“Many lines are produced six months
to over a year [in advance],” Dobrin says.
“[By producing our apparel as close as
possible to the season], we are able to
overcome challenges in delivery times
and product forecasting.”
the public. The out-of-Africa-theme
space was divided into a tranquil spa
and an adjacent upbeat salon. In the
course of 10 years of operation, Blue
Giraffe has come to be known as a vital
part of a small town community.
Unexpected Opportunity
James and Tricia Kolker, owners of the
Blue Giraffe Day Spa Salon located in
Ashland, Oregon, are another example
of a successful husband-and-wife
tandem.
It was after a visit to Ashland in the
winter of 2001 that the Kolkers fell in
love with the small town of Ashland.
During their visit, they came across a
spa for sale located only a block away
from the downtown plaza. At the time,
the two former business owners were
looking forward to being self-employed
again and Tricia coincidently had prior
salon and spa experience. They decided
they would lease the building and start
up a new spa.
In August 2002, the Blue Giraffe Day
Spa Salon, named after Trisha’s beloved
blue giraffe statue, opened its doors to
From Childhood Friends to
Business Partners
Childhood friends and previous school
teachers, Maggie Maceiras and Georgette
Hoyo, co-owners of Soy Delicious, based
in Miami, Florida, shared a similar dream
of sta