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 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

Pelhuaz was nominated to the Liebster Award

So my Fabulous and Exquisite Friend Tessa from KRMBAL nominate Pelhuaz Blog for the Liebster Award. I'm so honored that she thought about me that I'm trying to do the Happy Dance. Yes, just trying as my current figure doesn't allowed me to move that much. I'm all belly and no middle section! 

So how does this work? Easy... With the Liebster Award, I nominates 11 blogs who have less than 200 readers. The Bloggers answer 11 questions given to them by their nominator. In this case, I'll be answering KRMBAL 11 question. Then, I'll pay it forward and nominates 11 bloggers with my own 11 questions. I'll do this in a separated post. Pretty simple, right? Is a fun way for you to learn a little more about me, and to met few other fabulous bloggers.

Here are the questions sent by Tessa with my answers:

1. What was your favorite toy as a child?

I loved a cute tree house that my Mama got me when I was a little girl. Not sure how to describe it, but I did find a image of it. I had this exact one...

2. What’s your favorite thing to make? Share a pic with us!

As a shop owner, I love creating jewelry -specially bracelets. Recently I found very rewarding making charm bracelets with a meaning. For example I made few bracelet for Mother's Day that had a story. Here's an example of a bracelet for a New Mama, she likes cocktails, adore her husband, is in love with her life, and her new baby.  

As a Mom, I just love spending time with my little princess and making plans for the arrival of Jorge Sebastian. I adore her and she's the reason why I wake up every morning with a smile in my face.

3. Everyone’s got a little bit of nerd in them, so what’s your area of nerviness?

Guilty! I'm a fan of Comic-Cons, and I need to admit that I even have the complete Uhura's Star Trek outfit. :D  

4. If you were selected to be part of a new colony on Mars, what would you take with you that you couldn’t replace with a Martian item?

My family -I don't have anything against "green people", but I couldn't live without them. If you asked me for a material thing, should be my Tablet Surface with unlimited internet access. If we are making a colony in Mars, we should have technology advanced enough to supply such service. I don't want to loose contact with my Earthling Friends.  

5. What would be your expertise in the new Martian colony?

Project Management and Protocols Development & Implementation.

6. What’s your favorite eco tip?

The one that I constantly use is to recycle boxes for shipping and paper rolls for crafty projects with my girl.

7. Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever been?

Disney. I have to admit that I'm a Disney Super Fan, specially all the Villains! Last time we went there, we had such a great time. The Girl was so amazed and excited to meet the Princesses, that when we went to take lunch with them, she couldn't believe it!

At the Princesses' Castle on our way to have lunch with the Princess

She could't believe that all the Princesses where there!

And Mickey!

8. What’s your favorite smell?

Vanilla

9. If you could switch with someone for a day, Freaky Friday style, who would it be?

Ohhhh, this is though one. I have to say that will be a 25 years old me. I had a great time with great friends that I hang out with. Less responsibilities, less worries. However, I love my life now, so I probably think about it before doing it! 

10. Pirates, Ninjas or Zombies?

Pirates... Arggggggg!

11. And of course… What’s your very favorite t-shirt?

The Buddha Shirt from KRMBAL. :D

It's been a real fun post to make. I'll be posting the 11 nominee in a post real soon! Tessa, thank you so much for thinking about me for this fun nomination!

Besos,

Memorial Day & A quick view of Pelhuaz Exquisite Friends (Part 1)

A Nation is defined by its people and the ability to keep them save. We own so much to those who gave their lives to protect us. My love and support to their families.

Today I would also like to share a little something with all of you. Pelhuaz Blog was born as a crazy idea of mine, as I don't know a thing about blogging. I do know about talking a lot as I'm very opinionated! :D Ask my previous bosses...

The success of this blog in the short amount of time that has being up, is in great deal due to the amazing crafty friends that I have. The Pelhuaz Exquisite Friends is a elite of fabulous shops that offer so amazing products, that today I decided to honor them and show you one of my favorite items from each shop. 

This week we have KRMBAL, Violet's Buds, Cherished, Unique Creations by Tracy, Adore by Nat, and The Little Green Guy. I'll get to each one of them, but I did't want to make the post too long. Please visit them and let me know which is your favorite.

KRMBAL

Indie clothing brand dedicated to eco-friendly and eco-conscious choices.

Shop Indie T's

Violet's Buds

Handmade accessories for you & your little flower! 

For the Love of Coffee Hoop

Cherished

Homemade jewelry and sometimes other things like barrettes and magnets.

Robin Nest

Unique Creations by Tracy

Hippo Basket

Adore by Nat

Offers handmade party decorations and stationery. 

Princess Door Sign

The Little Green Guy

Plush

The Exquisite Friend of this Week will be one of these amazing stores. Don't missed it! I hope that you have a week full of great things and happy moments. Remember to Support the Small Business. Behind every Small Business, there’s a story worth knowing. When you buy from them, you are becoming part of their supporting group. Shop Indie. Shop Handmade.

Besos,