The prototype for the African-themed pillow is in the air on the way to Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana. Jan Haynes from Point Hope is en route, and will be spending about 3 weeks in the country working hard to improve the quality of life for these people. While there, she will be working with the women who dye the fabric as well as the seamstress group to produce a quality pillow based on the design I have sent over. There are so many challenges these women face – from not having consistent access to water for their fabric dying process, to not knowing how to figure their costs so that they can make a profit but still be competitive in their work. Jan will be using the process of producing this Sorrisi pillow to train these women in good business practices so they can continue to provide for themselves and their children – which will be a first for many of them. While there, Jan will send updates and pictures of this process and we will post it here so we can follow along in this amazing journey. Stay tuned . . .

I took all 3 of our kids into the dentist this week for a routine exam, x-rays, and cleaning – except that it has not been a part of our routine whatsoever.  I find it ironic that I have been investing so much into a company that is all about getting dental care to those in need while my own kids have gone without.  In fact, when I was filling out the paperwork for their intake I couldn’t even remember the date of their last exam – that certainly counts against any “good mom” awards I had coming!  Why, and with so much access, how, does an average family go years without care?  Pretty simple.  My husband and I are both self-employed and our insurance doesn’t cover dental care.  Our older 2 have been in braces and retainers, and our younger one required a ton of dental work when he was younger due to an early illness that compromised his teeth – which means the dentist and orthodontist have been a line item in our budget for the past 5 years even without any ongoing dental care!   This past year I was blessed to have met an amazing dentist in our Kent community that has been involved with Medical Teams International and who has been a cheerleader for Sorrisi Tooth Fairy pillows.  With orthodontia paid off last month I was finally able to make that humbling phone call to set up much needed appointments, and this week the kids got in – next week, after 6+ years, Brian and I will once again be sitting in the dental chair.  We are blessed – so far there have been no cavities.  A reminder that we have so much.  Good nutrition, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flouride, and a good dentist available when we’re able to see her.  So much more than what others have, it reminds me again of why I am investing so much into Sorrisi – even if my kids don’t get their routine exams.

One of the benefits of being a part of boutique shows is that I get to meet other business owners, many of them also mom-preneurs who have an idea, inject their creativity, and are making it happen!  I have already picked up some pretty cute stuff for Christmas (and for myself!), and am so excited to give something that is so original with great quality to my friends and family.  I want to introduce you to some of these women as well as I think you will enjoy them as much as I do!

Maisydaisy “charming accents for your little princess” at maisydaisy.com – Lisa Steele has quite an idea for girly-chic design.  From hair accents to clothing items, she has a really fun look that you may have already seen in area boutiques.  Lisa will even come to your home and do trunk shows for you and your girlfriends – how fun would that be?!

Alley 13 at alley13.com – Allison Krupp has created a line of knit hats with interchangeable flowers for little and grown-up girls alike.  I was so excited to purchase my own chartreuse hat with a funky black flower – and have I ever gotten great comments on it!  All kinds of designs, you really have to try one on to find the perfect fit for you.  If you can make it to the Sassy Mei event next month you can pick your perfect winter accessory!

Cloudy Day Creations at cloudydaycreations.blogspot.com – Dani Cloud is a sweet mom with a sweet touch on hair bows, clippies, and hair accessory hangers.  A perfect match for moms who are looking for clean but fashionable design for their little one.

As I participate in more boutique events I’m looking forward to being introduced to more great women with great ideas.  Check back soon as I share who I’m meeting and where to get your hands on the new great gifts for this holiday season!