Mexican, Chinese imports highlight Fairhaven Gallery

by Christopher Key

 

For 25 years, Linda Stonehouse criss-crossed the globe as a flight attendant for Canadian Airlines Air. She made extensive contacts with an eye on future import/export opportunities.

Linda and her husband, also a flight attendant, retired to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and sold real estate until the bottom dropped out of the market following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. They were drawn back to Bellingham where they had lived before.

Last year, Linda had a kiosk in Bellis Fair selling pearls imported from China. The success of that venture encouraged her to think bigger.

Two months ago, she opened Artesano’s on Harris Street in Fairhaven, featuring artwork imported from Mexico and China.

Among the most eye-catching items are pewter framed mirrors and exquisite globes with the various nations of the world depicted in inlaid minerals.

“We chose Fairhaven,” Linda said, “because we didn’t want to be in a mall. So far the reaction has been great.”

One of the attractions of the gallery is the reasonably priced artwork. Linda has found some real bargains by clever purchasing. She plans to bring in a 20-foot container of Mexican works every three months.

As the demand picks up, the gallery will branch out both artistically and physically. Linda wants to add more items and needs more space. It’s a good problem for a new business to have.

 

 

 

 

Menu babes take the pain out of planning
New web business is cooking

by Christopher Key

 

MenuBabe.com is a recent and innovative arrival in the world of Web businesses, providing subscribers with weekly dinner menu plans via e-mail. The idea was born out of a desire to curb spending and streamline life.

“Planning my week’s dinners and finding new things to cook was something I was already doing,” said co-owner Dawn Carpenter. With the help of Stephanie Friesen, the two turned her meal plans and grocery list into a service that sells.

“Someday we’ll look back with nostalgia from a fully equipped test kitchen and plush office divan at our humble beginnings,” said Carpenter.

“It’s a simple idea, but people love it,” said Friesen. “We were surprised to learn that for most people, it’s the chore of planning that keeps them from cooking real meals for their household.”

MenuBabe.com intends to solve that problem with “menu packages.” Menu plans, recipes, a grocery list, and shopping & cooking tips are e-mailed weekly to customers who are grateful to have it spelled out for them.

“We test, refine, and eat every menu we give our subscribers,” said Carpenter. They describe the foods as “contemporary home cooking that anyone can prepare and enjoy.” Their goal is to provide a means for people to broaden their skills in the kitchen, enjoy more variety, eat reasonably healthy and ultimately save money and time.

Before opening their business, Friesen and Carpenter “slung dough” together, managing the production and marketing at a Bellingham bakery.

“We had often considered doing something on our own but never pursued it until the right thing came along. Mainly because we work so well together,” said Carpenter.

With her previous experience owning a restaurant, and Friesen’s history with graphics and desktop publishing the two are a natural fit.

“I think our partnership is successful because we balance each others’ strengths and weaknesses,” said Friesen. “Dawn is actually passionate about creative cooking. She loves reinventing recipes, making them manageable, and she has a ton of ideas.”

“Steph sees the details I miss, and can channel my ideas into something that actually works,” Carpenter said. “Without her it wouldn’t have gotten off the ground.”

Carpenter and Friesen have high hopes for their business. They’d like to see some form of partnership with food distributors, enabling them to offer coupons with the grocery list. Creating specialized menus that would appeal to vegetarians or people with restricted diets is another goal.

You can download a free 3-day sample menu package by visiting www.menubabe.com. And the name?

“We hope it makes people laugh,” said Carpenter. “Actually, it was a husband with a full stomach and a knack for flattery.”