The Biz: The Grapevine

Cure-Couture was the design idea of the late Linda Segal. Linda was a successful women’s fashion designer for more than 25 years. In 2007, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and required chemotherapy treatments. It was Linda’s experiences in the chemo center at the hospital that gave her the inspiration to design Cure-Couture: fashionable, yet functional patient gowns. Linda sadly lost her battle with breast cancer in 2009, but her idea lives on through her daughter Ashley Segal, and her design protégé, Linsay Alvarado. Ashley and Linsay describe their business venture as making a giant pitcher of lemonade from the lemons they were given.

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little babies are made of. No one understands this better than the folks behind the Teresa Alecrim brand who started the business back in 1981, in Lisbon, Portugal. Portuguese textile design has long been heralded at the top of the class. Delicate stitchery shows off exquisite designs including kids enjoying a jump rope session, a train, ducks, a friendly bear, a rocking bassinet, a little duck and a galaxy of stars to watch over baby. One design in pink and green proclaims “Bebe”, Spanish for — you guessed it — baby.

Music is powerful; it can teach, inspire, heal and unite. It has been shown that even in the womb, babies respond and move to music. Music is an art that can bring people together and John Richardson, Rich Candelora and Rich Ludwig of Zither Heaven can certainly attest to that. The three founders cultivate a spirit of innovation around the shop, where new products are constantly tested and improved. Zither Heaven’s commitment to quality resources, superior construction and excellent service, while blending modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, allows them to deliver their best to customers.

Get into the rhythm of increased sales by playing CDs from Putumayo Kids in your shop. This is music that entertains, educates and inspires cultural curiosity. It has a worldwide following that could include your customers. The Putumayo Kids recording label gives back in a big way by supporting children, families, schools and other charities through a percentage of its CD sales. The parent company, Putumayo World Music, has contributed more than $1 million dollars to non-profit organizations that do good work in the regions where the music originates.