Category: products

Ten things ‘to do’ to prep your social media for holiday marketing

The holidays are HERE! As business owners we strive to stay ahead of the game before shoppers get into the holiday spirit. Branding & marketing for the holidays is a full time job so Octane offers 10 things to do to prep your social media for the holidays:

Update Your Social Profiles

Make sure all your social mediums are updated with the latest branding and updated logo for the holidays.

Put Forth A Master Plan (posting schedule)

I often pre-schedule my posts based on basic timeframes for social media. I encourage you to take a full 30 minutes in the morning or evening to plan a full 7 to 10 days worth of posts. Set a weekly and monthly goal for yourself to balance your engagement with your clients.

For content, share quick tips, quick fixes , practical advice & testimonials for the holiday.

Have Online Support Info Ready

When I purchase something for my kids that doesn’t pan out, nothing is more infuriating to me then the lack of customer service to help fix my problem. Same applies to the basics of any good business that offers support online. Share a link, or have a button that leads to more detailed explanation of your service support.

Cool Tip: Can’t afford the fancy “online chat” feature? I love the use of the Facebook Chat option directly usable on your website. It’s connected me quickly to customers who have questions about products that usually leads to a same day sale.

Get Equipped with Your Social Tools

There’s so many amazing tools out there! Some of my fave tools I used this holiday season for Social Media are:

You may have others! Feel free to share!

Team up with an Influencer

You may or may not have enough time for this depending on what your product is for the holiday season. Its really important to me as a business built on the connection of other businesses to make room for collaborations during the holiday season.

For instance my family print + ship holiday cards include free sticker and coloring activity sheets for kids. These are designed by a local vendor / influencer that I politely emailed earlier that best works with my company values.

Advent Calendar Countdown

Countdowns are all the rave! When customers see they have limited time to do something, it can often push to a sale. Make every day feel special with some freebies or select discounts with each new day. Feature some of your fave products that keep your products / services top notch. Don’t forget to tag them in your social media posts!

Cool Tip: Celebrate the “12 days of Christmas” with exclusive coupons/ discounts or offer FREE shipping on select days of the week to increase days with lower sales.

Run a Customer Appreciation Coupon

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is PERFECT for these moments! Take advantage of this the open window when people are most looking for deals.

If you’re selling goods online, use “Cyber Monday” as a way to get the extra sale. If you’re a physical storefront use creative marketing in person and across social media to get shoppers to you.

Create Social Media Only Discounts

This has grown a lot since it started years ago. Again creating incentives for people creates greater intention of them to use your product/ service.

Create Bundles

Make purchasing simple for customers by offering the freedom of choice in there shopping experiences. Do you create t-shirts AND socks? Offer them together!

Octane offers FREE blank white envelopes for all print + ship orders during the holidays because who needs to make a separate fun for envelopes?

Get Behind a Cause

I cannot encourage community enough! We ARE stronger together! Partner up with your local non-profit for #GivingTuesday or give a portion of your holiday sales to a program making impact where you are.  Here’s a few of our favorites:

At the End of the Day, You’re Not a Robot

Be yourself. If you’re not big, don’t fake it. If your super small, show your dedication to the craft making the BEST product / service. The more you give to people, the more they want to give back to you.
Be human to the people folks. You may be surprised by the return of human comfort it gifts you!

Passionate Event Designs: Fall Inspired Tablescape Sweet and Savory

Are you tired the traditional fall colors? You know, the yellows, oranges and reds combined? Those colors our parents and grandparents pulled out the closet to add a little extra love in the room at the beginning of Autumn. I know this too well myself! I can say that being a event designer I find inspiration in almost anything especially nature, seasons, and natural elements.  I dare to be different, bold and unique creating designs and styles that could seem a bit risky!

The inspiration for this tablescape first came from my obsession of Fall. I guess can say I love Fall, it’s warm, cozy, and inviting. The breezy weather allows my family to spend more time together for some indoor shenanigans! As a busy mom with two boys, thick cardigans are my go to and the boys actually get to dress in actually nicer clothes like flannels instead of their favorite summer Dry-fit athletic wear.

I love designing non traditional themes that have original pieces I can add my own twist on. Of course, you can’t have Fall without pumpkins and gourds. But who said they have to stay completely original?! I went for a sweet and savory look, the bolds with hints of soft complement perfectly. Navy blue and sky blue, accompanied by metallic trims of gold made an amazing color palette which really appealed to the eye keen for details. Leaving the stems original, I spray painted the pumpkins and gourds with matte and glossy paint which turned out quite better than I expected. In love again once the pumpkins and gourds were placed in a perfect flow centered on the wood tablecloth. Yup! You read right, tablecloth!!!

READ HER FULL POST

Octane’s Holiday Photoshoot

We are passionate.
We are strategic.
We are creatives.
And we’re women.

These words became a mantra over the past year as Octane sought unique collaborations that became deep friendships and unshakable sisterhoods that took a life all its own.

It’s truly greater to gift than to receive.

Recently Octane hosted its first ever partnered vendors photoshoot as a way to collectively create holiday content but also take a moment to gift some ‘woman to woman’ self care before the hustle and bustle of the season, where we too often put ourselves last.

This was an opportunity for us to uniquely celebrate who we are, exactly where we are.

As I began to share this ideal photoshoot, more jumped on board linking arm in arm with me to uplift women doing incredible things together. It filled me to watch so many people lovingly surround each of them in ways they didn’t even know.

From getting glammed up to crafting and opening presents under the tree, this full day was worth every minute of surprises, laughter, dresses, headshots, convos and food.

We’re just a bunch of Kentucky girls, barefoot in our passions, striving to be our best selves.

We didn’t ask permission.
We didn’t water it down.
We hold each other accountable.

Let our bond, be our crown.

—
See our event trailer and read our feature in The Mixx Magazine!

Special Thanks To All Vendors:

Hosted by: Octane Design Studios / @octanedesigns

Photography & Venue: Franzetti Photography / @m_franzetti

Make Up: Edomoni Young / @Amavi_Beauty

Paperie: Octane Designs Studios / @octanedesigns

Event styling: Passionate Event Designs / @passionateeventdesigns

Onsite Videography: Cre8tive Visions / @ei8hty_se7en

Ugly Sweater Workshop: Octane Design Studios / @octanedesigns

Youth Tents & Quilted Blankets: JRow Everything / @JRow_Everything

Partnered Vendors: Samantha Johnson / @SamanhattanPR ,  Shalon Thomas / @passionateeventdesigns, Michelle Franzetti / @M_Franzetti,  Jacqueline Rowan / @jrow_everything,

Gifted Lifestyle Subscription Box: @mochamavenbox

Gifted Bowties: Deez Bowties / @deezbowties

Gifted Calligraphy Quotes: Caylie Mindling / @cayligraphy

Catering: The Mousetrap / @mousetrap_ky, sponsored by Scale Consulting / @scalefemale

Signature Hard Cider: ‘Almond Spice’, Pivot Brewing Co / @PivotBrewing

 

Octane’s Holiday Pre-order List Opens October 22

Ready or not the holiday shopping experience starts earlier and earlier. Starting October 22 we’re giving all of our followers early opportunity to be at the top of our “to do” list for all our holiday products!

On Oct 22 our top holiday products will be available for pre-order, including:

  • Custom Holiday Photo Cards
  • Holiday Paper Ornaments
  • Custom Holiday Stationery (Personal or Business)
  • Custom Mug Sets
  • Custom ‘Experience’ Gift Certificates

Simply visit our holiday page (available Oct. 22nd via Facebook and Instagram) and submit your information to be added to our pre-order list. Official production of our holiday orders begins Nov. 1.

It’s a countdown

Along the way be sure to check out our live videos across facebook and instagram as we prepare for a virtual launch of our official holiday production season.

You may see some familiar brands like:

SamanhattanPR, @samanhattanPR

Franzetti Photography / @M_franzetti

Passionate Event Designs / @passionateeventdesigns

J.Row Everything / @jrow_everything

The more, the merrier!

More friends =  more holiday gift ideas

Octane’s holiday products won’t be the only thing available for pre-order. Our friends at J.Row Everything have partnered with us to release some exclusive holiday apparel just for the occasion!

Be sure to follow @octandesigns for more awesome vendors to shop this holiday season.

 

Octane partners with Half-Priced Books for A Hogwarts Party Ultimate Giveaway

Wands at the ready witches and wizards! Octane has partnered with Half Priced Books at both Tiverton and Hamburg locations to bring you the ultimate Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry party experience!

Accio Party

Participate in Octane’s Hogwarts Party Ultimate Giveaway! Win the following deluxe party for 8 guests:
  • 8 Hogwarts House Invitations & Matching envelopes- you choose the house
  • 1 ‘Happee Birthdae’ String Banner
  • Set of 6 Floating Candles
  • 1 Faux Stone Hogwarts Great Hall Backdrop with floating House banners and Hogwarts motto
  • 1 Set of 10 Hogwarts Crest Party Straws
  • 1 Oversized Cake Topper (8×10)
  • 3, 8×10 Framed Signs (You Decide What Text You Like)
  • 4 Potion Labeled Bottles
  • 4 Printed Food Label Tent Cards
OVER $150 VALUE! YOURS TO WIN!

Two Ways to Win!

OPTION 1 (Triple Entry Option):

Find the golden snitch hidden at your local @halfpricedbooks (Hamburg Pavilion) (both Tiverton & Hamburg locations)*
*You can only enter once per location.
⚡⚡⚡

OPTION 2* (Via Facebook):

*You can only enter once.
⚡⚡⚡
GIVEAWAY ENTRY ENDS OCTOBER 15! Truth will out from Octane!

Tiverton location: 127 W Tiverton Way, Lexington KY
Hamburg location: 2321 Sir Barton Way, Lexington KY

 

Franzetti Photography’s Fall Mini Sessions Return!

It is almost time for FALL MINI SESSIONS!

Enjoy updating those family photos or just bring your puppy dog along. Anything goes for mini sessions!

We will hang out at the beautiful Henry Clay Estate for 30 minutes and all your photos will be delivered digitally with a print release.

Christmas tree farm minis coming soon!!

Snag your spot: https://calendly.com/franzett…/fall-mini-sessions/10-27-2018

And We’re Off! DYI Derby Day Bridal & After Party Inspo

In my Russell Crowe voice; are you not entertained?!? (I seriously love that movie though!)

The Kentucky Derby (+ Cinco De Mayo) is right around the corner and I decided to break from my routine to create my own quick entertainment for the fastest 2 minutes in sports.

By ‘quick’ I mean single handedly designed, produced and photoshot.  Whaaaaaa?

Here’s to juleps and Woodford on the porch, dreams of Millionaire Row and ALL the roses this side of the Mississippi!

 

Let’s get it started

So I initially got my wheels a turnin’ from this concept of a simple black, white and gold palette inspired by Rodin Designs.  I love the sophisticated look of the color combo but also wanted it to be a little lighter for the Derby theme I envisioned.

My initial thoughts were: Invites & welcome sign, party table & reception table.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJ5lPblaAX/

Because I had a lot of items already in stock in my office/ craft room, my shopping list was literally:

  • 2×4 ft pine pre-cut board from Lowe’s
  • wood stain, Miniwax from Lowe’s
  • black and white table cloth
  • golden utensils
  • gold foil cardstock
  • goblets
  • fresh greenery from Trader Joe’s

And then, I got stuck. Drats.

After not finding some specific items, I wasn’t sure if I could pull off the ideal look I wanted. Luckily I had just recently finished a quick Facetime Call with my fellow crafter, woodworker and cousin Jacqueline Rowan of JRow Everything whom I immediately called back for some quick designer advice.

After some camera flips and some frozen unintended video selfies (aka frozen camera), she totally refocused my vision with some quick fixes (switching out tablecloths for foil paper rolls and other simple things my brain was farting on) and I was rearing to go! I used one half day to stain wood and design the simple pieces and the next day to design the rest and assemble and start snapping some progress shots. I shared a few on my instagram.

Project Day 1

They’ll tell the story of tonight

Day Two was all about assembling the small stuff early. By early, I mean by 2:30pm before I completely switched gears to embrace a completely different profession; motherhood of 3.

I used my beloved Cricut Explore Air 2 to cutout all the pretty horses with gold foil cardstock from Michael’s and attached them to my straws for the glasses. Then continued to cutting out my removable vinyl for my wedding sign.

As I rushed to pick up my troop from the bus stop I remembered the horseshoe piece that was my intended focal point for all the smaller pieces. I decided to use that on the two color menus and the initial invitation for ALL the southern charm!  I decided to roll with a sister font for the table tent cards at each setting, each with a fun derby themed phrase.

My personal fave, “I’m betting on you” and “You’re in my winner’s circle”.

  

Horseshoes, check.
Horses, check.
Bright & Sophisticated, check check.
Onward to the invitation suite.

To be honest I went through this process all wrong because it was the LAST piece I designed! Typically with a client the event logo is what I would complete before anything else but I felt confident about the use of the horseshoe. I wasn’t just any other client so that was my rationale going into this; cheeky I know.

My original idea was gold foil roses across the top but I decided to rock the simplicity of the horseshoe. I’ve noticed the trend of watercolor and foil & used that on this bridal suite. The gold foil Louisville skyline and cascading roses looks so beautiful with the red watercolor brush stroke. The picture doesn’t do it justice!

Back Back, Forth & Forth

So finally on the second day I assembled the reception table.

When you’re styling things you’re moving things around, inch by inch, sometimes even, breath by breath for just the photo. I was already between other business deadlines that day yet still I was determined to complete something for ME. Thankful that had Jacqueline on Facetime from North Carolina for on call “professional accountability & support”. Hence these pretty photos!

     

 

This is how we do it; DIY

Day Three is party day! I invited my mum and the kids for some fun upcoming derby day fun! First how about these cute signs? I was able to use some blank clear acrylic pieces I already had to make some simple vinyl based table signage (And We’re Off & All The Fixin’s)  and I think it turned out wonderful! Using simple and open Kentucky phrases kept the convo going when the kids and Gigi carouseled the table.  Lastly, I continued the striped gold foil paper from Party City and the wedding sign for the “married couple” to keep things consistent.

Strawberry Delight anyone? Those straws totally complimented the look of the bright and colorful derby style reception turned backyard derby party! Throw in a close enough Derby Pie and you’ve got a simple party!

 

 

Curating and cherishing memories is what I live for! Maybe this inspired you to do something simple or not so simple for a themed Derby Day event? Either way, this was fun for me!

Looking for those themed printables or cricut cutouts I used? You can purchase the digital downloads for your own soiree!

 

#Fin #DerbyYall #SouthernCharm #Bling #Kentucky #MoreThanGraphics