Real Eggs, Really Easy Easter Garland!

If you are like me, I'm sure you have that group of friends who are not only strikingly beautiful and fantastically smart, but are also stylistically crafty as well.  To me, this is a "Holy Trinity" of sorts.

These traits describe my dearly missed friends in Washington, D. C. area to a “T”.  I get green with envy each time I see them getting together to put their classy craftiness to work and really miss the fun chatter and banter (and sometimes even musical numbers) that come with each get-together.

My friends have honored me with being able to share their latest and greatest in crafting efforts:  beautiful Easter Egg Garlands made out of real eggs.

First, their list of supplies started with:

• Dozens of real eggs
• Fishing line
• a Dremel hand drill
• Cookie sheets
• Food coloring dye (mixed with a little white vinegar to get the best color)
• Toothpicks
• 1 ½” – 2” Ribbon

The Prepping

To prep the eggs they carefully drilled a small hole in the tops and the bottoms of each egg.  Using a toothpick inserted into one of the holes, they swirled around the egg yolk so that the insides could be blown out in to a sink.

After the insides were removed, they gently washed the eggs and set them on a cookie sheet to be placed in a 300 F oven (for 8-10 minutes) to harden up the shells.

As soon as the eggs cooled they were able to dye the eggs in an assortment of fun Easter colors.

The Pretty 

When the eggs had fully dried from the colored dye, fishing line was used to string the eggs together, making sure to use an assortment of the colors.  Festive ribbon was then used to finish-off the edges of the garland strands. And in the words of the immortal Amber, “Badda-Boom, Badda-Bing, we had ourselves some garland!”







The overall consensus was that it was pretty quick and an easy project  (the longest part was dyeing the eggs).  Thank you dear friends for letting me share your genius!

Contributed by: Heather Hadfield (Dietrich), Sterling Pear

Several years ago... two women started a business. Here's their story....

"Sterling Pear co-founders
Heather Hadfield Dietrich & Janet Hayden"

Sterling Pear was launched in 2006 by Heather Hadfield Dietrich and Janet Hayden.  Sterling Pear started with a different overall concept; designing and selling complete Christmas ornament "kits" (storage solutions, ornaments and linens). 

We designed two ornament storage solutions that were unlike any others on the current market.  Both were luxurious and sophisticated, something fitting to hold the treasures of one's collection of precious heirloom ornaments and collectibles - almost like big jewelry boxes! 

We knew we had something special and we decided to focus solely on these boxes since we didn't have the initial time and resources to roll out the whole ornament "kit" at the same time. 

We launched with our Keepsake Ornament Storage Chest and a few other Christmas decorating products.  Now, each year we've been adding more products with an emphasis on ingenious design and sophistication. 

Heather and I became friends back in the mid-1990's when we were both living and working in Washington, DC as young adults.  I was a few years out of college and had my first "real" job working in corporate fundraising for a national environmental federation.  Heather had just returned from four years of working in Seoul, South Korea where she hosted a national radio show and also taught English as a second language. She was working part-time in a retail shop while she was deciding where to live and finish her degree.

One day I happened to be a customer in the shop where Heather worked.  While ringing me up at the register we made small talk about the store and we realized that we had a connection - my ex-boyfriend was friends with one of her colleagues.  Heather was so genuine and friendly that I knew instantly that we'd be friends.  We exchanged phone numbers and ended up getting together the very next day. 

"Heather & Janet at the
Presidential Inaugural Ball,
January 20, 1997"

As far as friends go, we were instant best friends- nearly inseparable for the next couple of years.  We went night clubbing together, went on double dates, and even went on our first trip to Europe together (thanks to Heather's fabulous travel planning and good travel sense.)  I ended up helping her get a job with my non-profit and we worked together for a few months until she landed a business development and marketing job for a small start-up.  This new job, in turn, provided her many lessons about starting a business and being an entrepreneur. 

Ten years later Heather relocated to the Philadelphia area and I had moved to New York City.  I had been working in various jobs in PR, marketing, banking and was currently a personal assistant to the Chairman of a NYC commercial real estate firm.  I had the specific goal of starting a business of my own but struggled with what type of business it would be.  I attended many start-up business classes on the side, and was soaking up everything entrepreneurial I could.  Heather was a new Mom and was trying to find a balance of being a stay-at-home mom after an industrious career in marketing and corporate event planning. 

One weekend I visited Heather in Philadelphia to see her new home and spend time with her baby. She told me about a business idea she had involving Christmas ornament kits.  I loved her idea and I loved the idea of working with her!  I knew her work ethic and I knew she was someone I could trust!  At that moment, we made the decision to go into business together and it was a natural fit.  I returned to New York with a decision to make it happen.  There was no stopping us!

Since then we've made a few mistakes and even had our share of setbacks.  We were on the brink of quitting numerous times.  But each time, one of us would always stay positive and pull the other out of the dumps, providing encouragement that we could succeed.

 "Keepsake Storage Chests"

By 2010 we finally broke even and made a small profit.  It is very satisfying to know that the business has grown every year - (even after the incredibly rough second year of the crash).  We no longer doubt our ability to succeed and it is only onward and upward for us!

And I guess you can say.... The rest is history! 

by Janet Hayden 

Easy & Memorable Valentine's Table

Still trying to come up with a plan for Valentine’s Day?  Are you past the need to head out for that romantic restaurant with all the other couples?  Well, why not set a pretty table for dinner in! Kids/no kids, paired up with friends/just the two of you, take-out/homemade -- it’ll make for a nice change from the typical Sunday night routine.

Start by repurposing holiday items.  Break out a red table runner or tablecloth from the recent holidays.  For a focal point, take a clear glass or crystal vase and fill it with conversation hearts.  Finish by adding your favorite white, pink or red flowers.  Remember, don’t fill the vase with water or your hearts will become mush! 

Next scatter candles across the center of the table.  You can also fill small ramekins or glass bowls with chocolate covered almonds, cashews, raisins, or blueberries.  Arrange these amid the candles. 

Finally, a quick and easy way to dress up place settings is to replace napkin holders with red or pink satin ribbon tied in a big, beautiful bow.  With just a few minutes’ work, you’re set for a memorable dinnertime in the comfort of your own home!

Oh, some quick dessert ideas:  make a pan of brownies and cut them out with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.  Serve with your favorite ice cream and garnish a side of strawberries or raspberries.  If your selection of cookie cutters is non-existent, make a quick heart-shaped stencil out of paper.  Place it over cupcakes (square-cut brownies, slices of Bundt cake, larger round cakes will all do the trick too) and shake confectioner’s sugar or cocoa onto the stencil.  Gently remove the stencil, and voila! A beautiful presentation for easy, everyday desserts!

Contributed by Heather Martinez

Sterling Pear Interviews Clara Scroggins: World-famous Ornament Collector!

Sterling Pear Interviews Clara Scroggins: World-Famous Ornament Collector!

Clara Scroggins of Tampa Palms owns and curates the world's largest privately owned ornament collection which tops 1-million pieces.

She has been collecting ornaments for more than 15 years! 

Her own collection includes ornaments by many famous names including Waterford, Lalique, Versace, Hallmark, Lenox, Reed & Barton, Christopher Radko, Baccarat, Swarovski, artist Thomas Blackwell, jewelry designer Jay Strongwater and Tiffany & Co & more!

Clara is an expert on storing & caring for sterling silver, crystal, gold, cut crystal, porcelain, breakable, blown glass balls, hand painted ornaments & more! We are so excited to have spoken with her. We hope you enjoy these tips on preserving your ornaments and heirlooms so you can pass them down to your children and grandchildren for generations to come. 

SP: What is the first rule in storing fragile & collectible ornaments? 

Clara: You don’t want your ornaments to rattle around. Use white shredded paper in each department of your ornament storage box to keep ornaments comfy and nestled in each slot. You also want to be careful that ornaments are not crushed against each other. Give each one a little room to breathe, while still being protected. “The ornament storage boxes by Sterling Pear are good for this because they are strong enough to stack without crushing the ornaments. There are many ornament storage companies and options now, and many ornament storage boxes that are made, are not”.

SP: Is it important to use acid-free paper when storing ornaments and heirlooms?

Clara: While it is not necessary to use acid free paper for storing ornaments, it is very important to use acid-free paper when storing heirlooms such as a wedding dress, antiques, and baby christening dresses to prevent yellowing. Wrap the items in the paper to keep them preserved.

SP: Should ornaments be stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture? What about Sterling Silver? Porcelain? Christmas Cards?

Clara: If you live in an environment with extreme temperatures, do not store ornaments in an air tight container. Ornaments need room to breath. The exception to this is China, Crystal and ornaments with Swarovski crystals. These can be stored air-tight. 

          The Keepsake Ornament Storage Chest 

The Swarovski crystals, when exposed to heat, can cause the glue to melt so your crystals come off. The good news is that companies now recognize that ornaments are exposed to Christmas tree lights and windows, and have made adjustments to prevent those things from happening. You can also just glue the crystals back on if this happens, and sometimes small repairs may be needed.

Clara on storing Sterling Silver: Never store sterling silver where it can’t breathe. Use the packaging that the silver comes in which is pre-treated. You can also buy the protective bags separately to preserve your silver if the bags are misplaced or damaged.

Clara on storing Porcelain: The design in porcelain is fired in so it won’t come off on regular sheet paper. Store in an the ornament storage box also wrapped in paper.

Clara on storing Hallmark cards: Leave them in the original box or wrap them in

bubble wrap or tissue to preserve them.

SP: Why do ornaments get little black spots on them? Is it from moisture?

Clara: Black spots can come from age, being antiques, or humidity inside the ornament. Never store your ornaments in an attic or basement to avoid humidity or extreme temperatures. The Sterling Pear Ornament storage boxes are so elegant you can use them as an end table or display piece in your living area to

showcase your ornaments and heirlooms. So there is no need to hide them because their look is elegant enough to have out in a room. Ornament such as Disney & Hallmark will be fine and do not need climate controlled temperatures.

SP: Are there any ornament companies that we should keep on our watch list? 

Clara: Fabriche designs beautiful ornaments that will continue to be timeless for years to come. Store them in crushed paper to keep them safe. Other companies to watch are Lalique, Lenox, Versace, and Blvgari and are beautiful to be shown off in an elegant, exquisite container from Sterling Pear. 

SP: What do you like about Sterling Pear’s Ornament Storage Chests? 

Clara: I love the ornament boxes from Sterling Pear because they show off your ornaments so well! There is no need to hide them in a closet or attic because they showcase beautifully. They are like a piece of furniture in your home and can be used as an end table or neatly stacked as they are strong and will not crush your ornaments. There are many ornament storage companies & options available now and this is not always the case. The green ornament storage box can be used to store Easter ornaments since its lighter, and the black Keepsake Chest year-round or winter for storing Christmas ornaments and other collectibles. 

 

SP: What do you currently store in your Sterling Pear boxes? 

Clara: I store blown glass ornaments in the green ornament storage box and both colors are beautiful. My father’s heirlooms which are very precious to me, will be stored in the black elegant keepsake chest which I plan on passing down to my son and grandchildren. That’s what’s nice about your boxes. They are elegant enough to store & display family heirlooms, baby christening dresses, wedding dresses and fine ornaments.

Although she is best known for her amazing collection of ornaments, we've learned that Clara’s goal in life is really about giving back to others. She frequently opens her doors for holiday tours to interested groups and hopes that her beautiful and extensive ornament collection continues to bring joy to the world long after she's gone. For more on Clara and her exquisite collection, click on this link: http://ow.ly/gCmqo

If you are interested in purchasing the Keepsake Chest or Signature Ornament Storage Boxes click here: http://ow.ly/gCmv8 

Follow us on Facebook for special offers & discounts: www.facebook/SterlingPear 

To be a guest blogger please email us at: info@sterlingpear.com

Our Best-Selling Ornament Storage Solutions Are Now Back in Stock!

After selling out last holiday season, the long-awaited return of our Keepsake Ornament Storage Chest and Signature Ornament Storage Box is over! 

Keepsake Ornament Storage Chest

Once you experience the luxury of our Keepsake Ornament Storage Chest you'll see why this is the only storage option deserving of your finest heirlooms and treasured collectibles. The chest's contemporary styling blends seamlessly with even the most upscale home decor.



Signature Ornament Storage Box

Our Signature Ornament Storage Box is truly remarkable and is luxuriously lined with silver satin fabric, the three interior trays feature padded tray bottoms providing your most delicate ornaments and collectibles a soft and gentle year-round storage place.

Both of our flagship products are designed exclusively by Sterling Pear and are available now at www.sterlingpear.com.

In the past I have posted pictures of my own personal Halloween tradition of creating the "Bat Cave" in our foyer.  It has become a yearly event that my son and I enjoy doing each and every year.

I just came across this take on our "Bat Cave" over at http://www.styleathome.com and absolutely LOVE how they've added the Halloween tree, crow in the cage and the festive banner and pumpkins!  What a great way to dress up any foyer!

We'd love to hear about how you decorate for Halloween and some of the traditions you may have. Add a comment or post to us at  our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SterlingPear).  Hope you have a Spooktacular Halloween!

Contributed by Heather Hadfield Dietrich, Sterling Pear

Patriotic and Stylish 4th of July Front Entry

4th of July Wreath

At Sterling Pear, you all know that we are fans of the holidays. But, truth be told, we are fans of ANY and ALL holidays! Because of our love to decorate, we've decided to highlight  favorite and new decorating ideas we come across as each holiday rolls around.

We are starting with this cute do-it-yourself 4th of July wreath from our friends over at Nap Time Crafts.  Couple this adorable wreath with one of our Magnetic Wreath Hangers, or our Adjustable Wreath Hangers, and you are bound to make Betsy Ross proud this year! 

Now through the 4th of July, take advantage of 20% OFF any of our wreath hangers (Magnetic and Adjustable Wreath Hanger styles).  Simple use coupon code JULYFOUR at check-out only at www.sterlingpear.com.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Festive and Cheery Front Entry

A festive and cheery front entry is the perfect way to welcome holiday guests to your home each year. One of the most popular ways to do this is with a classic holiday wreath.  Wreaths are quick, simple and a classy way to decorate for any holiday AND in a short amount of time. 

Adjustable Wreath Hanger

This year, Sterling Pear is carrying some new and innovative wreath hangers to help you perk up your home’s entrance or interior with style and ease.  

Our new Adjustable Wreath Hangers fit on most standard doors and can extend from 16.5” to 25”.  

Magnetic Wreath Hanger

And our Magnetic Wreath Hangers are perfect for using on metal doors or doors with single-pane windows.  


Now until Wednesday, November 23^rd enjoy 10% OFF on all Adjustable and Magnetic Wreath Hangers.  For more information on our new wreath hanger line, or to see other creative holiday decoration solutions, visit us at www.sterlingpear.com.

** No coupon code necessary **

Mom's Best Bets - Classic Tree Skirt Give-Away

Our friends over at Mom's Best Bets are giving away one of our Classic Tree Skirts. Their site is a GREAT resource for any Mom needing child-friendly resources or gift ideas (they even fun travel tips on Hawaii, since that is where they are based).  Entering the give-away is easy so make sure you visit their site today!

Inspirational and interesting 4th of July ideas

The long 4th of July weekend is just around the corner and I just can’t wait!   The taste of BBQ, hearing the kids squealing with joy while running barefoot through the sprinklers, the beautiful nighttime display of fireworks . . . These are just a few of the things that I love about the 4th of July holiday.

Many web sites and blogs are now featuring a lot of really cute, new ideas for decorating and entertaining the 4th of July. One of my favorites blogs that I’ve recently come across is TipJunkie.  Apart from the wealth of knowledge found on this site,  you’ll also see above and beyond (but realistic) patriotic decorating ideas submitted from their followers.

As for entertaining, I’m always semi-confident on the food side (make sure to check out the YUMMY recipes at Delish), but always get stumped as to how to set up an easy bar.  This is where another recent new web find comes in handy.  The Kitchn features a great article on how to build a basic summer bar.  Now, no more worrying about if I have the right bar stuff on hand.

And what 4th of July celebration isn’t complete without some decedent desserts!  Hostess (with the mostess) has her 4th of July Dessert Roundup (take 1 & 2) up and I have decided that I’m making it a goal to try each and every dessert (hello red-velvet cake with raspberries and blueberries)!

Enjoy your 4th of July holiday and remember the freedoms we enjoy.  Also, we’d love to hear how you plan on celebrating the 4th.  Let us know your favorite decorating or menu ideas in the comments below.

Contributed by Heather Dietrich, Sterling Pear

Making a Memorable Memorial Day

For most of us Memorial Day marks the official start of summer. While the original purpose behind Memorial Day is to commemorate and honor those who lost their life in battle, more and more people are now taking advantage of the three-day weekend to recreate with friends and family. Hosting a Memorial Day party can incorporate both the traditions of the holiday and allow for plenty of relaxing as well.

Memorial Day Decorations
 
If you decide to host a party, don’t be afraid to go blatantly patriotic on your Memorial Day celebration. Put up American flags outside your home, and even go a little crazy and use a few of them as decorations indoors. On your tables, spread blue tablecloths with red runners. You can use the holiday’s red poppy as your centerpiece flower, or you can simply use American flags in vases. Your unused 4th of July tableware and utensils will really come in handy on Memorial Day, so don’t forget to bring them out.

And in a true Memorial Day tradition, if you have a flag in your yard or lawn, fly it at half-mast from morning until noon in honor of all the fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day Food

Memorial Day often brings with it the first really warm weather of the year, so take full advantage of the weather and barbeque outdoors (plus, clean-up is MUCH easier!).

There are lots of great foods that go along with good old-fashioned grilling; watermelon, potato salad, deviled eggs, home-made ice creams are a just a few of my favorites.    Keep in mind, guests will inevitably ask, "what can I bring?" Even if you tell them "nothing" they'll bring something anyway. Best to use this to your advantage -- ask them to bring something you'll use at the party. Guests feel useful and you can then check something off of your list and stay within your budget better. BYOB is, of course, a classic way to cut your party budget -- drinks ain't cheap. Plus, folks get to drink exactly what they want and you don't have to worry about providing an array of choices to suit everyone.

Memorial Day Activities

It's safe to say that many Memorial Day activities usually involve something to do with water; a pool, lake or the beach.  If you're hosting a party and don't have a pool, it's easy to buy a $7 kiddie pool and scatter beach chairs around.  Guests can then sit and sip their cool drink while dipping their toes in some cool water.  Plus, anything containing water is bound to entertain kids for hours.

If you want to take some time before your party begins to honor our fallen soldiers, visit a local cemetery or attend a church services in their memory. You can even volunteer to put American flags on the graves of the fallen soldiers to honor their memory.  These soldiers died nobly for the country, so it’s only right to put aside a little of our time to remember and visit them, even if we are not related to them.

Whatever your Memorial Day plans are, please take a minute to remember the people who have died to defend the freedoms we enjoy.  Have a great Memorial Day!   Another small tip:  make sure you save any left over decorations -- you'll be a step ahead for the 4th of July celebrations!

Contributed by Heather Dietrich, Sterling Pear

Fun and Easy Spring Photo Tradition

These days it’s hard to go more than a block without noticing the beautiful blooming trees and emerging daffodils and tulips.  Why not capture these to enjoy throughout the year and start a new annual spring tradition!

Take your camera and snap photos of your favorite colors.  Try taking close-up shots of blossoms or full-frame shots of a daffodil.  If you have children or a pet, why not include them in front of a lush bush or among a bunch of tulips?  Let your creativity flow, and try interesting angles, or unusual framing.
 

After you’ve evaluated the photos, choose your favorites.  Then group 4 or 6 in a neat square or rectangle on a hallway wall.  Choose matching 8x10 frames that work with your home’s décor, black, brushed nickel, white, chocolate brown, whatever works best in your home.

If you didn’t include family or pets in the original photos, why not take recent photos (maybe a Spring school photo) of your family and intersperse them with the beautiful blooms.  This is a fun and unique way to display your latest portraits.

And, to take this tradition beyond an annual event, why not update the wall each season; when the foliage changes to the lush greens of summer, or to the striking burnt oranges and yellows of fall or the beautiful, stark landscape of winter?  

Contributed by Heather Martinez

Easter Storage: Peace of Mind and 20% Off!

Spring has arrived and Easter has now come and gone.  You are now faced with taking down your Easter décor.  Do you usually throw your Easter pieces in a plastic box, left to knock against each other?  Or are you more of a newspaper and moving box type of person?  How will the decorations look when it’s time to unpack them again next year?  Are they a little worse for wear?  Think of your collectibles, you fragile items.  Do you have to work at storing them properly?

After evaluating what you have, could your Easter décor use a little more care in its storage?  Here at Sterling Pear, our Signature Storage Box is the ideal solution to protect your Ukrainian eggs or glass Easter chicks.   With three pullout trays, each storage box is quite large and can hold up to 52 individual items.  Dividers separate each item, keeping things organized and preventing delicate pieces from bumping against each other and breaking.  Additionally, the dividers are completely removable and adjustable, so the trays can be customized to make room for varying sizes of seasonal pieces. 

To further protect your smaller pieces, tissue paper or paper shred could be used to fill in gaps and prevent pieces from shifting.  Or better yet, raffia or Easter grass could be used to cushion items in the storage box and to give you an additional display for Easter.   You could very easily use the happy, pear-green box as a display case during the Easter season (green is always in at Easter… plus, you’ve cradled your beautiful pieces in that festive raffia!).

Sterling Pear wants you to enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your favorite Easter pieces will be safely stored all year long, which is why they are offering 20% your entire purchase this Spring.  Make sure to use coupon code EASTER2010 at checkout.

Contributed by Heather Martinez

Elegant and Easy Easter Centerpieces

In a few days, you’ll be sitting down to a fabulous Easter brunch, or perhaps you’ll be hosting a family dinner after the egg hunt outside.  How does your table look?  If you're feeling at a loss and want to try something different from the standard Easter bouquet, we have several easy and beautiful ideas that you can try this year! 

One quick and unique table centerpiece idea is to find several small baskets or, if you’re lucky, a few “nests.  Gather up your decorated eggs and fill each basket or nest with dyed Easter eggs.  A good decorating tip:  if you fill each nest with the same color, it will really pack an elegant punch!  

Next, scatter votives or candlesticks throughout (in coordinating colors if you have them), and you have a simple and elegant Easter table!  Want to take it one step further?  Tie the napkins with raffia in coordinating colors.

Another modern but stylish idea is to take a pair of clear glass hurricanes and fill with a few inches of water in the bottom.  Next, add pure white hard-boiled eggs.  

You can then accessorize with your favorite white blooms using the eggs below to secure the stems.  Even in the most sophisticated home this modern arrangement will look amazing!

Our last idea is just plain simple and really easy.   Use your dessert as your centerpiece!  If you are having cake, why not frost it in pure white and decorate it with edible flowers (be sure they are edible, and not from a nursery where they might have been sprayed with something less than safe).  Place the cake on a snazzy, footed cake plate, toss a few petals on the table surrounding the cake plate, and your table will look luscious!

Enjoy trying something new this Easter!

Contributed by Heather Martinez

Nature Inspired St. Patrick's Day Decorations

It’s a known fact that I LOVE to decorate for each and every holiday.  However, each year when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around I’m always stumped as to how to decorate.  Of course it’s easy to cut out shamrocks and color leprechauns with my five year-old son, but I always yearn for something a step above – decorations a bit more, dare I say as a Mommy,  “sophisticated”?

This year I have decided to try something different (though I’m keeping with the shamrocks and leprechauns for my son’s playroom).

In pondering what to do, I decided to go with the master herself and use Mother Nature for my inspiration! For easy table or mantle decorations, I’m starting with my ample supply of clear or white vases, glasses or water pitchers that are about the house.  First, I will fill 2 or 3 of them with water (if you are using clear add clear or green marbles if you have them).  Next, tuck some outdoor greens and white accent flowers gently into each of the clear/white containers.  

If you want, center the vases on  a few Shamrock cutouts and Voila!  You have an instant, nature inspired AND St. Patrick’s Day friendly centerpiece.  Side note:  For those of you lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, take an early spring stroll outside to gather greens – fern fronds are always a favorite if you can get them!

For other around-the-house decorations, fresh fruit (or fake) is always an easy way to accent any décor with needed luck-o-the-Irish color.  Fill white cereal bowls or remaining clear containers with fresh, green apples and green limes.  By accenting again with a few of my son’s Shamrock cutouts my mantle turns from boring to an emerald inspired focal point. 

Lastly, if you are entertaining and “mood” lighting is needed, you can hollow-out the centers of a few of the apples.  Insert votives and scatter them around your table, mantle or bar.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Contributed by Heather Dietrich, Co-Founder, Sterling Pear