Is Yelp Really a Help?

Lately my "To Do" work list is a mile long, but I feel the need to voice my disapproval about Yelp.com. As a small business owner, I find their business practices to be unfair. I'm not sure if many of you are aware of how their review systems works, but Yelp has a filtering system in place. They claim that it has been put in place to protect both consumers and businesses from people leaving false reviews--either positive or negative. If a review comes in from a consumer, and that person does not have a review history with Yelp, it gets filtered out immediately.

I first learned of this filtering system, shortly after our first review. As both a business owner and a consumer, I can understand and appreciate this system to a certain degree. However, the system has recently changed. I am now noticing that reviews that have been left by our clients that do have a history with Yelp are now being filtered out for some reason. 10 of my Cinderella Company client reviews have been removed at an alarming rate these past 7 days. Sorry, but this is simply not right. From Oct of 2009 to date, The Cinderella Company has earned 35 five star reviews and only 20 of them were ever shown by Yelp. That number is now down to 9 this past week.

As a small business, the Yelp reviews have done much for our business. But I cannot help but feel that Yelp is manipulating the public into using their system on a regular basis. As a mother with a full-time job, I don't have the time nor desire to sit at my computer leaving massive amounts of reviews for companies. And if I do take the time to leave a review for a company, whether it be good or bad, I do expect for it to be posted. I think what Yelp is doing is unfair and dangerous and they don't seem to care about alienating small businesses. As soon as I noticed my reviews dropping off, I tried contacting them. The local SF phone number that I found

does not accept phone calls from consumers or businesses, and no one has responded to my email after locating the hard-to-find site contact info. In the end, I don't find Yelp be a real help

to people.

Disney, NYC is Open for Business

This past summer while visiting NYC, I was disappointed to learn that Disney's 5th Ave location has closed. It wasn't until my nephew told me that they weren't closed for good, just relocating to another part of the city that I felt a little bit better. So for all of you Disney fans out there, Disney has just reopened it doors at 1540 Broadway that was previously home to a giant Virgin Megastore. After closing their store on 5th Ave last year, this is Disney’s attempt to re-invent itself in the retail world. This place is every child’s dream with its life size interactive Disney princess castle and children’s theatre that will entertain kids with movies and house some very exciting celebrity appearances. About the project, one of Disney's reps states, "Bringing Disney store to the center of Times Square is a monumental achievement, and we have created a retail experience that complements the energy and innovation that Times Square inspires”. This is the second venture Disney has taken on in Times Square with their renovation of The New Amsterdam theatre into the Disney Theatre in the 1990’s.The Times Square grand opening will be the largest Disney store in existence to date. The location will feature two floors and will be open seven days a week from 9am until midnight. I can only imagine the late night hours were created so all of us without kids can go check out the princess castle without shame." Go Disney!!!

Exciting News!!!

The Cinderella Company was recently approached by Director Richard Bosner of Blue Creek Pictures. He and producer Barret Hacia are currently filming a micro-budget film this winter, and my wonderful performer Jena Hunt has the starring role. Falling Uphill is a romantic comedy scheduled for next year. Jena's character plays a 20 something woman living and working in San Francisco. If you haven't figured how The Cinderella Company fits into the equation, the character's day job is that of a princess performer for a children's entertainment company called, The Cinderella Company. How exciting is this?

Rapunzel, Let Down Your Hair!

I hope that everyone has had a chance to see Disney's Tangeled movie. I was able to take my daughter just after it opened; I have to say it is a very cute movie and love the music. Anyway after several months of planning, my seamstress and wig designer were able to work their magic once again. This dress has quite a bit of lace, embroidery and crystals added to it, whereas the 5 foot wig is constructed out of a main base with two sets of extensions added to it. I hope that everyone likes it. Leslie is featured in the photo.

Wig Boxes Complete!!!

A while back I ordered a boat-load of wig boxes for my CC character wigs, and this past week I finally had the desire to assemble them and hand them out to my performers. When I opened the box, I noticed that there were no directions. Being college educated I didn't forsee a problem--boy was I wrong! These boxes came with screws, lock nuts, and finials that I had no clue about. I of course tried finding directions online but there weren't any I could locate, and since it was after hours the company was closed. After making several attempts and bringing in a friend for help, I finally emailed a friend who immediately emailed me pictures of the completed product. She bought hers assembled! Oy! I guess you get what you pay for. The finial to the right is used to secure the wig head in place.

Newly Designed Disney Store, SF

While visiting NYC this past summer, I was very upset to see that Disney's 5th ave location had closed down and was being relocated to some other part of the city. Not to mention their Union Square location had also closed a while back. Well today I am very excited to announce that the SF location is now reopened at a different location: 39 Stockton Street (right where the 3 story Sanrio building use to be in the 90's). Please check out the Business Wire article when you can. Go Disney!!!

Julius Kahn Park

Yesterday four of my performers were requested to attend a large event at Julius Kahn Park in the Presidio for an annual Halloween event organized by the Golden Gate Mother's Club. On hand were Sleeping Beauty (Nicole), Belle (Lacey), Jasmine (Frances) and Anakin (Jason). I ended up attending the event to ensure that my performers had everything needed since this was going to be held outdoors and it was scheduled to rain. Thank goodness the rain held off! The day was wonderful and as usual they impressed the heck out of me.

El Passo Penny

This past year I probably introduced about 30 or so new characters through The Cinderella Company, and I keep saying that I won't add anymore. Then one of my regular clients call and before you know it, I've gone ahead and developed a new costume and character. Such is the case with El Passo Penny. In the past I have received calls about a cowgirl/cowboy character and have always passed on it, but when of my past clients called recently, I just could not pass up on the opportunity. So before you know it, I was consumed with everything cowgirl. My performer Jena was chosen for the role and she totally impressed the heck out of me listening to her speak in her southern twang telling the children about her tale of home life on the range and of course listening to her sing "Blue Shadow Trails". She even brought in Cowboy Kevin to accompany on guitar during the song. This gal has some set of pipes.

True Blood/Twighlight

I am huge True Blood fan, but that show is not exactly for kids so this might be a slash Twighlight character for the youngins. Jessica is featured and I thought these came out great.

My photographer Sam Aslanian worked his magic yet again in shooting these. I was a little disappointed with the fangs though. I think next year I am going to have to go to an actual dentist and invest in having my performer fitted with a retainer that they use in Hollywood.

Rose Dewitt Bukater

With Halloween just around the corner, my CC partner and I are trying to wrap up all of our new characters. One of our latest characters is that of Rose Dewitt Bukater of Titanic fame. I am so excited about this one because I just love that time period. The costume is a vintage sheer Titanic style dress that I recently purchased along with some fabulous props: an R.M.S life preserver, Titanic whistle, tea cup and saucer with the R.M.S logo, and of course the heart of the ocean. My beautiful Mill Valley performer Jena, will have the starring role for this character. Here are some photos of her from her recent photoshoot.

Inexpensive Tiana Ideas

With my Tiana party this weekend in Marin coming up, here are two very inexpensive Tiana ideas. As a gift favor, why not give a Princess Tiana cookbook? Children love to cook and parents will definitely appreciate this one. With Simple instructions and large photos, the book features everything from Tiana's binets to a mud pie. Amazon is selling the book for $7 each. And with all of the parties that I host, cupcakes are so much easier to offer and the kids love them. Take a peak at these cute frog cupcakes.

The Evolution Store

While in NY, I had a chance to visit the King Tut exhibit at the Discovery Museum in Time's Square. I was excited about it because I missed it while it was in San Francisco this past spring. It was of course amazing. I left there stating that next year Jennifer and I need to add an archaelogical character to our cast of characters. For those who know my Just Imagine parties, I try my best to create both informative and fun themes. Anyway, the next day while shopping in Soho, I found this really neat store called Evolution. It's located at 120 Spring Street and they sell replica natural history items such as skulls, fossils and artifacts.

New York, New York

Greetings from New York! I've been getting a little bit of R & R lately--sort of. What can I say, I'm a bit high-strung so I find myself going into dark corners and making excuses to go to loo so I can respond to text messages, answer my phone and emails. Oh well. Having a blast anyway. I've been to see Mary Poppins, Wicked and King Tut. Look forward to getting back though.

New Princess & the Frog Theme

Everytime that I think that I am going to scale back on doing parties, something comes up to make me reconsider and there I am creating a new theme. When Disney's Princess & the Frog was released this past December, I had no intention of adding it to my list of party themes. However, after receiving numerous phone calls and the lastest from one of my dear clients, I found my self watching the video and getting caught up in everything Tiana and Naveen.

With the party in just a couple of weeks, I had to quickly decide on a table design. With my princess performer wearing Tiana's green wedding gown, I have decided that a bayou look was the most appropriate, so I just ordered a bunch of lily pads and greenery for the table.. I also ordered a few yards of an durable green colored fabric to create sit-upon lily pads for a game activity. For the craft, the children will be assembling their own lightning bugs in a jar craft which I could not resist. Growing up on the east coast this was a big thing for kids to do so I thought this would be fun. My photographer Sam will be on hand to take the photos for this party.

Snow White Party

I am so fortunate because I have the nicest clients, and that makes my job much more enjoyable and rewarding. On Sunday I had the opportunity to host a Snow White party down in Kentfield for one of my regular clients. This came in Monday's mail.

Hi Terri,

Yesterday was everything we could have hoped for-it truly lived up to the imagination of our little princess and she kept living the dream all the way until midnight last night. Both Lisa and Lisa (Snow White) were so patient and and truly lovely. Terri, you pulled off "making magic" and made it look easy. It was a wonderful party, and more importantly, a very special and very real dream come true for Summer.

Thank you again for a day to remember!

Marci & Mark

Way to go Maaika!!!

I am so happy to announce that my very dear performer Maaika, will be starring in the movie Moneyball which is currently filming at Oakland Coliseum. This is the story of Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane's successful attempt, to turn around his team's fortunes by applying some unorthodox economic theories to the process of hiring players. The film stars both Brad Pitt and Robin Wright, and Maaika plays one of the player's wives. Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you.

The Cinderella Company Wins the Gold!!!

A couple of months back one of my dear faerie friends, whispered something very magical into my ear. Not being able to share the news immediately, I had to squirrel it away for a later time. Today, I get to shout it from the rooftops! The Cinderella Company, my youngest child, has been voted the number one children's entertainment company for 2010 by Bay Area Parent's Magazine. Yippee!!! Words cannot event begin to express how happy Jennifer and I are feeling. Thank you to all of my Cinderella and Just Imagine clients who took the time out to vote for us, and thank you to my wonderful cast of performers. Your talant, your zeal and your devotion melts my heart, and our two year journey together has been an amazing opportunity. Jennifer and I appreciate you all from the bottom of our hearts.

We Made It!

Oh my! It has been a wild few months for my Cinderella Company partner and I. Not only has the character entertainment business been booming for us, but we just recently had about 60 new custom made gowns made, a ton of wigs styled and designed, and the TCC website fully updated. The new pictures are fabulous. There's not one bad picture up there. The performers are simply beautiful. Anyway, we are thoroughly exhausted--especially Jennifer. I have to take my hat off to her because she handled the entire site. Way to go. Please take a peak when you have a chance because it's pretty darn impressive if I do say so myself. By the way, be sure to check back tomorrow because I have some exciting news to share!

There's no Place Like Home

After much needed rest and relaxation last week, my partner and I are focusing on updating all of our websites. This is one of the first pics taken from our photo shoot a couple of weeks ago. The Cinderella Company started receiving many requests at the beginning of the year for multiple performers, so we are now offering an ensemble cast for different themes. Having more than one performer at an event is perfect for larger parties, or for the client interested in a bit more theatre. This is one of my favorite pictures.

TCC's 3rd Annual Training

The past few months have been insanely busy, but my Cinderella Company partner, Jennifer and I manage to pull off our 3rd Annual training this Sunday. Although this is our third year for this event, our second anniversary for TCC will be August 12th. Our first party was in Tiburon two years ago. So each year we invite our staff up to Napa Valley for our annual photo shoot and training day. This year our usual meeting spot got booked up early, so we were quite fortunate to be at the beautiful Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford. The day was well, hot--extremely hot. The temperature soared to about 103 and we were outside the entire time! My poor staff really pulled through for us though, but that doesn't surprise me because they are quite committed which we appreciate so much. I think Lisa and Nicole endured the most with their Elphaba and Glinda costumes. Afterwards a few of us took refuge indoors and enjoyed the cool air and an iced drink. One of the things Jennifer and I love about our company is the closeness of our staff; everyone truly enjoys spending time with each other