The Biz: Feature Articles

Sweet and simple but with a little edge. At first, these sound like opposing concepts, but closer examination shows they can exist in a delightfully complementary way. The designers at Go Gently Baby want to express their respect for Mother Earth, so they only use certified organic fabrics, dyes, water-based inks and sustainable materials in their offerings. New looks include the simple chic of the Raw Edge Bow Pullover and Fleece Pullover Dress. The nature-loving Girl and Fawn image appears on many items, expressing kindness to all living things.

It’s encouraging to see companies manufacturing their products in the U.S.A. Today, consumers are more conscious and making a real effort to buy from manufacturers that produce their products in America. Buying North American products is a great way to support the companies that are providing jobs and opportunity to homeland workers. Sweet Spud, Bambino Burper, Mood Lights and Winsome Fragrance Co. are some U.S.A.-based companies that are producing innovative products and supporting the American economy.

They may be seduced by television and video games, but every kid loves a good craft project. With products by Easy Student Publishing, any budding bard can publish simply by uploading their original writing and illustrations. Parents can arm their iPads with a protective case that interacts with the ArtSee Studio app to transform kids’ masterpieces into animated games and activities. Turn the results into museum-quality showpieces with My Art Gallery — funky yet functional frames. With Press-N-Paint, kids can mix paints without spilling a drop. Make summer fun and stock your shelves with these creative solutions.

Every Friday night at 9 p.m. you will find me sitting comfortably on my sofa eagerly awaiting the next episode of one of my favorite TV shows – “Shark Tank”. What intrigues me most with this show is the Sharks’ ability to, within minutes, tell entrepreneurs exactly what is wrong or right with their business. Sadly, for many they hear what is wrong. Almost every time, the very first question out of a Shark is “What are your sales?” If the numbers they share tell the story of a company on the rise, growing at a reasonable, if not accelerated pace, then the Sharks will start to circle the entrepreneur with interest.