I’d take to another level and offer a service to help those who didn’t have the time or inclination to do it themselves!

S: What do you enjoy more, business time or play time?

K: Oh, I shouldn’t admit this…. But while I can get really energized by a great strategy discussion, I love my play time – whether it’s hanging out with girlfriends or trying a new restaurant or listening to a great band with a beer in the sunshine …

S: What is your favorite thing to do when visiting a foreign place?

K: I love to take a run around the place – preferably along the water if there is some.  It’s a great way to get a lay of the land and wander into some more local areas you might not see as a tourist.  Of course, it’s also a good way to get lost, and that’s not always the smartest idea in a foreign country – so I try to get some local directions before I head out of the hotel!

S: How would you describe your personal style?

K: Playful.

S: What is your favorite Sikara piece?

K: That would definitely be my Art Deco Stone Pop Ring.  But I’ve got plenty of more pieces in my collection AND on my wish list!

Bio:

Kerry currently resides in Austin and Philadelphia and juggles her time as a Partner at DreamIt Ventures, VP of New Business at Allrecipes.com, and President & Founder at Holiday Golightly. She also promotes the businesswomen community as the editor of CRAVE Austin: The Urban Girls’ Manifesto, a book featuring women-owned businesses in Austin, published in August 2009. Kerry was featured in CRAVE Seattle and CRAVE Austin and kicked off the CRAVE Boston book as well.

To say that her past experience is impressive would be an understatement. Kerry has 17 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, business development and operational management with a plethora of companies, which include Classmates.com, Jobster, LexisNexis, McKinsey & Company, Sterling Commerce and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). She received her MBA from Harvard Business School and her BA from Duke University.

When she’s not taking on the world as a business-savvy professional, she takes on the world through travel; if it wasn’t obvious already, Kerry loves to travel domestically and internationally in her spare time. She also enjoys running, yoga, snowboarding and spending time with friends.

Every year my girlfriends and I plan a trip somewhere.  We’ve found ourselves lost in wonderful places like Spain, Morocco,

The gals at our first resort in San Ignacio!

Paris, Tunisia and India.  Since a few of the gals were on a bit of a budget (me with my start-up and another friend just out of Dental School), we were looking for places where our frequent flier miles could take us.  This year, the lucky destination ended up being Belize.  I remember when I told my brother, he asked me, “Where the hell is Belize”?  Apparently a lot of people wonder this, as I found a magnet in Belize with that question posted!

Anyway, I had been working extremely long hours between our Boston Pop-up store launch and other exciting developments within Sikara, so this trip was well deserved and long awaited!  I actually didn’t have much time to do research prior to boarding my flight so I didn’t know what to expect.  We had decided that this trip would be a combination of active sports and relaxing at the beach.  All I knew is that I was excited about adventuring somewhere new!

Day 1:  Belize City

Mystic River Resort!

So Belize is in Central America bordering Mexico and Guatemala and on the Caribbean Sea.  We landed at the tiny Belize City airport and quickly found our way to our car rental place.  The trip to San Ignacio (southwest Belize) was a three hour drive.  The roads were bumpy and the land largely undeveloped.  When we pulled up to our new home for the next 3 days, we were all pleasantly surprised.  We stayed at the Mystic River Resort which was built only 2 years ago by this wonderful French woman, Nadege and her American Fiance Tom.   They had discovered this amazing land along the river and had a team machete through the bush to build this from scratch.  They were the most hospitable couple and made our stay in Belize so memorable.

We were welcomed by yummy drinks, amazing food and a resort largely to ourselves.  We had hit up Belize during low season so aside from one honeymooning couple from Europe we had the place to just us.

Day 2:  We started the morning watching the iguana’s and colorful carrie-carrie birds eat breakfast alongside us.  We had a

Carrie-Carrie Birds

yummy breakfast before we headed out to Calico Jack’s for our zip-lining adventures.  I have to admit zip-lining out in Monteverde in Costa Rica takes the cake, but this was still really fun.  The crew at Calico Jack’s actually trained with the Costa Rican team so I felt really safe.  I think this place will be amazing in another 2 years as they will be doubling the number of lines they have going through the jungle.

Afterwards, we decided to venture around and ended up at this cute little inn where we had lunch.  I had accidently left our money back at our pad so we had to see how much food we could buy on $10 USD!  We ended up playing jenga and enjoyed our chicken and plantain dish that we shared 5 ways!  I guess the people on Survivor had it worse

In the afternoon, we walked around Mystic River resort and met some of the animals they had.  A few horses, a rescued baby cow and a bunch of dogs.  Tom the owner took us out on his fun Polaris and let my friend Apara drive it.   We drove about 20 minutes out and went tubing down the river which was a blast.

That evening we discovered we were the only guest remaining at the resort so the five of us gals turned up the music and hosted our own dance party with the owners.  We taught them how to dance Indian Bhangra and of course ended with some Madonna and her Isla Bonita (since the song referred to San Pedro – where our next destination would be).

Day 3:  This was our big adventure day as we were going to accomplish going to the famous ATM ( not the banking machine) where the Mayan’s had built a cathedral where they made sacrifices to the Gods.  But this was no ordinary cathedral, it was hidden away in a cave in the middle of a jungle.  The whole 6 hour expedition reminded me of something out of Indian Jones.  We drove with our guides for about an hour where we then hiked through the jungle for an hour and crossed three rivers by foot.  We had a quick meal before heading near the mouth of the cave.  We had to swim across.  The following 1.5 hours was spent bouldering and rock-climbing through this cave.  It was pitch black inside so we had to wear hard hats with lights attached.  At points in the cave we would be in water neck-deep.

I was thinking to myself these Mayan people were really adventurous!  Or the landscape had changed a lot.  We don’t know if they had to deal with the water back then or if the cave entrance was more inviting and open.  Eventually an hour and a half later, we climbed a ladder to the official “cathedral”.  There we saw several skeletons of individuals who had been sacrificed.  There was broken pottery for offerings.  We had to carry socks and t-shirts with us so when we reached this point we could not wear our shoes and be covered in order to pay our respect.

This was one of the coolest adventures I had on this trip.  It was exhausting and scary at some points.  I left with a few bruises but overall, I’d highly recommend it.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up closing this site in a few years as there are so many pieces of historical significance out in the open.

We were all exhausted by the end and starving so when we came back to downtown San Ignacio, we went to this amazing restaurant for dinner.   No better way to end the day than with some traditional chicken, plantains, and beans and some yummy shrimp!

Day 4:  The next morning we went for a hike but our friend Apara, the super athlete, decided to run down the hill and unfortuantley sprained her ankle.  Our host, Tom, came to our rescue and picked us up in the Polaris.  He ended up driving us around and giving us a tour of the next phase he plans to develop for Mystic River.  Apparently there are a few caves that he plans on excavating on his grounds.  He’ll partner with the Belizian government so others can see these historic places.

We had our final breakfast and sadly bid farewell to Nadege and Tom.  We were off to the island of San Pedro.  It took us a 3 hour drive, 1.5 hour ferry ride, before we eventually arrived at our final destination: Coco Beach Resort!  We had to take a smaller boat to our hotel.  It was really funny to see the man get our bags in a wheel barrow!

That evening , we went to the little market store and ended up cooking a nice meal in our new home for the rest of our stay.

Day 4:  We were picked up early in the morning by a boat to take us to go snorkeling and diving!  The fish were absolutely amazing.  After our trip we explored the main city center of San Pedro.  We rented a golf cart (there are too many cars driving around the island).  It was great exploring the little bakeries, fresh fruit carts and stores around the little island.  The best part for me was photographing all the kids getting out of school.  So much energy and love for life on the island!

Day 5:  The next morning two of the gang headed home early as they had family obligations.  This was the first day we finally relaxed and did absolutely nothing.  I started reading Three Cups of Tea and checked in on work in between little stints in the pool.  My friend and I took out this massive Aqua Cycle in the sea but it didn’t make it out very far.

Day 6:  Our final day was spent renting bicycles as we explored the island territory around us.  My friend Vandna and I rode up the pier to this little island bar and had some lunch.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  Later that night we saved up our energy to head into San Pedro for the famous “ladies night” at Wet Willy’s!  We had some delicious Lobster (yes, official Lobster season started that week with an official Miss Lobster Beauty Contest – for girls not lobsters!) in this ally-way hole in the wall restaurant.  My lobster burrito was delicious!  It was good that we went dancing after as I needed to boogy the burrito off.  We were some of the first girls at Wet Willy’s so we just created our own dance party (seems to be our theme on this trip).  It was fun but we retired early catching the 10pm water taxi home!

Day 7:  Ahh…got to love the journey home!  We started our day a bit stranded as no one came to pick up our bags, no water taxi was ready to pick us up as promised, and we had no reservations for the tiny little plane that was supposed to take us from San Pedro to Belize City.  However, we were rescued by some friends of the resort.  A handsome Bolivian man with Arabic tattoos picked up in his boat.  When we landed in San Pedro, a random family with 2 kids heading to school, loaded us up in their mini-van and dropped us at the tiny airport.  Being on a small 14 passenger plane reinforced my desire for a future adventure…learning how to fly!

Summer is the time to get up and get out! Whether you’re playing in the sand, seeing a new place or at out in your own city, accessorize your fabulous summer with Sikara!

If you’re taking to the beach, try one of our pieces inspired by sand or the sea like the Yucatan circle cocktail ring, which has a lemon topaz stone that shines like the sun or our clam shell earrings inspired by the beaches of Rio. For a single statement making piece that won’t get lost in the tide, put on our Copacabana cuff, the sleek cut outs are perfect for showing some more skin in addition to your sexy new bikini!

When you’re staying closer to home, wear something simple with just a bit of sparkle like our Bella Artes brushed open rectangle necklace, earrings or bracelet with a single aqua chalcedony stone work great for backyard barbeques with your closest family and friends.

Are you going very far from home this summer? Then take one or all three of our pieces inspired by one of Mousumi’s favorite places to travel, Italy. The Italian matte double masquerade necklace, cluster Italian quadrato cluster earrings with smoky quartz and aqua chalcedony stones or the Capri sail ring (available in aqua chalcedony and smoky quartz) are inspired by the many adventures that Mousumi had during her trip to Italy!

While summer is a great time to see things you have never seen before, it is also great for exploring all of the events going on right in your city or just outside it. Sophisticated pearl pieces like our Branching Out mantra pendant or simple, understated hanging stud pearl earrings or double pearl swirl ring are perfect companions on a wine tasting trip out to the country.

Pave the streets with 18K Vermeil gold by wearing our fun and funky gold pieces like the long curved gemstone earrings with a sky blue aqua chalcedony stone, five stranded mesh vermeil beaded bracelet or extra large brushed swirl earrings. Any of these are a great way to capture if you want to capture street chic style. Wherever you go this summer, have fun and take Sikara with you!

On June 4^th and 5^th San Francisco celebrated its 35^th year of one of its largest free annual events, The Union Street Festival. Beginning at Gough Street, the festival featured over 175 arts and crafts booths, gourmet food booths, and live entertainment for anyone that wanted to indulge in some San Francisco fun in the sun. The Festival is held on San Francisco’s fashionable Union Street where historic Victorians have been transformed into popular boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Because this is such a forward thinking city, all aspects of the Union Street Festival was eco-friendly to promote the value of green thinking in our everyday lives!

Us at Sikara thought this would be a good way to get our name out there and meet neighboring stores, so we knew we absolutely had to participate in this annual event! Although it was a busy two days we were happy to have our employees, Alison, Monica, Devin, and Denayja there to help out with the craziness that came with the festival. We were also so happy to have our newest addition to the Sikara family, Azmeera, there to help out too!

Monica, Mousumi, Azmeera, and Denayja!

Monique and her colleague from CARE (a new nonprofit organization Sikara is partnering with!)

The designers at Sikara & Co. are constantly inspired by cultures the world over. From stones shaped and cut to resemble sailboats in Capri to hammered sterling reminiscent of the architecture in Bilbao, global influences have shaped Sikara’s unique brand of modern fusion.

After 5 years of progress, growth, and great support,we are excited to be launching Sikara’s Country Giving Program making our customers Global Ambassadors. Beginning on July 1st, 5% of profits from any purchase will be donated to one of three charities (Global Heritage Foundation, Kiva, Care)—transforming every customer into a Sikara Global Ambassador. Each charity contributes to enhancing culture in a special way (click the logo for more info):

The Global Heritage fund (GHF) preserves heritage sites in the developing world.

Kiva provides loans and support for entrepreneurs as they make their way out of poverty.

Care is empowering women through education.

To celebrate the launch of the program, our Boston pop-up store will be hosting a small party from 6-9pm the evening of July 1st. Everyone is invited to join us as founder, Mousumi Shaw, shares some her travel experiences that inspire our collections. For the launch night, 10% of all sales will be donated. There will be wine, snacks, stories, and of course loads of jewels! Come make your mark as the first Sikara Global Ambassadors.

Last Wednesday, Sikara & Co. had the opportunity to be a part of the 5th annual Austin Designer Sample Sale. The sale was fabulous, featuring Austin-based designers in jewelry, fashion, and accessories.

The atmosphere in Linda Asaf’s showroom on West 6th Street was fun and inviting. Everyone enjoyed the live music by Los Dos—they serenaded shoppers with original pieces and also took requests! The sale was a bargain hunter’s paradise, with prices as low as 75% off. Shoppers had the luxury of browsing through Linda Asaf’s flirty cocktail wear, Rachelle Briton’s eye-catching dresses, jewelry by Austin locals Catherine Nicole, Micah Yancey, and Candace Yang, as well as beautiful scarves from Shimmer & Bliss.

One table that seemed to receive a lot of traffic was Sew Sisters. Megan Summerville, who was recently recognized as Texas’s Next Top Designer, started the line. Sikara & Co. was set up right next to Sew Sisters so we got to meet Megan and hear about her line of beautiful lingerie.

Overall, the sale was a great success! Sikara & Co. picked up some new contacts and enjoyed seeing all the talent right here in Austin.

Keeping with the spirit of the bridal season, we had the pleasure of interviewing Linda Asaf, who was named Austin’s Best Bridal Designer of 2009 by Austin Fashion Week. But this noted fashion designer, who runs in the same circles as fashion giants like Vera Wang, Bill Blass and Badgley Mischka, knows about more than just bridal wear. Her collection of gorgeous gowns and evening wear display her chic and edgy sense of creativity and style. And we’re not the only ones who noticed; she was also named Best Austin Designer for the past two years by Rare Magazine. With a background in business and a flourishing career in fashion, Ms. Asaf is the epitome of a real woman with real style. We can’t wait to see what she does next!

Sikara (S): Who has influenced you the most as a designer?

Linda (L): There are so many people over the years but I would have to say it was my mother. She had an amazing sense of style and grace. I still love to look at photos of her from the fifties with her gorgeous dresses, handbags, shoes and headpieces.

(S): Is there a certain element or special feature that you put into your designs that you feel makes them special?

(L): Yes, I always try to feature interesting details to make them more unique. I also seek out unique and special fabrics.

(S): What is the biggest difference between the fashion business world and the traditional business world?

(L): Business is business and you have to be focused on the bottom line. I think fashion is very alluring to many people but you have to have a good business mind to succeed in this very competitive industry.  There are a lot of people who are drawn in but don’t have what it takes to succeed unfortunately.
(S): What item in your wardrobe would you save in a fire?

(L): My mother’s black silk opera coat with turquoise lining.

(S): What do you think has contributed most to your success?

(L): Stubbornness!  It’s actually a fairly common trait in entrepreneurs. AKA perserverence, drive, etc.

(S): When your life gets really busy, what do you do to center your self and avoid getting overwhelmed?

(L): I meditate a lot in the mornings and use positive imagery. I also try to work out regularly.

(S): What is your favorite thing about being a business owner in Austin?

(L): Austinites love to support their own. I am so blessed with how much support and encouragement I receive from the community.

(S): What do you miss most about New York?

(L): Honestly, my friends whom I’ve had for twenty years. On the fashion side, it’s the everyday access to resources and the cosmopolitan and fashionable environment.

(S): Is there any advice you would give to a young woman about to start a career in fashion?

(L): I tell them to get the technical training as well as some business background. Also that everything costs more and takes longer than you think when you’re starting a business so be patient.

(S): We hear one of your passions is sailing!  Are there any skills from sports and sailing that you bring i

nto your business?

(L): I guess I’d have to say that they both involve efficiencies in time and motion. Both can be pressure/deadline driven and accuracy is extremely important in both. It helps to have that training in sailing that I can transfer over to fashion.

(S): What is the biggest different between your bridal designs and your regular collection?
(L): In one sense, they are very similar. Most brides I design for are looking for something different and fashion forward. I have desgned wedding gowns in gold, cactus green, grey, and even ginger!  I am getting more into an urban contemporary style going forward with my ready to wear collection though.

(S): What is the ugliest bridesmaid’s dress you have ever seen?

(L): Wow!  I think it would have to be a vintage one that someone brought in. It would have melted if you put a match to it.

(S): What advice would you give a bride about selecting the perfect wedding dress?
(L): I’d say to go with gut instinct. You’ll know when it feels right. Also, don’t let others interfere with what you want and don’t try to please others too much. This is your day!

(S): What is your favorite Sikara jewelry piece?

(L): There are so many!  I wear the gorgeous silver cuff all the time. It’s fabulous!