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Designs by Lolita

 

2010 Stevie Award Winner

Company: Designs by Lolita, Providence, RI USA
Company Description: Designs by Lolita, founded by CEO, Lolita Healy, is the gift industry’s leading design company for lifestyle products for every occasion. With 8 employees in RI and GA and over $68,000,000 in retail sales in 2009, the Lolita brand soars. What began as a single glass collection has expanded into a collection of products, infused with fun, to become a complete lifestyle.
Nomination Category: Individual Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Entrepreneur – Non-Services Businesses – up to 100 Employees

Nomination Title: Lolita Healy, CEO

Describe for the judges the activities and accomplishments of the nominated entrepreneur during the eligibility period (up to 500 words):

Lolita had one licensed manufacturer in 2004 and reached ten in 2009. Lolita
products are featured in over 10,000 stores, including Macy’s, Hallmark, Von
Maur, Bon Ton’s and more in the EU, Australia, and Canada. Lolita continues to
grow, doubling in sales yearly since the brand’s inception in 2001. 2009 was no
exception, seeing a 100% increase in sales from 2008, proving the challenging
economic climate has not affected Lolita.

2009 marks significant diversification for Lolita into new product categories.
With a
new textile line, ceramics, candles, acrylic-ware, ceramic party and serving
platters, fashion accessories, ornaments, paper goods, games, ceramic mugs,
and now jewelry and a new book, “Martini Moments”, Lolita has cornered a unique
market, offering not just homeware, but a full spectrum of lifestyle products.
Lolita’s stylish and affordable designs continue to target savvy consumers who
value fashion and function.

Lolita is a recognized leader in the gift industry with over ten field rankings
from
top industry publications. Giftbeat Magazine, a leading giftware trade
publication,
named Lolita number one in glass wine glasses and number seven in wine
acrylics, even as a newcomer to acrylic with a January 2010 launch. In that same
publication, Lolita products have garnered mention in glassware, humor and
whimsy gift, and tabletop categories. In addition, Healy has shared her unique and
inspirational story on GMA and Better Homes and Garden TV, along with several
local television shows, radio programs, print media, newspapers and blogs.

Lolita is an active member of the Women’s Leadership Exchange, and a member
of the Licensing Industry Manufacturer’s Association. In 2009, Lolita was awarded
by Providence Business News as a Woman to Watch in the category of Creative
Services, and nominated for business woman of the year. In 2009 Lolita also was
profiled by Boston’s Women’s Business Journal.

List the URLs (web addresses) of any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that you would like the judges to see that support your entry. IMPORTANT: List each URL on a separate line, begin each URL with http://, and enclose each URL in square brackets. For example, [http://www.yourcompany.com/pressrelease.html]:

See Lolita’s website:
http://www@designsbylolita.com
check out her press section for links to TV spots, print, internet and radio.
To see her products, check out her online store:
www@thelolitastore.com

Provide a brief biography of the nominated entrepreneur (up to 100 words):

It began with a girl’s night out and a martini menu. Lolita, founder of Designs by
Lolita, ordered a Cosmopolitan—and thought the dull glass didn’t suit her pretty
drink. Lolita envisioned a fancy glass, with feminine flair and a fabulous
recipe on
the bottom. Lolita was inspired to create the "Love My Martini™" collection—a
flirty range of painted glasses that became the hottest gift brand in America.
Lolita
introduced collections of glassware, candles, paper products, bathrobes, beach
towels and more that celebrate special moments. What began as a single
collection has expanded to become a complete lifestyle.