Lauren Lane Decor Celebrates Grand Opening

Tara Jamieson Turns Love of DIY into Full-Service Furniture Restoration Business

Leaving a comfortable full-time job in Calgary’s oil & gas industry in a turbulent economy is not an easy thing to do but Tara Jamieson has done just that by trading in her power suits for a pair of coveralls. Jamieson has turned her love of do-it-yourself furniture repurposing into a full-time job by opening Lauren Lane Décor, creating custom furniture pieces, teaching DIY classes and exclusively selling Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

“I’ve always been a bargain hunter, scouring garage sales on the weekends for unique finds and breathing new life into them in my spare time,” says Jamieson who began selling her repurposed furniture online just over a year ago. “Before I knew it I was receiving hundreds of emails from people who wanted to buy the furniture and learn how I do it.”

The overwhelming response led to the opening of Lauren Lane Décor, a 2,500 square foot multi-purpose studio space in Calgary’s SE light industrial (just off Ogden Road SE). Customers can browse the mountains of unfinished furniture and have them finished to their liking or hire Lauren Lane to refinish pieces that they bring to the studio.

Lauren Lane Décor works exclusively with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and her own line of brushes, the ultimate tools for covering old furniture with ease. Each week Jamieson also hosts a number of classes on how to use the products and tips on refinishing techniques.

To celebrate the grand opening of Lauren Lane Décor, Jamieson is hosting a cocktail party to show off the new space, give guests a look at her work and try out the highly sought-after line of paint.

Grand Opening Event Date: Thursday November 17, 2011

Time: 6pm-9pm

Location: 4020-15A Street SE, Calgary (take Ogden Road South and a left/North on 15A St.)

RSVP to: rsvp@lldecor.ca

For More Information visit www.lldecor.ca

OR Check out Lauren Lane Decor in the Calgary Herald!

TASTE-ing

As someone who worked their way through school in restaurants, I know that this is a business that requires a lot of hard work, consistent food and positive PR. Fortunately, my good friends at Taste get it and brought me on board to assist with a media TASTE-ing of their revised menu. We were able to bring in all the foodies, reviewers, bloggers, television producers and other media with treats by Chef Shawn Greenwood and wine pairings by Brad Royale. Here are a few pictures from the event. Check them out: www.taste-restaurant.com

Am I making you hungry?

A little bit of a dark shot but we had 25 food authorities turn up to our new menu TASTE-ing

Bill, Quintina and Brendan of Taste

Wine Director Brad Royale and GM Brendan Bankowski

Chef Shawn Greenwood and his crew of culinary rock stars

Crack n' Cheese

Tomato salad with basil mascarpone

Duck fat popcorn (seriously, try it)

Taste's award-winning Beef Tataki Tacos

Always a crowd favourite: Tuna Tartare

*Thanks to Malwina Gudowska from Vitamin Daily for the extra food shots!

Fashionata at Holt Renfrew

Last week, my good friend Bill Brooks invited me to his newest fundraising event: Fashionata. Supporting the Safe Haven Foundation, Calgary's most fashionable were in attendance to eat, drink and enjoy a sexy spring fashion show by Holt Renfew & Sophia Models. The event raised close to $100,000 and a lot of eyebrows about what's coming for Spring in Calgary.

Alykhan Velji, Bill Brooks, Zoe Theodorou and I on the red carpet

Shaw TV's Erin Strate and Cory Edel along with Calgary Herald Fashion Writer Theresa Tayler

Calgary Men's Stylist BR Pirri and iModel Management's Len Mastaler

Photos from the catwalk... well... escalator

Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Gala

Friday night marked the 13th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Gala at Hotel Arts. This is an event near and dear to my heart, as I've been fortunate enough to be on the committee for the event for the last six years. This year's "Tie One On" event was a record breaker, raising $1.1 million in a single night, with the silent auction (where I spend most of my time) raising $69,000.

Mister Brooks himself

The decor this year was the best yet with statement chandeliers, sheer draping and bold blue lighting throughout

The candy buffet hosted by Canada Safeway was huge hit. In fact by the end of the night it was cleaned out

Special Fighting to Win Chocolates. This is how I support a good cause

Just a taste of the amazing items up for grabs at the best silent auction in town

My date, the lovely BR Pirri of BRio Style and I enjoying a drink while we support a great cause

Len from iModel Management, fellow committee member David Crosson and BR Pirri

Perry Mah and partner along with interior designer Ed Tsang

The Mocking Shadows, always a hit when they make it to the party

Church, my Style

The weather outside may still be frightful but Spring isn't far off. If you need something to look forward to, Jason Krell Communications has teamed up with Kim Flanagan to help produce Church, my Style:

April 17, 2011.

This unique fashion event will take place at Hotel Arts and will include a champagne brunch, spring runway show and presentation by Vancouver's Danielle LaPorte, the outspoken creator of WhiteHotTruth.com, which has been called "the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality." LaPorte is the author of The Fire Starter Sessions: A Digital Experience for Entrepreneurs, and works 1-on-1 with entrepreneurs who want to rock their career while making a difference in the world.

Mark your calendar! Tickets will be available at www.kimflanagan.com in the coming weeks.

Diamond Boutique Featured in SweetLife

Diamond Boutique Featured in Calgary Herald

Check out the amazing spread in the Calgary Herald on custom jewelry. My new clients (and friends) Dror and Efrat Lahav are finding great success for Diamond Boutique in their new location in Mount Royal Village.