Business of the Week:: HipFusion Designs

Neida Joseph-Abel, master jewelry designer, artisan and founder of HipFusion Designs, is widely known for combining her signature fused metal clay and glass elements with other fun and funky components to create an extensive collection of imperfectly-perfect and endearing necklace and bracelet designs, including her nationally recognized mommy tag jewelry, for the hip crowd. 

The idea behind her business has always been a clear one for Joseph-Abel, which is to personally handcraft each and every piece of jewelry.  And she is widely known for her originality by creating unpredictable designs. 

“Instead of being conventional, I tend to think outside-the-box and take risks when I create my designs. I love creating layers, contrasting textures, including moveable parts, making asymmetrical looks, and giving each piece a unique feel, she said. “I find that when I’m creating, I’m living life to the fullest. It’s part of my everyday consciousness ~ designing and creating pieces of wearable art for my customers that not only demonstrate the results of my efforts in a loving and beautiful way, but keep my customers coming back for more.”

HipFusion Designs is unique because Joseph-Abel can design a completely customized piece just for you. She has a lot of flexibility in her design process and can mix and match components from different pieces that you like.  You can view her Gallery Page to stimulate ideas, or contact her directly with what you’re looking for.

Made-to-order jewelry and custom pieces have a turnaround time of 2-3 weeks. Ready-to-go jewelry on her site ships within 2-3 days.

In addition to her online storefront, you can also find HipFusion Designs on Facebook!

SAVE! Joseph-Abel is kindly giving FREE shipping to all Market Mommy readers this week! Simply enter code HIPMAMA at checkout!

*This is a sponsored post purchased as part of an advertising package by HipFusion Designs.

Business of the Week:: Peek a Green

Inspired by her daughter, Alexandra Thusy-Privat founded Peek a Green. Combine that inspiration with her motivation to find safe baby products and her entrepreneurial spirit (which was her determination) and a place to buy the safest baby products was born.

“When I had my daughter, I thought I could trust the manufacturers, the stores and the FDA to do their jobs and provide our children with safe products. But I realized moms and dads were on their own and had to do their own research!” she said.

Thusy-Privat spent hours looking for safer alternatives for her baby girl.  “I felt that I could help by handpicking the safest products. I also realized that safe for baby and safe for the environment were linked and that's how I started Peek a Green!”

Peek a Green features baby-friendly items that are also eco-friendly. They’ve created unique gift sets for all occasions; baby showers, birthdays, holidays and every day gifts for babies and their older siblings.

The shop has a partnership with Trees for the Future which means for every item purchased a tree is planted. When you shop with Peek a Green, you are buying safer products for your baby and also creating a greener future for all children.

Thusy-Privat handpicks every item featured in her shop and everything must meet certain criteria. Here’s a look at her handpicking policy:

SAVE! Use coupon code MOMMY10 (not case sensitive) to get 10% off the entire Peek a Green store valid until 04/30/2012. In addition, they offer free shipping for all orders of $100 and more.

In addition to the Peek a Green website, you can also find them on Facebook.

 

Mommy Monday:: Royal Feather

Lorie Martinez started her online business, Royal Feather, in September of this year. Her shop offers a variety of children’s gifts and home décor.

As a stay-at-home-mom, Martinez works on her business when her son is napping and later in the evening when he’s asleep for the night. “I have an amazing and supportive husband who helps with everything from dinner to changing stinky diapers,” she added.

“Don't ever put aside your dreams of starting your own business,” she said. “When you discover exactly what you would love to do, you manage to find the time to make it all happen.” Martinez also encourages aspiring mom entrepreneurs to talk about their business idea with others. “You never know who you will meet and can either give you first-hand advice or has a business of their own that could be of some help to you.”

According to Martinez, it's very rewarding to be able to say "this was all just an idea, and now it's a reality." 

You can save 10% at Royal Feather with coupon code MOMMY10. Readers of the blog will receive 10% off their entire order from now until December 31 and receive free gift wrapping as well. In addition to the website, you can also find Royal Feather on Facebook, Twitter and their blog.

Holiday Gift Guide:: Stocking Stuffers

Do you have most of your shopping done but still looking for a few great items to top it off? Visit the Stocking Stuffer listings in our Holiday Gift Guide for a few ideas.

All of the companies featured in our guide are small, mom-owned businesses. So, when you purchase from them, you are helping to support a family, rather than pad the pockets of corporate executives. Take a look and see what these businesses have to offer before you shop elsewhere this year!

EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale:: Never pay overweight bag fees again! The scale is compact, lightweight and durable so you can take it along for the return journey. The Precision Voyager is a practical solution from the casual vacationer to the road warrior!

Love Mom Specialties:: Stocking stuffers for sweet dreams. Creative and engaging gifts under $10! You can save even more when you use coupon code Holiday2011 to save 10%!

Holiday Gift Guide:: Gourmet Gifts

Do you have a foodie on your holiday shopping list? Food and gourmet gifts have always been a popular option, and now it seems as though you can ship almost anything! The Holiday Gift Guide at Market Mommy dedicated a section this year to ‘Gourmet Gifts’ for the foodies on your list!

All of the companies featured in our guide are small, mom-owned businesses. So, when you purchase from them, you are helping to support a family, rather than pad the pockets of corporate executives. Take a look and see what these businesses have to offer before you shop elsewhere this year. 

Prepared Housewives (Go Foods):: Their mission is to help millions of people feed their freedoms while providing a vehicle for financial prosperity. Try six meals for free this holiday season! Visit their website for details.