Suzi Lang, owner of Starbright Baby (one of our toymakers), was very brave and took part, last week, in Congress's CPSIA review. Thank you Suzi!
CPSIA and Small Businesses
Down To Earth Toys receives Small Business Administration award
The Citizen News
Down to Earth Toys, lands state business award
Local named, 'Home based business champion of the year for the State of Michigan' by Susan Bromley
March 11, 2009 - Brandon Twp.- Carrin Weirauch is a ray of hope for wannabe entrepreneurs in a dark economy.
The owner of Down to Earth Toys has been named "Home-based business champion of the year for the State of Michigan" by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is finding tremendous success a little more than a year after opening her business specializing in American-made, eco-friendly toys.
"Even being nominated was a shock," said Weirauch. "I'm such a new company. I feel like it was too easy. Everything has fallen together and come really naturally. I feel really good because I know this is one more thing to give me credibility with customers."
Weirauch began her business, found online at www.downtoearthtoys.com, in November 2007. She was motivated by a desire to stay home with her son, now 3, and by the need for safe toys, as well as ones that keep jobs in the United States.
Down to Earth Toys focuses on wooden, natural, and educational toys. The majority of products sold by Down to Earth Toys, 90 percent, are American-made. The rest are from Europe or fair-trade sources. Most toys are handmade and none are mass-produced or from sweatshops. Weirauch carefully shops for these toys, most of which come from other small home-based toy manufacturers and then retails them on her website. She began the business as a way to have a career that would allow her to stay home with her 1-year-old son and was inspired by a need for safe toys, as well as ones that keep jobs in the United States.
Weirauch keeps an inventory of about 250 different toys, none electronic or battery-operated, requiring children to use their imagination more. In the past year, she has doubled her sales and believes part of her success is more people moving toward non-Chinese toys.
"I think people are craving a more old-fashioned mindset," she adds. "They're tired of throwing broken plastic toys in the garbage."
Weirauch's goal is to make enough money at her business to send her son to private school and to support the family enough to allow them to move to the Upper Peninsula.
"I have a very understanding husband," continued Weirauch. "Time management and bookkeeping are my biggest challenges. At the end of the day, if my husband and son are happy and my customers are happy, I did a good job."
For those thinking of starting their own home-based business, Weirauch advises doing the homework on it, and getting a government funded Small Business Administration counselor to help with a business plan.
"Research demographics and the market and try to do as much as you can yourself to save money," said Weirauch. "Realize you won't make a profit right away, but you have to persevere and be forward thinking. This is a good time to start your own business, because a lot of people have been laid off and can use the time to start."
As for Weirauch, with the success she is currently experiencing, she wonders how much better it would be if the economy was good. She expects business to double again by next Christmas.
"Don't be discouraged by the economy, it's going to get better," she said.
Amber Teething Necklaces
Amber Teething Necklaces are a favorite among parents with teething children. Among other things, amber is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory. When amber is worn on the skin, the warmth of the skin releases trace amounts of healing oils on the skin.
Commonly known as "teething jewelry," baltic amber has been a natural and traditional European remedy for teething discomfort for hundreds of years.
The string the amber is strung on is designed to stretch when a good amount of pressure is applied, and break if necessary. Each piece of amber is individually double knotted on the strand. The necklace fastens with a screw clasp.
To care for your baltic amber, clean with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid detergents and cleansers when possible as these substances over time will leave a residue on the amber that inhibits it's ability to release its healing properties into the skin. It is best to remove the jewelry at bath time, or when at the pool.
Our new necklace collection is Made in USA by Inspired by Finn.
The KinDer Perch
Finally, an American made alternative to the Learning Tower and Kitchen Helper. Want to give you child a boost at the kitchen counter? Here is your solution. This is sturdy kitchen stand that is capable of supporting up to 500 pounds. It has the tools-free adjustability you have come to expect from a premier child's stand. The best part is, that unlike its competitors, it is not outsourced overseas but made right here in the USA!
The KinDer Perch boasts:
- Fits flush against kitchen cabinets/counter
- Can be used as drawing table, fort or puppet stand...get creative!
- Strength and Stability
- Solid wood construction
- Metal-to-metal joints
- Adjustability
- Maneuverability
- No Toxic Finish
The KinDer Perch is constructed of White Ash harvested from New England forests and joined together with metal-to-metal joints at the corners so that it can be assembled and disassembled repeatedly.
The end supports come pre-drilled for extra side rails, or you can just reposition the two included rails to suit smaller children. In order to make the KinDer Perch more portable, it comes with two wooden wheels. The Rock N' Roll maneuverability is accomplished in an ingenious fashion. Simply rock the KDP back on to its wheels, move it where you want it and when you place it back on its feet the wheels come off the floor.
The standing platform adjusts, with no tools, to heights of 10"-15"-20" off the floor. The base measures 29" x 25 1/2" inches assuring maximum stability. Overall dimensions are 22" x 24" x 39".
This is a rock solid children's essential that will last for many years.
Made by Wicked Decent Woodworks
Tutus, tutus and more tutus...
More tutus have found there way to us. A little girl can never have too many, we think! Beautifully hand made by a mama in Michigan. These divine creations will add a new flair to you little girl's wardrobe, or enhance any photograph.
We have added both tutus and tutu dresses to our catalog.
Tutu dresses include "Chocolate & Daisies" and "Triple Taffy".
We've Been Busy!
Wow...Christmas is sneaking up on us fast, but we have been busy searching for really great new items to add to our catalog. We know you will love them as much as we do (I'm sure our 2 1/2 year old would be willing to battle you for some of these goodies).
New Wooden Toys include a really cool Camera, Toy Bath Tub Boat, Ironing Board and more.
Our Natural Toys section is growing every day. We are thrilled to offer such a selection of wooden and natural fibered items for your little ones!
More Felt Food is here and on it's way
Update: We no longer have these sets available. We are currently searching for similar felt food sets to carry in our shop. The woman who made these sets has had to take a medical break.
Doesn't every child love playing house? I think kitchen play is one of my son's favorite things to do....He loves helping me in the kitchen, but with his own felt food, he can concoct many masterpieces all on his own!
In my endless search for really cool and high quality USA made toys, I have found someone that makes really great Felt Playfood. We will be stocking several of her items, and she has also agreed to provide food for us "made to order" and sent directly to you.
Down To Earth Toys will be offering fruit baskets, fruit and veggie baskets, cookie making sets and more!
If you have any suggestions on pieces that yo might want to add to your child's collection, please contact us through our website and we will do our best to get them for you.
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