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How About Buying Local Products Produced by Women-Owned Businesses
You know you need to get a Mother’s Day gift, but where do you go to buy something unique and special for your Mom? “Why not purchase local products created by female entrepreneurs? What better way to honor one of the most important women in your life!” says Anne Janiak, executive director of the Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) in White Plains. WEDC’s goal is to build a vibrant community of female entrepreneurs and empower women (and men) to create and grow successful businesses.
Mother’s Day gifts made by graduates of WEDC’s 15-week entrepreneurial training program run the gamut from stylish carry-alls to artisanal soaps and tasty truffles. “All of these items are created by hardworking and passionate women who are committed to creating an excellent product,” Janiak adds.
An array of these wonderful items includes:
- Bombinizz®, is a versatile, carry-all bag with fun, trendy fabrics, perfect for on-the-go needs. Created by Pelham resident Maria Rosell, the Bombinizz® has a large main zippered compartment, two additional outer pockets for easy-to-reach items, and is made of a lightweight, machine washable fabric. The ideal carry-all storage solution, it can be used to tote arts and crafts supplies, sporting equipment, gym and exercise gear, beach and pool accessories, diapers and baby supplies, camping gear, picnic provisions, pillows and more. Bags are $30. www.mybombinizz.com/
- Truffles and other tasty confections from Chocolations in Mamaroneck will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Owner Maria Valente creates everything from fudge to sea salt caramels right on the premises. Truffles start at $25 per pound. She also offers a gorgeous variety of molded chocolates to make every mother remember this day. www.chocolations.com
- Also available at Chocolations is a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Saturday, May 12, thanks to Mount Vernon resident Leslie Allicks of Lola’s Tea House. Allicks has set up shop at Chocolations and offers 20 varieties of tea, along with an English-style menu of "finger" sandwiches, scones, preserves and cream or a French style with croissants, quiche and madeleines. No cooking for mom today! Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is $30 plus tax, and reservations are required at (914) 777-3600. www.lolasteahouse.com
- Organic ayurvedic soaps and beauty products by Anjolie Ayurveda not only smell good, they are good – pure and healthy, that is. Plus, they’re manufactured in a woman-owned facility in India where the owner and her employees educate their children on what they earn working for Anjolie. The products are imported by the Hastings-on-Hudson mother/daughter team of Cary and Meryl Gabeler and were featured in the April 2012 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine. Soaps are $10; body butter, $18; body oils, $24, plus gift boxes. www.anjolienyc.com
- One never outgrows an appreciation for charming handcrafted dolls by Elizabeth de Almeida of Lizjul Doll Designings in Larchmont. These dolls are not just for kids; adult afficianados will delight in the wide variety of de Almeida’s creations, whether they are from her “African Inspired,” “Beaded,” “Bellydance” or “Custom Designed” series. Dolls range in price from $24 to $200. www.lizjul.com
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About the Women's Enterprise Development Center Inc.
Since 1997, the nonprofit Women’s Enterprise Development Center Inc. (WEDC), has provided entrepreneurs with the skills, tools and resources they need to start and expand their own businesses, and to achieve economic self-sufficiency. By offering high quality, low cost training, WEDC’s been able to provide assistance to entrepreneurs from all socioeconomic backgrounds. WEDC offers a wide array of entrepreneurial training programs and services, including one-on-one counseling, assistance with access to capital, networking events and small business seminars. WEDC is the designated women’s business center of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley. It is also the New York Empire State Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) Center for Westchester County.
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