Author: Janet Gray Muniz

Janet Gray MunizCREATIVE WRITING BY REQUEST - I'm an award-winning professional writer known for informative articles, inspiring blog posts and effective video content. Visit SagelandCreative.com to learn more.
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MiniJoops


Launching September 1, MiniJoops is an online boutique that curates a global selection of children’s apparel, toys and accessories from up-and-coming, innovative designers and entrepreneurs.

Malisa Mac Nab is a fashion loving, full-time Mom who lives to style not only herself, but her three beautiful children in the newest, trendiest clothes. She’s launching her first big business- MiniJoops -this Sunday, an idea that grew from her own shopping experiences –and her talent for talking up authentic, stylish finds and internationally-inspired designs through social media.

MiniJoops helps upcoming new brands become known through kids fashion designers worldwide.

082913_MiniJoops_03What Sets MiniJoops Apart. Along with super easy shopping for her customers, Malisa plans the Mini Café, a section at the http://minijoops.com store that lets fashionista parents share their tips and picks, creating a new virtual style community.

082913_MiniJoops_02“We would love to be well-known worldwide as the place to find unique brands that are upcoming, with a little social kick to it with our Mini Café,” Malisa says. “We want to get big enough to be known on a high level in the fashion industry as a destination for new entrepreneurs trying to unleash their passion for trendy kids fashion, but not too big to take away from my focus of always working on providing the best brands to give to our clients.”

Malisa curates MiniJoops’ inventory herself, choosing brands that she’d dress her own children in, as well as the yet-to-be-known brands in the US –”the ones with the most passion, as it is most likely the owner(s) who are doing a lot of the leg work to make their products perfect.” She loves dressing her kids in the most trendy, contemporary, fashion-forward pieces she can find. “My biggest style inspirations are all the wonderful kids pictures I see on Instagram and in the social world,” she says.

082913_MiniJoops_logoMiniJoops.com launches September 1; check out MiniJoops on Facebook.

KinderStuff


082813_Kinderstuff_ownersA pretty revolutionary approach to kids fashion.

Dr. Alexander Reichhuber, Sebastian Schmoeger and Rob Rebholz are the German entrepreneurs behind KinderStuff, ditching their corporate jobs to develop a totally new venture- not only is KinderStuff a young apparel brand, but a brand new way of shopping that makes “hand-me-downing” cool again.

Created in Los Angeles. KinderStuff is what they call the world’s first fashion brand that lets parents send the fashion back, once their kids have outgrown it, free of shipping charges and in exchange for a discount on their next purchase.

All hand-me-downs we receive are donated to charity, because we believe outgrown baby clothes have a higher purpose than just ending up in a box in the attic.

082813_Kinderstuff_onepiece100% Organic Cotton. The clothing is made from the highest quality 100% organic cotton, plus the bodysuits, t-shirts and long sleeves for babies up to two years is super-stylish. KinderStuff teams with  local urban artists on modern designs that celebrate “both the vibrancy of youth and the forward-thinking trends of eco-fashion in Los Angeles.” Plans are underway to add hoodies, pants and hats for kids up to six years.

Made in Germany. These guys are not only committed to social responsibility, but to ecological sustainability, collaborating with industry experts to make the line in the world’s best factories as well as fan-parents, to continually improve upon the products and services they offer.

082813_Kinderstuff_websiteKinderStuff is the realization of a father’s vision, developed through the help of his two friends and the efforts of an amazing team across the globe, created with the hope for a better, more colorful future.

Young Over-Achiever. Just over a year old, KinderStuff has already won prestigious kudos from Natural Child World as the Best Fashion for Kids in 2013 to several Red Tricycle nominations, so they’re on a roll!

Who wouldn’t love that?

Surface Inspired


Custom nursery decals sure to delight the kiddies and satisfy a mother’s creative side at the same time.

082713_SurfaceInspired_01I’m a huge fan of wall decals –I have several adorning my own home space. They’re fun to create and so easy to use.

They say that wall decals are the hottest trend in nursery décor today. And it’s easy to see why, with Surface Inspired, a Vancouver, BC-based company that makes modern and sophisticated wall decal designs.

We use removable high quality matte vinyl. Our decals look just like they are painted on your wall.

082713_SurfaceInspired_02The three-year-old company offers adorable and artistic tree wall decals, cherry blossoms and cute animals that can be personalized with baby’s name or made in any color you want.

Easy Installation, Removable, Too! If you don’t love your new Surface Inspired wall decal, return it for a full refund – the company offers a 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee.

082713_SurfaceInspired_03Visit the store at www.surfaceinspired.com and Facebook page for discount specials. Free samples are available by request. There’s a nifty installation video to watch, too.

Que Cute Hair Accessories


Celebrities love ’em. Moms are crazy for ’em. And kids just want to wear ’em.

082213_QueCute_owlsHand Sparkled in the Beautiful USA!

The folks at California-based Que Cute have been fashioning high quality, super fun  hair accessories for more than 10 years.

Known for outstanding customer service and fantastic prices, many Que Cute headbands, hair clips, stretch bands and ponytail holders are adorned with Swarovski crystals, grosgrain ribbon, felt animals and other adorable details that let any girl -daughters, sisters, Moms and every girl in-between- have a sparkly day! Fun, age-appropriate and fashionable hairdos will make everyone sit up and take notice.

We go the extra mile to ensure that you aren’t only getting an exquisite looking product, but one that will be practical, multifunctional and -what is more important- it will stand the test of time!

082213_QueCute_logoFound in specialty boutiques and high-end retailers, the new online store, www.shopquecute.com, is designed for browsing in a safe and secure environment. Custom orders, too. New bling is added every day, so shop often!

2013 Small Business Influencer Awards


Nominations and voting end September 9, so get started!

082113_SmallBusinessInfluencerAwards_LogoThe Small Business Influencer 2013 Awards honor companies, organizations, vendors, apps and people who have made a significant impact on the North American small business market.

Produced by Small Business Trends and Small Biz Technology, the three-phase process starts with a nomination followed by voting by you and an all-star judging panel. The Top 100 Small Business Influencers are announced in mid-September, with an Awards Gala in New York City in October 2013.

For instance, Leaders, Corporations, Journalists, News Outlets, Apps or Experts that provide widely used products or influence by being a thought leader, or provide information or services to significant numbers of small businesses can be honored.

Nominate as many people, apps and/or organizations as you wish. All nominations are subject to administrative review, and may be edited for completeness, proper categories, accuracy, grammar and typographical errors. Voting takes place concurrently; anyone may vote, one vote per nominee per day. It may take up to 48 hours for nominations to be appear on the site. Nominations and voting close September 9, 2013 at 11:59 pm Los Angeles time.

Once the community has voted, the all-star small-business judging panel will cast their votes. The community vote counts for 40% and the Judges’ vote counts for 60%.

Good luck!

About the Producers

Small Business Trends is a highly popular, independent, small business, online magazine serving over 6,000,000 small business owners, stakeholders and entrepreneurs annually. The site was founded in 2003 by Anita Campbell.

Small Biz Technology is a media company which educates growing businesses with information on how to strategically use technology as a tool to grow their businesses. The site was founded by Ramon Ray.

 

Spoiled! Fashionz


082013_SpoiledFashionz_02What better way to get your hands on designer duds for kids at a fraction of the cost!

From Ralph Lauren, LaCoste, Armani Jr., Burberry Children, Baby Dior, Moschino Baby/Kid/Teen and Gucci, all kids need to have that outrageous outfit for special school and family functions.

Spelling Bees, school plays, field trips and recitals, and with the holidays just around the corner, kids need clothes that are age-appropriate and super stylish.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_logoLos Angeles, CA-based Spoiled! Fashionz is an exclusive e-commerce consignment retailer* for brand name, luxury designer clothes for children ages 12 and under. This virtual shopping destination features high-end, just-like-new apparel and accessories donated from not only celebrities but fashionable moms everywhere … some clothes still have tags on them, never been worn!

Find everything from jackets, pants, belts, jeans, shirts, tops, dresses and shoes, everything to spruce up your little one’s wardrobe –at an affordable price. There’s even an app for that!

082013_SpoiledFashionz_01Entrepreneur “social light” CeCe Hendricks founded Spoiled! Fashionz while raising her young son Jordan.  A fashionista at heart with a keen eye for style, CeCe came up with the idea to solve a common dilemma most parents have when their children grow up so fast, they don’t have a chance to “wear through” items in their wardrobe.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_04At first, CeCe relied on donations from her personal Hollywood celebrity friends whose kids’ closets were replete with “never been worn” designer styles. The response was so overwhelming that moms everywhere not only shopped the site, but began contacting CeCe to donate “like new” or “unused” pieces from their own kids’ closets.

We’re a new company, but it is important that our business model incorporate an initiative to help those in need, especially the children.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_03Spoiled! Fashionz not only gives “like new” clothing another chance, but a portion of the net proceeds goes to the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention program.

*As a consignment retailer, SpoiledFashionz.com shares 50% commission with the donor.

My Child’s ID app


A parent’s proactive approach to being prepared.

Imagine … not being able to find your child. In that moment of panic, would you be able to describe to authorities what your child looks like?

Could you list your loved one’s daily medications in an instant?

Can your loved one’s caregivers assist in a crisis?

081513_MyChildsIDMy Child’s ID can help.

This new app from Peanut Butter and Jelly Partners developers stores all the pertinent information on your child or loved one -with up to four photos to help with visual identification in case of emergency.

Great app not only for your children’s safety but great for elderly parents and even pet information. I love it! Good job!

-Sharri B

Simply fill in all information in one location on your smart phone or tablet. The app stores all medical alerts, vaccinations, etc. as well as physical descriptions, physical marking and contact info for parents and caregivers. My Child’s I.D. also lists important actions to take immediately if your child or loved one is missing, and has the ability to share it with others via email.

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Optimized for iPhone 5.

Name Maker Personalized Labels


Back-to-School means time to label your kids’ stuff!

081413_namemaker_01Save time and money with Name Maker‘s easy-to-use personalized clothing and waterproof sticker labels.

Woven Fabric Clothing Labels. Printed with non-fade ink, these labels iron on easily and are made to withstand washer/dryer/commercial laundering and dry cleaning for the life of the garment. Stick ’em on your kids’ clothes, jackets, uniforms and book bags.

Waterproof Personalized Sticker Labels are great on lunch containers, water bottles, school supplies and sports/dance gear. Dishwasher, microwave, ‘fridge and freezer safe. These waterproof stickers are also a must for school kids with allergies and other medical conditions.

081413_namemaker_04On-trend Designs. Kids love the cool-looking styles and Moms love not digging through the lost and found or replacing expensive supplies.

A leading manufacturer of top-quality labels for 75 years, Name Maker uses a unique nine-step process for personalizing products. Name Maker also employs trained artisans who personalize ribbons, napkins, gift wrap, bags and boxes, favor containers, as well as labels in custom made sizes, care content and origin tabs. The company’s personalized gift wrap recently won the Best New Product Award at the National Stationery Show.

Celebrity Favorite. Atlanta, GA-based Name Maker, Inc. was established in 1938 as a fabric label company in New York City. Bernie Bryan, president of Notions Unlimited, bought the company in 1950 and rebuilt all of the original machinery for the Atlanta plant.

Bernie’s daughter Cheryl Dorrell joined the business in 1990, developing several new products, then becoming president in 1996. The company’s personalized packaging concepts have attracted celebrity customers such as Oprah, Martha Stewart, Darcy Miller, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Dakota Fanning, Katie Couric, Tricia Yearwood, David Copperfield, Marcia Gay Harden and Fredric Fekkai, among others.

081413_namemaker_03

pediped® ♥’s Schools


Enrolled schools receive 10% back on all attributed purchases, giving parents another reason to shop this award-winning brand.

Popular footwear company pediped® launched the new pediped ♥ ‘s Schools, a one-of-a-kind giving campaign where participating schools receive a check for 10% back on their total attributed purchases of pediped® Footwear. Each school can earn up to $10,000 per year.

I’m excited to celebrate the start of a new school year with kids everywhere. Schools need our help now more than ever and it’s essential for them to have the things they need. Giving back always has and will continue to be a core value of pediped.

-Founder Angela Edgeworth

081313_pediped_01School officials, parents and teachers can enroll their school into the program by visiting pediped.com/pedipedschools.  Each school receives a unique code that’s used by shoppers at checkout when making a purchase on pediped.com or in any pediped® owned boutique. The pediped® team tracks these purchases so each school can receive 10% back on their total combined purchases.

Purchases will be tracked now until May 15, 2014, and schools will receive their checks in June 2014. Any purchases made after May 15 will roll over to the next school year. Schools are also able to track their earnings on pediped.com.

“We are receiving heavy support from parents and teachers alike who see the value in creating awareness on the importance of providing schools with adequate resources,” Angela says.

Fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. Known for exceptional quality, comfort and distinctive styling, the award-winning pediped company recently opened three boutique retail stores in Las Vegas, Shanghai, China and in Brno, Czech Republic. pediped® footwear is now sold in over 2,500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide.

081313_pediped_logoSpecializing in healthy foot development, pediped® is dedicated to enriching the lives of children. In addition to pediped® ♥’s Schools, the pediped® Foundation was established to work directly with charities that are devoted to the health, education and basic needs of children around the world. Since its inception, the pediped® Foundation has donated nearly two million dollars in product and monetary support.

  • Another Hilary Abbott Communications client! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Matilda Jane


A fanciful new collection that could make a girl smile from ear to ear.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_AugustWallpaperThis August, the folks at Matilda Jane Clothing are introducing a Fall 2013 collection called Paint By Numbers, a vibrantly-colored mix of pieces that are sophisticated, colorful and “a wee bit cheeky.”

I want MJC to showcase the sweetness of the child. I try to keep the silhouettes simple for that reason, it’s not about the fancy embroidery, it is about the darling girl wearing it. I want her to love what she is wearing and be proud of how she looks.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_01The designer doesn’t considers herself a designer at all, just a person who can make her ideas come to life. ” Inspiration? I am not sure, it just happens,” she says. “I just get an idea and go with it.” She does acknowledge her family and a good group of friends for their unending support of her sometimes risk-taking plans. “After all,” she says, “what is the worst thing that could happen?”

Available in sizes 12m-12 as well as a growing collection of sizes for Moms, Matilda Jane is sold exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows. Find out more about them by visiting the Matilda Jane Clothing website here.

080813_MatildaJaneClothing_trunkshow