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By weeding out distractions, focusing on what matters- your brand will grow to new heights! We love providing unexpected ways to engage your brand with new target markets. It's National Gardening Month - let's lend your brand a helping hand. Gloves for gardening provide long term use one- on- one time with nature. We have palm dipped, cut rated and suede work gloves to name a few styles. The options featured in this link , are one of our favorite NC partnerships. There's never a set up fee. We can decorate in full color. Plus you will be helping two businesses grow through our partnership. A vibrant economy relies on commerce. Commerce comes from relationships & connection. Just for reading this post, you've found a "four leaf clover", a discount on gloves till the end of May! Collaborations in our showroom & design studio provide you access to samples and our experienced certified team!

Sometimes we all need a break- Mittens decided to have some fun today. If you don't follow our socials, then "Mittens" will seem like a strange reference. Today is April Fool's Day, so we googled to find the back story. According to History.com the back story is a bit like a "kick me sign" from grade school. If you're up to pranks or a hoax today, you're in good company. Since 1563 when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, individuals have been the "butt of jokes". Who was the target? Anyone out of the loop about the calendar switch. Remember no texting, internet or phones- so, news traveled only as quickly as encountering someone new to share this switch, Let's face it, in 1582- a calendar switch, did it really matter? Take a look at the history page if you want more of the backstory behind why April Fool's Day " is a thing". Do you like to have fun on this day each year?

PATH®’s mission is to inspire the world to #refillit. One PATH®, one iconic bottle, all powered by the human spirit to do better. Next time you have a conference, give out water in a re-useable container that's already filled- ready to use. Aluminum bottles keep liquids cold and cost a fraction of the double wall stainless tumblers. Their also durable and USA MADE! No Tariffs! What's in this bottle? Includes Ultra-Purified, Reverse Osmosis Filtered Water With Electrolytes Water Packaged In Refillable Single-Wall Aluminum Bottle 100% Recyclable Screw On, Spill-Resistant Lid Wide Mouth Opening You Can Refill With Your Favorite Beverages Water Is pH Level 7.5pH Designed For Cold Liquids Only Ingredients Printed On Side Meets FDA Requirements Hand Wash Recommended BPA-Free Made In USA Check Your Local Recycling Abilities Before Adding To Your Recycle Bin Looking for more ways to reuse, recycle and sustainability? Check out this section of our blog.

The older I get, the more I FEEL like a mom & pop business. The responsibility of operating a business is similar to parenting, requiring consistency, vision, care & passion. Parents guide & nurture, providing the tools necessary for kids to blaze their trail. Similarly, as a marketer, blazing the right path for your message to reach it's destination requires shared vision & purpose; plus trust. Like parenting, it's fun when we see your brand "shine"- resonating & making connections. Internally, teaming is an essential part of what makes our promotions "click". Our unity of purpose provides the visionary assurance to create successful outcomes. Being that today is National Mom & Pop Business Day- let's reflect on our journey. Keith and I never planned on being in business together. We were partners, parents and then entrepreneurs together. At each step we trusted each other. Keith wanted me to take the reins for the vision of our company- believing my creativity, drive and ingenuity would make us succeed. Success is not as much a number, as an ability to support life. Sure, we'd all love a huge pot of gold. Raising a family, insuring your kids are happy, secure & feed who become amazing adults is a pot of gold. Becoming the fabric of something larger than yourself requires inserting your heart into relationships. Entrepreneurship consumes immense time, so it should be spent in places that matter. Working from your heart produces a golden force. The heartbeat of your life will be paved with golden moments to remember long after you're no longer an entrepreneur. What are some of my tips for the future entrepreneur? Raise your hand to volunteer Don't shy away from leadership Challenge yourself Stay curious Adapt to change Don't let failures define you or keep you immobile Focus Innovate Authenticity means being yourself- not a copy of another Find your path, there is more than one way to get to a destination- carve your path. Create goals- take each step by step Trust your instincts, but listen to reason See the journey- visualize it in a way you can share with others Instill confidence in yourself & in others Image. Indulge in possibility, dream and embrace some ambiguity along the way Surrounding yourself with pursuits in your leisure that feed your soul. Invest in value of laughing at yourself. Laughter will keep you centered, resolute and help chase away doubt; leaving space for imagination, passion & possibility to thrive instead.  Love life, and the destination to your pot of gold will easily be found!

Meet Wellable- a new way to think about achieving the state of relaxation that re-charges us. Who doesn't need more ways to reduce stress & relax? As we head into April & May our partners will need ideas for Volunteer Appreciation, Teacher Appreciation and Nurses Week. Show some appreciation for individuals making an impact in the community with products that remove distractions & allow our mind & body to relax. Explore our new Wellable collection of products here . Sleep peaceful Enjoy therapeutic moments Keep your cool Make a plan Remove distractions Enjoy ambient light Technology has allowed products to have value added benefits. For example, this sleep mask. Sleep in peace with the Wellable™ Bluetooth Sleep Mask , designed to provide ultimate relaxation and comfort. Crafted from extra-soft nylon with added cushioning around the eyes, this mask blocks out light while ensuring a comfortable fit. The adjustable strap accommodates different head sizes, making it suitable for everyone. Hidden Bluetooth speakers on the sides of the headband connect to your phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device, allowing you to enjoy soothing sounds while you rest. In addition to streaming music or podcasts, the speakers feature ten built-in white noise options to help you drift into peaceful sleep. Built-in music controls let you adjust the track or sound without reaching for your connected device. The Wellable LED Mirror - add value with each purchase, you're contributing to environmental nonprofits through our partnership with 1% For The Planet.

Space to explore. Yep- visiting our showroom & design studio in 2025 will require some exploration for new places to park. Today we offer some guidance. Reading this post will help you to navigate the changes.   You need to know about parking changes! We are located around 801 marker in red. Street front. The Highline building is the 3 story building on the corner, with 206 in blue to the side.   The back lot behind our building will start construction on January 6th and is expected to take 8 months to complete.   Work will occur- Monday- Saturday 7am- 7pm. PARKING will be limited.   Historically, the best time of day to secure spots will be early am before 11 and after 2 in the afternoon. Mondays are the lightest day. The gravel lot will be accessible all day, but likely will stay full throughout the day. The project will be completed in three phases, rather than closing the lot entirely.   Where can you park and for how long?   The simple answer is in the spots in the Saunders lot or on the street in designated 3-hour parking. Fortunately, the pickup spots in front of our building will still be an option and one has been added behind the building. Current notes: Free shuttle services will be from areas further from our business. which may not continue in the months ahead if it's not utilized more. Read more in  this document  about the parking mitigation. Read about the downtown master plan for improvements and changes over the next few years here . Access the map for parking  here. Soon an app will launch to help you find parking. Read more here and access that app.   If you have not been to visit us yet- during these changes, access us street front North Salem Street. We are located next to the large 3 story building call the Highline on the corner of Saunders & North Salem. You can park behind our building- you can't miss the construction zone off Saunders. Till around the end of July you can park in the timed spaces facing the building or the gravel lot, then use the long sidewalk to enter in the back the building, coming street front to find our door - outside on your left when facing the street. Across the street you will see The Depot lot, with the fire station to the right. In August you should be able to park in part of the new lot or the timed spaces facing the building and around September enter only the new spaces while they re grade the spaces closest to the building. When you visit- pick up your FREE support local gear!

Access to clean water, starts by making choices. Today's post is about products and efforts to keep our local communities and global communities healthy. March 18th is Global Recycling Day, a day to focus attention on the importance of recycling & sustainable practices inspiring us to share how your brand become part of the conversation. Recycling not only helps the environment, but produces the materials we use for promotional products for your campaigns. From the packaging to the actual product, recycled materials are now found in clothing, plastics, coolers, totes, journals, pens, umbrellas, and drinkware! The products & the brands: Our blog is full of brands making a difference- sustainable construction, giving back to global organizations committed to the environment and making sure water scarcity is not an issue. Read more about these brands here. We have posts  about plastic waste diverted from our oceans and how those plastics are being used to make products. Our blog is full of brands making a difference- sustainable construction, giving back to global organizations committed to the environment and making sure water scarcity is not an issue. Read more about these brands here. Increasing concern around water scarcity, has put a spotlight on wastewater recycling efforts. In fact, this effort has emerged as a crucial step toward sustainable water management. Recycling wastewater not only helps conserve precious water resources but also has a positive impact on the environment and our communities. This blog , by Water Today, explores the importance of wastewater recycling, its key benefits, and how it can shape a better and more sustainable future. Locally, Southwest Wake municipalities are working to keep our water clear of unwanted pollutants is a critical step to keeping our environment health. Each has recycling locations, helping to keep waste & pollutants out of our water! Town of Apex Town of Fuquay-Varina Town of Holly Springs . Besides recycling- Clean water  helps prevent disease, keeping individuals healthy- especially our most vulnerable populations. Saturday marks World Water Day, putting a focus on clean water, sanitization and hygiene. Growing the reach of your brand message relies on amplifying what you want to say. If your company is focused on recycling efforts- let's make some noise! Today's social post featured this speaker. Read more here about how we help our partners share their message.

Elephants are imposing figures- massive in size, full of personality. It's nearly impossible to go throughout your day without "the elephant in the room"- the increasing presence of AI as a partner. For many driving innovation, solving complex challenges and improving efficiency means embracing what AI can do for you personally and your business. In fact, while writing this blog, I'm prompted to consider the help of AI. Prompts to use AI are already part of our e-mails, text messages and even as we form our social media posts. If I allowed AI to write for me, my spelling errors & omitted words would disappear. Yet, I'm still drawn to telling my own story- even if it's flawed. My social media is filled with two topics: The reduction in remote work- bringing people back to work for collaboration. Classes around how to identify social, non-verbal cues of communication. Is there anyone else besides me that finds it ironic we want to teach people how to identify the nuances of human connection, yet promote the benefits of AI for telling our stories? Perhaps one day, like Sonny in I Robot, robots will start to emote and feel emotions. Right now AI seems more like an elephant about to sit on me. As a creative it's hard for me to embrace how "Sonny" will ever learn to think like me; understand what winds my mind or keeps me up at night. It's said, "an elephant never forgets"- encoding information along their lifetime. Elephants can live up to 70 years, exist alone or in a group. They communicate by touch, sight, smell and sound. Scientists have determined they have self-awareness and show concern for dying & dead among their species. Visit behind the scenes of a zoo and keepers will share different personalities among the herd. Take a look at a family and you'll find family members that repeat patterns, probably due to both genetic & environmental encoding. Yet, you'll also find families where members forge a different path, creating unpredictable outcomes. We tell individuals needing to remove negative behavior, the only person that can change their narrative & ignore triggers- is you. When we surprise our self, metaphorically, we're no longer trapped by the weight of expectation. If AI becomes an essential partner in business, I'll be curious if it AI will ever become unpredictable. Will we need to take classes to learn the nuances of non-verbal cues? For now, I'll keep relying collaboration. One-to-one interactions encode new ideas and lead me to unexpected outcomes! I like surprises and defying convention. Story telling through visual arts, music and the written word relies on an artist seeing the nuances in life often missed. An artist draws us in, wanting to know more and seeing the world from their perspective. Brand identity requires knowing you - what makes you tick. Brand story tellers, like us, have a talent for drawing in new relationships eager to learn what makes you special. Together, let's keep crafting stories that are often as unpredictable as compelling!

Standing out as a brand takes forethought & planning. Through collaboration around your quarterly & yearly goals, our experienced team will navigate the trends to develop strategy that aligns with your identity. Our team looks for partners to curate in our relationships that adapt to cultural & design trends to offer selections that are not only functional but prioritize modern aesthetics. More of our partners are responding to consumer demand for renewable & recycled construction that are durable for delivering on style, responsibility and long term use. Three Key Trends to Watch: Workwear - is transformed into everyday essentials that combine style, utility, and modern values. Staying true to workwear’s durable roots, Modern Utility reimagines workwear with purposeful details that marry practicality and contemporary fashion, while embracing values like circular design, inclusivity, and versatility. Social Sports - The rise of recreational sports inspires products that enhance shared experiences. Driven by a growing desire for connection and community, recreational sports are becoming an essential part of our social lives, sparking a wave of product innovation. Social Sports brings forth functional solutions that blend sport-inspired aesthetics with purposeful design to enhance shared experiences. Lasting luxury - A conscious shift towards products with enduring value and refined quality. In an age of fast fashion and disposable culture, Lasting Luxury reflects a conscious shift towards products with enduring value and refined quality—celebrated for their craftsmanship, lasting impact, and timeless appeal, enhanced by a neutral color palette that adds both versatility and elegance. Take a look at this digital catalo g, exploring these three trends to watch. A few of our favorites?

Does your team rock? These fun mugs with a cap topper are the perfect way to create some synergy among your team for: New product launch DEI initiatives- unity Purpose driven initiative Launch or re-brand Company celebrations Employee On-boarding, welcome to the team! Explore   the Happy Hats Collection. If you follow our newsletter, then you received some additional strategies for ways to use this product in a well rounded campaign. Innovative ideas and clever use of creative products is one of our assets as your partner.

We have numerous options in the showroom to compare- it's amazing how stone, milk cartons, plastic bottles, newspaper and tires are being used to recycle into new products. Ocean Bottle Upcoming in April, Earth Month, reminds us of something important: we all have the power to make a difference. Sustainability isn’t just about one day, it’s about the small, mindful choices we make every day. The little things add up, and even the simplest decisions can create lasting change. That’s why we’re all about offering products that aren’t just useful but also a little kinder to the planet.  Thoughtfully designed branded products do more than tell a brand’s story, they create meaningful moments, strengthen relationships, and inspire positive change. When businesses choose more alternative options, they can inspire customers and employees to make more thoughtful choices too. This Earth Month let’s celebrate the impact of conscious decisions together.  Designed to Be Used & Loved  One of the biggest challenges in sustainability? Reducing waste. The best way to tackle this is by creating promotional products that people actually want to use, over and over again, like reusable bags, water bottles, and pens. These items not only serve a practical purpose but also help cut down on single-use waste.   Take the  Nordpack Recycled Polyester Sport Backpack – 7.4 gal (UKU)   for example. Made from recycled 600D polyester, it’s built for everyday adventures with a laptop compartment, padded straps, and side mesh pockets for extra storage. More than just a bag, it’s a statement about choosing quality over disposability.  The same goes for drinkware. The  Astrid Recycled Stainless Steel Double Wall Bottle – 18 oz (WFW)  is a stylish, reusable alternative to single-use plastic. Made from recycled stainless steel with a matching screw-on lid, it’s perfect for staying hydrated while cutting down on disposable water bottle waste.  Products That Tell a Story  Sustainable promotional products aren’t just practical, they make a statement. When a company gifts the  Reborn Designer Softy Recycled Aluminum Pen – MZR ,  it’s not just handing out a pen. It’s showing what it stands for. With a recycled aluminum barrel, a soft-touch rubber finish, and responsibly sourced bamboo accents, it’s proof that small changes really do add up.  Even everyday essentials like food storage can play a role. The  Reborn Recycled Stainless Steel Food Container – 17 oz. (WFQ )  keeps meals hot or cold while cutting down on single-use plastics. Its recycled stainless steel body and bamboo lid make it a smart and sustainable upgrade for delicious meals on the go.  The  Malmö Recycled PU Zipper Pocket Bottle Bag – 60 oz (ULF)   is stylish, functional, and designed for life on the move. This insulated water bottle bag offers dual carry options for added convenience. Plus, its sleek and modern design not only looks great with a brand’s logo but also serves as a subtle reminder that looking good and making a positive impact can go hand in hand.  Or take the  Reborn Recycled Aluminum Keychain Flashlight (FIC),   a small but mighty tool made from recycled aluminum with a bamboo accented push button. It’s a great way to highlight sustainability while shining a light on brands that care.  Beyond Earth Month  Earth Month is a great time to talk about sustainability, but the conversation does not have to stop in April. Let’s keep it going. Our Made Better™ collection is available all year long, making it easy for businesses to add sustainability into their promotional strategies anytime. Whether it’s trade show giveaways, corporate gifts, or employee appreciation items made from recycled materials, every thoughtful choice counts.  Let’s make an impact together, one sustainable choice at a time.  Compare these options and ot her sustainably constructed products in our showroom collection and this line has free shipping & set up on most items at 72 units or more. When you're ready to take on internal programs- remember we design & have full color solutions for messaging. Put our program experience to work for your brand.

Is the road less traveled calling you? It's hard to see the beauty of nature in both the landscape and wildlife without realizing as humans there is so much beyond our control. By experiencing life around us, we fill our minds with new images & experiences that we will process long after our journey is complete. Individuals shake off convention to explore the unknown. Exploring pathways we've never traveled allows our mind time to play. Unleashing your imagination generates innovative thoughts, that form original ideas. Partnership in business relies on equal parts, shared purpose & vision. When you plan to experience the outdoors with a trusted brand, you've got an equal partner. These 4 brands offer the opportunity to share values, purpose & vision; brand alignment! GCI is a brand that wants you to grab the front row seat! RTIC brand is the "real deal"-promoting to consumers that everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors, with durable products that keep your drinks icy cold & your wallet happy. Explore the line here or pair up something unexpected. From inventing the Walkman in 1979 to modern ways to enjoy your favorite sounds, Sony is a trusted brand for innovation & quality. JBL - sees sound as a stage for self-expression, so they're dedicated to providing artists, creators, performers a way to amply their own vibe. Explore the options here . Stable footing is important when you plan to explore roads less traveled. Advertising your brand through the medium of promotional products relies on a connection. Make meaningful connections, by starting your partnership around shared values!