February of big changes!

I'm a true believer that changes are good and you need to embrace them. Always knowing that everything will work in your benefit. 

As you all know, I opened the Pelhuaz Store at a free platform called Storenvy in 2013. Storenvy was a community where you can either get items, open your own store, or create your brand - for free. 

For those of you active in the Handmade Community, had heard of the recent changes made by Storenvy, hitting Pelhuaz business hard. From a new payment processor partner that doesn't have the infrastructure to manage an US Territory - such as Puerto Rico, to removing stores that aren't using such partner from the marketplace - meaning that the store/product are not searchable. 

Every business needs to growth and follow their own path to success, and I'm sure that Storenvy had taken the path they considered the best. I'm truly graceful with all I have been able to achieve using their platform. My best regards and hope this venture bring them the success and rewards they are looking for.   

After a long consideration, research, asking for advise, and countless nightmares, I decided that it's time to take my business to the next level, following my own path, as well. I realized the importance of taking care of Pelhuaz and considering working for me and my community. It's gonna be lots of work... But will be very rewarding... 


It's being a bumpy ride, but I had managed to achieve most of my goals, and now Pelhuaz by Red will soon to be Pelhuaz with my own domain. (YAY!)
The main idea is to centralized all the efforts, to a single place, creating a functional website just for you. 
Blog, Store, Friends, Features will be all in one place. "

I shared my concerns with my community and received the support needed to start. Thanks to my Exquisite Friend Tessa (owner of KRMBAL), I was able to have an updated logo that will cover all of Pelhuaz' needs. Our new brand image will be modern and clean with an easy to navigate site. No issues, no down time, no complications... Only a great experience!

What's next?

• Creation of a new website
• Complete make-over of Pelhuaz Blog
• New friends to be featured
• and an AWESOME new look...

Ready for your first sneak peek? Here it is!

Hope you are as excited as I am to see the final results!

Enjoy your week. 

Besitos,
Zei

Pelhuaz Gift Ideas for San Valentine's Day

The Holidays can be brutal over our budget and you thank the Lord that are finally over. You haven't recover from such hurricane and you start noticing stores full of hearts and chocolates... And you realize that Valentine's Day is next. 

Don't freak out! Pelhuaz have the perfect statement-jewelry and the prices are friendly to your budget (or what's left of it!). 

All these beauties are available at Pelhuaz Store. Use code LOVE2015 to receive a 30% off the entire purchase. Take advantage of this opportunity today. 

There are so many wonderful handmade store out there, specially my Indie A Listers Friends. If you are not into the jewelry gift thing, and preferred attire or other goods, right now if you purchase from an Indie A-List business, you can earn a “sticker” for the corresponding month of your purchase and win amazing prizes. Soon, I'll dedicate a post to this amazing program. For more details click here. 

And for those of you that feel lucky, here's a fun giveaway. Enter to win an unique Love Ring.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: Giveaway ends January 25 at 12:00 AM EST. Open to Residents of the US only. The winner will be notified on January 26 at Pelhuaz’ Blog. The winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. For details read the complete Terms and Conditions.

Good Luck and thank you so much for support!


Besitos,
Zei  

The perfect stocking stuffers... Two amazing sales...

Pelhuaz have so many new items available, and so many more to come - that will be great as stocking stuffers. We are participating in two fabulous sales and wanted to share great findings from my fellow handcrafty friends.

The Indie A List and the AListHoliday14

As you all know I'm a very proud member of The Indie A List. This is a elite group of handmade stores that provide the best products with the best service EVER. We had created a Gift Guide with all the fabulous stores available. Here are just a few:

KRMBAL

I'm a huge fan of Tessa's work and her T's.

Red Letter Paper Company

I love the paper goods that this store have. Their Season items are fabulous.

Little House of Crafting

The best pins ever. Toni is so imaginative when it to her pins design. 

Plum Papaya

The cutest creatures, critters & quilts. So cute that I want them all.

Crafteroni & Cheese

You can find here amazing amigurumi friend. The cutest of all!

Storenvy Community and the StorenvyFlash30

As a Storenvy Shop Owner, I was able to connect with a fabulous community. Cody from Lu & Ed is the sponsor of the second Storenvy Flash Sale on Cyber Monday. It will take place tomorrow December 1st, from 12am EST to 11:59PM EST. Everything in the participant stores will be 30% off with code StorenvyFlash30. Here are few of them:

 

Unique Creations by Tracy

This shop have so many cute crochet items, from owls to baskets and much more.

Violet's Buds

The prettiest hair accessories and fabulous hoop decor. Love the clips and I have few myself! 

Adore by Nat

The name said it all. Adorable party decoration and paper beauties, such as tags, cards and signs. She's the responsible that my packaging looks so nice!  

Kiser Kraft

Fabulous socks toys made by the Sock Goddess Kelly.








Well, here they are. Some of my favorite stores. Take a look and just let me know which one is your favorite!

Besitos,
Zei

Life is too short to wear boring jewelry!

Pelhuaz by Red

  

Pelhuaz Exquisite Friend of the Week: Craftypodes

Another Thrusday, another Exquisite Friend of the Week! This week is fun as is double-trouble. I make new friends everyday and these two are an exquisite happy couple, that I met thru the Community. They are a fabulous team devoted to each other and as the song said "They end each other sandwiches..." I'm happy to introduce you to Kelly and David owners of Craftypodes.

Ohh, an is so cool as they know Spanish! Here they are...

What's your name?

Kelly and David         

What's your superpower?

Using needles as tiny magic wands to conjure awesome hoop art!        

Who do you consider your sidekick?

We're kind of each other's sidekicks. Our strengths and weaknesses are pretty well paired, so we work together well and each get our moments to shine without taking over the other's spotlight.            

If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

cell phone, craft project, deck of cards       

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?

I (Kelly) am the only one who is ever alone in the car, so I'll answer. I sing along with the music and try not to think too much. If I have a playlist of songs I know by heart, it helps keep me focused so that I don't let my mind wander and miss something happening in front of me.         

What was the last movie you went to see?

Pacific Rim     

Tell us about your Small Business… Describe your store and products?

Craftypodes is our handmade business. In the past, we focused on knitting (David) and crochet (Kelly). Over the past couple of years, knitting has turned more and more into cross-stitch, and crochet has turned into hand embroidery. We've been more focused on creating hoop art because it's an easy way to display our work and adds a warm, handmade touch wherever it is hung. Our work often features geeky themes because we're both pretty big geeks. 

What is your favorite item available at Craftypodes? Provide a pic.

Definitely the hoop art, but the coin purses run a close second.

What motivates/inspires you?

David is inspired by geeky interests, especially relating to numbers and video games.

Kelly is inspired by a lot of different things, but the motivation to embroider comes from a desire to use thread as if drawing and painting.

How much time off do you get/take?

Even time off from the business end of things is often used to craft for fun. We actually work about 60 hours a week, though.       

When is your Store Anniversary?

May 28   

        

Imagine that I’m planning to open Pelhuaz, and I don’t know a thing about managing a Small Business, what will be your best advice?

Don't worry if it takes a few years to really get going. Some people do find popularity right away, and some people kind of already have a following before they open their store. Most people have to build a following, and that takes time. Learn from others and from the experiences you have along the way, adapt as necessary, and don't give up after only a year or less.

Looking around their store I felt in love with the skull framed art... Will look great with my Gertrudis Collection.

You have to take a look at their Blog is amazing. If you want to know a little more about this exquisite couple they are everywhere. You can find them at their Blog, Twitter, Instagram, G+ and Tumblr. 

Hope you enjoy tho interview and meeting this fabulous couple as much as I did.

Happy Thursday!

Besos,

The Indie A List Flash Sale is LIFE!

Summer is here and so is The Indie A List Flash Sale.

Members of The Indie A List are participating right now of this fabulous sale of a 25% off on all the items. 

Image property of KRMBAL

 
Visit your favorite store from The Indie A List and enjoy this fabulous ONE DAY ONLY FLASH SALE. 

Pelhuaz is part of this fabulous flash sale, so don't miss the opportunity to score your favorite jewelry for my store, with a great 25% discount on all items with code FLASHINDIE!

Happy Shopping!

Pelhuaz Exquisite Friend of the Week: Nature Junkie

If I think about eco-friendly, the first things that comes to my mind is reusing the cornflakes box for shipping (I learned that from Tessa owner of KRMBAL) and this Fabulous Lady. 

Kristin is an amazing friend who dedicates her business to save the planet. :D She creates  reusable items that you just use, wash and use again. Can you imagine to never have to buy paper towel or a sponge again? Well, if you get Nature Junkie's stuff, for sure you will be able to do so. 

This is even a more special post as today is Nature Junkie's Anniversary!

I'm pleased to introduce you to my always happy friend Kristin and her amazing shop Nature Junkie!

Pelhuaz: What's your name?
Kristin: Kristin

Pelhuaz: Describe yourself in 5 words?

Kristin: Creative, eco-friendly, nature lover, dedicated      

Pelhuaz: If you could sing one song on American Idol or any other TV Show, what would it be?

Kristin: Journey - Dont Stop Believing         

Pelhuaz: If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

Kristin: A radio, a picture of my son, a lighter (Im no good at starting a fire) 

Pelhuaz: If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?

Kristin: My infamous Santa Fe Soup!           

Pelhuaz: If you were a Star Trek® [or Star Wars®] character, which one would it be?

Kristin: Chewbacca!    

Pelhuaz: What is the last book you read?

Kristin: Lullaby by chuck palahniuk 

Pelhuaz: Tell us about your Small Business… Why did you decide to open Nature Junkie?

Kristin: I started Nature Junkie in June of 2012 when I was expecting our son. I was bored at home and decided to treat myself to a sewing machine. I taught myself how to sew and in no time at all I was creating and selling my products. I originally started with selling baby items but decided to switch gears in November of 2012.

I am a huge nature lover and a firm believer in reducing, reusing, and recycling. We need to preserve this beautiful planet. That's when I started thinking about all of the daily things that people throw away. With a new baby and my eco-friendly beliefs I started making kitchen items that were not only reusable but put money back into your wallet. 

Pelhuaz: What is your favorite item available at Nature Junkie? Provide a pic.

Kristin: This adorable I Scream for Ice Cream Hanging Towel

and The We All Scream For Ice Cream Hanging Towel

Pelhuaz: What do you wish you had known before you started?

Kristin: How important product photos are! They can really make or break a business. 

Pelhuaz: When is your Store Anniversary?

Kristin: Jun 18            

Pelhuaz: Imagine that I’m planning to open Pelhuaz, and I don’t know a thing about managing a Small Business, what will be your best advice?
Kristin: I would advice to start off with strong product photos. Also be realistic. It's very rare that a business will take off in just a few weeks. It took almost a year to establish myself as a business. Work hard and get your name out there.

To be honest, I love everything that Kristin offer at her shop. My three favorite items are:

The Octopus Reusable Snack Pouch

The Happy Sushi Unsponge

and The We All Scream For Ice Cream Hanging Towel

In order to celebrate her anniversary, Kristin is running a Multivendor Giveaway at her Facebook Page. Don't missed the opportunity to win a fabulous prize from one of her favorite shops. Pelhuaz is included... Yay!

If you want to know more about Kristin and Nature Junkie you can find her at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about this eco-friendly shop and let's start thinking about the future that we are planning for our children. Enjoy your day!

Besos,

Zei

The Indie A List

A sunny Saturday over our Little Rain Forest. I love Saturdays as I get the girl to the ballet and spend time with the family. Today, I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you this great Community of small biz that I'm a proud member.

I'm sure you had heard about The Indie A List and wonder what exactly it is, and what members actually do. Well, today I'm gonna show you a little bit about the A Listers and the extraordinary business that form The Indie A List. 

Pelhuaz became a member back in 2013 after a set of "tests" and questionary. Be advised that not everyone can be part of it, and is a real honor for be to be called as a Member. 

The founder name is Kristina and she is the master mind behind it! Here's a little backstory. The A-List originated in 2012 as a page on a blog with a couple of shops listed, and as word spread about the A-List, more shops applied to be listed on the page. By 2013 were added even more shops and categories and a blog started. 

The main goal for the A-List is to become one of the top reputable resources for indie/small businesses. This means being the first stop for consumers when planning to make a purchase knowing that their will be taken care of by any member.

The Indie A List have categories for easy access of the products or services you might need. For example:

• Accessories
• Apparel
• Bath & Body
• Children's
• Home & Office
• Jewelry
• Services 

Is important to support the Small Business. Keep in mind that when you buy from a mom or a dad small business, you are helping them grow for the well being of their families. While providing support, you save money, have an unique product and stock up on gifts. 

There's so much more to coming soon from The Indie A List. We'll have events, prizes and more... 

Hope that the next time you need to get a gift or buy something for yourself, you thing on the Small Biz. 

Un beso,

Zei