Meet the 2012 Winners

Business name:

Uprise Art, a genius new site that aims to make art collectors out of everyone.

Founders:

Tze Chun

Website:

www.upriseart.com

The world needs my business because...

Despite the various ways in which one can buy art, none make investing in art as accessible as we do! We have an innovative business model that takes away the sticker shock for the buyer and ensures a more sustainable existence for the artist, all while removing the mystique of the art world by providing a place for artists and collectors to interact. Collecting art should be fun and available to even those who feel they know nothing about art. We aim to streamline the whole process in a way that benefits collectors, artists, and the community.

My big idea moment was...

Putting together conversations with friends who were artists struggling to find interested buyers and collectors and conversations with friends who were involved in finance and law looking for ways to give their great new apartment a style and sense of character.

My greatest challenge so far has been...

Inspiring people to trust their own instincts when it comes to art. Even though we make art available at an affordable price point, people hesitate to begin collecting because they feel they need a base level of expertise about art, which is not necessarily true. Art is for everyone!

Business name:

Apt2B, furniture for those with Knoll taste and an Ikea budget.

Founders:

Mat Herman

Website:

www.apt2b.com

The world needs my business because...

Apt2B has a truly unique business model unlike any other online site. We have revolutionized the way customers shop online. You see, Apt2B lives only online, with no brick-and-mortar store, but we operate on a local level in a specific metropolitan city. By selling, warehousing, and delivering locally, we operate as a "virtual store next door." Apt2B really targets a generation of tech-savvy, style-conscious consumers and embodies a culture and voice unlike any other home store. Through FB, Twitter, blogging, and our own high-end website, the characters of Apt2B provide local tips and advice from weekend entertainment to our "just the tip Tuesdays," where one can learn that if you want candles to burn twice as long, just put them in your freezer before using them. Apt2B is not merely an e-commerce site but a lifestyle brand that has huge scalability. We are proving ourselves in Los Angeles with hopes to take it to every major city yet still run it on a local level in those cities.

My big idea moment was...

When I lost my job in the home furnishings business in 2008. As a result, I lost my house in the Hollywood Hills and went from the penthouse to the outhouse almost overnight. I was too old to shop at Ikea but could no longer afford my taste level. I realized there needed to be a place to shop for my apartment and home where I didn't have to compromise my style. That is why I created Apt2B, as we are trying to bridge the gap between Ikea and Crate & Barrel with fun, functional, stylish, quality products all at an affordable price.

My greatest challenge so far has been...

Eyeballs, eyeballs, eyeballs! People love Apt2B.com, and when they get to the website, they do backflips! Our analytics show that these consumers spend more than five minutes on our site and view up to twelve pages per visit. However, we average only around 700 views a day. We need to get 7,000 views and more a day to do the kind of business that we are capable of. The engine is built; we now need the machine to take it to the next level.

Business name:

Taste Savant, a well-curated site that solves the age-old question, "Where should we eat?"

Founders:

Sonia Kapadia

Website:

www.tastesavant.com

The world needs my business because...

There is no comprehensive space to get trustworthy and expert information when looking for a restaurant. Now there is with Taste Savant. We are a highly curated restaurant discovery site, helping the savvy diner decide where to eat. We curate reviews and restaurants from only trusted sources, including friends, critics, chefs, bloggers, and others in the know. If you search for a restaurant on our site, you'll see only restaurants that are worth your while and only reviews from people who know what they are talking about. We are basically the opposite of Yelp. Looking for a $5 dumpling place in Chinatown? We'll show you only the very best options. You don't need 100 dumpling places; you need only a few and that's what we offer. All restaurant reviews are aggregated into three categories ?critics, friends, and users ?and are scored love, like, or skip, so that a person can quickly discern what different reviewers think about a restaurant. Taste Savant currently aggregates reviews from esteemed sources including The New York Times, New York Magazine, Tasting Table, the Michelin Guide, and Eater. Taste Savant users can also choose the other people they'd like to follow on the site to keep informed of others' activity and reviews. We are also integrated with menus, reservations, dining deals, and delivery, so that you can get all that your heart desires in one place, finally!

My big idea moment was...

I had moved back to New York after spending five years outside of the city (two years getting my MBA at Harvard and three years in London working abroad), and I was looking for a restaurant. I was sitting on my couch, trying to figure out where to eat for date night. I found myself going through this crazy cross-referencing process in search for a restaurant. I emailed my friends asking what their favorite places were. I then googled "best restaurants" in different neighborhoods. I read reviews on The New York Times and New York Magazine. I went to Yelp, got frustrated with their content, and closed out their window. I then checked my last Tasting Table email for recommendations. And finally I checked Menupages to scope out the menu and went to Open Table to find availability. It seemed ridiculous, but I wanted to gather all this information because I didn't want to be disappointed in where I ate. I only wished all of this info were in one place. Aha! That was the big idea moment. At the time I was working at Rent the Runway. So in my free time (nights and weekends) I started vetting the idea. I began researching and asked all my friends how they went about finding a restaurant, their thoughts on Yelp, and their thoughts on my concept. Eventually I realized that this could be a real business, and I've been working on it ever since.

My greatest challenge so far has been...

Was finding a way to balance starting a family and starting my business. My first child is due in August, so I've been pregnant the past seven months while trying to building momentum on Taste Savant. It hasn't been easy. While dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of trying to grow a business, I was working on figuring out how I was going to try to have it all. But I managed to persevere. I learned to find strength in happy moments and high points to help carry me through the lows. I found motivation from the people around me, my family, my core. And that is what helped me get through it all. Life could not be better, and I'm more prepared for harder challenges that may come my way.

Business name:

Soap Cartel, wholesome, old-fashioned soaps that are as good for your skin as they are looking.

Founders:

Dayana Ariza

Website:

www.soapcartel.com

The world needs my business because...

The world needs my business because I am convinced that life should have a natural way about itself. You can feel the purity and wholesomeness that natural products have to offer, and you will never want to go back to commercial bath and body products ever again. I use only nature's most treasured ingredients from all over the world to fashion Soap Cartel's line of unique artisanal range of day-to-day essentials, all made by me in my New York-based studio. Soap Cartel products encourage you to pamper yourself (this should be a no-brainer!); our daily lives can be stressful in this day and age, but the little time you do get to yourself doesn't have to be.

My big idea moment was...

Hernan, my fiance, has tinea versicolor. It's a skin condition that causes discoloration of the skin. Many doctors told him that there is no actual cure for this; after doing our research, we came to the realization that some essential oils such as tea tree and lavender have healing properties that fight against the condition. We began understanding the difference natural products have on your skin, your body, and, most importantly, your overall health. After our extensive life-changing research, we decided to become involved in the process and took better control over what foods we consumed and also what type of products we indulged in, as well as give more thought into who produced the products we chose to spend our money on. What better way to handle all of this than controlling the process from start to finish by making it yourself? And so that's what we had in mind when we started Soap Cartel.

My greatest challenge so far has been...

My greatest challenge so far as a small business owner is being able to manage time wisely and effectively. This was a challenge in the beginning of this process and continues to be a challenge now as I wear many hats and also work full time during the day. I'm the finance department, the marketing department, customer service, and photographer. I also make the products and update the website, aside from creating it.

Business name:

Lauren Nevada, a Brooklyn designer who creates flattering dresses and separates that stand the test of time.

Founders:

Lauren Batchelder

Website:

www.laurennevada.com

The world needs my business because...

We make killer clothes. Drop-dead gorgeous. Lauren Nevada's women's collections are special and feminine ? different yet wearable. The pattern making is very creative. They are original, and the collections are also filled with pieces you can wear every day. Collaborations are a big part of the creative process: We have worked with artists in Brooklyn, a blogger in Tunisia, and a photographer in Paris. We believe that there is so much talent out there, and it is important to seek out others who love what they do ? seamstresses, weavers, photographers, artists, patternmakers, etc. Good energy is contagious.

My big idea moment was...

Learning to slow down and stop measuring success in numbers. What felt like a painful screeching of the brakes, this was the best thing I have done so far. When I began to take it slow and enjoy the process of working and designing, this creativity showed through in the Lauren Nevada collections and collaborations.

Business name:

Honeysuckle Gelato, Southern-inspired treats in flavors like honey fig, mint julep, and bourbon pecan.

Founders:

Khatera Ballard, Wes Jones, Jackson Smith

Website:

www.honeysucklegelato.com

The world needs my business because...

My Southern-inspired gelato is as unique as it gets! The flavors are mouthwatering. The honey fig gelato pairs well with the rich dark chocolate. We make the rich brown caramel that gets layered into our sea-salted caramel gelato ? each spoonful leaves you craving more. The blueberry cobbler is heavenly, while the banana gelato with peanut butter caramel will have you at a loss for words! I can go on and on about the flavors, but one taste is really all it takes to truly understand why the world needs Honeysuckle Gelato.

My big idea moment was...

When I had just graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Education and was set on starting my career in higher education. I was visiting family in Atlanta, and one of my good friends had me over for some gelato he had made himself using a small and, quite frankly, cheap ice cream maker. I was shocked ? it was the best frozen dessert I had ever consumed. He trained under Jon Snyder (the guru in the gelato world!) in NYC and was looking to move back to Atlanta. I thought: Why not make some Southern-inspired gelato?

My greatest challenge so far has been...

Funding, of course! I know this is a challenge for all small business owners, but I am grateful for our "growing pains" in this area, because it really forced us to get creative and find new revenue streams. We now have our food truck, which helps pay the bills, but the ultimate goal is to be a much larger distribution company and to find regional and eventually national distribution options for our pints.

Business name:

Iva Jean, the fashionable and waterproof rain cape perfect for the biker in you.

Founders:

Ann DeOtte, age 30

Website:

ivajean.com

How has your business changed/grown in the past year?

We went into our second round of production on the Rain Cape and currently developing a more extensive line for release in early 2013. We are now selling in stores across the country and have participated in shows/fairs in Seattle, San Francisco and New York.

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

I was thrilled and absolutely shocked. I was so happy to know that I had so many people and especially DailyCandy believing in what I was doing.

In retrospect, what part of the DailyCandy Academy was most meaningful/helpful to you?

It was so great to meet with fashion designer Charlotte Ronson. I loved hearing more about her climb to success and how it was a dream that unfolded over many years (not overnight).(much like mine!) I also especially loved meeting all of the other winners. Everyone's story was so inspiring and its been nice keeping in touch with them.

How did you first get your big idea?

When I started riding my bike in Seattle, I assumed that I needed to buy a brand new bike, a bright green jacket and waterproof panniers. After visiting a few shops, I realized that I really didn't care for any of it; and I definitely wasn't going to pay a premium price for gear that didn't fit my style or needs. It frustrated me that most items were very hi-tech looking, designed first for men, or plastered with flowers and "women appropriate" designs. I wanted to be able to ride my bike to brunch with friends and not be the only one in head-to-toe spandex.

As I continued my love affair with biking in the city, I realized that I didn't need all of the bike-specific goodies. Although, I did start to notice the things that made biking easier; rubber-soled heels, 4-way stretch trousers and a big ol' basket. These observations got me thinking.

One evening riding home from work, I got caught in the rain. I thought to myself, "This wouldn't be so bad if I could just protect more than my torso. Could I wear a poncho to cover my legs and hands?!" That night I did some research online and noted that all of the existing options were not going to work. From that point on, I set out to develop my first product, a better Rain Cape - a sophisticated and stylish jacket that functions on and off a bike.

What were you doing before you launched?

I was (and still am) working as a Marketing for a national architecture and design firm.

What was your scariest moment first starting out?

Dropping that first chunk of change on production was scary. I was so nervous that no one would buy the Rain Cape and I'd be stuck with all the inventory.

Who was your biggest mentor?

I found that all of the mentors were helpful. I loved sitting next to Lauren Merkin at our lunch Lauren connected me with a few fabric sources and kept in touch after the event. Also, talking with the former CMO of Bluefly was fantastic. She gave some great perspective and provided some confidence in what I was trying to do and the audience I was trying to reach.

What's next for your business?

A more extensive line and perhaps an online shop for all of my favorite accessories and fashion.

Who would you want to play you in the movie?

Michelle Williams, most definitely

Business name:

Quinn Popcorn

Founders:

Kristy & Coulter Lewis, age 31

Website:

quinnpopcorn.com

How has your business changed/grown in the past year?

When we found out we won, we had 6,000 bags of popcorn in stock, which sold out immediately thanks to DailyCandy. Today we sell 5 times that much every month! We have gone from a 2 person company to one with four full timers, 4 interns, a 4 person packing crew, and a whole lot of popcorn leaving the door every day headed for retail locations across the country. From working out of our attic to our huge new warehouse, we are still riding the wave - it has been surreal.

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

I was in the grocery store, and I totally froze. I couldn't believe it. I was literally in shock! We were just one company out of the hundreds of awesome food companies who applied. It was an honor to win.

In retrospect, what part of the DailyCandy Academy was most meaningful/helpful to you?

Coulter and I loved meeting all the mentors and hearing their stories first hand — the ups and downs of starting a company. Their experience helps us avoid the biggest pitfalls. We've kept in touch with food critic and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons who has offered to "taste test" and critique our flavors. She has given us great feedback and offered advice on different ingredients to use — which reminds me, I need to send her our new test kit!

How did you first get your big idea?

Five years prior to starting Quinn Popcorn, we realized that something had to give. While microwave popcorn is a favorite go-to, something that should be so pure and healthy was laden with chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Bringing our first son Quinn home was the turning point. I knew microwave popcorn needed to be changed, and I started to realize that I could be the person to do it.

What were you doing before you launched?

I was working at Harmonix Music Systems — they invented Rock Band, and I LOVED my job. Coulter was working at IDEO as a product designer, and also LOVED his job. He only just left to come onto Quinn Popcorn full time about 2 weeks ago, because we LOVE doing this even more!

What was your scariest moment first starting out?

The most difficult moment would be trying to start a company two weeks after delivering our son, Quinn. The words 'baby' and 'start-up' really shouldn't be in the same sentence. Sleep was non-existent. It's still scary now, too. We have a lump-in-the-throat-terrified moment at least once a week, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

Who was your biggest mentor from the Academy?

Gail Simmons. She really encouraged us to stay true to our beliefs and values, and not lower our high food ingredient standards just to sell more. Her palette is a good one too. I should add, she's also our favorite taste tester.

What's next for your business?

New flavors! We are in the testing phase of new flavors. They will soon be to market so keep an eye out!

Who would you want to play you in the movie?

"Liz Lemon" Tina Faye. ;)

Business name:

Cold Spring Apothecary. We manufacture all natural skin care, hair care, and home goods.

Founders:

Stacey Wesselmann, age 32

Website:

coldspringapothecary.com

How has your business changed/grown in the past year?

It's grown so much! We've added new seasonal products, and we've really increased brand awareness with features in Vogue and Martha Stewart.

What was your reaction when you found out?

I would say excited and surprised. Excited because this has always been a passion of mine, but surprised because my husband entered me in and we really didn't believe we'd be considered. Having my business get to where it's at today has always been a dream of mine. - DailyCandy really helped us get there.

In retrospect, what part of the DailyCandy Academy was most helpful/meaningful to you?

I loved meeting with Lev Glazman and AlinaRoytberg from Fresh. They really helped me to evaluate my business plan.

Also, meeting the other winners and seeing what they went through was amazing. It was so inspiring to be around passionate people who chase their dreams! I've made close friends with the winners - we keep in touch often, bounce ideas off of each other - we help keep each other in check!

How did you first get your big idea?

I've always had a passion to do this since I was little. I had allergies to synthetic chemicals from the beauty products I was using. I began educating myself in the products I was using and realized how unnecessary it was to have so many chemicals in these products. I thought, "why not have something that's good for you?" and set out to make my own line of products.

What were you doing before you launched?

I worked for a production company but always had a passion to create these products. I always wanted to work for myself, and finally decided to go into this business full-on with the little money I had saved. I spent a whole year experimenting trying to find the right ingredients.

What was your scariest moment starting out?

I would say opening a store, definitely. I started this business out with the support of my husband and all my savings. The chance that the store could fail and we'd lose everything was terrifying. We were only open a few months before we entered into the contest. Thanks to the contest, I've been able to really take my business to the next level and my dreams have become a reality.

Who was your biggest mentor?

I spent the most time with the Fresh mentor. He offered me some great advice that I really put into practice — he told me to focus on creating higher quality products, rather than having too many products.

What's next for business?

Currently, we are in the process of opening a spa, as well as a second storefront. We are also writing a book expected to be released in the fall.

Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Goldie Hawn

Business name:

: Amelia. A well-curated boutique with everything from vintage jewelry to ecclectic home goods. Soon-to-include a furniture line, too.

Founders:

Erin Austen Abbott, age 36

Website:

ameliapresents.com

How has your business changed/grown in the past year?

Last year, at the DailyCandy Academy, I spoke with Jonathan Adler and was newly motivated to launch my e-commerce store. I always knew I would launch one but to hear and see how he has been able to bring his retail presence to life online was inspiring. I launched my e-comm site last December, two months after returning home!

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

I was in disbelief. I automatically felt pressure to scale my business. I wanted to put my best foot forward at the Academy.

In retrospect, what part of the DailyCandy Academy was most meaningful/helpful to you?

I think the connections that I made have proved the most helpful. Some of the mentors that I met at the lunch have really been a great team of support. Christiane from DwellStudios has been extremely supportive and has continued to keep in touch to help me take my ideas further and to the next level. The entire weekend I was able to reevaluate my business plan and give myself more direction to put it into action. The Academy helped me to hone in and focus rather than being all over the map. I've also been able to keep in touch with some of the other winners, and it's been great to keep up to date on each other's lives. We all have the entrepreneur spirit within us, and we all risked so much to pursue it, so it's been great to almost hold each other accountable with our business dreams.

How did you first get your big idea?

Can I have two big ideas? After so many years of traveling for work, I realized I wanted to own the store that I always sought out on the road - vintage, eclectic, home-y & fun. As for the furniture line I plan to launch, I' always been into furniture design. The piece I've been dreaming about for the past four years is the one I plan to start with. I could tell you what that is but I'd have to kill you.

What were you doing before you launched?

I was working as a travel nanny for a rock band.

What was your scariest moment first starting out?

My scariest moment was 'will I have customers?' It turned out to be a success.

Who was your most favorite mentor from the Academy?

Christiane Lemieux from DwellStudio was by far my biggest mentor, and still is. She helped me to focus all of my ideas into one footprint to keep my business plan more organized. She provided great feedback in regards to my furniture design, and all the necessary steps to take to bring my furniture design to the next level.

What's next for your business?

Next up for Amelia is to sell my furniture designs and begin expanding that part of the business. I plan to open two more shops soon, too.

Who would you want to play you in the movie?

Claire Danes or Michelle Williams (I should note, this is based on my respect of their acting, not because we look anything alike).

Business name:

Dolly Pearl, feminine dresses perfect for bridesmaids or just cocktails.

Founders:

Vi Hoang, age 30

Website:

dollypearl.com

How has your business changed/grown in the past year?

I've deliberately remained very close to all parts of the business to ensure the brand and my vision were never diluted. But, I've made great strides in the last year and Dolly Pearl will be now sold in high-end boutiques nationwide including Bella Bridesmaid's 12 stores across the country.

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

I was ecstatic! DailyCandy is such an amazing website and marketing tool for those who are lucky enough to be featured. The power of the brand continues to have a positive effect on my company.

In retrospect, what part of the DailyCandy Academy was most meaningful/helpful to you?

Hearing the stories of those in the industry — how they started and what they did to get where they are now. It was very inspirational and insightful.

How did you first get your big idea?

I started draping a top for myself in the middle of the night, and my fianc? at the time (now husband) told me that I should start a line. That is how Dolly Pearl was born.

What were you doing before you launched?

I was attending FIT for fashion design, here in NYC.

What was your scariest moment first starting out?

Not knowing whether people would "get" my vision, whether it was marketable or not.

Who was your favorite mentor at the DailyCandy Academy?

Isaac Mizrahi - I had his designs on my bedroom wall when growing up! He reminded me that no matter what, I will bounce back as long I have my vision. He also encouraged me to handle as much as I can myself before outsourcing. I've heeded his advice.

What's next for your business?

I'd like to be in 20 stores by the end of the year and open a store front next year. I foresee Dolly Pearl really shaking things up and changing the bridal industry forever!

Who would you want to play you in the movie?

Angelina Jolie, HAH! I dream big.

Business name:

Nella Pasta

Founders:

Leigh Foster, age 27, Rachel Marshall, age 28

Website:

nellapasta.com

How has your business changed/grown in the past year?

In the past year, we've amped up production to supply a host of new stores and farmers markets and even the Dean & Deluca website (which means you can now order online and have the pasta shipped!). We also became members of the NASFT and won the coveted silver Sofi Award for our Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Ravioli. Since winning the contest in 2010, Nella Pasta has increased revenue by 511%. Our locally sourced and sustainable pastas are now sold in 15 retail locations, 15 farmer's markets and 3 restaurants; Nella Pasta also now employs 9 people (as opposed to zero in 2010 for almost all of the above).

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

When we entered "Start Small, Go Big" contest we defined small. Our business was literally just the two of us selling our handmade pasta to farmers markets and a small handful of stores. In fact, we were feeling particularly defeated by a broken ravioli machine and a huge festival just a few days away. We were actually driving on the highway and had to pull over when we received the phone call that we won — we literally screamed into the phone in delight! We knew our win would put us on the map by giving the confidence to grow our business, not to mention the guidance we received from veteran business owners.

In retrospect, what part of the DailyCandy Academy was most meaningful/helpful to you?

We would both agree that our lunch with chef & restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, the co-owner of Blue Hill Farm and the merchandising team from Dean & Deluca was the most helpful. We received collaborative feedback from an amazing group of people with varying backgrounds and interests. It was so interesting to hear them feed off one another when giving advice and the whole experience of listening and dining was amazing!

How did you first get your big idea?

We wanted to break down the stereotype of pasta by creating a healthy, nutrient-dense product that is good for you, the plant and the local economy.

What were you doing before you launched?

Customer service in the design center — not fun.

What was your scariest moment first starting out?

Forgoing a steady, reliable paycheck and the comfort of having a network of colleagues and believe it or not, having a boss.

Who was your biggest mentor?

Barbara from Blue Hill Farm was such an inspiration. She talked about all aspects of the business with us, especially marketing and packaging. She really encouraged us to make sure our products stood out visually on the shelves. Immediately after the Academy, we met with a marketing company to enhance our packaging, and it has done wonders for us! Also, Marcus Samuelson really encouraged and inspired us to continue to stay local with ingredients, and stay true to our values.

What's next for your business?

A Sofi Gold! If we don't get it this go-round (but we sure hope we do!), we'll keep submitting our ravioli varieties until we do. We're also looking to extend our reach into the entire New England and Tri-State area.

Who would you want to play you in the movie?

We'll stick with last year's picks: Leigh says Keri Russell, Rachel says Rachel McAdams .

Business name:

Thursdays

Founder name(s), age(s):

Stephania Stanley, 29, and Colleen Reilly, 29

Website:

thursdaynightdinner.org

How has your business changed/grown in the past year?

We still can't believe how much we've grown. During the last year, we have taken on four new guest contributors, launched our Twitter and Facebook, and unique hits to the site have doubled. With our new staff, we've been able to double the amount of posts each week, adding three new regular columns including our favorite, hair tutorials. We have also expanded our shop, adding an exclusive vendor and craft kits, and are offering weekly crafting workshops in Louisville, Kentucky, and four cooking, crafting, and photography workshops in NYC.

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

Colleen got the call from DailyCandy, and we're pretty sure she told them to shut up. Then we got on instant messenger with each other, and there were a lot of exclamation points.

In retrospect, what part of the DailyCandy Academy was most meaningful/helpful to you?

One-on-one mentoring sessions were the most meaningful. It was great to be able to talk specifically about our project with someone who was giving us their undivided attention. We truly garnered such insightful business tips at the Academy, and when we came home, evaluated our business plan right away to see how we could scale our business in a way we could manage.

How did you first get your big idea?

S: I always have my Google Reader open while I’m doing work to keep me inspired and creative. Anytime I'm drawing a blank on what to blog about, what our monthly themes should be, or even the best way to shoot a slice of cake, I turn to my fellow bloggers for fresh ideas.

When did you know you’d made it?

We knew we wanted to do a project together combining Stephania's photography skills, Colleen's writing skills, and our love of cooking and crafting. We've been having Thursday Night Dinners with our girlfriends since college, and everyone we talk to about it always thinks it's so cool. One day it just clicked that it would be a great way to pursue our interests and also spread the idea to other people.

What were you doing before you launched?

Stephania was in grad school getting her MFA in photography and related media at Parsons. Colleen was working at Barnard College in New York.

What was your scariest moment first starting out?

Who was your biggest mentor (at Academy)?

Jeanne Connon from the Daily Grommet was our one-on-one mentor, and she was fantastic and very gracious. We still reach out to her when we have questions or want her suggestions.

What's next for your business?

This next year is a big one for us. We're currently in the process of creating a campaign on Kickstarter to help fund a major update on our site. We'll be adding user functionality so that our followers can sign in and save their favorite recipes and crafts, create grocery and craft store lists, and form their own Thursday Night Dinner groups. In the next few months, we'll also be launching a section tentatively called Start Your Own, which will provide ideas and suggestions on how you can start your own version of a Thursdays? group, from forming a book and a cooking group to running or just plain cooking and drinking wine.

Who would you want to play you in the movie?

We both want Zooey Deschanel.