Last night was thrilling. We attended the 27th annual Nellie Cashman Awards ceremony sponsored by the amazing WBO Association (Women Business Owners.) Channel the Golden Globes...a dimly lit grand ballroom, swanky dinner rounds, autumnal florals, wine flowing. We encircled two glassybaby tables with Lee at our center. To explain, Lee was one of 5 finalists. In movie style, the winner was announced last night. The extremely lovely clothing designer, Luly Lang, winner of last year's award, sidled up to the podium after much ado. She unsealed an envelope and after suspended silence and cumulative heart palpitation announced: "...and the winner is Lee Rhodes." Our tables levitated with collective clapping and cheering Lee on.
What a thrill and honor. For Lee to be in such esteemed company made it an even grander acclaim. In 'Nellie' solidarity we applaud:
- Kristen Betty of KBA Inc.
- Karen Say of Saybr Contractors
- Jean Thompson of Seattle Chocolates
- Tamara Wilson of Wilson PR
A few anecdotes from the evening...Phil O'Reilley owner of Olympic Color Rod, who provides a lion's share of glassybaby glass, was in our fold. His customer service and friendship is not only outstanding, it can at times be outlandish in the best sense of the word. He arrived to the dinner table flanked by two Westin employees. A quick jostling of the floral centerpiece and water glasses, allowed him to carefully place a gorgeous hand blown pink vase full of flowers for Lee at the center of our table. With a team of glassblowers, he had made the vase for Lee. The scale of the vase conjures...well...Versailles. So celebratory and sweet.
On another note. We all were splashy in attire. It was fun to watch each glassybaby dignitary enter and shimmer. Honorable mention goes to our lovely Marissa who wore a ruffled, 3/4 length sleeve, green silk dress. She would be in good company with, none other than, Sarah Jessica Parker and an Appletini.
Lee nailed her moving speech. She spoke of the organic growth of glassybaby, the transcendence of simple, beautiful, glowing color, the signature business truth for glassybaby of giving back, specifically to cancer causes, and the daily testimonials of customers that move and buoy us always.
Until Next Time, Nicola
a special P.S. to Mimi Kirsch who, in all of her lovely wisdom, had the notion to nominate Lee.
Yet another congrats from a glassybaby alum! Way to go Lee, and on top of that I saw recently that she was one of the honorees for the 2008 Puget Sound Business Journal's Women of Influence Awards, two awards in one season?! Glassybaby forever.
Posted by: Kobi | October 08, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Congratulations to Lee! I can't think of a more deserving and gracious woman to receive such an honor! I miss you all and hope to have a chance to stop by at Christmas time. The glassybaby Mike and I have scattered throughout our tiny apartment are a comforting reminder of home whenever the big city gets me a little homesick.
Posted by: Elisa Pupko | October 06, 2008 at 08:07 AM