The Quinceaños, or la fiesta Quinceañera, is a rite of passage for fifteen-year-old Latina girls

It is a community and family celebration full of tradition and meaning when a young girl is symbolically escorted into womanhood by her family and the event is witnessed by her community. The word itself comes from the Spanish quince, "fifteen," and años, "years." The origins of the Quinceañera are often attributed to the ancient customs of the Aztecs, but the ceremony and meaning behind it are similar to other ancient cultural initiation rites that occurred throughout the world. Fifteen was the age when many young women left their family home to become wives and then mothers, and almost as though passing through an invisible door, a Latina enters her Quinceañera as a child but emerges as a young woman with new responsibilities. Those who know and love her will see and treat her differently from that day forward. Today's ceremonies embrace religious traditions, and the virtues of family and social responsibility. The celebration highlights God, family, friends, music, food, and dance. In the Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central and South American traditions, the custom can be referred to as a Quince (XV) Años, a Quinces, a Quinceanera, a Quinceanero or a Fiesta Rosa. The celebration traditionally begins with a religious ceremony. A reception is held in the home or a banquet hall. The Quinceanera's court can be comprised of young girls (called a Dama), young men (called Chambelán or Escorte or Galán) or a combination of both - traditionally up to 14 persons in the court, which with the Quinceanera, would total 15 young people. The Quinceanera traditionally wears a ball gown, with her court usually dressed in gowns and tuxedos. The Quince Años is a glorious celebration that remains a cherished and honored tradition. Many of the Latin weddings are also large elaborate affairs including grandparents and godparents as part of the ceremony. In holding with these traditional values, the Latin culture provides the formalwear industry with increasing opportunities to establish a reputation for providing quality innovative product at a fair price. The Latin culture is vibrant and full of the festivities of life, and this is reflected in the choices made in formalwear. Like every person walking into your store, the Latin American heritage does not determine or classify them for only certain types of formalwear. Acculturation is the term used to describe the gradual change in a native culture brought about by forced contact and exchange with another culture and is a term to recognize with the Latin culture. Unlike past waves of immigrants from Europe, Asia and the Americas, the most recent arrivals from Spanish speaking countries are not only speaking Spanish as the primary language in their households, but many are emphasizing Spanish as the primary language. What does this mean for you? It provides you with an amazing opportunity to provide a quality product for this rich culture which will range from very traditional to cutting edge. Unlike some cultures they are not looking to fit in, but create their own. Rich colors and fashion capture a great portion of the market. The Midwest quince market loves the zoot suit with hat and chain. The military coat, popular on the west coast, shows the variety of tastes. In polling this group of consumers, the majority are in your store by recommendation of a past customer. Fair, friendly treatment brings this customer, their friends, and relatives back time and again. An employee who can speak Spanish is a huge asset, and would go a long way to ease the language barrier. No one is more aware than them, and the majority of the time they will certainly have someone with who can translate. Many times as with learning any language they can understand, yet are not comfortable speaking it. Spanish/English newspapers are available in most areas and are a great tool to reach your market when they feature quince and wedding planning. Read on to explore the background of another business that works to serve the needs of our industry. The owner Dan Alustiza expresses his thoughts and tells you a little about how he does business…

Hat Cap Exchange

Background on the company: I used to own RHG Hat Company, which I bought from my grandfather in 1988. In 2000, I bought this company, that being The Hat/Cap Exchange. The Hat/Cap Exchange had been in existence since the 70's, and was started by a man who had been in the hat making business since the late 40's. Most of the hats that were made then were for theatrical use. As the times changed, the original owner realized that it was becoming too expensive to make hats individually, which is why The Hat/Cap Exchange was formed to serve the businesses that had a need for less expensive hats that could be ordered in large quantities and delivered in a timely manner. Once a customer creates an account on our website and I grant them access, they can see the prices and order from the site with no hassles. From what I have seen, my company is one of a very few that allows a customer to order wholesale products at any time without calling. Most Popular Hat: The Zoot Hat is still the most popular hat, which probably is a surprise as most people thought it was just a two year fad. The other “Gangster” type hats have done well as a result of the Zoot Hat. The top hat remains a constant seller, with the taller top hats holding their own, as they are very unique, and not as expensive as people would think. Since the Prince Charles Top Hat was rebuilt using Felt, instead of Styrene, it has also done well. Hat Quality: As to the different hat qualities, there are differences. The old saying “you get what you pay for” holds true with hats. I've had stores call me and say this other company is selling a particular hat for two dollars less than what I sell the hat for and I warn them that it is a different hat, but they don't listen. A couple of weeks later they will call back and say that they did not like the quality of the hat that they ordered from the cheaper company, and I just listen to them. Hardly anyone understands that if you pay less for something, especially in a wholesale environment, that you will get a cheaper quality product. Zoot Hat Prices And Color: The Black Zoot Hats sell for $19.50 in groups of six of the same color, you can pick the sizes, with the White being $1.00 more per hat. As a single the black ones are $23.00, which is why it pays to buy in groups of six, as it is almost like getting one hat free. There are three sizes in kids, and four sizes in adults. Dan Alustiza The Hat/Cap Exchange 970-325-7981 www.hatcapexchange.com Nancy Haboush of Mister Neat’s Colorado finishes her article on advice in choosing new employees through the interview process.

The New Interview – Asking Behavioral Questions – Part Three

Reviewing the candidate’s resume with them is very important. Research has shown that as much as 40% of all resumes are embellished. You have to decide which things you want to verify because it’s pertinent to the position. We received a resume from a blind ad that we posted on Career Builder from a recently terminated store manager. Her resume looked beautiful! She did not accomplish any of the sales goals that she claimed nor was she responsible for most of the tasks she claimed to be a master at. It was eye opening to see first-hand how souped-up a resume can be! The best way to get to the truth is to verbally discuss the resume in detail. Ask them to tell you about their accomplishments. How did they reach #1 in sales? What secrets do they have about motivating a successful team? And when you discuss key responsibilities, have them explain to you the systems they designed. How did they learn to do that? What resources did they use, etc.? You will be able to tell how much experience they really had if they’re evasive and cannot deliver answers in detail. Always review gaps in work history and why they left their previous employers. You will often find out interesting details that may affect your decision to hire. IFA Newsletter Training Tip Nancy Haboush, President, Mister Neat’s Formalwear, Colorado

Industry Happenings

THIS JUST IN: The After Hours/Men's Wearhouse merger has been approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Manufacturers have received letters confirming the acquisition with purchasing and billing information enclosed for goods delivered. About weddings.com is reporting the trend is swinging back toward jewel tone colors. Are we ready? Are you seeing this already in your stores? Bold Jewel Tone Colors Taking a departure from the ubiquitous pastel blue and chocolate brown that were so popular in 2006, brides and grooms are now seeking bolder statements with bold jewel tone wedding colors, including rich purples, golds, oranges, and reds.

IFA EXPO26! September 8-10 Nashville, Tennessee

at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Make plans now to attend! The theme for this year’s EXPO is “New Challenges, Innovative Solutions.” Do not miss this once a year opportunity to see what is on the horizon for our industry and reconnect with old friends. We always seem to add in some time to have a little fun and Nashville should be a great place to look for it!! Click here for more information about EXPO26. Under majestic, climate-controlled glass atriums, you'll be surrounded by nine acres of lush indoor gardens, winding rivers and pathways, and sparkling waterfalls where you can unwind, explore, shop, dine, and be entertained to your heart's content. Highlights include a 44-foot waterfall, laser-light and fountain shows, right inside the hotel.

10 Don’t miss sites in Nashville

1.                Ryman Auditorium 116 Fifth Ave N, Nashville, TN Get the true Grand Ole Opry experience when the shows play here (the Opry's former home) several times a year. 2.                Pancake Pantry 1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN Stand in a two-hour line at this beloved breakfast spot on a late Sunday morning. Stuff yourself with buttermilk pancakes and warm maple syrup. 3.                Station Inn 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN Pop in on a random Friday night and see country music stars--like Vince Gill--sit in on guitar. 4.                Bluebird Cafe 4104 Hillsboro Rd, Nashville, TN Sign up to play during open-mic night at the same spot where Kathy Mattea and Garth Brooks got started. Cross your fingers you'll get discovered. 5.                Robert's Western World 416 Broadway, Nashville, TN Take your friends out for a pub-crawl down Lower Broadway on a Saturday night. Save this rowdy bar for last. 6.                Prince's Hot Chicken Shack 123 Ewing Dr, Nashville, TN Saunter in, select "extra-hot" when you order your chicken--and brace yourself. 7.                Loveless Cafe 8400 Highway 100, Nashville, TN Linger over a long, lazy brunch at this comfort-food haven. Order extra gravy on your biscuits. 8.                LP Field 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN Attend a Tennessee Titans football game. Sit in the section near the endzone where the "Music City Miracle" occurred. 9.                Centennial Park 222 25th Ave N, Nashville, TN This pleasant green space is home to the Parthenon and a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon. 10.             Frist Center for the Visual Arts 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN Schmooze with downtown notables at the Center's monthly series, "Frist Fridays."

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Are you ready for prom? All the fill-ins should be arriving, new employees being hired etc. etc. etc… Yikes! Next time we will talk to rental pant manufacturers about stock availability for those big weeks when the best laid plans go awry. "Knowledge is the antidote to fear." -Ralph Waldo Emerson “Information without transformation is stagnation.” -Anonymous