Do you do battle with conforming vs. standing out in the crowd? Tired of overpriced, substandard quality? Cringe at the thought of unfair labor practices? Looking to give a gift that will be memorable and unique? Want natural products that pamper? Art that speaks to your soul? A guide to help you find your spirit?

In the over-hyped world of celebrity-itis and big name corporate branding, there you can find your conformity – and basics. And keep up with the Joneses.

It may seem easier – or more convenient to order from Bloomie’s or Harry & David. Or to go to Target or K-Mart for a bargain. Sure, you can fill a wire garbage can with stuff from Staples & call it a gift basket. Don’t forget to put a bow on.

But open another door – and find a world of unique, creative, and inspired businesses that are independently owned – and personally oriented. You won’t find same-old, same-old here –- but you will find a world of unique products and services – generally not available in established mainstream retail shopping venues.

Handmade is often given a bad rap. Not good enough to be mainstream. Indie screams weird.

Not!

You will be pleasantly surprised – there are a lot of amazingly talented people who live in this other world.

And guess what – celebrities love it too. So the truth of it is, if you idolize someone and want to have their style – you’ll have to shop for the out of the ordinary.

Go ahead, buy the little black dress or suit, and then, accessorize it with personal flair………

Look at it from this perspective – handmade/limited edition/one of a kind vs. mass produced. In reality, everything is ‘handmade’ – someone guides the machinery – just on a mass level.

Small independent businesses are really the grassroots that our nation of free enterprise was built on. Shop with us, and you’ll be part of the growing trend of buying local. No outsourcing here, but a boost to the local economy. And this will make our economy stronger – more vital. So its also patriotic to shop independent!

Not to mention that the virtual world offers it all from the comfort of your own home. Flip the switch, click your mouse, and this wonderful world opens to you. No traffic jams, no lines to wait in…and think of the gas you’ll save. I’d call that energy efficient – in more ways than one.

Wake up & smell the eucalyptus! (Or lavender, patchouli or lemon verbena).

Good things come in small packages – or from small businesses.

We promise!

 

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