For National Score Success Stories, click here 

Here are some Success Stories in our Chapter:
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    BellaCaché, San Ramon, CA 94583
    Liz Boyd, Owner

BellaCaché, the creation of business owner Liz Boyd, is a unique shop that caters to the fashion-aware who want to protect their investment.

Borrowing the words from their web site - "when you purchase BellaCache products, you're taking a step in prolonging the life of your favorite leather goods AND organizing your closet. No more digging through your closet only to find your favorite purse has been scratched or is dirty with dust. No more wear and tear on your purse handles from hanging them on hangers. No more faded leather from direct sunlight. Also, a protective, fashionable way of packing your accessories for travel"

Dust Covers are available in three popular sizes to accommodate a wide variety of wardrobe accessories including, but not limited to shoes, boots, belts, purses, hats, etc.                                                                                                     

                                                                                                      Visit BellaCaché at  www.bellacache.com

Liz Boyd came to SCORE for counseling on July 31, 2009 and in addition to face-to-face counseling sessions where her ideas were discussed and perfected, she also attended Score Workshops on Starting a Business and E-Commerce.

We wish Liz the most success in her venture.

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Online Company preserving your photo memories   Photacular, San Ramon, CA Darla Weiss, (925) 215-8650, darla@photacular.com   Photacular (www.photacular.com) is an online company dedicated to the preservation of photo memories. Darla Weiss says: " We help people turn their precious photos into custom gifts and keepsakes, like jewelry, coasters, keepsake boxes, mouse pads, coffee mugs, and T-shirts. We pride ourselves on our personal service and will work diligently to accommodate any special requests. SCORE has been a wonderful resource throughout the process of contemplating, planning, starting, and running my business. Attending workshops and seminars helps keep me on track and builds my confidence. It is a wonderful feeling to have SCORE behind me. Larry Tessler has provided great advice and support from the beginning." --------------------------------------------------------

Fashionable clothes for pregnant women and babies Mama Mia, 612 Main Ave., Fargo, ND 58103 Ciara Stockeland, Owner Mama Mia, the creation of business owner Ciara Stockeland and her husband Jim, is a unique lifestyle shop that caters to the fashion-aware pregnant woman and mother. Mama Mia offers the fashion-savvy woman the opportunity to dress with the same style and charisma when they are expecting as when they are not. It also gives that new mother the products to dress and accessorize her new little one with that same style and care. You can find out more about Mama Mia at www.MamaMiaStore.com SCORE counselor Larry Tessler was recommended to Ciara from another Fargo, ND, boutique owner who had just opened her first store and was very impressed by his knowledge of the retail market. Larry’s help and advice was invaluable.  ---------------------------------------------------------

Authentic Black American Style BBQ   The Brick Pig's House,  5973 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland    Barry and Carolyn Alexander The Brick Pig's House serving authentic black American style BBQ is now open providing delicious barbecue foods at a reasonable price, with counseling assistance from Score Counselor Hank Weiner. The owners aim to not only provide the best quality food, but to also provide a safe, pleasant atmosphere for their customers.  Carolyn, the master cook, comes from a long line of barbecue and food service providers.  She is a third generation food service professional who has been pleasing palates for the last 30 years while Barry is the second cook and business manager.  Barry has been cooking "Carolyn-style" so long that he can’t remember cooking BBQ using his own recipes.  Their menus and more information on their new venture can be found at:  http://thebrickpigshouse.shabfas.us/index.html.

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Cafe and Bar     Z Cafe & Bar, 2735 Broadway, Oakland, CA     Mehdi and Sheila Zarekari Score Counselor Hank Weiner worked with the Zarekaris to open the new Z Cafe & Bar. Mehdi has extensive restaurant industry background which he brings to the cafe along with his mixology skills to create an exciting array of cocktails.  Sheila comes from a marketing background with a lifelong interest in food and cooking.  Together they have launched an exciting new concept on Oakland's Auto Row featuring contemporary American bistro fare using the freshest, locally grown meats and produce.  The bistro is open  seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.    More facts on Z's along with sample menus are available at their website http://www.zcafeandbar.com/index.html

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Beads & Jewelry Making Bead Inspirations, 1544 Park Street, Alameda, CA Vicki Lapp

Bead Inspirations is a retail bead store, selling jewelry-making supplies and classes. Vicki Lapp started teaching jewelry-making classes at her home in 2003, and ,after careful research and planning, opened her store in October, 2004. Her philosophy is that everyone is creative, and she offers a nurturing and encouraging environment to capitalize on this natural creativity.

Vicki Lapp says: " Using SCORE personal counseling and Workshops were immensely valuable in launching my business. The classes taught me critical business aspects, such as marketing and finance. Meeting with SCORE counselors regularly provided reality checks. A counselor with retail experience gave me confidence and found ways to address my potential weaknesses and turn my vision into reality. People who  did not know me (at first) cared enough about my success to volunteer time and share knowledge with me. I have tremendous gratitude for their generous support."

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Children's Clothing Pippen Hill, Park Street, Alameda, CA   (near Starbucks on Central Avenue) Angela Brahm, Owner. Tel: 510-814-0712

Pippen Hill, which opened in 2003, is a boutique that specializes in unique children's clothing, toys and gifts for newborns through size 6x. Signature lines include Barefoot Dreams, Little Giraffe, TEA clothing & WOW toys. Customers are offered assistance in choosing that special gift, custom gift wrapping, and special ordering.

Angela Brahm says " Meeting with SCORE counselors let me access experienced business people and discuss my Business Plan and goals. They gave me the confidence to move ahead with my business"

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Home Accessories & Gifts Ellington & French, 2942 Domingo Ave, Berkeley, CA (across from the Claremont Hotel) China McKay, Owner

Ellington & French is a home decor and gift store which specializes in unique furnishings and antiques, French and Italian handmade dinnerware, sumptuous table and bed linens and many soaps, lotions and potions. Complimentary gift wrapping and gift registry services are offered.

China McKay says: " Having never run my own home decor store, I found the advice and assistance from my SCORE counselor very useful. I received expert help on my Business Plan, adding some topics which I had not considered but which have proven vital. I like knowing I can contact my SCORE counselor at any time for still more advice."

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Pet Accessories Dog Bone Alley, 1342 Park Street, Alameda, CA Dog Bone Alley, 730 Camino Real, Danville, CA (in the Rose Garden) Elizabeth Pinkerton

Dog Bone Alley is a store dedicated to dogs, cats, and the people who love them. The first location in Alameda, opened in August 2004, offers a wide selection of quality foods, supplies, and accessories for dogs and cats, as well as gifts for the pet lover. The second store opened in 2008 in Danville, CA.

Elizabeth Pinkerton says: "I was amazed at how much SCORE had to offer. I attended several Workshops and worked with Larry Tessler, my SCORE counselor. I received practical detailed information on critical topics like inventory management, human resources, and public relations. The knowledge and tools from SCORE were invaluable in moving my idea from concept to implementation."

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Women's Boutique Flobell Danville, 178 E. Prospect Ave., Danville, CA 94526; (925) 855-1228 Flobell Saratoga, 14519 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070; (408) 872-1647 Bella Mitchell, Owner

Flobell is a women's fashion boutique offering couture quality clothing at ready-to-wear prices. Customers can obtain total outfit solutions, or apply their own creativity by choosing from a range of specially selected designers and styles united by quality, taste and great tailoring. Accessories and jewelry are also available. The original Danville location includes a showroom

Bella Mitchell says: "Selecting fashion is easy. The key to a successful retail operation is understanding the buying process and how to control inventory. My SCORE counselor, Larry Tessler, provided extensive hands-on experience and gave me priceless practical and sound advice. "

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Spa de Esperanza LLC opened in May 2005 with 4 employees, offering a complete line of day spa services, skin care consultations and massage therapy. Customers experience increased emotional well being.

Kristina Rodriguez says: "After many years of experience in the spa industry and lots of research and planning, I visited SCORE Counselor Bob Laiks to review my Business Plan. He was able to point out several areas where improvements could be made. He emphasized extensive market research and demographic studies. I appreciate his insight and knowledge. I don't think I could have prepared myself for this big step without his good advice and knowledge of how a small business really operates. Trust that you have the needed determination and drive, but trust SCORE to guide you in your journey. Thanks, Bob ! "

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