I can Feel the Pressure...

Its getting closer now! Time to "man up" and kick it into the highest of gears! Im rocking out to some Paramore and busting ass to get my apartment into some kind of working business condition.  I need my home and my home office to be "on point" so I can work, focus and get shit DONE!

On a fun note, I had a really great Christmas! I received a lot of things I needed and a bunch of bonus stuffs! My favorites are a stuffed fox my mom gave me, a beautiful Fox ring and my Kindle Fire!!!! Some honorable mentions are a Hello Kitty sterling silver ring, a sweet Ed Hardy (thats right I said it) Cherry Blossom overnight tote, Hello Kitty sweat pants, a wishbone necklace, various Betsy Johnson Jewelry and SWEET SWEET Skull Candy Headphones/handset!

Foxy Ring!

Kindle Fire Aka, Kitty Fire :)

Hello Kitty Ring

The Kindle is a lot of fun! I downloaded a few free ones but haven't been motivated to read them...Tale of Two Cities will take a bit of concentration. :) I wish it was more like a tablet so I could use my Square but I guess a tablet will be on my "Goals" list. I just placed a sticky note about it on the wall above my desk. The kindle is great for checking stuff quick like facebook and twitter and my HF email. I haven't found a Blogspot app for it yet but I did find my comics, 2 books I can't seem to find in store and a slew of FREE comics. I love me a good comic/graphic novel. <3

BONUS PICS!!!

My Famous oatmeal cookies! Much crispier then your normal oatmeal cookie but a billion times yummier! A long time friend of mine has an amazing mother who managed to find the directions to these babies years ago and I was lucky enough to have the directions given to me. Thanks Funari Family!

HK PANTS!!!

On the left my sister Rebecca and I. On the right, my other half's cousin and his girlfriend. I LOVE MY FUJI INSTAX!!!

More pics and goodies later!!!

XOXO,
Miss Mimi Fox!

Happy Holidays!!!

It has been a few days and I have been keeping myself busy. Even though I love to spend my time working on the business, a great man, Greg Aidala (check him out here) once told me "use the holidays to relax and enjoy your successes. Worry about the rest after." Those words resound in my thoughts each day. So here is a little bit of what I have been up to...

I recently rekindled my friendship with Miss Brit Rose of RosMari Brand. Follow her here, here and here. About a year ago we tried to start a business together but life took us down different paths. The best part about that is how much we are able to enjoy each other now! We got together this past Monday and here are some pics from our Christmas Time Friendship Fun! 

This was our first attempt at snapping a photo. We were on our way to getting totally Shwasted! (aka Sugar Wasted) off of some sparkling cider! I told you I love that stuff! I was a bit excited hahaha. 

We took a trip the the local mall here in Albany and stopped at a grocery store before home to pick up the sparkling cider. We heard some VERY funny things from random strangers all night long so before this pic was taken we were reciting some of them. We are clearly laughing our butts off. Brit is almost in tears!! Hahaha!

Macys has an amazing app for their xmas campaign. It's called the Believe O' Magic. You download the app on your phone and when you open the app in front of the Believe O' Magic camera on the floor at Macys, Virginia pops up and you can snap a photo with her! This is Brits. Here is mine...

It was tricky because if you got too close Virginia would disappear so we look a little funny! We should have knelt down! Dang! Hahahah!

It is so important to have really amazing friends who truly love and support you. Surround yourself with those people. I love Brit because she is that person and we are both in the beginning stages of a business. We find such comfort in being able to share the successes and struggles that life as an entrepreneur brings. Most people aren't as lucky so we are extremely grateful. 

Please remember this holiday season, if you didn't grow up with a lot or any holiday joy, make it a point to have a few fun holiday traditions of your own. Coming from someone who grew up with amazing holidays, just a few little things YOU create, it can make this time of year so much better. People may think its stupid or cliche but I promise you, it really does feel good. Creating your own traditions creates your own legacy family history. Your family history will be told and passed down for many generations so why not create happy moments for years to come? If you ever need support, love, a friend, etc, you can always send me a message here, on Facebook or Twitter. I will always help the best I can. Miss Brit Rose is the exact same way. We are here for you <3 

A new post may not appear till after this weekend so please have a safe and fun filled holiday! 

Happy Holidays!

XOXO!

Miss Mimi Fox! 

Sparkling Cider is my Vice.

Fun Stuff First!!!

Went and got my hair done! This is before...

This is after! It's actually very close to a white blond...I LOVE IT!!!

Onto the meat of todays blog...Sadly I have been feeling a bit under the weather and working super hard at getting you actual product. It has been quite the process. I know it seems like its easy to just go someplace and say "I want this many shirts, these sizes, this print" but in reality it comes down to making sure you feel 100% comfortable with throwing down your first CHUNK of change and trusting a perfect stranger. Pricing is key, you don't want the cheapest guy on the block and you don't want the most expensive. You need the friendly, willing to work WITH you, dudes or ladies who are honest about the prices and really want to help YOU and your business out. So most likely no product until after xmas.

The great news is...There has been an outpouring of kindness from people and I have to say, it really helps bring things back up to a positive level and continues to push me forward. I never truly feel stressed out about Hidden Fox. Every little stress is almost welcome in a way. I find that no matter what has been going on, if it happens to HF then I'm still happy. It means so much to me that I'm really just very happy that it exists for there to be stress over! :)

Website news...the person who owns the domain name I wanted has refused to give up the name. No worries, we move on and use a different web address then we had originally thought. See, it all worked out! If one path doesn't work, you try a new one! very simple. I realize a clear second path isn't always the most visible but you have to have a Plan B. And I am not referring to the emergency contraceptive. Hahah! But seriously, always try to have a back up idea at least. That way you wont be completely lost or blind sided if something goes wrong.

Some new product ideas have popped up but I'm not totally ready to share them till they have more solid feet to stand on. Everything is going pretty smooth right now. Things take time and well, you cant rush a GREAT thing! Guess what came in the mail this week?!?!?! My SQUARE! If you don't know what a Square is and you own a business, GO CHECK IT OUT! https://squareup.com/ seriously, you will be so glad you did! Wanna see it???

Important reminders. Please don't forget to "like" us on Facebook. I know it can seem a bit annoying because every company asks it but it really does help us out. Leave a comment below if you would like me to like a page of yours! I'll be more then happy to check it out and see what I may be missing out on! :) We help each other, thats how we do!

Now for some bonus photos!

Some of you may know, I live the sober life now (personal choice) so after a long hard day I like to kick back one of these babies. A nice cold Sparkling Cider! Thank you Dollar Tree dollar store! Makes me feel badass :)

Thats right! I'm a rebel! I don't need to drive with both hands! hahaha Just kidding, it is always important to drive with BOTH hands on the wheel. I was parked. :)

I was in need of a hug and I started malfunctioning...does that ever happen to any other robots or just me? wait, you are all robots too right?

If you move your screen right you can see an "X" right near the moon. that was actually in the sky when I took this pic. My mom noticed it. We thought it was wicked bazaar! Yet, COOL!

 Well, thats all folks! Till next time! Enjoy Life! Unleash your Hidden Fox and "Like" our Facebook page! :) THANKS BUNCHES! http://www.facebook.com/TheHiddenFox

XOXO,

Miss Mimi Fox!

F-ckin Perfect XO

Happy New Blog Post Day!

What a week! I have to say that each week there seems to be a big change, big challenge, tears, laughter and tons of smiles! That can sound really overwhelming but it is actually a great balance. Balance has always been very important to me. I feel it is a real foundation to a happy life. Too much of one thing can get mundane after a while. You may be thinking, "but you can never have too much happiness." Trust me, if you were happy all of the time, you would eventually get cocky thinking nothing could ever go wrong. I have reason to believe  that Karma herself also believes in this balance. Find your balance and try to maintain that as often as possible. Its (in my opinion) one of the best things you can do for yourself! Here is a great example!

Before we get into the meat, I want to talk again about the epidemic sweeping our youth. Suicide. I just posted an amazing video that was tweeted last night by famous author Neil Gaiman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep950m3NTYw&feature=youtu.be
I am one of these kids, a former target. To be honest I still get bullied even at 27. It is easier to brush it off now that I'm older but the cruelty and pain is still there. Lets all try and think about why it is that we put others down and fix the things within ourselves so we don't take it out on others. Genuine kindness, love and support are such strong tools. I promise that the good you do WILL come back to you if you do positive things with no selfish motives. I was known as the "weird girl" to some and called many other names I wish to never repeat. I have never forgotten the pain of feeling alone, outcast, different and ugly. Please help to stop this, kids are dying everyday because they don't have the strength to believe they can. ..TY!

On to a product update! I have been working very hard on new designs and am going to work on them more today by taking those designs from paper to sweet graphic files. Some really powerful stuff came out of me and I hope it means as much to you when you get to see it.

I am sad to report our graphic artist Dan has decided to part with us. HOWEVER, we are super excited for him because he has decided to start his own business!! HOW AWESOME! Dan will always be a part of our skulk so he will pop in from time to time. We will also have him for a little bit before his project really gets going. Id like to give a big CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK! to him! Cindy (his wife) will still be helping us out when she can which is hugely amazing! THANKS CINDY! Great things are happening for all of us! :)

I also would like to report that I no longer work for that local boutique. All I can really say is, I am in a different place and mind set and it is healthier for me to move on. I wish them the best of luck and all the success they seek.

Some of you may know that I am very good friends with Brittany Rose. She is the owner of RosMari Brand. I would like to say that she has been a big supporter of The Hidden Fox and we are a big supporter of hers. Take a moment to check out her handmade, completely original and one of a kind designs. http://www.etsy.com/shop/RosMariBrand?ref=seller_info It is important to make sure you help your friends not just by telling them what a great job they are doing but by helping spread the word and telling as many people you can about them and what they do. Especially if your friend owns a small business. I have said it many times before, our economy thrives on small business and we need to help the number of successful small businesses grow. <3 Entrepreneurs.

I would also like to make a few additional shout outs to some other small businesses that have helped me through this process.

Lipgloss and Black
http://www.lipglossandblack.com/

Crystal Colber
Esthetics guru and my personal life coach <3

Janet Tanguay
http://www.facebook.com/ArtNSoulInc

 XOXO,
Miss Mimi Fox (I work everyday to be who I want to be, a good person)
<3<3<3<3<3<3

Honestly, Im honest, I SWEAR!

Id like to start off with a FOX SIGHTING!!! Did I scared you a little??? I bet I did! Hahahah!

Supposed to be a fox...Not sure I believe them. You?

I think what I tend to love the most about a fox is that they are really 1/2 cat and 1/2 dog. I have had a cat most of my adult life and have always had a dog. I find I love each species for separate reasons but I can't imagine living with just one. The fox has qualities of each which almost makes it a super hero kind of breed. Its quite fascinating actually. I'm sure you would love more details about that but I'm going to move on.

So this weekend I had a great time at The Family and Child Services Center here in Albany NY at their Festival of Trees holiday event. I met a really amazing artist Susan Soldani Lovelock. he She is super kind and very interesting. I found that a lot of the struggles I have had in my life are ones she has also experienced in her life. I find that even though we may be different ages, that our struggles had been the same. I love that about life. I love that even though you have never met before that you can be connected by something as common as life experiences. That to me is the biggest comfort. It is wonderful to know the pain someone else has gone through because you have been there yourself. I now know there are other strong, positive, "never give up" women out there who don't turn things into a pissing match or try to belittle your experiences. Thanks to Janet Tanguay for throwing me into that experience. I gained a lot in one weekend and made some really amazing human connections.

This Halloween tree is supposed to look like a witch slammed into it from the left side.

Here is where the end of her broom sticks out of the tree. 

Our First table set up! I hand painted the sign. :)

While I was at the event this weekend, I asked people to write on cards my mother and I made. I asked them to write anything at all, a confession, advice, secret, a message, anything at all. I'm going to use the responses as inspiration for our tee shirt designs. I had some really amazing responses. I think that was definitely one of my favorite parts of this weekend, sitting down and reading those. There are a lot of people out there who say they are good people but hold secret dislikes inside or let things out that they shouldn't because it is hurtful and unnecessary. We will all disagree with certain people or ideas and if you are like me, you always want to see the best in people. I find myself frustrated with people who say they never talk smack about people when I hear them do it all the time. I always admit I Try not to but I don't always succeed. I wont rip someone apart by name calling or anything. If someone hurts me I will say, "Bob made me feel stupid when he called me Handicap at work in front of people. I know he was joking but I wish he didn't find those things funny." I am not going to make it a point to go tell Bob because it could turn a little thing into a huge deal but if Bob heard that I said something then I wouldn't hesitate to tell him. There has got to be a balance. At least thats what I think. I didn't call Bob and stupid piece of shit or a worthless bald jerk. None of that would be relative to why I was upset. Its normal in my eyes to want to vent your feelings. Name calling isn't constructive. I also ran into an issue where a mutual friend was telling someone close to me that I was writing stuff all over Facebook about them. The friend I was supposedly writing about doesn't like to have their live public and I respect that a lot. If I ever write about them, its anonymous. Well I don't speak to this mutual friend anymore so I knew at this point it was time to let them go from my Facebook page. If you aren't going to be supportive and just be a snoop and go reporting inaccurate things, then I just don't have time for you. I want to be surrounded by people who don't have any desire to cause problems in your life. It was sad to have to let that person go but it needed to be done. I am not willing to risk my happiness anymore in hopes certain people will change. If they are meant to be a positive part of my life, we will find our way back to each other. Positive attracts positive. I can make my own messes just fine hahahaaha, I don't need anyones help with that! :)

Its hard to live a positive life because when someone cuts you off or slams into in the mall and doesn't say anything, you want to get really mad...some people just didn't grow up with manors or morals. We have to realize that we all lack certain core strengths. I personally hope we can find ways to help each other. I want being kind to start a movement. Crap, ill even take it in Fad form as long as we end up with more positive, healthy and happy people then not. Ah yes, to dream a great dream.

Business updates:

Dan comes back from Vegas this week!!!
More papers to file
More designs to develop
Lots to do at home (must have a balance)
Need to practice my Fujiroid skills. (aka instant camera shooting)
Should somehow plan a mostly free vacation...in dire need of some time off.
Should order stickers soon

Oh man there is always so much to do to make your business better. We have decided to sell on Etsy until our website is complete so watch out for that. Also, share your fox facts and sightings with us! we would love to hear it!

Bonus Pics Time!!!

My hand painted beauty. Not bad for 3am.

Can you find all the flaws? Please don't! Haha! 

I was helping someone with a photo project and took this one with my Fuji Instax! First pic ever taken with it!!!

The Mile Long gingerbread construction site at the country club in the basement. It smelled AMAZING!

I dream about this giant $11 Wheel of Brie...so good!

To top it all off...HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH SANTA ON A HARLEY! And yes, that is the ass end of an animal on the back. Lol. Santa means business. 

XOXO!
Miss Mimi Fox!

Stone, Cement, Gravel and Dirt.

HELLO LOVELIES!!! 

I don't have a lot of time this morning to write but i felt compelled to so here we go!

Over the past week The Hidden Fox was invited to vend at the Festival Of Trees event at our local children and family services building. Knowing that dan was leaving for Vegas, I shot him a text anyway asking him if it was at all possible to create a few designs to put on some shirts. I made a few phone calls and found someone who could have our order ready in time! We very excited! Then we started to hit some road bumps. First the artwork wasn't in the right file form, then the shirts were costing WAY too much for our first run. We realized that we weren't 100% happy with the quality of the designs and after some thinking, we decided not to run the shirts. I came up with a few other ideas for the event and I am really happy we aren't sacrificing our own personal standards just to sell some product. We want the product we sell to be affordable and really make a huge impact. We want it to speak to you the way The Hidden Fox speaks to us. In the end it was better to hold off and do it right then to rush the process. Long story short, no tee shirts this Friday but we are working on the true vision of the company and of the Skulk. 

I have to say along with the tee shirt speed bumps that things have gotten a bit rocky in other places in my own life. Im working on picking myself up and brushing myself off. My one motivation is that I DO have something I can control. That something is The Hidden Fox. This is the thing that keeps me smiling even though its been a bit of a struggle. It gets me through those moments at work when I want to scream and those rude people who are out and about shopping because they feel they have to. I have a few close friends who I have been able to talk with and have found that even with the changes my life has now gone through that the only way it will get back to the place I want it is if I take it there. I know my reconstructed path isn't complete yet but that fresh dirt is just waiting for a really sweet cement or stone pathway. I CREATE ME! I create my life and my path and control my world. Sure things will happen along the way but I decided how it effects me. 

Someone asked if our "Creation" shirts were pro creation. I am Pro, CREATING! I am for the creative process and crafting. I respect, love and support artists of all forms. I hope that is clear enough. One of my biggest challenges with this branding process is that the words as they are written that I am drawn to use that completely different definitions from their origins. Skulk, for example NOW means to cower, hide, etc. When A SKULK is a pack or family of foxes. Same thing with Creation and Fag. Just because it has become slang doesn't mean the original beauty of these words should be lost. Its about taking the negative and turning it BACK to positive. That is what we are trying to do with The Hidden Fox, turn the negative into positive. We can't tell you how to change your life for the better but we can try and give you as much encouragement as we can. Joining the Skulk is not joining a cult. Its pledging to be a better person. To work towards being a better person everyday. No its not easy all the time but NEVER GIVE UP! It does get easier. This I promise. If you keep at it and really believe, just like you believed (or still do) in Santa Clause or the magic of Christmas, it will grow inside of you. 

Alright I need to get ready for work. Feel free to comment below about things that help your through tough times, something you feel right now, the person you wish to become, etc. I would love to hear that people out there have the same struggles I do. 

The is a photo of my new wallet. It spoke to me. I wanted to see what you all believe Shameless means? I feel as if it, again, has become a negative and gives females and males the power to act out in inappropriate ways. I believe it means having the confidence to not be ashamed of your life and the choices you have made. Things happen in life and they happened for many reasons. What do you think?

XOXO,

Miss Mimi Fox!