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What if small changes in your daily routine made your life easier and help provide hope? Innovative thinkers- creatives, look at the world differently. Where others see challenges & roadblocks, creative thinkers are already considering the work around. Today I'd like to introduce you to a brand you might already know- but is now an option for your marketing efforts. Why OXO? OXO looks at everyday objects and activities and they see ways to make things simpler, easier, more thoughtfully designed–better. They notice pain points and pains-in-the-neck. They notice problems people don’t realize are problems until OXO solves them. They see opportunities to improve a product or a process, or a part of everyday life, and they make things that make things better. OXO is not just inspired by creating products that make everyday life easier — the brand is also dedicated to giving back. From donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental non-profits to helping fund research that gives children battling cancer hope, OXO is a brand on a mission. OXO products make everyday life easier, in every room of your home. From cooking and baking to brewing and entertaining to cleaning and organizing, to everyday adventures with little ones. OXO designs tools that fit comfortably in your hand and in your life. Everything OXO makes is built to last — their products are engineered for functionality and durability — it’s why they guarantee them for life. Besides making your daily routines easier, this brand is invested in a non-profit, Cookies for Kids' Cancer CFKC . Since 2011, OXO has donated over $2.5 million to support funding new & improved, less toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Read more here. Additionally, after 30 years of making every day better around the home, it’s time to do better for the planet. OXO has joined the 1% for the Planet community, donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental non-profits that address the most pressing issues of our time. Explore the collection here.

I look forward to specific fruits & veggies each summer because fresh is so much better than canned, frozen or shipped across the country. Smoothies are popular with many people. When you are looking for a gift for the home or even for the office break room- consider how a personal blender might be the right fit. Meet the nutribullet Pro®, the quintessential personal blender that transforms everything from spinach to strawberries into smooth, sip-able nutrition. Besides, the BPA free cup makes it one step to blend & drink from the same cup. Quick & easy- that's less dishes too! Share recipes with co-workers, gym companions or your family.

I love fresh fruit. The smell & taste captures the essence of summer! Every summer my refrigerator is full of locally grown produce. The abundant selection's at my favorite Farmer's Market & local family farm stand's add zest to meals & fill my heart with "good stuff". The good stuff in life is not only eating food that is nutritious, but nourishing our local economy. I love seeing our partners thrive- it means we'll have more years together. When we find brands that offer more value, it's a recipe we must share. Summertime is a time to get out in the community. Mealtime prep is the perfect time to also store quick nibbles for later. Nibble on these nuggets: Food huggers are a re-useable product that is safe for food & the environment- no disposable plastics! A Certifed B-Corp An innovative product, created by friends, producing another woman-owned partnership! Recycling made easy! Read more about the benefits of this brand here. Reducing food waste, which save money! Read more about additional Zero Waste Box programs! Layer in this packable product into a summer promotion. It's the perfect companion for the office or fun in the sun!

It's always exciting as a woman business owner when I can partner with another woman owned business. Besides doubling up on the girl power; bonus points are created when we partner with a supplier that is also artistic! Yep, as an art teacher I made paper with many students over the years. Earth Day is less than a month away. It seems fitting to highlight a product that offers a wow as a promotion and then "re-gift's" itself when complete; by growing flowers - now that's a worthy Earth Day celebration. A notable campaign, with a woman-owned partner, created these ornaments for THe Ellen Degeneres Show. Cardstock for this creative line is made from 100% recycled materials, meaning it is also recyclable. (Ask me about how much fun it is to make your own pulp, creating your own special blend) What are some of types of seeds or papers can you find in the pulp from this partner? Shredded money Written prayers Lavender buds English Daises Even Basil or Dill All seed paper products are biodegradable, organic, locally-sourced and laboratory tested. The seeds are so real, that their owner, Laura, once shared with me that paper that's been stored for a long time often starts to germinate. We've done a variety of fun promotions using seed papers. Papers have been designed for: Ground Breaking Ceremonies Weddings Recycling programs in the workplace Dollar signs for saving money for corporate travelers at area hotels Corporate Events One of my favorite's - The Scared Pancake, for BugFest. The intent of BugFest is to educate kids what happens when they bring non indigenous bugs into the state. The maple leaf insert shared a story detailing how the Asian Longhorn Beetle eats the maple tree, which is where we get maple syrup. No syrup=Scared Pancakes! Ask us about more eco-friendly options for your next promotion!

Summertime is calling- ANSWER! Answer the call to great adventures. Life experiences fill our cup & sustain us with memories. Fill your cup up. A day trip, weekend or extended stay is less stressful when you pack essentials! Similarly, when you're looking for the perfect gift for loyal customers or employee appreciation, be memorable. Strong impression's are why brands matter! Brand names are what the modern consumer really wants! Reward your brand enthusiasts- employees & your own brand ambassadors; make your fans scream. If kitting and shipping to large groups makes you nervous, this program is for you. What types of products will you find on demand? Journals Drinkware Blankets Technology pieces Summer is the perfect time to start a program. We'll show you how to use a program in a restaurant, dealership, boutique, corporate setting, to enhance fundraising efforts or reward volunteers. Beyond "on-demand", our team has the experience & expertise to build a program that fits your budget, aesthetic tastes and that resonates with your recipient. What do you give? According to Custom Boxes Market, a survey reveals that 72% of American customers think that the product packaging design influences their buying decisions. Let us take the stress out of gifting & prospecting. Who doesn't love a gift? In fact, giving is at the heart of what make tangible advertising & marketing work. Recipient's of a gift, say thank you; which is a positive way to start or continue a relationship. Make an impression with products that will be used, kept and appreciated. Journals spur the imagination and provide time for reflection. Discover what makes them so popular and what features you should consider here.  Ready to create something custom? Our talented design team is ready to explore the options and create something unique. Whether you prefer to log your reading preferences & notes to share with your book club or sketch on the beach, trails or river bank, journals are the canvas. Make your marks matter. As a former art teacher, I know the power of touch. When the paper & the writing instrument feel good in the hand & adapt as quickly as your mind, well, it's partnership at work. Purpose driven partnerships, including B Corps, make your brand message last longer. Aligning your values with brands that share your values is smart marketing, extending your relevance. Drinkware & bags- have been capturing attention for years; with strong ROI. A few brands offering more? Hydro Flask CamelBak Greatness Wins Terra Thread Wolverine FEED Take a look at all the places you might enjoy summer adventures with partners like JanSport, Bose, BioLite, CamelBak, Silipint and mophie! Ready to make summer connections? RSVP for our upcoming Open House.

Race towards summer fun at full speed! Partnerships matter! If added value is important to your relationship, these summer-time ready products will deliver the quality, innovative design & function your seeking. Convey your company culture & value by offering products that also deliver more. How much do you know about the stories behind these two brand partners? The Bose® founders set out to invent new technologies that would truly benefit people, creating a culture where innovation and teamwork are valued above all else. Bose® has a simple mission: Think of better solutions, create better products, and help people enjoy the things they love. It started when Dr. Amar Bose founded the company in 1964, and it continues today with passionate employees around the globe. JanSport® was founded in Seattle by three friends — Skip, Murray and Jan — in the summer of 1967. When Murray, an engineer, won an award for creating the first adjustable aluminum backpack frame, he asked his girlfriend, Jan, an accomplished seamstress, to create a pattern for it. He promised that if it was a success, he’d name the company after her. It was, he did, and the JanSport® brand came to life. In the next chapter, JanSport expanded their value proposition, on a proud path to sustainability. In 1967, JanSport® was created to help adventurers experience and celebrate the outdoors. In the years since, that mission has expanded to protecting the outdoors for future generations. Today, JanSport® is taking a hard look at the carbon footprint and sustainability of everything it does. It's a work in progress, but JanSport® has used the equivalent of 13,000,000 bottles' worth of recycled plastic in select styles. Watch this video. When you are looking for summer adventure and adding value, consider these brands, as well as the ones in this post.

Summertime is around the corner- we love to sea ourselves at the beach! Yes- misspelled on purpose. Why? We already told you happiness comes in waves. When you want to make an impression, you know- a splash, we can help! Let's design & craft a curated kit. That kit should include useful items for any adventure. The element of surprise and anticipation created through a visually appealing package is a welcomed distraction from the daily routine. The unboxing experience is part of what we remember about receiving a gift. If kitting, shipping or designing makes you nervous, no worries, we have options! We like making your life simple, our latest way to assist includes a new program with personalization's. This new program is meant for on demand solutions, shipping around the country to individuals after a conference or in prep for an event. Today's post is part of another program we offer called perfectly packaged. This program allows our design team to flex their muscles & have fun with your theme. This type of program is perfect for anniversary's, on-boarding, loyalty or recognition. Watch the excitement unfold, or unbox in this case! What's inside? Well even some surprises to me! I initially thought the ellevan travel & tech organizer was a fanny pack, but was excited to find this is an item I can use anytime, especially tucking in essentials inside when I visit you! A passport wallet for my next overseas adventure. A a reusable water bottle for any type of travel- even it's only to the water cooler across the showroom. That counts as steps! I love the sustainability connection too. Notice how the theme carries out across the packaging, the printed card and the products with full color. Use our graphic team to design to create something special. Besides, maximizing space for your content, we'll "that's our thing." Why not put all the knowledge & talent behind your marketing efforts with a partner that adds more value? Our studio & showroom are the perfect place to collaborate & plan. Summer is associated with travel, so let's hit the road with these products in hand. Make one of your destinations our VIP only event next week or stop by when you're our way. We love seeing you- it brings waves of happiness.

Does a mass shipping project give you anxiety? Not us, because we have simple solutions that will leave you smiling. Really- easy steps, ready to do in 5 minutes. How's that for fast? We've been shipping & kitting for years. Our newest program makes the process even easier. What if you told me you want to ship all around the USA- sure no problem. Individual shipments to one recipient at a time? Of course Home or work- yes! You'd like the flexibility for the recipient to choose the gift? We can do that for you. You'd like to add their name to the item, with the message or logo- absolutely! Can you make the unit cost include set up, personalization, kitting & shipping? YES! Time crunch? One link to share, they order, you get one link to pay. Simple right? Quality? Name brands? YES!!! Right now we are offering free set up on this new store program! We've got you covered! Need more? Would you like to craft a program that utilizes our design team with custom boxes- yes, we can help! Different program, but still simple. Ask us how to craft a program using custom printed boxes.

I've seen signs that say nothing is truly missing unless your mom can't find it; which cracks me up. However, mom is not going to be with you throughout your day & your daily routine once you leave the nest- so, back up is good. Do you offer a service that helps make a connection or is solutions oriented? A great FIND for your marketing efforts could be this brand name- Chipolo! They also like to be solutions oriented and keep you connected to important things like your car, pet or anything else you might be search for that can be connected by this device. What's special about the product? Chipolo item finders are designed to help you find your misplaced things in no time. Now you can finally leave home on time without playing hide and seek with your car keys and wallet. How does it work? Simple right? Shop the brand options here.

Journal Mania- it's a thing. In fact, I'd say it makes key connections- the WRITE way. If you recall our earlier post in March, then you'll want to read this follow up post to understand your options. Consider this journals & notebooks 101. When we are crafting a promotion that includes a journal- we'll have questions. Let's start with size- Cover preferences: Recycled materials, plastics, bamboo, leather, leather like, tech fabrics and more........ Do you want it book bound or spiral? Color? Decoration method? How many pages? Blank or lined? There are different types of paper- including reusable pages like a Rocketbook. Who will use the book, the purpose behind the journal? Do we need to add custom features? Would you like to align your brand values to a greater good? There are even durable options, solving challenges such as writing in the rain! We have over 8 pages of posts about journals. To gain brand engagement, you need solution's that keeps your message in the forefront. We love creating graphics and custom books! Our showroom has numerous samples of products to compare, plus custom projects. Express yourself! Layering in value for your vertical markets with journals or notebooks that best express your brand identity.

This story is more than meets the eye. Why We Love STITCH® Well, what's not to love about a hometown - home grown story? Besides the local connection, it's gear designed to move with you! STITCH® prides themselves in making the best polo that will take you From Work To Play™. All styles are made for you to play well and look even better. Designed using signature performance fabric to keep you comfortable on and off the course. Based in Apex, North Carolina, the STITCH® team aims to give you a unique experience, whether it be their durable waterproof fabrics, or fashionable color schemes - they have thought of all the details. STITCH® products are made to move. Each polo is designed using performance fabric that is breathable and moisture wicking, making it the perfect polo for the course and beyond. STITCH® strives to create products that are versatile yet stylish enough to wear in the office, on the driving range, or anywhere in between. A couple of options here. Looking for more homegrown stories- check out American Giant. Then tee up your game with quality tools for the links. Even a woman-owned brand partnership here.

Surely by now you know I love both a pun & a double entendre- right? Happiness does come in waves. For Keith & me, our happy place & favorite memories are often associated with bodies of water. We love waves of all types. As business owners, happiness comes from your waves. Our happiness comes from being part of a community where individual's beep their horn, greet each other by name, talk to strangers and wave to each other from across the street. Everyday feels good, it's a wave that demonstrates caring. May is always a time for us to reflect on our business journey; it's our anniversary month. This year marks 17 years. The relationships we've formed with other businesses, with members of our team, with our interns and each client bring us waves of happiness. All the years, all the people, collectively make an impact. If you ask a small business owner about the value of relationships & partnership, you'll need to pull up a comfy chair. Partnerships & relationships are the bedrock that builds business. Sunday, April 28th starts the SBA's annual National Small Business Week celebration. Every entrepreneur knows, there is no business without your support. What's our story? We've shared the answer many times. Basically our story begins and continues around the word partner. Our team is a strong partnership. Together we are united in elevating brand stories. For each partner our goal is to align your values & your message into each collaboration. By creating consistent reaction & engagement for your specific project, we're delivering a strong return on your investment. That's partnership & the essence of our tagline- Visionary Assurance, United Purpose. Our personal story starts with an artist & a scientist. Everyday that story continues to unfold in the busy Downtown Apex Historic District. The showroom & design studio are perfect setting for collaborations with our experienced team. Collectively, our expertise & experience comes from degrees, industry certifications, longevity and life experience! A wave of knowledge & talent in our team, adding value to our partners. Partnerships require giving; that's why we are invested in the community through service, mentoring & sponsorships. You'll find our footprint all around the triangle. We are also committed to securing the best brand partners for goals. The showroom is your local advantage, providing full access to our team & tools for developing a successful event, crafting a marketing strategy, creating graphic designs or designing a new program. Our space is perfect for crafting legendary stories and molding your super powers into engaging growth strategy. Thank you for supporting our company! Thank you for partnership! Your partnership keeps our team of 5 secure & growing. In turn, the partnerships we've cultivated over the years contribute to the economy here in triangle & beyond. During Small Business Week, the SBA asks us to celebrate American’s small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 33.3 million businesses in America qualify as small businesses! Think about that huge number. Companies like ours employ almost half of the country’s private sector workforce. Small business owners have a significant role in generating employment and contributing to economic stability. That's a reason to wave! Let's wave our hands like fans at a game or concert, because united we are all economic drivers. The resilience & resolve of entrepreneurs and individual's within the business represent amazing partnerships at work. Along side of national efforts, locally the economic development departments within our municipalities & local chamber's of commerce champion business. Both groups provide programs, access to resources & make connections in an effort to support, sustain & grow business right here in the triangle. Celebrate! Wave! Then watch for the waves of happiness.