When it’s cold outside and I’m just not in the mood to deal with crowds or parking, I go into on-line shopping mode. Or, as I like to joke “on-the-line” from the movie, The Internship, with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. I’ve created a little list of a couple of small businesses that have caught my eye recently and I thought I’d share them with all of you.
I was in search for some new toys for my dog, Toby. He has a few indestructible KONG toys because he’s a strong chewer, but they only offer so many types. Stuffed animal toys don’t fly at my house. So, I was on the hunt. I came across West Paw Design.
What I love about this small business is that their products are Made in America. Bozeman, MT to be exact. They strive to provide eco-friendly, recyclable, safe products for cats and dogs and are guaranteed to last. The owner, Spencer Williams, started this business in 1996 and it now has 80+ employees. They have other pet products, check them out at:
Your dog or cat will love you for it. There’s free shipping with a minimum purchase of $50. Toby will be opening a Zogoflex toy Christmas morning with a special treat tucked inside.
My next on-the-line biz is one I stumbled upon while watching the TODAY show and I enjoyed hearing the story of small business owner and make-up artist, Karissa Bodnar, of Thrive Causemetics. After her best friend, Kristy, lost her battle with cancer in 2013, Karissa wanted to honor her friend’s life. While working with the organization, Look Good, Feel Better, which holds beauty workshops for women who have cancer, she came across several women who shared their need to find faux eye lashes that could stay on. Her company did just that and developed a solution that “delivers flawless application whether women have lashes or not.” They also sell eye and brow liners. Their products don’t contain things like parabens, sulfates, latex and petrochemicals. They are working on other beauty products as well such as blush and lip gloss.
The company name was inspired by Good Morning America host, Robin Roberts, a cancer survivor. Karissa heard Robin say, “These women are not just survivors, they are Thrivers.” Their cause – “For every product purchased, we donate one to a Thriver going through cancer treatment in collaboration with our giving partners. Our products are named after Thriver’s who inspire us. They do more than just fight to survive, they thrive.”
After reading the amazing reviews, I’m ordering the waterproof eyeliner. Order some stocking stuffer must haves that go towards a wonderful cause:
What are some of your favorite “on-the-line” small businesses?
Small Business Shopster 