Saturday, November 28, 2015 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for our communities. I have been running my own business for many years and I know the struggles and challenges of balancing motherhood and a career. There are many local women I work with in my staging and decorating business. I love buying local and I love supporting these women who have pursued their passion. Below are a few business women (in no particular order) I truly enjoy working with and supporting who provide an exceptional product or service. As you begin your holiday gift shopping, please take some time to browse their websites or shops and consider buying local this holiday season.

Flowers & Fountains – www.flowersandfountains.net

One thing I love to do for my clients is create custom floral arrangements. It’s a simple, personal touch that goes a long way. Lauren Naramore of Flowers & Fountains in Mendon, NY is my go to florist when I need anything custom. I will pick out the flowers or pieces I want in the arrangement and she works her magic and puts it all together for me. She’s very creative and so fun to work with, which keeps me coming back for all my floral needs.

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Rachel Cordaro – www.rachelcordaro.com

I often use the work of local artists in my staging and decorating projects. Rachel Cordaro is one of my favorite artists to commission pieces that add color and interest to a room. Getting to know artists and their process is part of the fun of collecting fine art pieces. Rachel’s pleasant nature and her unique sense of style are reflected in her art. One of my favorite times working with Rachel was for my daughter’s bridal shower. I commissioned Rachel to create a piece to match the shower colors and theme.

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Feltro Fashion – www.feltrofashionitaly.com

I met Giulia & Jasmin Picariello (a mother-daughter team) at the What Women Want Show at Casa Larga a few years back. We became fast friends with our common Italian heritage. Giulia and I team up to create one of a kind pillows that incorporate a wet felting process with custom designs to coordinate with the décor in my clients homes. You can purchase their items online or find their products at the Memorial Art Gallery Store and local craft shows.

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Mendon COOP – www.facebook.com/mendoncoop

We recently featured a great new shop in the Hamlet of Mendon called “Mendon Coop” which is located in the JEC Showroom at 1350 Pittsford Mendon Road. Barb hand picks everything in the shop from hand crafted jewelry to unique furniture pieces all made by local artists and artisans. Kristin, our Media Manager who likes to DIY in her spare time, also has some items in the shop for sale. This Saturday, November 28th they are hosting an Annual Chili Cook Off. Chili samples, beer & wine tastings for a $20 donation which benefits BENINCASA, Mendon, NY. Find out more about the event on their Facebook page.

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Yve Irish – www.organizingbyyve.com

I love working with Yve during home staging projects when professional organizing and de-cluttering are needed. Her service adds so much to a home that is being prepared for sale. I also recommend Yve to help my clients make the move into their new homes. Yve is a true professional who has a way of putting people at ease and is non-judgmental when it comes to how people live in their homes.

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Nails by Bri – www.instagram.com/my_manicure

I have been using Bri for my manicures for some time now. She does amazing custom applications and works out of the Rocky Greco Salon located at 29 S. Main Street in Pittsford. Pictured below is a gel manicure with Louis Vuitton ring finger accent nails. I love it when my manicures match my fabric selections!

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