Small Business Saturday

Well, hello there! I decided this was just as good a day as any to dust off this old blog and put her to good use.

Being a small business owner myself, I can appreciate the idea behind Small Business Saturday. For those of us who run our businesses with fervor and joy, the support of our community (online and neighborhood!) is what allows us to be successful.

Naturally, I'm offering some GREAT deals on my handcrafted jewelry in my own Etsy shop! Here's what's going on right now at bel monili:

• 25% off of your entire purchase of $35 or more using code BF2013 through midnight EST 11/30/13
• 20% off of your entire purchase of $10 or more using codeSBS2013 through midnight EST 11/30/13

And...keep your eyes peeled (hint: follow us on Facebook and sign up for our email list) for an awesome Cyber Monday deal to follow!

On this Small Business Saturday, here are some of my most favorite small businesses (and some of them even have some great sales to check out!). Here are just a few of MY favorite things:

Welcome to my friend Amy's shop, where you can find Alphabet Photography Prints, custom orders and already pre-designed prints are available. They make unique gifts for weddings, housewarmings, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, parties and any occasion. Using her original photography of architectural and natural objects, Amy has created alphabet photography art with a heavy focus on Pittsburgh, PA.

Amy also offers custom alphabet photography name prints! 

Charis (pronounced: khar'-ece) is the English translation for the Greek word (χάρις, ιτος, ἡ) for grace. Meanings: a gift or blessing; favor; gratitude, thanks; joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness. Share "charis" with someone you care about via the thoughtfulness of a handmade, handpicked, specially designed card or gift. 

 Use coupon code SBS13 starting today, Saturday the 30th, to celebrate Small Business Saturday and will be good through Dec 6th for 15% off any Etsy shop purchase of $10 or more

 

Small batch natural and organic ingredient bath and body products! My dear friend Krystal of Green Bubble Gorgeous makes AMAZING bath and body products, and as an added bonus she recently began to offer FREE domestic shipping on every order!

Green Bubble Gorgeous will be offering a Cyber Monday code in her Etsy shop: Use code cyber2013 all day Monday 12/2/13 to get 15% off your order of $25 or more!

You all know my bestie Jeanne of juNxtaposition, and if you don't...well, then you simply MUST stop over for a visit to her website! 

Typewriter key jewelry, stamped silverware handles, and overall awesome upcycled stuff!

 

I am proud to say that Adriana of Little Miss Snazzy started out her great venture by learning a couple of beading tricks from me...now she makes GORGEOUS jewelry using a variety of materials including semi-precious stones, leather, and metals.

Enjoy 25% off of your purchase of $25 or more in her Etsy shop using coupon code SMALLBUSINESS now through Sunday 12/1/13.

Happy Shopping!

January 23: Kate Stoltzfus, Yinzpiration

Yinzpiration

photo by Mandy Jay Photography

Chances are, if you are from Pittsburgh and you are connected to the social media world, you have heard of Kate Stolzfus and Yinzpiration. I first met Kate a few months ago at a Propelle networking event, where we had a brief opportunity to talk about business and general Pittsburgh awesome-ness. I would go as far as to say that Kate is officially "Pittsburgh Famous"; to be written about by her is to truly achieve Steeltown greatness.

Kate Stoltzfus, Photo by Mandy Jay Photography

Inspired by the positive energy of the Steel City and a presentation by Nicole Crimaldi, Kate has set a goal to interview 100 Pittsburghers. Ms. Crimaldi challenged her class at PodCamp Pittsburgh 5 to have coffee with someone new every week. So, Kate decided to start an interview blog, and Yinzpiration.com was born (thanks to the help of Nik, her web developer husband). Make sure you return to Yinzpiration to read what she has learned over the next 100 cups of coffee... or tea, her drink of choice.

Kate grew up in Goshen, IN, a town of 30,000 people. After graduating with an art major and business minor from Goshen College, she joined her then-boyfriend Nik in Pittsburgh and began her new life as a volunteer with PULSE: Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience. It didn’t take long for Kate to fall in love with the city and the people who live here—so she decided to stay.

In addition to managing all things social at Plumb Media, Kate is co-pilot at Propelle, and a business coach. Where will you find Kate in Pittsburgh? Walking in Highland Park, shopping at Ambiance Boutique(s) and noshing at her favorite restaurant, People’s.

January 21: Carrie Nardini Creative

Carrie Nardini, one of the creative geniuses behind the I Made It! Market, wears many hats. One of my favorites is the "small business coach", which you can try on with her small business service Carrie Nardini Creative Visioning.

Carrie Nardini

I have had the first-hand enjoyment of working with Carrie Nardini as a small business coach and mentor. During our meetings, Carrie shared with me things that truly blew me away. Three hours later, Carrie had completely schooled me in the ways of Facebook, Twitter, and email marketing. I walked away from our session truly educated, and my business has grown because of her.

Creativity in communication comes in many forms, newsletters, web copy, and other formats like social media and publicity. One package does not fit every creative business’ needs but one thing is clear, as a creative business, in order to seek out the attention you deserve, the key is to create personalized, well written materials that convey the message of your mission, your product’s benefit, your personality as the brains behind the product or service.

Carrie's services include: developing a marketing plan, event planning, developing a publicity plan, copywriting, collateral materials, web copy, newsletter and e-newsletter creation, email marketing, press releases, media relations, identity and branding, social media plans and strategy, and coaching.

If you are an artist, crafter, small business owner, or just someone who wants to learn about how to creatively market yourself or your business, make sure you call Carrie and you will not be disappointed. Check out Carrie Nardini Creative online, "like", follow her on Twitter and on her blog, and connect with her on LinkedIn.

January 5: Leigh-Anne Weiss, Madison Handbags

I am so happy to say that, when I take a look at my relationship with Leigh-Anne Weiss, I can proudly say that she has been a dear friend to me for at least 15 years. Leigh-Anne is one of those people you meet whose energy is intoxicating, and you leave your encounter with the feeling of, "yes! I CAN take over the world!"

Leigh-Anne Weiss

I initially met Leigh-Anne when I was a student at Gateway Senior High School, where she served as the Community Service Director. Leigh-Anne was an inspiration to the entire community, and always had a very full schedule of students ready to volunteer, organize fundraisers, schedule events, put together awareness campaigns...and that really says a lot. She had the ability to inspire a group of kids ages 13 through 18 (and many, many others) to do things for free, on their own time, on an unimaginable scale, that most adults wouldn't do on a six-figure salary. Unfortunately for the Gateway community, Leigh Anne's position at the high school was eliminated due to budget cuts, so she did what was absolutely in character for her to do and started a business of her own. Today and every day since I've met her, I am inspired by every move she makes. I am not an overly-emotional person, but I can honestly say that it brings tears to my eyes when I think of all that she has accomplished, what she has overcome, and how she continues to soar in each and every aspect of her life.

Custom fabric options

Leigh-Anne is excited about Madison Handbags because the bags are unique: her customers customize them. When she was a little girl, Leigh-Anne loved playing fashion designer, and that is what they do at the Madison parties! Her customers get to have a great time hanging out with their girlfriends and, unlike other home parties, get to be creative in putting together their own customized accessory that they can proudly show off. No one else is going to have that same exact bag! What attracted Leigh-Anne to Madison over other direct sales businesses was that they are not only American made but also custom-made...not mass produced! Fabric bags are cruelty-free, and Madison is very conscious about excess waste in making their products so as to be eco-friendly. Madison Handbags provides women with the opportunity to have their own businesses in both hosting the home design parties, but also by employing women to sew the bags in their factory (or even their own homes) under fair conditions which Leigh-Anne feels good about.

Charleston Large Tote

When she first signed up for Madison, Leigh-Anne did plenty of research and found that Madison handbags are very affordable as compared to other designer bags. Sadly, she found too that many popular designers' and celebrity-endorsed products are made overseas, where laborers are not protected as they are here in the USA. Now more than ever, Leigh-Anne believes it is important to support local entrepreneurs and buy American made and handmade goods to stimulate our local economy and be more eco-minded.

Check out Leigh-Anne's Madison Handbags business online, follow her on Facebook and Twitter, and make sure to contact her ASAP to schedule YOUR party before dates are filled up!