News
Digital Tools Transform a Hobby into a Thriving Handcrafted Home Decor Business
Henderson, NV Britta Carlson-Sessums of Henderson, NV, elevates homes by giving new life to old furniture. She has been sewing for over 35 years and used it as an outlet to offset her high-stress finance job. In 2013, she turned her hobby into a full-time career and created Britta Leigh Designs, a family-owned and operated…
Experience Summer in New England with Seawicks Candle Company
Edgecomb, ME Inspired by his cottage in Edgecomb, ME, Michael Gaffney created Seawicks Candle Company to encapsulate everything he loves about New England summers. With fragrances from strawberry picking to salty seas, Seawicks’ hand-poured soy wax candles can transport anyone to summer on Maine’s coast. Michael began by selling his candles in a small storefront…
Recapping 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2024
2023 was a landmark year for small businesses. Across the country, small business leaders made their voices heard – weighing in on important policy issues in Washington, DC and in state capitals. As we look ahead to what’s in store for 2024, we wanted to share some updates on issues impacting small businesses and how…
Amazon Asks Judge to Dismiss Bogus FTC Lawsuit
Amazon’s battle against the FTC’s bogus lawsuit continued with the online retailer and marketplace asking the court to throw out the suit because it lacked the legal grounds to go to trial. Small sellers across the country criticized the FTC for not understanding how Amazon, e-commerce, or running a business works, and shared concerns over…
Online Marketplaces Help Small Businesses Reach Customers and Succeed this Holiday Season
The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and experts predict shoppers will spend more than $220 billion shopping online between November 1 and December 31. Holiday shopping is critical for small businesses, as 75% of small sellers rely on holiday sales to reach their annual goals. With so much at stake for small sellers,…
A Q&A with Entrepreneur Melissa Horvath of Sweet Water Decor
There’s never been a better time for modern women to start their own businesses. Whether they have families to look after or no background in business, selling online makes it easier than ever for women to ditch their 9-5s
Making Water Cleaner with Epic Water Filters
Boulder, CO Epic Water Filters was founded in 2015 with the mission to provide high-quality water filters that enable people around the world to trust their tap water and adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The founders, Joel Stevens and Ash Heather, are dedicated to developing innovative water filtration products and collaborating with non-profit organizations to address…
Digital Marketing Specialist Helps Small Businesses Thrive
Phoenix, AZ After spending years working for a national media company as a marketing expert, William Campos left his job to start a company that helps small businesses succeed using online advertising. In 2019, he started Sophisticated Marketing Solutions in Phoenix, AZ. William needed clients, so he used Google Ads to target businesses that required…
Sweet Water Decor’s Digital Growth from Hobby to One Million Candle Sales
Pittsburgh, PA Melissa Horvath grew up with a passion for designing. She longed for a creative outlet outside her corporate job, so in 2014 she started Sweet Water Decor, an online motivational gift and home decor business based in Pittsburgh, PA. Melissa used her design skills and marketing to take Sweet Water Decor from operating…