The Biz: Feature Articles

Beloved the world over, Sesame Street entertains and educates children in over 160 countries. What better way to help parents teach children about the world outside their borders than to bridge the gap with the little muppet faces kids (and their parents) know and love? Kiwi Industries adds to the global appeal by launching the “Sesame Street Around the World” collection. It features all the familiar faces with designer colors, updated graphics, and the character’s name in three different languages. Children will enjoy learning what their favorite characters’ names are in different languages, and parents will appreciate the designer look in 100% washable organic cotton.

If you’ve been reading my columns, you already know I watch too much TV. I’ve confessed my addiction to “Shark Tank” and “All on the Line” here before. And now, I’m on a new trip: “The Pitch.” In this one, viewers travel along as two advertising agencies vie for the same client. The show isn’t perfect, but it’s a nice bit of escapism grounded in reality. During each episode, the client introduces its company and ad dilemma — like how to create one campaign to suit multiple brands or how to build excitement around a new product launch. Then it’s up to the agencies to pitch a winning idea.

Looking incredibly sharp is important to tweens, who flaunt their style and eye each other’s stuff to be sure theirs is up to snuff. Girls love to be able to show off a new handbag, pair of shoes or bathing suit cover up and bask in the compliments they get. After all, for the time being, it is all about them. Here are some brand recommendations for cool clothes and accessories made to help young girls feel like they belong: 9’s Swimwear, !iT Jeans, LUV Footwear and m.adonia kids.

Joseph and Laralyn RiverWind are the founders and co-owners of Native Touch, an all-natural body care company. Based in western North Carolina, Native Touch knows one thing that sets them apart from other body care companies is that they are not rebottlers. All Native Touch products are original, proprietary recipes formulated by Laralyn, an herbal biologist. Native Touch’s philosophy is inspired by the teachings of their elders, who taught them, if you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t put it on your body. Their vision for the future revolves around the ancient indigenous wisdom of basing the decisions of today on the way it will affect the next seven future generations.