The Coolest, Most Creative, Caring 17 Year Old Cleveland/Canadian Designer!

Last month, I attended the Smart Business Innovation Awards for work. Little did I know, I would meet Courtney den Elzen at the event and be completely blown away by her passion, focus and innovation! Courtney is the wonderful co-owner and visionary behind the design and accessory line called Wee Sang Designs.



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Wee Sang Designs

"Wee Sang Designs is an eco-friendly and charitable design company out to make a difference in the world around us. Founded by high school aged sisters, Courtney and Hailey den Elzen, Wee Sang Designs was built upon the concept: Save Give Live. A commitment to save our planet, give to others, and live life to the fullest."

Courtney happened to attend the the Smart Business Innovation Awards as a student of Montessori High School in University Circle. The school, which opened in 2008, "provides a unique learning opportunity by combining experience-based developmental learning with formal academic disciplines, and partnering with University Circle Institutions as interdisciplinary resources to create an exceptional experience."

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The unique learning atmosphere, community involvement, and opportunity to develop her business drew Courtney from Canada to Cleveland last year. When asked why and how she made the big leap to the U.S. she simply stated, "I knew it was the right thing to do in order to get my business off the ground." Courtney's authentic style, sweet demeanor, generous heart and dedication to her business shook me to the core. I was completely inspired by how she outlined the mission of her business with such ease and articulation. Wow!

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Courtney's love for fashion and sewing started as a young girl when her mother first taught her how to sew. As Courtney began to make new and cool products, her friends took notice and began asking her to make items for them too...and it took off. The great thing is, in Canada, they do not use disposable grocery bags in the store, so people must bring their own bags to do their shopping. Courtney saw the demand and went for it! She began making totes and bags from upcycled juice drink packaging.



Photo source: Duncan Field



Photo source: Duncan Field
Her popular Jammers line...
clearly we are a match made in heaven!
JAM will DEFINITELY be purchasing something from this line!

But wait, not only are the products awesome and upcycled, a portion of the proceeds benefit good causes! "Because helping those in need is just as important for us as protecting the environment: From each Wee Sang sale twenty percent of proceeds are donated to our two favourite charities: Kerr Street Ministries’ children’s programs for low income families in Oakville, Ontario and Free The Children’s water and sanitation projects in Sierra Leone." Yes 20%! These young ladies are truly tremendous!



Courtney den Elzen, co-founder of Wee Sang Designs, Recipient of YMCA Peace Medallion 2011

Wee Sang Design sisters Hailey and Courtney den Elzen

Courtney said it was great as a young female and entrepreneur in Cleveland. Her favorite hangout spot, when she's not busy working on her business or creating designs on her sewing machine, is the University Circle area. She frequents the Cleveland Museum of Art, walks around Wade Lagoon with friends, and finds inspiration in all the new construction and hustle and bustle going on in the Circle. We both are dying to check out MOCA! I feel some design inspirations coming onnnn!!!



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Courtney's school works diligently to pair students with opportunities in the community to learn and expose them to other small business owners. Her only hope for other female entrepreneurs is a specific network to foster business ideas and promote other women's businesses in the community. Especially as a budding entrepreneur, Cleveland lacks a specific network or online community solely dedicated to female entrepreneurs. But Courtney seeks as many ways to immerse herself in the Cleveland community, culture and character. She's involved in a new nonprofit in Cleveland that focuses on delivering positive, productive, confidence building workplace seminars called That Can Be Me. And is on a youth panel at the University School Entrepreneur Institute.

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May your dreams take you on positive adventures in CLE and beyond!!!

How can we connect Courtney to our cool CLE community? Let's do it! Spread the word my friends about this amazing business, positive cause, earth-friendly and fashionable product line!

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So to all my CLE readers, eco-conscious colleagues, business buddies, female fashionistas, and mission based movers and shakers...seriously, you NEED to check out Wee Sang Design and like them on Facebook. I'm totally going to buy some of the JAMmer wine totes to give to my gal pals for the holidays. I'm helping spread the word because after meeting Courtney, corresponding with her, and chatting with her over lunch, I'm telling you--this girl has got it going on... goal-oriented, extraordinarily mature for her age, actively-engaged, creative, empathic, keen eye, and business savvy. What a pleasure to get to know this outrageously cool young lady. I hope to see her products in Cleveland stores soon!

Burrito Bowling Blast

Yes, I never thought I'd find myself experiencing the combo of burritos and bowling--but stranger things have happened. That's the cool thing about our great city, you are always (re)discovering things to do, places to see, food to eat, and fun times to have. This past weekend my bff, Catie, asked me to go bowling. I wrinkled my nose at the idea at first, but she convinced me it would be a blast. Of course, she was right! And by the end, I finally got my lucky strike!!

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Pre-bowling blast we hit up a newly opened taco joint in Lakewood called Taco Tonto's. The original was near Catie's alma mater of Kent State, and when a second opened in Lakewood, she was PUMPED. She recommended the sweet potato burrito. I know, crazy, right? But DELICIOUS!

A fully loaded and toasted burrito stuffed with sweet potato, black beans, cheese, onion and lettuce-YUM!

The food was great--but the service process um interesting.  As the dinner rush hit, we tried to order drinks at the bar and instead had to go stand in a long line of hungry, hungry people to order a drink. Hmmmm....You couldn't order a round of drinks either, each person had to wait in line, show their ID, and go back to the table one at a time. Feels like there coooould be an easier process for this--but maybe that's just how they operate. I'd recommend going there on an off-night during off-hours to really get to enjoy it. But you'll definitely enjoy the food there anytime!

 

After burrito blowout, we were ready to bowl some balls at Mahall's. I hadn't been there since I was probably about 8 for a birthday party, and wow it's different! It recently changed owners earlier this year & updated to more of its glory day style. Read the story from Freshwater Cleveland here.

Too Cool Bowling Pinsetter Light Fixture
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Major bowling bonus cool points? Not only did they have two floors of bowling, but also a performance hall upstairs with AWESOME live music, and a live DJ spinning jams downstairs, coupled with a rustic hipster bar and pitchers of Goose Island with mason jar glasses (yes I have an affinity for mason jars)!!! The vibe was right and I was ready to rumble down the alley as all my pins and arrows were aligned!

Admit it!
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Turns out, bowling maaaay not be my strong suit, but I had so much fun that I consider that a win!

Be silly. Get awkward. Embrace it. Dance. Bowl. Have fun. Get happy!!!

I think I need to watch The Big Lebowski after my recent bowling adventure
The Dude Abides

If you haven't checked out Mahall's recently--seriously, get a group together and go! I promise it won't disappoint!!!

Monday Meditation: Remember Your Roots!



How beautiful has the weather been in CLE the past few days? I had the pleasure of taking full advantage of these final Indian Summer Days and got outdoors as much as possible. As I was hiking solo in the valley yesterday, surrounded by the most spectacularly painted trees, I noticed how often I am drawn to the roots of the trees. Sure the colored leaves are beautiful, but the gnarly, twisted, and resilient exposed roots are a masterpiece too. Which led me to thinking--when we look back--strong storms helped us take deeper roots (to paraphrase Dolly Parton's original quote). The parts that unearthed our vulnerable roots turned out to help us grow even stronger! We weathered the storm..and we just keep on growing! Enjoy your roots, and don't forget them, they will help you stay grounded no matter what storm blows your way!

Photo by JAMinCLE

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

 

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Wordless Wednesday: Your Beliefs Don't Make You a Better Person, Your Behavior Does!



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Monday Meditation: Autumn Grace: As the Seasons Change So Do We

Monday Meditation: Autumn Grace

"The flowers have grown and now are past full bloom. The bright rays of the summer sun now promise to begin to soften to the gentleness of the coming fall.  



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 As we begin these comfortable routines of autumn and often anguish at the end of summer, it is also a time for us to take stock and reflect on how well our lives have mirrored the Life of Christ over these months of summer. It is a time to ask of ourselves if our lives have shown the fullness of our faith over the months of summer. We take time now to ask if we have we grown and nourished our relationships.

Photo by JAMinCLE

In the coming weeks and months as we progress into autumn it should be a reminder that as much as this season is one of transition, we can allow the spirituality of the fall to touch our lives and show us once more a renewed walk with the Light. As nature is in flux, so too are our lives. The fall can be a surprise of beauty and show us in brilliant color the wonder of nature. If we take the time, in this season, and truly listen to the whisper of grace in our lives, we can also be open to the change and surprise that God offers us each day. To know the renewed wonder His love offers us daily. We have but to open our eyes to the beauty of it all. If we can see the coming color of the autumn leaves, then be sure to take time to see and feel the burst of Christ’s continued grace in our lives."

-From the Desk of the Pastor
Rev. Anthony Wm. Morris

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This beautiful Monday Meditation is brought to you by my very own Uncle! So cool and I love the imagery! Although he doesn't live nearby, I've had the opportunity to share several special occasions in my childhood and spiritual life with him. He's been able to overcome some serious life challenges himself--and is incredibly RESILIENT! He recently sent me this wonderful reflection and it came at such an integral time!



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Yesterday it was 75 degrees and sunny...today it's 50 and dreary, but that's Cleveland for you--the weather is always in flux. That's my favorite line in this meditation, "As nature is in flux, so too are our lives." I've had people say to me recently--how do you ALWAYS stay so positive even when things aren't going well? Well the truth is, I struggle too. EVERYONE does! The seasons change, our moods change, our lives change. The wind blows, the clouds roll in, the clouds clear, the sun peaks through again. It's PART OF LIFE! In order to feel joy, we have to know pain. In order to move towards the light, we've had to experience darkness. The more we resist change, the more we suffer. So...face it...and EMBRACE IT! Nobody--and I repeat nobody is in a constant state of positivity, happiness, or season of summer. It's something you have to choose to commit to work on each day. To recognize the little joys and appreciate the changes in life. To choose to recognize the beauty and FOCUS on the positive as opposed to dreading and dwelling on an uncontrollable change.

Fall Sunset
Photo by JAMinCLE

To be honest, as much as I don't like the CLE winters, I am actually grateful for them because it makes me appreciate the other 3 seasons THAT much more since I know they are fleeting. So how will you change with the seasons? How will you embrace the graces of a new season? How will you choose to open your eyes to environmental changes in a positive light? Have you stored up enough sunshine to get you through the winter months? What's your favorite thing that only happens during fall? Embrace each season and life change as they come and choose to focus on the positive graces. Enjoy it while it lasts--because life and CLE weather are always in flux!



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"Ain't Nuthin But an *H* Thang!" : Adventures at a Happiness Workshop

This Saturday, I had the opportunity to participate in my very first...Happiness Workshop! Evan invited me to join per our happy conversation on Friday night. I didn't know what to expect, thought it may be a bit kumbaya, or some interesting hippies, but I figured if I'm getting down to happy business these days--time to get wide open and give it a shot. Turned out--AWESOME!

A group called [thrive cleveland] put on the event in Tremont. [thrive] is a brand-new Cleveland-based social venture helping people live happier, healthier lives through awe-inspiring, connecting, surprising, and boundary-expanding experiences, classes, and events. Check out more info on [thrive] here. The volunteers were super cool and made you feel quite happy at home in your own skin.

They started off the event by having you write down your name and a random act of kindness you did in the past in which no one else in the room knew about it. They put on some jams (Ain't Nuthin But a G Thang) and everyone shuffled around until the music stopped. When the music stopped the person standing in front of you had to explain their random act of kindness and introduced themself. Now that's an icebreaker! So many good things good people do everyday that no one ever hears about--but no good deed goes unnoticed!

Jack Ricchiuto was the speaker for the event and he was incredible! He has been researching the psychology of happiness since the 1970s. He kept it real but broke down the "idea" or "steps to happiness" into managable bites. (Turns out too, that he knows my Dad!!! Say whaaaat? Yes, after the event I was able to chat with Jack and after we pieced together a few things, we realized that he and my Dad worked together in their early psych days in the 1970s..

Evan, me, Jack.

Seriously, what a crazy 3 degrees of separation Cleveland always has!!! And how successful both he and my Dad became by using their psychology degrees in different ways to help the people of CLE overcome their challenges and achieve greatness! Feeling lucky to now know both!!) Anywho, Jack broke down the idea of happiness into 5 components. Wanna know what they are? I bet you do!

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1) Appreciation--often times we get sucked into the daily monotony and take SO MUCH for granted. Jack suggested the idea of SAVORING! Slow down a sec and take a moment to savor even the simplest  of things--savor a great meal you're enjoying, savor watching the entire sunset, savor your favorite cup of coffee. Sounds simple--it IS simple! Stop multi-tasking and FOCUS! Just appreciate the little joys in life that we often overlook!



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2) Generosity--this was my personal favorite. We were all given a random quote when we walked in the door and here is what mine said, "Having more means having more to share. Generosity loves what it has because it has more to give. We share our stories and questions, our ideas and knowledge, our talents, our connections and things." LOVE IT! By being generous in our thoughts and actions--we too feel happy through giving. Positive + Positive = +++

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3) Interest--discovering new things in life and keeping things interesting leads to more happiness. Think about it, when you learned how to take up a new hobby, or start a blog, or whatever blows your hair back--your world opened up to new adventures and zesty life.


Whatever blows your hair back!
Wind Blown Photography--instant pick me up! And discover something new!

4)  Lightness--keep a light heart, sense of humor, and add some spontaneity! That monotony weighs us down, so keep it light, keep it airy, and lift your spirits!

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5) Easy--yes, believe it or not, I struggled with this one. I think we all do to a certain extent. Jack had us do a great exercise to illustrate the mental barriers we put up and make things more complicated when it could be easy, if you boil it down to the basics. He had us each write down 3 items on our "life bucket list" of things we always wanted to do. I wrote down: Travel Abroad. (Yes, I've never been out of the country.) My train of thought often goes like this: well, I don't have a passport so I can't. Well, once I have a place I REALLY want to go to, I'll go get a passport. Man, it's going to be expensive. I'll have to take so much time off work... blah, blah, blah. We had to get into small groups and read aloud our bucket list items. Then the other members of the group had to boil it down, and give you 3 steps (that's all you get!) on how to achieve it.


Here's how my list turned out...easy!

Step 1. Get a passport.
Step 2. Buy a ticket to a foreign country.
Step 3. GO!



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Wow! Easy! I encourage you to try the list with a group of friends, and you'd be surprised at all the resistence your ego and excuses give you. When you tell someone else and are open to making it easy--it really opens your eyes to the fact that you can TOTALLY do what you want, but you have
been preventing YOURSELF from doing it!

Ain't Nothing But an *H*Thang mini happiness journals.
Write down 3 things everyday that make you happy. Use these questions as a guide.

The workshop ended with a guided meditation in which we had to close our eyes and focus on our original quote & characteristic (mine was generosity). I was totally digging the meditation and when it ended, and we opened up our eyes--there was a giant pile of tulips in the middle of the room. Total surprise! Our assignment was to go out in the community and leave our "happy intention" by passing it along--to a stranger, on a doorstep, a car window, anywhere that felt compelling to you. It was SO COOL! And I had never done anything like it before. Here's the person I surprised with a flower during his smoke break:



Totally made his day!


Here are a few other places people left their flowers:

On the window of a car that still uses a "club" on their steering wheel.
Clearly they probably needed some happiness!

At the bar at Prosperity Club

It was seriously such a terrific experience participating in the workshop. I met some great people, had a fun time. and learned a few things about myself too! Life is all about choices--you can choose to help make yourself happier or you can choose to make yourself more miserable! I choose...HAPPINESS! To check out more [thrive] events follow them on Facebook or click here. Or
read Jack's blog here. Keep on JAMmin CLE!