The HoopScoop - May

HELLO BEAUTIFUL HOOPERS OMG- is it really possible? Could we have solved the hoop shipping problem forever, and lowered our shipping prices to a FLAT $9.99??!! The answer friends, is YES (and hallelujah)!  For those of you new to the Hooping world, I'd like to take a moment to "fill you in" on the epic saga that has been the business of "shipping a full-size hula hoop". 2006-2007 Almost every postal service station refused to ship our hoops without charging oversize fees. In order to keep prices low for our customers, we worked the system to the best of our ability:  a Hoopnotica employee would hand carry the hoops, individually wrapped in bubble tape to a secret post-office in Hollywood. This drive was 45 minutes each way, but we didn't care. "Martha" (not her real name), would let us ship them from her station, because A) She didn't realize it wasn't allowed and B) We brought her baked goods; smiles; and occasionally, a hoop. 2007-2008 We renegotiated our shipping rates with FedEx, after explaining to them just how many of these "big hoops" we were shipping out every day. Our small business was growing, and we created a new partner in the Fed Ex regional manager (again, think cookies and hoops). Until he left the company in 2009. June, 2009 This was the shipping crisis that threatened to take us down. FedEx guy refused to pick them up (he claimed to have a bad back, and was on a diet so the cookies were out). USPS said no way..."Martha" had retired. At this point I considered jumping in the Hoopnotica van to complete the last round of deliveries before filing for Chapter 11. September 2010- present Hoopnotica creates compromise with the shipping world, and purchases full size boxes to ship our hoops in. Although the cost was a big one for the company, and we had to adjust our shipping rates, the postmaster gave their blessing and charged us on weight, not size. AND NOW.... Hoopnotica is proud to be the first to offer flat rates on shipping in the Adult-size Hoop marketplace. We wish to recognize our incredible customer service and product development team for accomplishing THIS seemingly impossible goal, and are happy to pass the savings on to YOU. Flat Rates = Big Savings Flat-tery will get you everywhere; so pop our Hooper Support Team Leader a line and tell her you love her: janou@hoopnotica.com. Seriously- we read our fan mail on our lunch breaks, while cheering with food in our mouths. Happy Summertime Hooping! Gabriella Redding CEO & Hoopmamma   THE SCOOP JOIN THE FAMILY! Learning to teach Hoopnotica is a great way to elevate your skills; get fit; and inspire others!
 We're here to support you in deepening your practice and sharing the hoop love wherever you find yourself. Our Certified Teachers enjoy discounts on Hoopnotica products; press mentions; and are part of a growing community of instructors who participate in a private support forum. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of how to safely instruct and support your friends; your mom; or any one of the many people you'll meet in life while hooping. There is so much interest in this fast moving trend in fitness and self-expression; have you considered becoming part of our team? Join us at an upcoming Hoopnotica Teacher Training. Our program will strengthen your skills as you learn our acclaimed and effective instructional language, and gain the confidence to teach this transformational practice to any BODY at any time.  It's the perfect gift for yourself or a friend who loves to hoop. CLICK HERE and start now! Upcoming Teacher Trainings Alexandria, VA LVL 1 & 2 ~ June 10-12, 2011 Brunswick, ME LVL 1 & 2 ~ July 11 & 12, 2011 Los Angeles, CA LVL 3 & 4, July 30 & 31, 2011 New York, NY~ LVL 1 & 2, July 30 & 31, 2011 Chicago, IL~ LVL 1 & 2, August 14 & 15, 2011 More dates coming soon! Visit the calendar and register online here!
 Email Jocelyn Gordon with your questions:   jocelyn@hoopnotica.com Distance Teacher Training Too Busy.........   Email Pamela Crawford with your questions: pamela@hoopnotica.com   WHAT'S HOT NOW Hoopnotica Hoop Collections are finally here! Now you can get your favorite hoop design in a variety of sizes, all inspired by our Limited Edition designs. Start with our two most requested styles; the Desert Rose & Night Blooming Jasmine. You'll get two minis (23") , one hybrid (34"), a high performance (36") and one full size (40") available together or separately in your choice of styles. Expand your hooping practices while you expand yourself, in mind, BODY, and spirit with our new Preg-O Hoop available in Baby Pink, Blue and 'Surprise Me' Green! We are making way for you Gemini, as you are attracted to the art of hooping, love novelty and gravitate towards more advanced moves. A daily commitment to the hooping practice is the perfect way to discipline your highly intelligent, yet wandering minds.   HOOPER OF THE MONTH Name: Lily Stagg  Hooper Since: Summer 2010 Age: 18 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Occupation: waitress, street performer Favorite Hoop: 35 in. 100psi Favorite Song to Hoop to: My friends have drum circles and I love hooping to them. I picked up a hoop last summer and it was the best thing to ever happen to me. I had recently been diagnosed with clinical depression which only exacerbated my life long anxiety issues. Also my parents were finally acting on their decade long threats of getting a divorce. In short my life was falling down around my ears. In July of 2010 I met my friends Hannah and Lindsey who happen to be 2 of the most talented hoop girls in our area. I had never seen anyone move with such confidence and grace and they looked so sexy while doing it. I asked them to teach me and to my surprise they were thrilled to have someone else to share the hoop love with and it's such a great way to learn your body! I've always been very into meditation as a means of coping with my anxiety, and to me hooping is the perfect physical extension of that mental control. Technically hooping is teaching your body to DO exactly what you want it to exactly when you want it to in order to defy gravity. Before I started hooping I was a shy, anxious, uncoordinated little girl. Now I am a confident performer and hoop maker.