Archive for Decor

Hart Main – ManCans

The company ManCans was created when Hart Main (13 at the time) decided that he was bored of conventional candle scents. He believed that smells such as vanilla, lavender and similar were “Too Girly”. Instead, he began creating and selling candles with more manly scents, including Bacon, Burnt rubber, and campfire that are molded into soup cans for some extra flair. The soup from these cans would be donated to food banks and soup kitchens, allowing Main to both provide an entertaining product for customers as well as help people. The candles are now available online as well as at many stores, and Hart has gone on to write a book on entrepreneurship and starting his own business.

Modern Plantsman – Shop for plants!

Rihana Barlage is the owner of a plant shop called “Modern Plantsman” that is a blooming business in downtown Wapakoneta, Ohio and had a grand opening in early April. Since her opening, people have come in and enjoyed looking at everything she has in her shop. Barlage has so many different things, beside any pot and plant you could image, like shirts, notebooks, stickers, signs, wall decor, plates, and so many more other things. I had gone to the Modern Plantsman over my Thanksgiving break, and it was so much fun walking through the shop and looking and finding so many different things, also not to mention the air was so refreshing in there because of all the plants. She also has an amazing and easily accessible online website where you can buy plants or anything online and then go and pick it up in the store. What makes her business unique is that she has a tab on her website called “The Makeover” is she can come to a place, like your work or a room in your home, that you want to liven up with plants and bring many options for you to choose that you can mix and match in your space and there is easy on the spot purchasing. It is so interesting that she mainly sells plants, but has so many other things in her shop and online. Her shop and website in innovating because there aren’t many places where you can get live indoor plants and be able to order them online.

Jocie Hagan: One Project Closer

Jocie Hagan and her husband, Ethan, started their own business of renovating houses. It started just by helping friends with slightly more advanced small house projects, but as their name got around their project sizes grew just as well as their popularity. To capitalize off of their growing name, they started a blog/vlog which incorporated primarily how to’s about various around the house projects. They partnered with Home Depot, which got them discounts on the materials and furnishings that they use in all of their projects. They also had on their blog lists of what materials were necessary for all of their projects in addition to comparisons between similar materials and proper examples of when each is appropriate to use. Additionally, Jocie connected her crafting and artistic skills to this business, and they also posted how to’s for a wide variety of artsy projects and décor. She does everything from simple diy wall art to full room theme painting to cute art projects to do with kids. Jocie engages her daughters in the family business, which also helps to grow their name. This serves as the primary money maker for the couple to raise their family on, and they have big plans in store for the future of their business.

Italian Graphic Design Entrepreneur

Do you ever wonder how you can make your social media look appealing? 

    Antia D’Alisera is not merely a successful YouTuber. Born in Rome Italy, and now a freshman at Kings College in London, she was raised by her father who is a movie producer and her mother who is an interior designer in Rome. Her older sister recently graduated from Parsons School of Design for fashion. Anita is surrounded by excellent taste and a beautiful eye for aesthetics. While on vacation, Anita and her family frequently travel to their house on an island off of Greece called Patmos. From growing up surrounded by her parents and sister’s excellent taste in style, art, and design, Anita has found a passion and deep interest for graphic designs, film, beauty and exquisite aesthetics. She is gifted with ideaphoria and can easily put her ideas into practice, since she currently has her own YouTube channel and her own graphic design business.   

    Anita D’Alisera, known as AniDali on Youtube (and for all her social media platforms), is currently a content creator for more than 6 years reaching 26.4 thousand subscribers. She is a young entrepreneur since she gets paid by YouTube, and also started her own graphic design business in 2020. The purpose of her business is to help Youtubers create aesthetic intro, outro, and banner templates for their Youtube channel. She customizes people’s needs based on what their YouTube channel is about and her prices are very affordable. There is a demand for having YouTube channels be pleasing, since the more the effort in regards to how one’s presentation looks the more people will subscribe to it. This is understandable and what a person says in their videos matters as well. 

   On the Fiverr website, an online marketplace for freelancers, Anita mentions that in addition to helping YouTubers create graphic designs, she customizes beautiful templates for clients’ social media as well. Anita has an entrepreneurial mindset because she realizes that not everyone is a YouTuber so she has branched out to help people make their other social media platforms look attractive and beautiful. Anita’s talent for design at her young age promises a lifetime of inspiration to create beauty and make it known.

Here is additional information on Anita D’Alisera: 

https://www.fiverr.com/anidali/create-graphics-for-your-social-medias 

https://www.instagram.com/anidali/?hl=it 

https://www.youtube.com/c/AniDali/featured 

Floral Farm

Have you ever wanted to create your own flower bouquets? 

      Camden Kidwell is the leading example of a young entrepreneur. He is a recent homeschool high school graduate and instead of going to college this fall he took the entire spring and summer to create his own flower farm and bouquet business. He started Swallowdale Flowers in June of 2021, and named the business after swallows which nest in his family’s barn. Swallowdale Flowers is unlike any florist business due to the fact that the customers can walk around Camden’s garden and create their own bouquets using his flowers. He has provided his customers with the ability for them to customize their own bouquets, which is unlike any other flower farm or floral business since the vast majority offers only premade bouquet arrangements. He does make bouquets though, on a weekly basis which he sells at 6ixNorth, a local artisanal craft store in his hometown. Another unique feature is that he runs his business from home – outside – where customers can be in nature and experience what it is like to be on a farm.

      Additionally, Camden has recently been asked by a local event planning company to collaborate with them on a wedding. An acquaintance asked Camden to make a corsage for his homecoming date at the local high school. Camden continues to grow his business and network through his community. He is an example of why one does not need to earn a degree to become an entrepreneur. Swallowdale Flowers is the definition of a startup business, because he never received any help beyond that from his father. Camden Kidwell’s story shows us that all it takes to become an entrepreneur is a willingness to be disciplined, take risks and have an imagination. He is an inspiration and a role-model. 

Please find Swallowdale Flowers on Social Media:

@swallowdale.flowers

https://m.facebook.com/Swallowdale-Flowers-101528278889912/?refid=13&ref=page_internal&__tn__=%2Cg

Bringing the Beauty of Nature into Your Home-Dustin Anthony

Who doesn’t love having beautiful plants and flowers to liven up your home? What if it didn’t just flow with your décor, it became it? Dustin Anthony with his company BloomingTables aims “To bring the beauty of the outdoors – indoors.” These furniture pieces are beautifully crafted to show off a planter full of life underneath  that can be used as a functional coffee table, desk, or a beautiful decoration. The design is very simple and easy to use so that even people who don’t have a lot of plant experience will love having this in their home.

What started as a gift to Dustin’s girlfriend soon became a Kickstarter campaign and is now a full business in San Diego. However, things were not very easy for Dustin in running his business. After he made $40,000 dollars on Kickstarter in 2019, the pandemic hit. This resulted in the supply chain that Dustin was a part of becoming crippled. Although this was a set-back for the company, they were pleasantly surprised when business began to boom as people were spending so much more time inside and wanted to bring more life and beauty into their homes. 

I think this is a really creative idea as it is a décor piece that people can interact with. Right on their website, BloomingTables describes themselves as being “…an innovative option to incorporate their favorite botanical scenes into their homes. This living furniture line combines beauty and functionality, in a sleek and modern way.”, and I couldn’t agree more. On the website they also go into detail about the several benefits that this table can offer. Beyond growing decorative plants, you can grow microgreens that are super nutritious and can be added to several different foods. They also discuss the additions and features that they are working on for future launches.

I really love this idea and this company for many reasons. This idea to me is truly innovative and can be used in so many different ways. Besides having it as a decoration in a home, this would be an amazing tool in classrooms and teaching kids (or adults) more about growing your own food! I really appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into the design of the table, the customization that you can have with it, and the fact that the company is still working on the product and innovating it further.


Sources

How It Works – BloomingTables

The Most Beautiful Table You Can Put in your Home or Office. by Dustin Anthony — Kickstarter

This Furniture Line Focuses on ‘Blooming Tables’, and Is the First That Incorporates Plants Right Into the Design (msn.com)

Stephanie Purcell: Redesigned Classics

Stephanie Purcell is a young entrepreneur who founded the company Redesigned Classics. This is an interior design business focused on eccentric, new, and often vintage design styles. Stephanie works with her husband who is part of a real estate investment business. I thought this was interesting because it allows her to express her design ideas on houses her husband is showing.

Stephanie’s business is different from other interior design businesses because she focuses on re-purposing items, being low-budget, and making the space unique. Often times interior design is extremely expensive, but Stephanie’s goal is to lower that cost while still getting the same, amazing design elements in a home.

Stephanie is also a freelance producer, so often times she spends her days working on projects for that job. Her typical day can vary a lot, but she has a blog for her interior design company and writes many articles. To stay organized, Stephanie creates many weekly lists in order to stay on track. She also keeps a monthly list for her design goals for the month. I think this is an essential aspect of a business; making lists ensures that things are getting done to keep it up and running.

To begin her interior design process, Stephanie first meets with the client to bounce ideas around and get a feel for what they want in their home. After this, she creates a 2-D concept online for what the space will look like. I think this is very unique and differentiates with others who may just draw out the space. Stephanie’s use of modern technology is a helpful aspect to her business.

Stephanie says her background as a Producer has given her many helpful management skills needed to run her business. She recommends that when starting up a business that you don’t do it all on your own. There are many mentors and resources out there to help you grow your business.

I believe Stephanie’s business Redesigned Classics is an innovative way to design and recreate homes. She uses her producer skills as well as the help from her husband who is a real estate agent to make her business flourish. Creating low-budget, re-purposed, and unique spaces is the heart of her business, and it has gotten her very far in her entrepreneurial career.

 

 

Source Used:

Stephanie Purcell – Founder of Redesigned Classics (ideamensch.com)

Cleveland Cornhole Co.

Cleveland Cornhole Company is a small business specializing in custom cornhole boards and rustic style furniture. Started by Chad Gerzeny a few years ago, as a way to make a little cash on the side, morphed into a legitimate business opportunity. These cornhole boards are high quality, and are highly customizable, they take him days to finish because of the intricacy that goes into each individual board. Currently the boards are made by Chad Gerzeny at his own house, but he plans to transition into a retail store within the next few years.

Growing up playing the game of cornhole was the true inspiration for Cleveland Cornhole Co. Initially Chad started with a single set of boards that he made for himself out of his garage. After enjoying the work so much on the first boards it began to feel almost therapeutic to him. As others saw the quality and craftsmanship of the boards, Chad began to receive individual orders from friends and family friends. As he graduated college and time went on he utilized social media to reach a broader market. And now he is at the point to where he cannot keep up with the orders because of his day job.

Cleveland Cornhole Co. also makes rustic household furniture, from coffee tables to farmhouse tables. Chad Gerzeny has made most of the furniture in his current home, and it will be interesting to see how moving into a retail store impacts his business.

The History of Etsy

Rob Kalin, Founder of Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect from all over the world to exchange unique handmade and vintage products. Etsy’s niche market attracts buyers who are looking to purchase personal handmade and vintage products that cannot be found anywhere else. Robert Kalin, Haim Schoppik, and Chris Maguire are three entrepreneurs and friends who founded Etsy in 2005. The trio wanted to build a business that catered to sellers and allowed for sellers to advertise their products as they pleased. The idea for Etsy was that a group of sellers would generate more interest from potential buyers than a single seller would selling handmade products.

The idea for Etsy was born out of Kalin’s need to find a marketplace for his wooden computer cases. Kalin was working on building a forum for woodcrafters around the same time, and saw that crafters were desperately looking for a way to sell their goods. Kalin immediately recognized the need for a marketplace that could cater to artisans and small businesses. Etsy was able to capture hundreds of thousands of sellers within months due to many different factors. Etsy mostly was able to attract feminist crafters from a growing feminist movement in the early 2000s and was also largely seen as a more seller friendly alternative to eBay. In addition, Etsy was able to appeal to the masses who were anti-establishment and anti-consumerism by selling handmade and vintage goods.

Etsy did have it’s shares of challenges in its early days. In an interview Kalin stated: “the launch actually wasn’t going quite fast enough, so Maguire and Schoppik ended up basically moving into my apartment and we spent a solid six weeks working on it day and night.” I admire Etsy’s entrepreneurs because they demonstrate work ethic and doing whatever it took to make sure Etsy had successful growth. I also like how the company took a bold stance on its views and appealed to certain niche markets as opposed to the masses. Kalin, one of Etsy’s chief founders demonstrates that determination and focus is needed to drive growth. Etsy’s founder’s have taught me that identifying issues can lead to innovation and creativity.

Mmm Mmm Smells So Good

Entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs no matter how small. One of these innovative individuals is Hart Main. In 2010, 13-year-old Main created ManCans, a candle company that sells manly scented candles in soup cans. The original driving force for the formulation of the business venture was to purchase a $1,200.00 bike to compete in triathlons. Production used to occur in the Main’s kitchen but has quickly grown and production now happens at Beaver Creek Candle Company and ManCans are now sold in nearly 150 stores across the United States of America. Main and his father co-wrote One Candle One Meal. This 90 paged book depicts Main’s journey of starting his own business and provides inspiration to other young entrepreneurs looking to achieve the same goal.

ManCans first came to light when Camyrn, Main’s sister, was selling candles for a school fundraiser. As a teenage boy, Main thought the candles that his sister was selling were too girly and that most men probably would not purchase such a girly scented candle. Main aimed to create manly scented candles and put them in soup cans rather than glass jars in order to aid the brand perception. For the first few months of production, the Main family and close friends ate the soup before then using the empty can for candle. As production increased the demand for empty soup cans also increased. Main then decided to donate the soup to local soup kitchens. As of a few years ago, Main’s growing company has given 100,000 cans of soup and $35,000.00 to 25 soup kitchens in four states. In one interview Main states, “my goal in the book is to teach entrepreneurship and promote it for youth because that’s something that’s very important to me.”

Recent sources report that Main plans to attend Kent State University to major in economics. He wants to learn more about the topic not only for his business but because he wants to be a sports agent. Main states that sports is something that he’s always been interested in but when he started ManCans he didn’t expect for it to take off like it did.

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