Sunday, December 26, 2010

Farewell 2010

Luxe Life 
New & Vintage

Luxe Life was founded in Spring 2009 shortly after I was laid-off from my full-time job.  Although it was in 2009 that was able to start the business, I had been contemplating this business model  for some time as the "smart behind art and design" has been my hobby for over 20 years.  My passion along with the changes in how people shop, global access opportunities and social consciousness made me convinced that;
  • Full market value is rarely reached, for most product categories, in a one-day-selling model favored by traditional auction services.
  • Buyers Premiums of +25% will go away.  People will refuse to pay them if they have options.
  • Global Shoppers can price negotiate on line, on phone and in-person
  • Consignment shopping and selling can be a sophisticated and professional experience and should be easy to understand and access.
  • Traditional Consignment shops fees are too high and take to long to sell your items 
  • 'Less is more' & 'Quality not Quantity' is a growing philosophy shared by many
  • Access to secondary market offerings and sales services should be open and easy to understand.
  • The realization that our planets resources ARE finite
I have worked for luxury product companies for the majority of my career.  My appreciation for luxury products and the industry was fueled by an ever evolving "eye" that comes with experience and knowledge.  That, coupled with the stories that surround these beautiful items, the provenance; history, passion, artistry and often, incredible sacrifice give these items deeper meaning.

Luxe Life has evolved quite a bit in the year we have been open.  Our efforts to always "strive to exceed expectations" in all we do has been the driving force behind Luxe Life since day 1.  We don't always succeed, but we always try.  And that, I believe that is a major differentiator between Luxe Life and similar businesses.  We really care.

Our pursuit of perfection comes with constant change and the inevitable growing pains that accompany.  2010 was full of them.  Our positioning was firmly planted, Expert Partner Network further developed, Shipping process improvements established and a myriad of endless operational policies and procedures were created to ensure that our standards are consistent from day to day.

Our conversion to our new website and selling platforms is  currently underway.   When completed, our Sellers (Individuals and Businesses) will be thrilled at their options and the presentation.  Our SEO support for each and every item will give comfort our Sellers that they will get market value for their items in the shortest amount of time.  Our Shopper/Buyers will have greater ease in finding their treasures.  

We have evolved much, but have stayed true to our commitment throughout;  to create a selling service and sales platform that is easy to understand and that has access to the most appropriate and the largest global  'Buying audience' possible.  We love new items and are committed to giving old things new life.  We strive to bring the best in design, from today and yesterday and value to our Sellers; the Dealers, the designing entrepreneurs and the "regular guy and gal" that need help. 

As we celebrate our 1 year we look forward to continued success and growth and celebrate and thank our friends;  Investors, Dealers, Artists, Designers, Craftsmen, Non-Profits, Entrepreneurs and Consignors.   

Farewell 2010 ~ Here's to 2011!
Lisa


Saturday, December 4, 2010

Luxe Life ~ Designer Direct

Luxe Life
Designer Direct

Luxe Life launched it's new website this week along with our Designer Direct program.   Extending our selling services to Chicago Artists and Designers is a definite need that we are thrilled to meet.  Being an entrepreneur, I realize the value of smart-support-services and partnerships that make sense for all.  

I have met more than one passionate and gifted Designer in my day.  Sadly, it is hard for many to have the skills and time to be great marketers, promoters, PR specialists and sales fulfillment experts at the same time they are creating.  These are needed skills or services that take one from being "talented" to  being successful in their career.  We are thrilled to assist in getting the best of Chicago Designers and Artists more global access and freeing up time for them to create more beauty for us to enjoy. Lauren Lein and Tennille White are two of the best Designers Chicago has to offer.  Read their bios and their accomplishments, (link below) they are many and impressive.  To have survived and possibly thrived during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression is a monumental accomplishment in itself.  I know you will enjoy the initial collections, subsequent additions and the new talent being added monthly.



Enjoy ~ Lisa 


Designs by Tennille White / Model:  Brittany Oliver

Designs by Lauren Lein "Global Fashionista Collection" / Model:  Alex Sabbag



Lauren Lein & Lisa Ackerman