Fashion and Fun after Fifty

The 2012 holiday shopping weekend began with “Gray Thursday” next it was “Black Friday” on to “Small Business Saturday” and finally there was what I called, “Soulful Shopping Sunday”.   The Home Based Business Chamber of Commerce (DelMarVa Chapter) held its 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza at the Executive Banquet Center in Newark, DE. Outside the Banquet Center the morning air was chilly with a slight hint of mid-day snow but inside the sun streamed through glass doors creating a silhouetted pathway into a large conference room.  Inside that room were brightly covered tables of 43 vendors who were busily adding the final touches to their “stores”.  Delaware and it’s neighboring sister states have an abundance of Home Based Business entrepreneurs and this was a perfect venue for showcasing and networking.

The event began with an Opening Ceremony consisting of award presentations and recognition of members including the first and only member of the Junior Home Based Business Chamber of Commerce.  Justine D’Artist, a 12 year old young lady who creates Duct Tape accessories, roses, wallets and bags.  Each vendor was then handed the microphone to give a brief introduction of themselves and their businesses. By noon people began to trickle in and were presented with a Gift Bag and a “Visit The Vendor” form which if returned and signed by all the vendors would become a raffle ticket, eligible for a cash prize. Several of the vendors provided door prizes which were awarded throughout the day. The $5 admission fee included free Hors D’oeuvres, coloring and face painting for the kids, a live performance by Best Kept Soul, which is a local band who had people out on the dance floor.  There was also performances by Praise Dancers and the Holy Soldiers and His Embrace.

As I walked around stopping to talk to several vendors, I noted that regardless of their product or service they all had one thing in common – true passion and sheer determination. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are America’s life blood which keeps the economy strong and resilient and for that they should be commended.

Jaimie and Ira, Prez and VP of the HBB Chamber of Commerce are doing an excellent job in exposing and expanding the DelMarVa Chapter.  They have made it the fastest growing chapter and recently received the “Chamber of the Year” Award.   Currently there are 7 National Chapters and DelMarVa includes Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and DC.  As a non-profit their funding is received from sponsorship’s, events such as this and membership dues. If you are a Home Based Business owner and are interested in becoming a member, please contact Jaimie Shanklin at 302-784-5311.

This was by far the best stress-free shopping event of the weekend – shopping, eating, drinking and dancing – you can’t beat that with a stick!

Vendors from which I received a business card

Armstrong Construction – www.armstronggeneralcontractors.com

Oil’s Etc – alicemcswain2@gmail.com

Boresha – www.Partners4YourFuture.com

Divacoutoure – www.divacoutoure.com

Organo Gold – www.jvp.organogold.com

The Gold Party Girl – www.thegoldpartygirl.com

Toris Accessories – evelena@torisaccessories.com

Arbonne – www.johannascheets.myarbonne.com

Party Lite – www.partylite.biz/cricket

Thirty-One – www.mythirtyone.com/brock17

Essante Organics – www.toxinsandyourhome.com

Jacfred Creation – www.jacfredcreation.com

GoldCanyon – www.NaysUncommonScents.com

Drizzled Desserts – www.drizzleddesserts.net

Designs by Vicki – http://www.facebook.com/makinitdesignsbyvicki

Numis Network – www.WealthyCoinCollector.com

Scentsy Fragrance – www.christinabiederman.scentsy.us

Scentsy Wickless Candles – http://Lorrainelevering.scentsy.us/

Tastefully Simple – Bettina_ts@ymail.com

Slumber Parties – www.slumberpartiesbym.heathermiller.com

Slumber Parties – www.slumberpartiesbyamybrophy.com

Simply Charming – www.simplycharming.me

Premier Designs – Barbjo311@gmail.com

Chic Treats – www.etsy.com/simplychictreats.com

Justine D’ Artist – www.justinedartist.com

Body By “Vi” – www.ready2exhale.com

Girly Girl Dive Boutique – www.facebook.Girlygirldivaoutique.com

Paparazzi – www.facebook.com/jewelsfor5

Mary Kay – www.marykay.com/efreeman100

A.S.P.I.R.E – www.aspireinc.myvi.net

Artful Images – www.artoflinford.com

Leonard  Young – www.delawareblack.com

I Got Chic – www.igotchic.com

Custom Greek Gear – www.paper-mama.com

ADT – www.thejavahousecafe.com

Advocare – www.facebook.com/getresultsin24

Leon Brown – www.sendoutourcards.com

Usborne Books – www.t3497.myuban.com

Miche’ – www.gottagetthatbag.miche.com

Dell Scott – www.dellscott.com

Rhythms of Royalty – www.youravon.com/ebutler8054