How to stretch your dollars

2011/03/23 8:12 AM

So we all want to know what the crystal ball says right? How do you cut corners and stay on your growth track at the same time?

I asked my experts for some tips they are using right now and it seems that the most common are brown bagging it, getting VA's instead of employees and taking a look every 6 months at all the services you use to see if you can negotiate a better rate. Give a call to your providers and see if they are running specials, or even better, have lowered rates on newer equipment which I find happens at least once a year. Some of them might include: Internet provider, cable, telephone and cell phone providers, and even your various insurance plans. Hey if you can shave off $20 here and there it adds up to a bigger total – who would say no to that?

When I do this roundy-round of calls every 6 months – I take the savings and roll it into my marketing budget!!

What will you do with yours?? Leave me a comment………

Africa On My Back is a socially conscious fashion brand that sells unique, handcrafted African-print backpacks and bags that are made by artisans in Ghana. Our mini backpacks and mid-size backpacks are the perfect sizes for children 12 and under.
Vendor Contact: Shannette Prince of Africa On My Back  | Phone: 8327522667 | Email: support@africaonmyback.com



At Pink Chicken, our goal is to make getting dressed effortless by delivering no-fuss, always stylish collections beloved by both parent and child. Our versatile collection of bright block prints, vintage inspired patterns and not so basic basics allow our customers to go from beach to barbecue, park to playdate with a day-into-dinner kind of ease. The spirit of a sunny day is in everything we do!
Ivy and Bean would love to adventure in our no fuss always fun clothing!
Vendor Contact: stacey fraser of pink chicken new york  | Phone: 9179030048 | Email: stacey@pinkchicken.com


Cake Purse by Ms. Candy Blog creates sweet-themed handbags, headpieces, and decor! All items are 100% sugar and calorie free! Everything is made to order. We hope you find something that delights your eyes and tickles your tummy! We'd love to make your dreams come true! Feel free to contact us!

 
Vendor Contact: Candy Marlo of Cake Purse  | Phone: (917) 442-8906 | Email: cakepurse@gmail.com


Hi - 

We are a girl's/ women's athletic apparel company with a message of EMPOWERMENT, GIRL POWER, YOU CAN CHANGE HE WORLD,GIRL! We sell a full line of tees, hoodies, tanks, leggings, book bags, belt bags, socks etc. all with a message of GIRLSTRONG! This would be a wonderful opportunity, thank you for considering us! 

Price range $35-$49 

With gratitude,

Lisa Crossley, CEO 
GIRLSTRONG INC 
Vendor Contact: Lisa Crossley of GIRLSTRONG INC  | Phone: 770-231-7526 | Email: lisakcrossley@gmail.com


At Face This we creatively empower Indonesian school kids by letting them collab with (street)artists from all over the world. Together they design T-shirts and with the proceeds we are able to support their education. As you can see in the pics actor Jack Black and model Lila Moss are fans of ours. If you would like to make use of our tees, we can send some over to you for free! Hope to hear from you! Please also check all our other tees at www.facethis.org/t-shirts 
Vendor Contact: Jos van der Hoek of Face This T-shirts  | Phone: +31614441121 | Email: jos@facethis.org


I sell Kids Hightop Canvas Shoes based on my original artwork. Each shoe is based on a different artwork. Please see images below. I have additional shoe designs as well.

Thanks,
Allyson
Vendor Contact: Allyson Block of Allyson Block Designs  | Phone: 19083776226 | Email: allyson@allysonblockdesigns.com


Christian themed clothing and accessories to help you glorify GOD in all you do.
Vendor Contact: Corry Greene of The Word Faith Apparel   | Phone: 443 857-6812  | Email: corry.greene@yahoo.com


Mixed Up Clothing is a children’s apparel brand celebrating multiculturalism. Founded by an AftoLatina and proud military brat born in Puerto Rico and raised on the Hawaiian island O’ahu, Sonia brings diversity and inclusion into her collections. 

Each piece of clothing comes with a story; a way to honor the history and represent the multicultural world we share.
Vendor Contact: Sonia Kang of Mixed Up Clothing, Inc.  | Phone: 8182729151 | Email: sonia@mixedupclothing.com


The Japera Brown Collection inspires, educates and uplifts girls and women by providing clothing and footwear that can complement and celebrate the true beauty that only lies within.
Vendor Contact: Rashida Brown of The Japera Brown Collection   | Email: rashida@thejaperabc.com


Childrens pyjamas 
Vendor Contact: Marianne Horsley  of Homebodii   | Phone: 0447390211 | Email: marianne@homebodii.com


Svaha USA is a company that sells Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math themed clothing. The clothes are both fun and inspiring for the kids. The best part is that they have pockets. Our aim is to defy gender stereotypes in clothing and to show that girls can be whatever they want to be, while wearing fun and comfortable clothing. 

PS. Our customers reached out to us to tell us to apply. They felt that we would be a perfect fit. 
Vendor Contact: Jaya Iyer of Svaha USA Inc  | Phone: 5712968996 | Email: jaya@svahausa.com


Hi. We have our Hecka Cool Kid shirts available for your show. We be happy to provide them at cost for $5 each. I can make the shirts in any color if you prefer something other then a black shirt. 
Vendor Contact: Fearon Deweese of Hella Shirt Co  | Phone: 707-592-4261 | Email: Hella@hellashirtco.com


Hello
Greetings from India. I am a mom,an entrepreneur and a jewelry designer. 
LAst year, during the pandemic, my friend and I started our inhouse kids clothes collection.Our Unit is based in Delhi and all our clothes are 100% cotton and we follow ethical trade practices. 
We can customize to our clients needs.
Looking forward to hearing from you .
Best
Aradhana
Vendor Contact: Aradhana  Sayal of Vedic Life  | Phone: +918800475787 | Email: aradhana@arrabyaradhana.com


BeTees is a t-shirt line designed for the hip and cool person who loves a great fitting tee in luxurious fabrics for affordable prices. Our sizing is true, our v-necks are flattering and our crew neck is perfect. Comfortable is our mission and our statement that we believe is to Be Free Be Yourself.
Vendor Contact: Stefanie Halperin of Be-Tees  | Phone: 4042956224 | Email: stef@beteeslifestyle.com


My name is Menen, I have a woman owned business called Menen Pictures Shop, based in NYC. I design apparel and accessories with my original fine-art floral pictures, taken in Central Park, NY. My youth T-shirts, backpacks, pencil cases and notebooks would be a good fit for the Ivy and Bean young actors. The T-shirts can be custom designed with words of your choice or we also offer them solely with various floral pictures. Please let me know if you have any questions or specific customized needs.
Vendor Contact: Menen Hailu of Menen Pictures Shop  | Phone: 347-744-0629 | Email: info@menenpictures.shop


Hello, I am a fashion designer, I design women, men, and children clothing. I have a fashion designing studio showroom in a mall in Douglasville Ga. Children size range 3mos-18mos 2T-4T 5T and 6T
I use a lot of Denim, cotton, knits and some tulle.
Vendor Contact: Brigitte Marie of House Of CoutureCouture  | Phone: 6789141851 | Email: brigittemarie39@yahoo.com


No Waste, Inc. was founded by Shinya Hikita, a Japanese fashion specialist, in 2021 with a passion to make kids happy through our whimsical kids clothing designed in Japan. We believe kids' smiles bring happiness, which helps to make the world a better place.
Jethical, our original brand, represents Japan and Ethical. We use factories that meet our ethical standards. It is our hope that unique and comfortable clothes designed in Japan will be loved by kids all over the world.
Vendor Contact: Rena Suno of No Waste, Inc.  | Phone: 9176224788 | Email: rena@japankids.tokyo


Little Mate Adventures is an organic clothing line inspired by all things culture and play while traveling with our little dude. The tee's & hoodies range from spending days in museums, to getting out in the parks and forests, to traveling. We have a variety of styles and designs that can be swapped out. Reach out if you see a design you like and would rather it on another colour top. Hoodie £12.75WS-£28MSRP Tees £10/£11WS- £20/£24MSRP Wholesale link https://littlemateadventures.faire.com
Vendor Contact: Tiffany  Smith of Little Mate Adventures   | Phone: +447954767348 | Email: mymate@littlemateadventures.com


Who are we?
Ethical, Sustainable. 
We make quality garments which respect our people, our planet, our humanity.
From our fabric to the tiniest detail of sewing threads, we offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. 
All our labels & threads are made from recycled plastic bottles, our fabric, off cuts from mass producing factories, our swing tickets, special forests that supply the paper industry.
Our people - providing single mums with hope for the future of their children.
Vendor Contact: ALice Scott of Annabelle Hope  | Phone: +85577534929 | Email: alice@annabelle-hope.com


Red's Attic has something for every story - and everything is handmade for you, baby and more. 
As the owner and creator behind Red’s Attic, my passion is to create little things with great love. Our product lines have changed over the years, from handmade toys to accessories and children's clothing. Our style and designs are focused on simple, comfortable styles that last the test of time. 
Vendor Contact: Shannon LaHaise of Red's Attic   | Phone: 2187796306 | Email: redsattic@yahoo.com


Red's Attic has something for every story - and everything is handmade for you, baby and more. 
As the owner and creator behind Red’s Attic, my passion is to create little things with great love. Our product lines have changed over the years, from handmade toys to accessories and children's clothing. Our style and designs are focused on simple, comfortable styles that last the test of time. 
Vendor Contact: Shannon LaHaise of Red's Attic   | Phone: 2187796306 | Email: redsattic@yahoo.com


Confidence removes stress from hair styling so moms, dads and girls can cherish precious time together. Their non-slip barrettes GaBBY Bows, plant-based natural hair styling products and organizer save time, money and frustration, while Gabby's children's book about her entrepreneurial journey, keynote presentations and virtual entrepreneurship academy for girls inspire confidence and creativity.

GaBBY Bows were invented by 7yo Gabby Goodwin and her mom. These accessories are our submission. 
Vendor Contact: Rozalynn Goodwin of Confidence  | Phone: 803-239-8470 | Email: rozalynn@gabbybows.com


3 Little Women Couture was created because I have 3 girls. I couldn’t find what I was looking for at that time. So I created and designed using cottons, linens and some silks for girls sizes 6 - 12. Retail price $85. - $295.
The styles range from classic to trendy. Also fun and playful. I also wanted to create a line that if a Mom had another girl child that dress could be passed down.
I don’t have a website, which is a work in progress. But I do have a Instagram 
3 Little Women Couture. 
Vendor Contact: Fran Ross of Ross Management LLC  | Phone: 8325841436 | Email: fross@threelittlewomencouture.com


CoziRose is an earring line that provides  non-pierced and pierced earrings for people of all ages. Our jewelry brand uses ear art to empower people of all ages to live boldly and authentically. The statement pieces are as unique as the people for whom they were created. 

Earring prices retail from $49.99 per pair to $79.99 per pair. Wholesale prices are 1/3 the price when $500 worth is purchased. Earrings come in multiple colors. Colors can be customized if purchased in bulk. 
Vendor Contact: Sulare Rose of CoziRose, LLC  | Phone: 6173121891 | Email: cozirose@gmail.com


Young Socialities Clothier is an American-inspired, colorful kids clothing brand for ages 4 to 16. Dresses, jumpsuits, shorts, skirts, and tops round out the cheerful and affordable brand founded by a woman of color. Lookbook link: https://startupfashion.com/webpdf/linesheet/1/young-socialites-clothier 
Vendor Contact: Adrienne Dorsey of Young Socialites Clothier   | Phone: 3104670954 | Email: magnoliapr@gmail.com


I have several lines of handcrafted T-shirts from youth to tween girls. Starting at age 5 and up. This line is called "Cute as a Button" which consists of different types of buttons covering the top front of shirt as well as the sleeve.  The other style within this line is called my "Gemstone Collection" which are black or white shirts with black/white gemstones or multicolored gemstones. This collection comes with black/white headbands with gemstones as well.
Vendor Contact: Danielle Sparks of Danniedzigns  | Phone: 3136186641 | Email: danniedzigns@gmail.com


I have several lines of handcrafted T-shirts from youth to tween girls. Starting at age 5 and up. This line is called "Cute as a Button" which consists of different types of buttons covering the top front of shirt as well as the sleeve.  The other style within this line is called my "Gemstone Collection" which are black or white shirts with black/white gemstones or multicolored gemstones. This collection comes with black/white headbands with gemstones as well.
Vendor Contact: Danielle Sparks of Danniedzigns  | Phone: 3136186641 | Email: danniedzigns@gmail.com


I have several lines of handcrafted T-shirts from youth to tween girls. Starting at age 5 and up. This line is called "Cute as a Button" which consists of different types of buttons covering the top front of shirt as well as the sleeve.  The other style within this line is called my "Gemstone Collection" which are black or white shirts with black/white gemstones or multicolored gemstones. This collection comes with black/white headbands with gemstones as well.
Vendor Contact: Danielle Sparks of Danniedzigns  | Phone: 3136186641 | Email: danniedzigns@gmail.com


Sizes available for children ages 6/9M - 12 years old.

Childrens fall and winter coats that can be worn outside, at school, at play, and safely in the car seat. 

(The NHTSA and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend not using traditional coats in the car seat due to the danger.)

On the cutting edge of adorable and maximizing safety all at the same time. 
Vendor Contact: Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me Baby Coats  | Phone: 603-682-5597 | Email: drizk@bucklemecoats.com


Clothes and accessories for comfort and style! A variety of styles, custom made options also available!
Vendor Contact: Nancy Greene of Cyty Pretty Lyfe  | Phone: 4439614735 | Email: nangr2016@gmail.com


RUSTIC BLOSSOM "Promise, Purpose, Evolve"

Rustic Blossom is an online and in store clothing boutique that specializes in clothing for Women, Kids, and we also have designed a few products for men. We also have beauty products and health products available on our online platform. 
Vendor Contact: robin anntoinette of Rustic Blossom  | Phone: 732 912 1680 | Email: rusticblossomlook@gmail.com

Tagged: business, Entreprenette®, Launch Tips, Marketing, Public Relations, Virtual Assistants

Written by Sarah Shaw

There are 4 comments

Nancy McClelland says:

March 23, 2011 at 11:30 am

Some great ideas here, which I’m excited to share with my accounting clients. One word of caution, since most of these suggestions seem to be for small businesses — the credit cards that offer perks such as frequent-flyer miles or cash-back cost an enormous amount to the businesses that have to accept them. Because the fees paid by the vendor to accept a regular MasterCard versus a Frequent Flyer Mastercard are substantial, I make sure to use a regular credit card at all small businesses and save my perks credit cards for big chains or large online stores. It makes a very real difference to the bottom line!

Lainey says:

March 23, 2011 at 11:33 am

Freecycle.org is a great resource for free stuff! Most communities have a Freecycle in their area – it’s fee to join and it saves resources for the earth, and you wallet. It’s a trading site free of charge – I often post when I need boxes, bubble, etc…for shipping or office items like shelves – anything you can think of and you can also post when you wan to get rid of unneeded items so someone else can use them. Also Facebook is a great way to post and share news about my business and my new products and when I post I set my account settings to go not only to my friends but their friends as well.
The Magic Bean Company on Facebook (artist or group pages)