Spotlight
During the course of a day, we sift through TONS of webpages, Tweets, Facebook groups and pitches. Some are not so good, some are good and some are downright Spotlight worthy.
We have decided to create the Foundation Studio Spotlight – a section where we will share really nifty businesses – start-ups, growing businesses, cool innovations and great Entrepreneurs. We are HUGE fans of small business and always have a small celebration when we hear that someone has started a business! We love to spread the good news about new launches and old successes.
It is our hope that we can spread the word about these Spotlight businesses – to help bring them a bit more word of mouth power and ultimately to just celebrate their success.
Know that the Foundation Studio Spotlight is NOT a paid advertisement nor is it a recommendation, but just a really cool find – something we think you should know about!
Know of someone who deserves a Foundation Studio Spotlight? (Maybe you?!)
Scroll to the bottom to submit your info!
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Maggie Chilton, Maxwell Designs
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Website: http://maxwelldesigns.ca
Twitter: maxwelldesigns
Facebook (Business): http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#group.php?gid=131891778493
The Entrepreneur Behind The Biz:
I am a stay at home mum of 2 wonderful energetic boys aged 1 & 2.5 years old. Formerly a Pastry Chef and Restaurant General Manager in Vancouver, B.C we moved to Terrace as a promotion for my partner Steve.
Whilst pregnant with my first son Maxwell I went on the look out for a diaper bag that wasn’t made of plastic or vinyl yet one that I could put in the wash and one that suit my personality – needless to say I couldn’t
find anything!! I set about making my own bag that I could use well after my need for a diaper bag had gone. I wanted a bag that didn’t scream “baby on board” so I played around with lots of fabrics and combinations. After making my first bag I was hooked and started making bags for craft fairs and farmers markets. Maxwell Designs was born!
The Biz:
Maxwell Designs is located in Terrace, B.C and now retails in stores across Canada including Huckleberry Baby Shop in Nanaimo to the Green Collection in Ontario to Go Green Baby in Maryland, U.S.A. We have even sold as far as Ireland and South Korea.
Why we shone a spotlight on it:
Maxwell Designs creates eye catching and eco-friendly diaper bags that are totally unique to you! you choose your fabric (Over 65 fabric choices!!) and how you want you bag and they make it for you. All of their bags are hand made here in Canada using only the best quality hemp and with such an eye for detail you will be blown away!
Their designs are awesome and because of that Maxwell Designs has been specially selected to be a part of this year’s Oscar Swag Bag!
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Know an Entrepreneur who deserves a Spotlight? (Maybe you??) Let us know!
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Candi Wingate, Nannies4Hire & Care4Hire
Location: All over North America
Website: http://www.care4hire.com
Twitter: Nannies4Hire
The Entrepreneur Behind The Biz: I have been a nanny, owned a nanny agency, started 3 online nanny databases, wrote a book “100 Tips for Nannies & Families” plus am a wife and mother of 2. My name is Candi Wingate and founder of Nannies4hire.com, Babysitters4hire.com, Care4hire.com and a Nanny Agency. My nanny experience actually goes way back. I was a nanny for a family with 5 children, which included newborn twins. After becoming a nanny and working in a nanny agency for several years, I purchased the successful Nation-Wide Nanny Placement Agency. After finding that we needed to expand, Nannies4hire.com, Babysitters4hire.com and Care4hire.com were born.
The Biz:
Care4hire.com is an online database for families and caregivers to search babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, elder/companion care, pet sitters and other miscellaneous service. A free preview of available caregivers is available to families. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours to a few days, you will find it at Care4hire.com. Once you are a registered member, you will be given immediate access to caregiver through email and phone.
Why we shone a spotlight on it:
This is such a great idea!! Care4hire.com is offering a way to find fantastic services to help mom with a cleaning lady or a trustworthy babysitter. I have had gnarly luck finding a babysitter when I really needed one. In general, I have spoken with other parents who have found a the local teenager who is willing to watch the kids, but then she/he realizes that there’s more to teenage life and suddenly finds a group of friends/boyfriend/girlfriend and the babysitter has gone MIA!! Another reason Care4hire.com is in the spotlight is because of the great resources found on the site! Questions to ask a prospective caregiver during an interview, tips and info on taxes and so much more! You even get a free search, so it is a win/win for you no matter how you slice it!!
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Know an Entrepreneur who deserves a Spotlight? (Maybe you??) Let us know!
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Voula Cicchelli, 2creativemonkeys
Location: Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Website: http://www.2creativemonkeys.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/2creativemonkeys/36216565327?ref=ts
The Entrepreneur Behind The Biz:
I am a mother to two beautiful children who I call my little monkeys. My children have given me life and have inspired me to seize every precious moment I share and have with them. 2creativemonkeys is a way of sharing precious moments of your little ones with the world through one of a kindphoto cards.
The Biz:
2creativemonkeys started out as just creating theme cards for my children and birthday invitations. I found out quickly how much my extended family loved them so much. I soon found myself creating cards for their children for special occasions. Now, here I am, sharing these special creations with you. Since opening in September 2008, my product offering has expanded to Birth Announcements, Bridal and Baby Shower Invitations, Baptism and Communion Invitations, Thank You Cards, Gift Tags and soon Return Address Labels and Mommy Calling Cards! I am excited about what 2creativemonkeys has in store for me in the future and will keep designing as that is my passion!
Why we shone a spotlight on it:
2creativemonkeys is a unique company offering amazing, unique and one of a kind creations. Voula takes pride in her work and loves working with her clients in creating that perfect custom photo card for them!
Know an Entrepreneur who deserves a Spotlight? (Maybe you??) Let us know!
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Mike Samson, Twisted Sticker
Location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Website: http://www.twistedsticker.com
Twitter: TwistedSticker
Facebook (Business): http://www.facebook.com/shmamberley?ref=nf#/group.php?gid=6375421897&ref=ts
The Entrepreneur Behind The Biz:
Having been in the label/barcode industry for 15+ years, circumstances allowed me the opportunity to launch Twisted Sticker initially focusing on our personalized labels. I am a work-from-home dad with a 10 year old son & 7 year old daughter. Twisted Sticker has now been going strong for over two years and I am very excited about the direction we’re going in.
The Biz:
Twisted Sticker’s initial product offering was the personalized labels & iron ons. Sure, there are other companies offering a similar product but we wanted to change it up. My kids were never into the “cute & cuddly” designs so we wanted to offer something cool as an alternative. Many of the designs we offer are because of the kids’ input or input/suggestions from our customers. In addition to the personalized labels, we offer “business printing”. Many of the parents that were ordering the personalized labels started to ask if I can print other stickers & sizes etc. so we naturally started to offer a broader product range. We will shortly be launching an awesome new product line. The feedback we have had so far has been incredible and we are looking forward to being able to offer it on a regular basis starting August ‘09.
Why we shone a spotlight on it:
Twisted Sticker is a unique and fun company on an all round basis – offering 100% customisable stickers and labels, you are in charge of your order – right down to the color, quantity and even font styles. The customer service is bar none – Mike actually drove 2+ hours to deliver my order! I’m certainly not saying that you’ll get a personal delivery, but even throughout the entire design and order process, Mike stayed in contact with me to ensure that I was going to end up with a perfect end product!! Twisted Sticker regularly has customers supply their own designs, pictures or graphics and that’s one way they separate ourselves from other label/sticker companies. A happy customer contacted Mike recently with a testimonial that sums up who Twisted Sticker just perfectly…”Thank you for taking so much time to make it right. People like you are very rare these days. I think you are doing a great thing and I wish you the very best of luck.”
Know an Entrepreneur who deserves a Spotlight? (Maybe you??) Let us know!
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Jolie Mack, Jolie Mack Jewelery Designs
Location: Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.joliemack.com
Twitter: joliemackdotcom
Facebook (Business): Jolie Mack Custom Jewelery Designs
The Entrepreneur Behind The Biz:
Having worked for many different companies in a wide range of genres, I realized that I could do lots of valuable things -from marketing to high paced bartending – but didn’t want to use those skills working for other people. One can never keep a entrepreneurial spirit at bay and so, after a long and hectic shift at the pub, I decided to throw in the hat and don a new one! How liberating (and scary and risky…)! I wanted a career that would keep me close to home, let me work with my hands, provide peace and solitude, and let me use all of my fancy skills: somewhere along my journey I attained the skill to design jewelery. Eureka! Designing is gratifying, creative and offers a level of freedom that I didn’t have with an employer, but there is lots of pressure to compete and my worldly skills are tested every single day!
The Biz:
Jolie Mack Custom Jewelery Designs focuses on quality and unique design. Created at first to meet my style needs, it has remained a true labour of love and the designs created are personal and intimate. Not a single piece is “mass produced,” therefore creating pieces that are limited editions or totally exclusive. Fine Sterling Silver, 14k Gold Fill, crystal, vintage finds and heirloom trinkets are blended together to create the glittering treasures. JMD’s style can be best described as Casual Glam: pairing Swarovski chandeliers with a baby-t or mixing a sparkling necklace with vintage jeans. It’s a polished look and can be achieved by everyone only with the perfect accessories. Jolie Mack Designs‘ signature pieces have been featured at Vancouver Fashion Week, cat-walked down fashion runways, worn by local personalities, and have been auctioned to raise money for charity at selected prestigious events. Recently, Jolie Mack Designs has launched The Perfect Match: Bridesmaid glam made simple. It’s an all-in-one packaged concept designed to make bridal party jewelery as convenient as it is beautiful. Brides can pick the style, match the colour using an abundant Swarovski crystal palette and customize the jewelery to suit the individuals in their bridal party. From start to pretty finish, Jolie Mack Designs is one-of-a-kind, producing with passion fine fashion jewelery. Absolutely unique designs found on no one else but you!
Why we shone a spotlight on it:
So Jolie gave me her reasons why I should’ve shone the FS Spotlight on her biz, and they were great – all the technical background, how she makes her pieces, paying attention to the tiny details, etc. But the real reason I chose to shine a Spotlight on Jolie Mack is.. well, have you looked at her stuff?! It is without a doubt some of the most extraordinary jewelery I have ever seen!
Alright, so it’s important that everything Jolie makes is made with care and attention. That she hand-files every wire end, and is very aware of the balance of the design, the way a piece hangs or lays, and the comfort of the piece. (But seriously, have you seen the Exclusive Collection?!) Jolie produces every design by hand, herself. Customer satisfaction, personalized communication and fair business practice are values that set Jolie Mack Designs apart from others. (Check out the Signature Collection!) These philosophies make her clients feel special, keep them going back and ultimately, add a bit more sparkle to the jewelery. (Don’t forget to stop by the Limited Collection!) I’m telling you flat out – if you don’t own a piece of Jolie Mack Designs – you have got to get some!
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Know an Entrepreneur who deserves a Spotlight? (Maybe you??) Let us know!
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Mary Kearns, Herban Lifestyle, LLC
Location: Falls Church, VA
Website: http://herbanlifestyle.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/herbanlifestyle
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Herban-Lifestyle/48892607646
Etsy: http://herbanlifestyle.etsy.com
The Entrepreneur Behind The Biz: Ten years ago, after my mother’s sudden passing, I began creating herbal bath products. I found it to be very centering and soothing. I love making things by hand, and I especially loved working with the colors, textures and scents of herbs and other natural ingredients. It was also something that I was able to share with my daughters, as many of the recipes were very simple. I began to share them with friends and family. People liked my products, so I decided to sell them at my local farmers market in New England. After a couple of years though, my life changed, my schedule got tighter, and I had to let go of my business. I continued to make herbal bath products for myself, friends and family. Three years ago, I moved to the DC area. I now work as a scientist facilitating the review of cancer prevention programs. I do my best to balance my urban lifestyle with healthful habits – mind, body and spirit – and I share this knowledge with others through my workshops and writing. Since moving to DC, as part of this balance, I began formal herbalism studies, and it occurred to me that this would be a great time to re-start my herbal bath and body product business.
The Biz: Herban Lifestyle™ specializes in handcrafted herbal bath and body products made from natural and organic ingredients, in cute environmentally-friendly packaging. My products contain pure oils, essential oils and herbs, the majority of which are either certified organic, pesticide-free/chemical-free and/or ethically wildcrafted.
Why we shone a Spotlight on it: I have a bit of a soft spot for handmade soaps and body care items. Those of you who know me personally, know that I used to have my own company creating awesome bath and body care products. I try all kinds of handcrafted soaps, bottles, lotions and potions just because I can.. This soft spot is part of why I decided to shine a light on Herban Lifestyle™. I also shone a light on these items because they’re just so pretty! The glass bottles, the colorful logos and the ingredients – they’re all pretty and would just look amazing in your bathroom.. Nevermind the fact that the Creator also cares about the Earth’s health and well being; Herban Lifestyle™ donates 5% of gross sales to charity, including Sierra Club, Herb Research Foundation, Martha’s Table and Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest). In addition, all Herban Lifestyle™ products come packaged in recyclable containers and all of their labels are printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper.
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Know an Entrepreneur who deserves a Spotlight? (Maybe you??) Let us know!
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Romy Taormina and Carla Falcone, Psi Bands
Location:Pacific Grove, CA
Website: http://www.psibands.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RomyTaormina
Facebook: Psi-Bands
The Entrepreneurs Behind The Biz: Carla and I are former advertising agency account execs who had a great idea, and using every spare minute between diaper changes and carpools, have now built a successful company with a national – and international – presence. Since launching in October 2007, Psi Bands can be purchased at Rite Aid, REI, Longs Drugs, Pharmaca, ShopNBC, Amazon.com, drugstore.com, etc. Psi Bands have received incredible press, including a feature in the coveted “O List” in O, The Oprah magazine. We are winners of the “Make Mine a Million $ Business” Award, sponsored by American Express and run by Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, and I am an official Savor the Success Blogger where I educate and inspire women entrepreneurs.
The Biz: Most people are familiar with the saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. And in the case of Psi Bands, this expression is literally true. Psi Bands (pronounced “sigh” bands) were conceived by Carla Falcone, my friend and now business partner, and me (Romy Taormina) after commiserating about the lack of fashionable acupressure wrist bands to relieve our severe morning sickness. Psi Bands were “born” as a result – a product devoted to helping mothers (and others) seeking a more fashionable and functional way to alleviate nausea. Psi Bands (pronounced “sigh bands”) are stylish, FDA-cleared acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness, motion sickness/travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. Psi Bands come in five fun designs, and are uniquely adjustable at two areas, around the wrist like a watch and at the acupressure point for personalized comfort. They are also waterproof (no more soggy wrist bands), reusable, and affordable. With Psi Bands, those who suffer from the VERY common, yet debilitating condition of nausea can feel better – in style and comfort!
Why we shone a spotlight on it: I am super envious that I didn’t have these when I was preggo.. It would’ve been nice to save myself some grief!!
Not only are Psi Bands stylish and functional, but they’re also community oriented – Psi Bands have helped tens of thousands of people relieve their nausea, and continue to help more daily. Providing hope – they’ve have had customers tell them that their loved ones would not have undergone chemo treatments if it had not been for the hope that Psi Bands offered. Psi Bands donates $1 of every Cherry Blossom Psi Bands set sold to Fertile Hope, a national, nonprofit, to help them carry out their mission of helping cancer patients realize their dreams of parenthood. http://www.psibands.com/giving_back
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Kathie, Jilly Jellybug
Location: Orlando, FL
Website: www.jillyjellybug.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jillyjellybug
Etsy: www.jillyjellybug.etsy.com
The Entrepreneur Behind The Biz:
I am a visual designer. My clients are usually in the corporate or entertainment sectors, but I was educated as both a fine artist and a graphic designer. On a trip to Sanibel Island (one of my favorite places), I was waiting for my husband to grab a couple cups of coffee and started sketching jillyjellybug. That was over 5 years ago. I kept her in a sketchbook and continued to draw other characters. My goal was to develop a set of characters that would one day help to save the lowland gorillas in the congo rainforest. I hope to do this by educating children about these amazing creatures and showing them the wonders of the rainforest and how important it is to our mother earth. I love animals and children and so the story begins.
The Biz:
A new day dawns in the rainforest, and Jilly and her forest friends set out on their quest to gather berries, roots, shoots, fruit, leaves, bark, bamboo and wild celery to help their gorilla friend that have lost his home. You too can help them save the gorillas, keep mother earth green and save the magical rainforest with an organic jillyjellybug creation.
Jilly and her friends are one of the thousands of undiscovered species yet to be discovered in the Congo. Be sure to visit www.jillyjellybug.com in the coming weeks as we begin telling the tales of jilly and her friends in the fantastic forest! A percentage of your purchase will go to to help save the gorillas.
Why we shone a spotlight on it:
Besides the fact that the illustrations are hopelessy adorable – they’re eco friendly and help the plight of the Jungle Gorilla!!!
Purchase a Jilly Jellybug creation for your little “green bean” and help save the Gorillas in the Rainforest! Jilly Jellybug shirts are made of organic cotton and also come packaged in a reusable green burlap sack. Each shirt has a tag with a rainforest fact so that there is an educational component to the product.
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