Meet Me At Lush

By Rayn Newson

Reading Meet Me at Lush offers a glimpse into the personal and rofessional lives of two upwardly mobile female entrepreneurs', Rebecca Ellis and Tiffany Caldwell. Both women are first generation entrepreneurs who work hard and play hard. The novel highlights the ladies day-to-day operations at Cover the Girls Boutique, their receptiveness to love and relationships, and their endless nights spent at Lush, an upscale lounge with a 40-foot bar that's frequented by many business professionals in the Queen City.

Meet Me at Lush touches on going against the odds in the areas of: taking a leap of faith, going into business with people closest to you, balancing your business and personal life, but yet still allotting a moment to enjoy your success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rayn Newson
• Release date: Feb 17, 2015

Book preview

Chapter One: The Ideal Candidate

Busy reviewing morning reports Madison barely heard the telephone ringing. "Hello, we're having a great morning at Cover the Girls; Madison speaking... how may I assist you? Good morning, Ms. Tiffany Caldwell please?"

She's unavailable at the moment. May I help you or would you like to leave a message?

Yes, my name is Nycole... Nycole Singleton, and I'm embarrassed to admit it but I should have been there ten minutes ago for an interview with her. However, due to all the construction in the area I’m extremely LATE.

Ma'am, Ms. Caldwell doesn’t take kindly to tardiness Madison flatly stated while eyeing Tiffany open one of the fitting rooms for a customer. Ms. Singleton, how far away are you?"

I am two streets over, Nycole replied.

Do you mind if I place you on hold for a moment? Madison asks in a very dramatic tone.

Sure, no problem Nycole replied.

After placing the call on hold, Madison was able to get Tiffany's attention to update her on Nycole’s current location. Tiffany immediately looked at her watch and instructed Madison to inform Nycole that if she arrived by ten forty-five, she could still be interviewed, but anything thereafter she would have to reschedule.

Madison, nodded at Tiffany's response and returned to the checkout counter, picked up the telephone and asked in authoritative voice, Ms. Singleton, can you get here within the next fifteen minutes?

Checking the time, Nycole responded "that should not be a problem; I just found a parking space. As a matter of fact, I can see the Cover the Girls awning from where I am now she added."

Acknowledging Nycole’s statement, Madison responds

sounds good, see you in a few minutes.

In the meantime, Madison rung up a customer’s purchase and Tiffany walked to the conference room which is located in the rear of the boutique, across from the shared office. She figured this would be a great to time check the company email, social media accounts and browse the inventory order as she waits, against her better judgment, for the next potential DIT.

As Nycole attempts to parallel park in the only available parking space she ask herself how does someone run late to an interview for a nonpaid position. Knowing I need this opportunity to help build my experience as a designer and here I am running late. Looking in the mirror, Nycole gave herself a little pep talk, "girl, get it together and stop focusing on running late. You have the skills and the ability to thrill Ms. Tiffany

Caldwell and claim this opportunity."

After the parking ordeal and pep talk, Nycole took a moment to freshen up her Optimistic: Cover the Girls shade of lipstick and grabbed her portfolio from the back seat. Nycole walked with confidence as she crossed the street to enter the shop. While walking she gazed through the window hoping to lay eyes on either Madison or Tiffany so she could get a heads up on who is who prior to walking in. As she got closer to the door, Nycole took a final glance at her watch to make sure she was within the fifteen minute time frame.

She entered the boutique and noticed very few customers inside, which was possibly due to the boutique opening less than an hour ago. Nycole was in complete awe with the layout of the boutique. She felt like a kid in a candy store.

On her immediate right, were various styles of chic ladies clothing for juniors and up. In the middle draped on fixtures, hung an array of accessories ranging from fashion scarfs, bracelets, earrings, charms, to handbags, and everything in between. Further back was lingerie and other various pieces of undergarments that were exquisite; from a distance the pieces look very fashionable and inviting. To the left of the entrance door was a display of collegiate and sorority paraphernalia that caused Nycole to reminisce about visits to her old college store. Further back on the left side of the wall were shoes and outerwear. After passing that display the next stop was the fitting room that was artfully decorated to resemble a lounge area.

While admiring the full beauty of the boutique, Nycole pondered the thought of having at least one of the white leather lounge chairs in her studio apartment. She'd use the chaise as her primary decorating inspiration.

Once Nycole reached the checkout counter located along the rear wall she was greeted by a very attractive lady with a rich caramel complexion wearing a fitted white shirt that spelled CTG across the middle in hot pink and somewhat appeared to blue jeans.

Hello, you must be Nycole? the woman behind the counter said.

Yes, I am.

Nycole, nice to meet you; I'm Madison. I spoke with you earlier. Madison says while looking at the clock on the wall above the entrance. Have a seat over near the fitting room and I will let Ms. Tiffany know you are here. Luckily, you made it in time; would you like a virgin mimosa, coffee, tea, or water?

No, I'm just fine thanks for the offer Nycole replied. Sure…., Ms. Caldwell will be right with you Madison said after she instant messaged Tiffany informing her that Ms. Singleton had arrived.

Minutes later, Madison returns and introduces Nycole to Ms. Caldwell who is very well dressed; wearing a tan pencil skirt, white blouse and some chic green pumps.

"Welcome to CTG, my name is Tiffany Caldwell; I am the head designer and co-owner of Cover the Girls which is often referred to as CTG. Turning to Madison she said hold my calls and when Rebecca arrives hand her the swatches that came in this morning."

Will do! Madison cheerfully responded.

Turning her attention back to Nycole, Tiffany politely requests Nycole follow me.

Tell me about yourself, why did you apply to be an apprentice here?

Where do I start… over a year ago I received my bachelor of art and design degree with a concentration in fashion design. Since graduation, I've served as a freelance designer for a local designer who recently relocated to the DMV area to be closer to family. As for applying to be an intern here… I have a niche for ladies fashion. Therefore, I've been searching for the ideal occupation that would afford me the opportunity to express my skills and passion.

After taking a quick breath, Nycole continues, "As for my personal profile, I'm a mother of a handsome boy that’s just three years old. Both my parents and I reside here in the inner city and I'm an only child. During my research, Cover the Girls caught my attention because the website expressed the importance of family and the joys of being an entrepreneur under the About the CEO section. Also, I was intrigued when I read on the website that if an intern successfully completes the program they will be presented with a package that's valued at twenty-five hundred dollars that includes a website domain for a one year subscription, two webinar sessions on being a successful entrepreneur powered by iProfessionals Staffing, a laptop, gift card at a local clothing boutique so the recipient would be dressed for success when meeting their prospective employer and clients."

Tiffany smiles, Ms. Singleton, you have definitely done your homework! All of that is correct, my business partner, Rebecca Ellis and I are firm believers in the importance of family, providing the path for others to pursue their dreams and all out; making things happen! By the way, you may get a chance to meet Rebecca before you leave today.

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate you on getting this far in the application process. As you read, I’m sure; the Rebecca Ellis Fellowship runs every other year and the program last for six months. During that period, you will serve as the designer in training or the DIT. This program is designed to offer supervised practical training not only as a designer but as a professional in the fashion industry. However, what is not noted on the site is that the chosen applicant will earn a monthly stipend of one hundred fifty dollars the first month and two hundred dollars the following five months. That is not posted on the website because we wanted to attract those who displayed a hunger for putting in the work.

Wow, Ms. Caldwell!

Please call me Tiffany.

Tiffany, that information totally caught me off guard.

Nycole, now that we’ve gotten the business portion out of the way I’d like to see your creative juices.

"Tiffany, my dream occupation is to one day design a lingerie line for full figured women. With that said, I'd like for you to take a glance at my portfolio Nycole adds. You may come across several drawings that may be suitable for the CTG bra line Nycole says."

Well done Nycole, I am very impressed.

Thank you Ms. Tiffany… I mean Tiffany.

Nycole, I like you. I love your drive!! You're the first applicant who has presented sketches geared directly towards our product. I have to meet with a few other applicants this week. However, if you were not selected for the program then you will be notified by mail within seven days. If you are named the chosen one for this year’s program you will be called on Monday before the end of the business day. Also, if selected you’re required to take a drug test within twenty-four hours of being contacted. Any questions or concerns?

No, I’d like to thank you for your time Tiffany.

The pleasure was mine. Madison will see you out. Have a nice day!

Nycole, right this way. Again, it was very nice meeting you and best wishes to you and your destiny. Madison, I really appreciate that. Madison’s focus was broken by the ringing telephone.

"Thank you for calling Cover the