11.13.2009

Intelligence Slideshow: The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

I love this Baseline Magazine slide show for it's brevity and great advice. My favorite slide is the last - sell dreams, not products. What's your favorite?

11.09.2009

Ecoist – Putting a New Twist on a Used Wrapper


Just this past weekend, I managed to drop by a VirtuArte trunk show and pick up a few unique holiday gifts for family and a few special friends. The founder of the company, Debbie Myers, is a former international business executive who has a passion for hand-crafted traditional arts and textiles from the developing world. She has carefully selected each artist for her collection and can recite the journey that each piece has made to the developed world's e-commerce marketplace.

While all of VirtuArte’s inventory is spectacular and mostly eco-friendly, I fell immediately in love with a brand called Ecoist, “Founded in 2004, Ecoist develops unique gifts and fashion accessories for the eco-minded individual.” Ecoist and other VirtuArte vendors are part of a trend to turn recycled goods into fashionable must-have components of any wardrobe. Not only do these fashion goods and accessories excite green consumers, but companies like Ecoist also have a heart.

According to their site:
One of the most exciting aspects of our business is the manufacturing and the people behind our production. Ecoist is continually developing its network of eco-friendly, fair trade suppliers and manufacturers around the world, including organizations in Mexico, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and India. For example, Ecoist works with a non-profit organization in Mexico called Grupedsac (Group for the Promotion of Education and Sustainable Development) who, since 1987, has helped underprivileged citizens earn a living through projects that also aim to preserve the environment.

Thankfully, there are more eco-friendly, hand-crafted and responsible fashion options popping up each day. Let’s hope that the trend continues and this holiday season will be greener than the last.