2021 – Whew! We Made It! The Lessons (Re)Learned From 2020

When the history is written, 2020 will give us some good things and a lot more bad things but there are definitely lessons learned from 2020.  Taking a page from the great David Letterman, I want to share my list of the Top 10 Lessons Learned From 2020.

10.  Panic is real!

Accept it....deal with it....and then move thru it.

9.  We've done this before.

Certainly we've never done it quite like this, but...we've gone thru challenges that are enough like this that we can plan how to get thru this one.

8.  Pay attention!

….to what your people are telling you, your inventory flow, your cash flow, and your profit levels. For example, while we have some really unique vanity mirrors, we didn’t have a selection of basic, opening price, vanity mirrors.  Look for our new Pure and Classic mirrors coming in 2021.

7.  A bit of quiet time gives space for creativity and innovation.  

(more…)

What If Your Purchase of the Perfect Mirror Turns Out to Be . . . . Not Quite Perfect?

Don’t worry—we’re here to help!

We are happy to accept a return of a mirror within 120 days of the ship date because we know that having a good return policy gives you confidence in us.  (The Importance of a Good Return Policy)  This allows time for you to receive the mirror, inspect it thoroughly, and make sure it’s going to work in the intended space.  (more…)

Perfect Gift for the Holidays

I think I’m like most people – I both love the chance to pick out the perfect gift for the holidays and I panic when I’m faced with buying a gift for someone who is hard to shop for.  I LOVE the times when someone helps me out…..and I REALLY LOVE the times someone helps out my beloved husband and children.  Let me return the favor and help you out with some ideas…..  

For the One Who Deserves Some Pampering

  Most women don’t take enough time to take care of themselves.  I try really hard to not generalize but, in this case, I think I’m on pretty solid ground.  If the woman in your life would love the chance to just focus on herself, then a gift of a magnifying makeup mirror is ideal for her.  Having a magnifying makeup mirror allows her to spend some time primping and preening and generally making herself feel better.  A woman who feels like she looks good has the confidence to conquer the world…. (more…)

Thank You To Military Families

November 11, 2020 is Veteran’s Day and November is Military Family Month and at Aptations, we want to say thank you to military families.  The National Child Traumatic Stress Network tells us….  ”November was first declared as Military Family Month in 1996.  They contend with separation from their families and make adjustments to new living situations and communities.  Military Families embody strength, resilience, and courage.”  National Child Traumatic Stress Network

An American Story

My parents were both in the US Air Force.  My Dad retired as a Lt. Colonel and my Mom resigned her commission as a Captain when she married my father and started a family.  While neither were in the military when I was growing up, the impact of the military was a constant in our lives.  When we would prepare for a family vacation, my father would forget that we were children and not soldiers and would bark orders at us as if we were invading somewhere…..not just visiting family.  My Mom brought her skills as a leader and an Air Force officer to everything she did and was my role model to help me become the leader and owner of my own company. (more…)

Mirrors As Room Jewelry

I’ve always thought of mirrors as room jewelry.  And like the most perfect jewelry, it can make a definite statement about the overall look, in this case, of the room.       Back in 2009, at the depth of the last great recession, I was invited to a Girl’s Day at the San Francisco Nordstrom’s with a bunch of really good friends.  I was suffering from “recession fatigue” and wanted to get out with friends and enjoy some shopping.  I was just getting out - I was not going to spend any money!  Well….that plan didn’t work so well and I ended up falling in love with and buying a couple of great outfits that were WAY beyond the current clothing budget.  Then the personal shopper asked, “would you like to take a look at some scarves and belts to go with that?”  In for a penny, or in my case a stressed credit card…..I reasoned.  I agreed and piled on even more expensive accessories.       Even though I knew I would be calling, first my credit card company, and then my husband, to explain these extravagant purchases including scarf, belt and shoes, I still bought them because they were absolutely perfect with those outfits.  Frankly, it would have been a bad idea to try to accessorize these great outfits – expensive clothing investments - with the things I already had.  It wouldn’t have done justice to any of the pieces.  (more…)

Mirror With Value for Your $$

The reviewer said….”it was a bit pricey, but well worth it…..”  I love it when customers find value in our mirrors!  It means that we have struck a balance between the price that they paid and the quality of the mirror that we delivered to them.   It is tricky to talk about value because it is an intangible quality to deliver.  The recent pandemic has made us all aware that seemingly trivial items can have great value – toilet paper in March, for example.  I have been giving a lot of thought to defining how I determine value in a mirror, and even in “normal” times, value is an elusive and intangible thing, often only understood by the person looking for value.  Like beauty, value…. “is in the eye of the beholder.” (Margaret Wolfe Hungerford)  (more…)

Choosing the Best Magnification Mirrors for Hotels

Recently, a designer asked me about choosing the best magnification mirrors for hotels and their guests.  Most successful designs give the guest the feeling of home but with luxurious amenities.    

Do you Need Magnification Mirrors in Hotels?

Magnifying mirrors should be one of those amenities and in every hotel & resort.  Now, I’m not just saying this because I’ve been selling magnified mirrors for the last 10 years but as someone that has worn glasses since the 2nd grade.  Believe me, there is nothing more uncomfortable than having to crane your neck like a giraffe (or in my case a full body stretch) across the vanity to be able to see that painful eyelash poking in my eye or apply eyeliner without looking like a raccoon ~ eek!  I’ve even resorted to using the guestroom wardrobe mirror in the dimly lit hallway.  Battling the unflattering shadows of a single ceiling canister light.  Hoping that I don’t look like a Goth clown as I race off to an important business meeting.  And even if you have perfect vision, magnification allows for exacting application of lip liner or eyeliner, subtle blending of colors, flawless tweezing, and crisp shaving because let’s be honest, we ALL like to look good!  (more…)