The Biz: The Grapevine

Eastern Iowa isn’t the place most people think of when they talk about the beach. Known for its thriving agricultural economy, rolling hills, and small but bustling city centers, this area of the Midwest is home to plenty of lakes but of course no white sandy beaches. It is, however, the birthplace of Packable Pails, a business that’s all about the sandbox and beach. Packable Pails may look like regular sand buckets at first glance, but they collapse down to a small, flat manageable package that can easily be taken along on all your adventures.

There’s no bigger joy than holding a new healthy baby in your arms. Two moms who know that joy founded Baby Hero, a line of organic baby and toddler clothing that’s gentle enough for soft baby skin, but strong enough to handle the snuggles and the joys of growing and playing. It also supports mothers who may not have access to information and care needed to keep those babies in our world. Three million babies die each year in their first month of life and Baby Hero is dedicated to a “Giving Model.” Each purchase from Baby Hero funds a Neonatal Survival Kit for a mother and her baby in a disadvantaged community.

There’s very little funny about some of the cold winter temperatures around the world, but it’s all good in the hood if you have fun with your outwear. Rasta Imposta is the real deal when it comes to costumes and accessories for kids of all ages and their Ha Ha Hoodies are sure to get laughs from even the most embittered winter survivor. These zip-up hoodies are made to be warm and can be used as costumes or just conversation starters throughout the year. Your older customers will smile with nostalgia when they find out Rasta Imposta began over 20 years ago when Robert Berman created the Original Rasta Hat in the 90s.

You have a dream product you know will be a wow with retailers and their clients but how do you get it from your head to the world? You contact Source My Garment, a company that bridges the gap between designers in North America and manufacturers and factories overseas. The brainy team of Source My Garment associates can provide you with the whole shootin’ match — everything from the hows and whys of fair trade and ethical manufacturing to concept, labeling and packaging, to ways to save money and grow your business as you want it to.