Tag: subscription box

A Bit-O-Local Flare

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The latest subscription box to hit the Midwest market is close to my heart…literally! Because it’s based in St. Louis and each quarter sends a box of goods curated from local makers in the St. Louis area. It’s called Bit-O-Local. And really, what better way to get to know new products, handmade in our hometown?

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I just received my first subscription box and it was filled with fun Fall surprises: tassel earrings by CR Jewels,  a bar of (all natural pet) soap by sammysoap, stationary and pencils from the Curio Press and a Cinnamon Sticks candle from Wash Ave. Candle.   I am ashamed and a little embarassed to say that I had never heard of any of the companies represented in this box. One highlight, sammysoap, is an all-natural skin care and home goods company based in Kirkwood, MO that also creates jobs for adults with disabilities.

The founders of Bit-O-Local, Jen Singleton, Carmen Ramirez and Alicia Underwood, have backgrounds in PR and Marketing, so often crossed paths with these local artisans and craftsman. They see the local subscription box as a way to spread the word on St. Louis brands and help increase awareness for their handmade products.

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You can subscribe to the box for $25/quarter (a ~$25 value as opposed to buying the items separately) or buy the items individually. All are available thru their website, www.bitolocal.com.

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Wear some Joya

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Last month at the Midwest Influencer Network’s Blogger Style Lounge, I met the gals behind the brand Collections by Joya. Is anyone familiar? Because I was not. Started by two women from St. Louis who travel extensively to India, Indonesia and Europe for their furniture sourcing jobs, they were inspired to bring the jewelry they found on their trips back to the states. It’s a win win- we get jewelry we might not otherwise have seen and the commerce helps the economy of small towns abroad. And since Joya was started by women, it also aims to help women… a portion of the sales always go back to helping women’s causes – whether it be overseas or places like the Women’s Safe House right here in St. Louis. How can you buy Joya? Shop their website, host a trunk show, or take out the guesswork and sign up for their monthly or quarterly subscription boxes. With those, you’ll get a selection of 3-4 handcrafted items delivered to your doorstep. I always like the idea of subscribing to the box, keeping some for myself, then gifting others away…spread the Joya, if you will. A peek into my Joya box (bracelet, scarf, earrings), as well as some of my favorites from their website are below. What will you choose?

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