Welcome to week four of "Spotlight Saturday: Celebrating Small Businesses." This week, we're thrilled to introduce you to four exceptional small businesses that embody creativity, passion, and unique craftsmanship: LunaWolf Wyo Designs by Vicki Green, Pink Princess Creation by Karina Aguilar, Just For Kix - Parkers Prairie Area MN by Kristie Kies, and Elk Gems by Lina Shah.
These businesses span across two continents, with LunaWolf Wyo Designs, Pink Princess Creation, and Just For Kix based in the US, and Elk Gems based in the UK. Each one offers a diverse range of products that are sure to delight and inspire.
Join us as we dive into the stories behind these incredible businesses and discover the passion and dedication that drive them. Whether you're looking to add a unique piece to your collection, find the perfect gift, or simply support small businesses, you'll find plenty to love in this week's Spotlight Saturday.
- LunaWolf Wyo Designs
- Website: http://lunawolfwyodesigns.com
- Social Media: @lunawolfwy
- What They Sell: Custom Tumblers
- Background: Vicki Green began creating custom tumblers in 2021 after relocating from Nevada to Wyoming with her husband. Seeking a hobby to manage her anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, and chronic illness, she found joy in the art of tumbler making. Despite not considering herself inherently creative, Vicki discovered a passion for designing unique, glitter-filled tumblers.
Her journey, initially a personal escape, evolved into a business officially established in 2024. LunaWolf Wyo Designs aims to offer affordable custom tumblers while continuously expanding the range of designs. Vicki's recent collaboration with indie authors to feature their book covers on tumblers has added a new dimension to her work, providing them with a sparkling tool to promote their books.
Creating custom tumblers brings Vicki immense satisfaction, and she delights in playing with glitter all day. LunaWolf Wyo Designs is a testament to her growth and commitment to making personalized, affordable creations that bring joy to her customers. - Product Highlights: LunaWolf Wyo Designs crafts each tumbler uniquely for its recipient. No two tumblers are ever identical; while similar designs can be created, exact duplicates are never made.
2. Pink Princess Creation
- Website: https://pinkprincessc7.etsy.com
- Social Media: @ pinkprincesscreation
- What They Sell: Faith-inspired and uplifting message products
- Background: Pink Princess Creation by Karina Aguilar launched on Etsy this year, born from Karina's passion for crafting. Her goal is to spread faith, love, and kindness through her products, recognizing the world's need for positivity. Karina hopes to connect with the right audience and showcase the beauty and value of her creations amidst a sea of talented small businesses.
- Product Highlights: Karina believes her products stand out because they embody faith, love, and positivity.
- Customer Testimonials:
- ♥♥♥♥♥: "I LOVE this t-shirt. I have gotten several comments how much people Loved the message. It’s retro but contemporary at the same time!"
3. Just For Kix - Parkers Prairie Area MN
- Website: https://www.justforkix.com/danceclasses/parkers-prairie-mn/
- Social Media: @parkersjustforkix
- What They Sell: Dance classes
- Background:
At Parkers Prairie Area Just For Kix, teamwork and a shared passion for dance form the foundation of their success, creating a family-like atmosphere.
Founded in 1981 in Brainerd, MN, the Parkers Prairie Just For Kix program began in 2001. Kristie Kies took over the program in 2008. Her goal is to build confidence in the youth, ensuring they leave each class exhausted, feeling loved, and knowing she is proud of them and cheering them on. For some, that class may be the highlight of their day or week. In their small rural Minnesota community, she encourages them to dream big, understanding that their dreams are achievable regardless of their location. Kristie aims to be a positive role model, demonstrating that dancers can be any shape or size and that anything is possible with hard work and teamwork.
Recently, a group from Parkers Prairie performed at the 2024 Reliaquest Bowl pre-game and halftime shows at Buccaneer Stadium. This opportunity allowed the dancers to meet collegiate athletes and performers, witnessing firsthand the results of hard work and teamwork.
Kristie finds joy not only in her dancers but also in seeing parents and siblings become part of the dance family. Young dancers look up to older ones, aspiring to be like them. She treasures stories from parents and teachers about dancers creating their own little dance studios during recess or at daycare, as well as the heartfelt love notes, drawings, bracelets, and crafts made with her in mind. Known for her love of pink and belief that sparkle is a color, Kristie always sees the positive in every situation.
A dancer in high school and college, Kristie enrolled her daughter in dance at age 3 to help her overcome shyness. Although her daughter clung to her leg the first year and never performed, she wanted to continue the next year. She danced for 14 years in four styles, and dance significantly boosted her confidence. Kristie aims to give that experience to every dancer and parent, fostering a love for dance and a supportive community.
- Product Highlights: Both dancers and parents leave each class feeling valued and important to the business. They enter as strangers but leave feeling like family, their hearts filled with beautiful smiles and laughter. This sense of belonging and joy is at the core of the Parkers Prairie Just For Kix experience.
- Customer Testimonials:
- ♥♥♥♥♥: “ Parkers Prairie JFK is an absolute dream for my girl!! She has THE BEST time at EVERY practice! Our Director, Kristie is FUN, COMPASSIONATE, AND A WONDERFUL TEACHER! The dance teams are like family and Parkers is blessed to have JFK in our town!"
- ♥♥♥♥♥: " Best dance experiences and memories made here at Just for Kix, Parkers Prairie. Coming fro an alumni dancer, alumni assistant coach, and current stepmother of a dancer. This program has been inspirational to many and only continue to grow. ❤️"
- ♥♥♥♥♥: " Our daughter had such a great year with Parkers Prairie Just For Kix last year. It was her first year in dance. By the end of the year our whole family was involved. We look forward to participating again this year."
- ♥♥♥♥♥: " My daughter has been taking dance with JFK since she was 4 and she is 14 now. She has loved being in dance and plans to continue to dance with JFK throughout high school. This group really has become another family for my daughter. ❤️"
4. Elk Gems
- Website: https://elkgems.etsy.com/
- Social Media: @elkgems
- What They Sell: Polymer clay earrings
- Background: Elk Gems was founded by Lina Shah in August 2023 during a period of career uncertainty. While waiting to qualify as a solicitor, which she achieved in September 2023, Lina discovered a therapeutic and creative outlet in making polymer clay earrings. What began as a small hobby quickly blossomed into a successful business, thanks to the unwavering support of her friends and family, especially her parents.
In less than a year, Elk Gems has grown beyond Lina's expectations, with her pieces selling internationally and hitting significant milestones. Despite the challenges of a slow season, Lina remains dedicated to her craft, finding immense joy in creating unique earrings and receiving order notifications.
Lina’s journey with Elk Gems has revealed a newfound creativity and passion. The process of making earrings has not only been therapeutic but also a source of happiness and fulfillment. Elk Gems continues to thrive, bringing beautiful, handcrafted polymer clay earrings to customers around the world.
- Product Highlights: They might not be for everyone, but Lina finds joy in creating simple, elegant earrings. She hopes her variety appeals to many and that people will appreciate the understated beauty of her designs. Each piece is crafted with love and packaged by Lina and her mum, making it a special bonding experience for them.
In contrast to her day job, this creative endeavor allows Lina to express herself and share her passion with others. Though Elk Gems is still less than a year old, Lina believes that practice makes perfect and hopes people will take a chance on her and her small business.
Support these talented entrepreneurs and discover the joy of supporting small businesses. Be sure to check out their websites and social media pages to explore their full range of products!
Stay tuned for next week's lineup, as we'll be featuring four more amazing businesses.
If you're a small business owner interested in being showcased, fill out our Google Form Here to join the list!
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