Sunday Brunch

When I ordered my second batch of Everyday Minerals samples, I was rather apprehensive of the blush I chose because when you order items like these online, you really have to rely on the colour swatches the website provided. The problem with the Everday Minerals website was that it does not display photographs of the actual product swatch, only conceptual pictures. It became a matter of "what-the-

Cracked Conch Originally uploaded by My Island Beauty This past Sunday my friends and I went to have brunch at the Cracked Conch in West Bay, Grand Cayman. It is literally across the road from Cayman Islands famous Turtle Farm and is not very difficult to find. Cracked Conch is known for serving some of the freshest [...]

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.Well, ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted “ to be an artist” and took art classes as a child at the Rhode Island School of Design. In college, I got my B.A. in Fine Arts (concentrating in silkscreen design) and then was very fortunate to have a number of jobs using my silkscreen knowledge. I worked in a couple of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums as an Exhibits Specialist and then as the matter and framer in the National Gallery of Art. Becoming my “own boss” however, didn’t come about until several years later when I met my husband (a gemologist and author of several books on the subject ).Thanks to my husband, I was introduced to both the world of beads and oddly enough to the inner workings of computers( as he owned a computer company at the time ). One thing led to another and through a lot of networking and creative processes, I developed my two lines of jewelry – Beadles and Three Ring Cir

Rick Morrissey wants you to remember the good times I can't say if he was giggling while writing this, but I suspect he was. From the Trib: So I'll say it: The Reds made a good move. You know, if winning's your thing. It's interesting how, aside from his odd decision to pull Carlos Zambrano after 85 pitches in Game 1 of the Arizona playoff series, Lou Piniella is regarded as something of a baseball genius for getting 85 victories out of a franchise that won 66 games the season before under Baker. Never mind that many believed the Cubs had the most talent, by far, in the National League Central this year. Never mind that the Cubs spent gobs of money on players for Piniella. Or, for that matter, that the Cubs won 88 and 89 games in Baker's first two seasons at Wrigley Field. Piniella is a savant! And Baker, who got his 2003 club closer to the World Series than any Cubs team in almost 60 years, is perceived as a loser, a punch line, chump change. You still can hear the moaning lon

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Holly Bedard, a fairly new addition to the thirty-something group. Girls’ Night Out Designs came about a few years ago. Quite frankly, I started making jewelry as a way to keep my hands busy after I quit smoking. It worked – and almost six years later I’m much healthier and surrounded by tons of jewelry! You can find my collection at www.girlsnightoutdesigns.com.2. Where are you located?Manchester, NH3. How did you come up with your business name?It was a fairly painful process. I agonized over finding just the right name and always felt like it was on the tip of my tongue. Many, many girls’ nights later, it finally hit me. It was exactly what I had been looking for. I always thought the jewelry I created had a fun, slightly intoxicating feel to it, and Girls’ Night Out Designs said it all.4. Where do you sell your products?I sell my products exclusively online at www.girlsnightoutdesigns.com. I al

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business I’m a late bloomer who found creating jewelry to be a passion (don’t you know that Clinical Scientist degree looks so much better collecting dust in the attic!). Initially, I started simple beading for stress relief but this quickly turned into an addiction. I’m self taught and currently metal smith, wire wrap, chainmaille and work with glass (fused and lamp work) as a medium; I just can’t decide because it all so much fun! My husband and soul mate, John is extremely supportive and has encouraged me every step of the way from my first sale to trunk show to the e-commerce jewelry boutique, Designing-Diva. Our children, Brittney(8) and Blake(6), can often be found in the studio helping pack orders and making their own little wearable art; Blake loves to make his own pendant talisman necklaces and Brittney loves making charms for her bracelets. 2. Where are you located? I’m located in the Big D aka Dallas. My studio is

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I’ve been designing jewelry for about five years now, but my passion for the craft came about unexpectedly. At the time, I was living in Santa Monica and took a trip back to my hometown of Portland, Oregon. On a momentary whim, my dad took me into a shop called Ed’s House of Gems. I became infatuated with the intrinsic beauty of the stones, so I bought about ten strands to fool around with. At first, I was just making gifts for friends and family. After a while though, I realized that this was something I wanted to try and grow. I’ve since sold my work at art galleries and shows, in boutiques, and early this year I was able to expand to my own on-line boutique. 2. Where are you located?My business is based out of Phoenix, AZ.3. How did you come up with your business name?I wanted to keep things simple. I figured I had a really unique name, and I wanted to use it. 4. Where do you sell your products? There

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I’m a native New Yorker but currently live outside of Boston with my husband, my 3.5 year-old daughter Adelaide, my 8 month-old daughter Georgina and our dog Chewy. I have always enjoyed painting, photography, color…pretty much anything where I can be creative. TADA BABY gives me the opportunity to do all of this! I create personalized canvas wall art that features babies and big kids. Digital artwork is first created on the computer incorporating the photograph of the child. It is then giclée printed with archival pigment inks on premium artist canvas. I stretch the canvas over a wooden frame and then areas are hand-painted with acrylic paint. The canvas is then sprayed with a finishing gloss to protect it. The result is an original piece of art that children will love as much as their parents do!2. Where are you located?Sherborn, MA. It is a small suburb of Boston, MA.3. How did you come up with your business na

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Jessica and I am a stay at home mom to my almost 3 year old son, with another sweet baby on the way (due in 4 weeks!!) I am constantly crafting and have been for as long as I can remember. As a young child my great-grand mother taught me to crochet and it kind of just stuck. I dabble in many different crafts, trying new things all the time and sticking with what I like.I started my business as a way to do what I love, which is create imaginative, useful items with my hands, pass on these items to people who will enjoy and cherish them as much as I do, and, maybe even add a little extra income to what my husband contributes that makes it possible to stay home with my children.2. Where are you located?I am located in the California Bay Area. This is a wonderful place for artists and crafters, with so many resources near by! I have a number of yarn stores that I frequent, depending on the particular yarn I ne

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. My name is Amber Fay and I work full-time for a group of general surgeons. My life has come to a point where I need to make a change, although my job is very rewarding, it is now time for me to pursue my jewelry making business. I create and sell photo tile pendants. They make unique and different gifts in the sense that they are handmade and use a special transfer process to create each piece. I use low fire clay and each image in resized and cropped and transferred to black and white where it is then baked onto the clay tile. The image actually becomes a part of the tile. 2. Where are you located? Thousand Oaks, CA 3. How did you come up with your business name? I could not think of a name, so everyone kept telling me to just use my own name, that it flowed rather nicely. 4. Where do you sell your products? www.amberfay.etsy.com. 5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations? I belong to many j

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. I started in January 2006 (when I was 19) as a natural progression of my love of knitting and crochet (I also weave, tat, and much more as well). My love of handspun lead me to want to share it- and my love of environmentalism- with other people. There aren't many other people out there making eco friendly yarn the way I do, using greywater, not many other people are naturally dying sock yarn either. So, my business is an extension of my lifestyle! It is vegetarian and eco friendly just like me.2. Where are you located?I am located in the lovely Pacific Northwest, which I am very lucky to live in- we are really green here, and I'm not just talking about the trees! I love that I can live in an area that has like-minded people, and a large knitting population!3. How did you come up with your business name? My business name was a screen name I have used since an early teen, so it seemed natural to incorporate it in t

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.ZeVin Creations is a sister-owned company that provides one-of-a-kind cards for all occasions/holidays/events. The uniqueness about our cards is that we use just about anything to make a card and we interweave in the two sister's special talents into the cards. We both have two distinct styles and that comes across in our cards which allows the card to appeal to a larger market.2. Where are you located? Louisville, KY3. How did you come up with your business name? The name ZeVin Creations comes from the sister’s parent’s name (ZE – Zenolia Miller and VIN – Marvin Miller). God has blessed their parents with these girls who in exchange have been blessed with the talents that go into making these pieces of art. So it seemed natural to continue their legacy in the business name. 4. Where do you sell your products? We have a couple retail locations in KY and NC. And online at www.zevcards.com. We are currently wor

Many years ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Teresa’s Café – a casual, Italian/American BYO located in the heart of the Main Line community of Wayne, PA – was among my semi-regular stops for casual business lunches. In the subsequent years, I’d more or less forgotten about the place, as my regular dining orbit now more naturally revolves around Philadelphia itself. However, the name had resurfaced of late in the context of its new sibling, Teresa’s Next Door (TND), a Belgian style bar and bistro. The original Teresa’s remains a BYO for wine but patrons now have the ability to stop in next door for a beer, cocktail or for alternate and late night meal options. With a friend in for a Sunday visit, we called TND to confirm that they’re open for lunch and then headed on over.In concept, Teresa’s Next Door is clearly Wayne’s answer to Philadelphia’s Belgian stalwarts like Monk’s Café and Eulogy. The bottled beer list is biblical in proportion, focusing primarily o

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Josephine and I’m a graphic designer. I have a BFA in Art Visual Communications and have experience in web, print and television. I started Retrospective Design in January 2007. I do completely custom designs for photo montages, photo books, wedding invitations and more. Each design I make is specially made just for each customer. My customers send me their favorite photos and I get to make them a unique montage. I do my wedding invitations a little different than most companies. I create custom designs and then provide you with the print ready electronic files that you can take to your local printer or print at home. This is a great way for the bride on the budget to get a design she loves. I love creating new designs and I am always ready for a challenge.2. Where are you locatedKansas City, MO3. How did you come up with your business name?It took me awhile. The first few names I thought of were taken. S

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I’m actually a veterinarian. Don’t get me wrong…I love the animal biz. But after having 2 children, I decided I would rather have more time at home. So, I ventured into Mairzey Dotes. I create baby blankets from chenille and modern, vintage prints. 100% cotton. 100% washable!2. Where are you located?We originally began the biz in Chicago, but recently moved to Indianapolis. Really, you can only have so many kids, pets, and sewing projects in a teeny tiny downtown condo!3. How did you come up with your business name?It’s from a silly children’s song. The song has been a favorite to many generations in our family. Mairzey dotes and dozey dotes and little lambzied ivy…. 4. Where do you sell your products?www.mairzeydotes.com.5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?The Switchboards, The Designer Only Lounge at the Daily Stroll, and Trunkt.6. Read any good books lately?Ha! I thi

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. I've always been fascinated by the "finished product." The process of taking raw materials and turning them into something tangible and functional is so inspiring; the fact that a big chunk of clay can be morphed into a beautiful bowl is just so cool. Plays With Mud is a collection of all the things I love to make. Pottery, belts, paper goods ... you name it, I've probably made it. Right now, I make a lot of custom gifts for people. I love it when someone comes to me and asks if I could make a birthday gift for their friend, or a Christmas present for their mom. It totally makes my day! 2. Where are you located? Plays With Mud is in the growing township of Fort Mill, South Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. 3. How did you come up with your business name? I wanted something that was fun and playful ... not too serious but still indicative of the products that I create. At the time I came up with

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. I have a BFA in Illustration from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. I used to do a lot of editorial collage illustration and I also design youth sports posters for photographers. After my daughter was born, I was inspired to create children's items. Right now I sell name plaques, mommy calling cards, and children's photo collages. I am working on wall art and onesies.2. Where are you located? I live in the Philadelphia suburbs and work from my home studio.3. How did you come up with your business name? Sophie is my daughter's name. I wanted something that would evoke the playfulness of childhood and the funky, modern look of my designs.4. Where do you sell your products? Right now they are sold on my own site, www.sophieandspice.com. I am looking into other online retailers for some of my products.5. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?Ideas are the main aspect of being an i

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Cherie and I make a sinfully yummy fudge that is packaged in a jar and eaten with a spoon, aptly called "Spoon Fudge." This is the second business I've started and I'm having a boatload of fun working my way through the food industry. I have a husband, Joe, and a 15 year old son, Timothy, who both are an immense help in the running of this business. Timothy is the one who labels and packages all the product and Joe handles the shipping side of the things. I'm left with the actual making of the product. My husband and I also run a web development firm from home - this is our "real" job and it allows us to get away as needed to run the fudge business. 2. Where are you located?We are currently in Tucson, AZ but are looking forward to a change of scenery and are planning to relocate in Seattle, WA this fall or next spring. Our families are in the general area there and my fudge will be much happier away from the h

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. My name is Monique and I feel so blessed to be a stay at home mommy to my two beautiful children! The business idea came shortly after my daughter was born. I was able to create a hair clip that doesn't fall out of a baby's hair even if they only have a few strands. I also make clips for toddlers and girls. I feel so lucky to have had the ability to start my own business while raising my kids. I'm really enjoying life to the fullest. 2. Where are you located? Online and I ship internationally too!3. How did you come up with your business name? My dad always affectionately calls my sister and I "Sugarplum" since we were in diapers.4. Where do you sell your products?Online at my website www.LilSugarplum.com. 5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations? No (for lack of time).6. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share? Network as much as you can, you never know where it may lead to!7.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.Hi! My name is Lindsay Green & I own Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff. I make scented candles, soaps and bath & body products. I started Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff back in September 2004, while I was still in college. I had been making candles for 10 months at that point & figured people liked them, why not sell them! Soap & bath & body products entered the product line shortly after, once I had enough time to test them all out personally. 2. Where are you located?Pickering, Ontario, Canada3. How did you come up with your business name?I came up with it one night when I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep. I seem to come up with lots of things like that!4. Where do you sell your products?I sell them through my own website www.lindsayscandles.com as well as through 2 other local shops. We are currently looking for new wholesale partners. 5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?I belong to The Swi

I'm posting this on Saturday because I'll be out of town tomorrow :) julie1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.Andrea and I met 10 years ago as graphic designers working at a designfirm in Chicago. We had always talked about starting a business togetherat some point. I have always loved making things and one of my passionswas giving personalized baby tees as gifts. After Andrea had twins, Ibrought over tees for the babies and we decided it was the perfect time toget the business going.2. Where are you located?We are located in Chicago.3. How did you come up with your business name?"Uni" has been our longtime nickname for each other so when we decided tostart our business it seemed natural to include it. We also like itbecause it can mean other things.4. Where do you sell your products?Currently through our website, www.littleuni.com, and Red Balloon in Chicago.5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?The switchboards6. What inspires y

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. If someone had asked me 10 years ago if I ever saw myself as an entrepreneur I would’ve either curled up my nose or stared blankly at them. Now that I’ve begun my journey on this path I can’t imagine myself not doing it. It’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I started bōbē just over a year ago from very humble beginnings but it’s slowly evolving and I have big plans for the year ahead. The packaging & labels are being recreated, new products will be added to the line & I’m making a point of getting out into the community as much as possible. I want to be able to provide a “choose your own adventure” for bath & body products. The products are to be quality items, at an affordable price while maintaining a professional appearance.2. Where are you located? Saskatoon, SK Canada3. How did you come up with your business name? The name bōbē (pronounced “beau-bee”) happened b

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I started my business like a lot of indie designers -- for the fun of it! I couldn't afford to buy fancy jewelry, so I decided to make some for myself. Voila, the business was born.2. Where are you located?San Francisco, CA.3. How did you come up with your business name?It didn't require filing for a business name! And "creations" implies all sorts of art, not just jewelry.4. Where do you sell your products?www.peggyli.com5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?I'm a regular poster on The Switchboards and IndieFinds.6. What inspires you?Beautiful natural materials are always inspiring. 7. Read any good books lately?I've just started reading Jim Collins' book, "Good to Great" about what makes great businesses.8. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share? Know your target market. Learn all you can about your business. Be persistent.9. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you w

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. I have a really thick Boston accent and get the classic head tilt from people when I am in conversation with them. I can be silly, shy and outgoing all within two minutes and most definitely outrageous but never in church! I don't have any brothers or sisters but I do have a HUGE family which is awesome; my family are my best friend’s and my best friend’s are my family. My business was never supposed to include body care products, only massage oils for my private massage therapy practice. Boy oh boy that has all changed. Now I make over 5 different scrubs, three different lotions and a boat load of bath teas, bath salts and bath bombs. I am big on using paraben free preservatives in all my skin & spa products. Many products are Vegan, organic and 100% natural. The best part is naming the product and getting feed back from my customers. 2. Where are you located? I am surrounded with cranberry bogs (Ocean spray head

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. I'm Heather Flottmann, owner and designer of liliputians. The concept for the liliputians label was born in NYC on May 12, 2004 with the arrival of Lily Belle. She is the inspiration, and she is my muse. Liliputians became a reality about a year later with the completion of the liliputians NYC web site, www.liliputians-nyc.com.Liliputians is a hip, indie clothing label from NYC specializing in custom, boutique childrens clothes. All Liliputians clothing is lovingly hand crafted to custom perfection. Liliputians offers special designs for every day, unique birthday and holiday outfits, art inspired Mommy & Me sets, trendy appliqued tees, and fun accessories such as dolly barrettes, funky hair clips, and hair flowers. All creations are heirloom quality, limited editions or even one of a kind. For hip babies, little girls & boys, and mommies too! 2. Where are you located? We're in NYC and love living here. This city n

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I am a full time glass artist who specializes mainly in lampwork glass beads, buttons and cabochons. My primary aim is to supply jewelry designers with unique custom pieces of art for their designs. I’m married and currently live with 4 dogs. 2. Where are you located?I live in Southeastern Michigan 3. How did you come up with your business name?Gwacie is my nickname. I have always been a klutz and thus I was often called “Gracie” as I clumped and bumped my way through the life. In time the name changed to “Gwacie” and it just stuck. 4. Where do you sell your products?I have a very active website at www.gwaciebeads.com . In addition, I often travel to local bead shows, art shows and bead stores, and occasionally I sell via online auction sites. 5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations? I belong to several glass artist organizations.6. When you’re not making things, what do you do?I

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I'm 33, am married with two children, and I work part-time at a winery. I started Gallimaufry Arts to try and remain a stay-at-home mom, and still contribute to my family. I make vintage-inspired jewelry, chain maille, little books, goodies for the home and other random items. 2. Where are you located? In a little foothill town between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.3. How did you come up with your business name?I like making lots of different things--sometimes I really like making them, and sometimes I don't. The definition of gallimaufry is a medley or hodgepodge, and in addition to liking the word, I thought it would give me space to explore different avenues.4. Where do you sell your products?Currently through my website, www.gallimaufryarts.com, my Etsy shop GallimaufryArts@etsy.com, purplepinkandorange.com, mybonnieandclyde.com, and soon at lepetitgarage.com. I'm hoping to get into some brick and mortar st

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I am work at home, stay at home Mom. I have 2 children at home and a teenage – Eek! -stepson who visits often. I have always loved creating with my hands. I started art classes at a young age and continued dabbling in the arts up through high school. I reconnected to my art roots when my first daughter was born. It is amazing how creating a life changes your own entirely. Sewing and designing is a great way for me to have “me” time and a chance to keep learning and developing my talents. It’s a great expression of my ideas and personality that’s different from anything else I do. 2. Where are you located? I am located in Idaho and work out of my home office and sewing room! 3. How did you come up with your business name? LOL!!! Well……….just sort of on a whim. Basically, I was needing something for “me” outside of my everyday duties as wife and mother. My own creative outlet – hence my name – crea

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship, the cosmetics industry, and helping others. I’ve been blessed in having the opportunity to take this passion to the next level with Sylvia & Marcos. Sylvia & Marcos provides natural skincare products with an emphasis on reaching the multicultural consumer. I’m constantly researching the benefits of various ingredients, and ingredient combinations. It’s extremely important for people of ethnic backgrounds, whose skin is more sensitive to chemicals and abrasiveness, to use natural skincare products whenever possible. I encourage everyone to take a moment to read the ingredient labels on their favorite products. It’s important to empower oneself.2. Where are you located?Right now… We’re located in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C.3. How did you come up with your business name? Sylvia & Marcos represents my Panamanian heritage and who I am. It a

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. My name is Brittany Forks, and I am a senior graphic design major at Mississippi State University. I created Kilobyte Couture in May 2006 as a small minimal side project selling jewelry on etsy.com. Later on in the year I told my teachers about my side project, and they decided a professional identity and name change in the works so Kilobyte Couture was officially launched Feb 6, 2007. I am currently taking an independent study class under Kate Bingaman (obsessiveconsumption.com) developing my brand and promoting my jewelry. 2. Where are you located? Mississippi State, Mississippi 3. How did you come up with your business name? My boyfriend came up with the name one day while we were namestorming. 4. Where do you sell your products? I sell them on my website kilobyte couture, but would love to sell through other stores or distros. 5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations? Does craftster.org

Today's interview is with SBS Teas.1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I grew up in the Seattle area. At the age of 11 I began working in ourfamily business. I guess you could say that working for myself is in myblood. :) SBSteas.com is a small, woman-owned business in the beautiful PacificNorthwest. We are environmentally conscious, keeping our focus on helpingothers achieve better health and a more peaceful existence, one cup of teaat a time.2. Where are you located?Washington state3. How did you come up with your business name?Through a dream4. Where do you sell your products?98% of our products are sold by us through our website at www.sbsteas.com.5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?Ladies Who Launch and Digital Eve6. What inspires you?My husband and nature7. When you’re not making things, what do you do?Read and spend time with my family8. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share?Have a solid business plan

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Roxanne and I am owner of Roxi Designs. I create stationery and jewelry from my home studio. I started my business in 1999. 2. Where are you located? I am located in California. 3. How did you come up with your business name? Everyone would refer to my business with my first name like 'Roxi Art' or 'Roxi's Cards' but I liked the word 'design' and went with that. 4. Where do you sell your products? Right now my jewelry and cards can be found at Unique Freaque in Oak Park, IL and at Sentimental Reasons in Mexico, MO. And of course at http://www.roxidesigns.com!5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations? Yes, I do. I belong to two wonderful groups of like-minded business owners at The Switchboards and at The Bliss Guild. 6. What inspires you? Going on vacation inspires me. When I get back I have so many ideas for new designs, etc.7. When you’re not making things, what do you do? I updat

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business. Well, my name is Sareth, and I run an online business called Ruin Me Designs. My current pieces are mostly Japanese-inspired, with a little bit of contemporary thrown in.2. Where are you located? I'm from the U.K, and very proud of it too!3. How did you come up with your business name? Originally, I made a lot of my items from vintage pieces - so I wanted my name to reflect that. I intentionally ruin items, and then turn them into something more modern, and wearable.4. Where do you sell your products? Mostly online at www.ruinme.tk, but occasionally through local craft fairs too. Although, those are hard to come by where I live!5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations? I belong to several online communities (Switchboards, Craftster etc) as well as LiveJournal. (you can find me at april-cocaine.livejournal.com).6. When you're not making things, what do you do? I play bass g

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I began in 1995 making silk wedding flowers (after making them for my own wedding) and brochures. I began cake decorating in 1997, baking has always been relaxing for me. Decorating cakes is a creative outlet for me. They not only look amazing they taste amazing. I have always enjoyed web design and began doing that in 1997 as well as logo design. In 2000 I wanted to make soap for my family for Christmas but all that was available locally were some kits that were not the best quality. So I hit the internet and started searching. I found a wonderful fragrance oil vendor yahoo group that was offering classes. The first class was a cream class and I was hooked and that is how our Bath and Body line began. It has blossomed considerably since 2001. My jewelry line was created in the fall of 2006 while recuperating from surgery for Uterine Cancer. I needed something to do during the 8 week recovery time and jewelry making helped

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Julie Shields. I'm the Owner and Jewelry Designer behind the online e-shop Hana Lynn Jewelry. Hana Lynn Jewelry features original, exclusive jewelry designs incorporating only choice materials such as quality precious and semi-precious gemstone beads, precious metals, fine artisan pieces, unique vintage components, premium freshwater/cultured pearls, Swarovski crystal and artistic glass. Almost all of my designs are one time only creations. So, each piece that is purchased is the ONLY one just like it.2. Where are you located?Well, I relocated from sunny Dallas, Texas to beautiful British Columbia, Canada almost 5 years ago. I currently live here with my Canadian husband and 2 little spoiled rotten kitty-cats. However, I'm very proud to be an "All American Girl" and absolutely love it whenever I am able get back to the good old U.S. of A.3. How did you come up with your business name?My grandmother was Japanese

There is no way a guy that does fusion ukulele could have stayed off this blog indefinitely.I am sure some of you have heard of Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row). He has been lamely labeled the “Next Jimi Hendrix….Next Van Halen…”But what is really demonstrated, is the validation and legitimacy of Baudrillard hypperreality in the form of YouTube acclamation.For your Sunday brunch entertainment:And since I may be putting together a band, I like this guy’s audition.Greg Patillo does a flute fusion of classical, rock, jazz and hip hop.Here is his rendition of Inspector Gadget, with an Axl F theme thrown in for good measure:Greg calls this genre Beat Box and Rhythm Flute.Now I just need to find someone on Squeeze Box.

Today's Sunday Brunch interview is with Jennifer of Starving Artist Bazaar.1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Jennifer Syfu and I'm a glass artist/graphic designer. I runStarving Artist Bazaar. I employ 20,000 thousand people around the globe.Just kidding. Just me, but I might recruit my sister.2. Where are you located?I'm located in Chicago (poor Bears). In the near future I will also be inPhoenix.3. How did you come up with your business name?I had to go on medical leave from my old design job and had no money. I'mvery literal.4. Where do you sell your products?I have my online shop, Starving Artist Bazaarand I also go to local craft fairs. (Yay RenegadeCraft Fair!)5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?I'm a member of Indie Finds, The Switchboards and a contributor to TheSampler! Also a member of kiva.org.6. What inspires you?Glass and successful crafty business women.7. Read any good books lately?I'm reading Mast

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.I started selling crafty stuff about four years ago. I started outmaking a few different things, but I mostly concentrate on resinjewelry now. I also dabble in appliquéd clothing, when my sewingmachine decides to cooperate.2. Where are you located?I'm from New Orleans, and that's where my heart is. I've been inPaducah, Kentucky, for the past few months. I'm aching to be backhome. Rent prices are finally getting back to normal, so I plan toreturn when this lease is up.3. How did you come up with your business name?I named my business "greenKangaroo" after the Judy Blume novel. Mylittle sister was born in 2000 and made me a middle child at the ageof 24! She's the best and loves to make stuff with me. She sold someof her own creations at a market with me this past December.4. Where do you sell your products?Online, both through my own store and the New Orleans Craft Mafiastore. On Etsy, greenKangaroo. At market

Today's Sunday Brunch Interview is with Tania Condon of little JULES.1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.Afer wearing many hats on my work path including an executive and cafe owner, my husband Tony and I were eager to start a family. Getting pregnant was easy, however our joy was interrupted when my water broke and I went into labor 3 months early. Our little guy, Julian was born weighing just 3 lbs. The first six weeks of his life were spent in the NICU.Inspired by motherhood and wanting to celebrate our little miracle, I created little JULES. Our signature line is inscribed with baby hands and feet which are actually Julian's. I believe you're never too little for style - it's that rule of thought that has let me to create a little JULES baby line of jewelry. All of our jewelry is handcrafted and personalized one piece at a time. All of our links are soldered with active little ones in mind.2. Where are you located?San Diego, CA3. How did you

This week's feature indie designer is: Hooked on Purses1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.My name is Maxine Ricks and I design and create unique clothing and accessories, mostly for women. My current project is ballroom dresses although my favorite material to work with is vintage neckties. I'm thinking about how I can combine the two and come up with a ballroom dress made from neckties.I am located in beautiful West Texas near Dallas2. How did you come up with your business name?My business started with one purse from a fabric remnant and I couldn't stop! I would always tell my husband that I was "hooked" and Hooked on Purses just naturally evolved from. My obsession has recently grown to include the ballroom dresses, necktie dresses, skirts and other apparel and accessories. Although I don't make a lot of purses anymore, the name is cute, catchy and easy to remember so I think I'll keep it. I make sure in my marketing that everyone knows that Hooked