RetailingInsight Volume 34 I Issue 5 I September-October 2020
MAGAZINE
HOLIDAY edition HOLIDAY
GIFT GUIDE
Modern Minimalist Black & Natural by KAZI
RETAIL INDUSTRY
THE LANDSCAPE OF CHANGES
TRADE SHOWS
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2021
On its 25th Anniversary
SoulCards receives the Gold 2020 COVR Visionary Award for Iconic Product 60 cards 3.75” x 5” with guidebook SoulCards 1 978-0-9645623-0-1 SoulCards 2 978-0-9645623-5-6
$24.95 each
Announcing a new deck! 20 years in the making from Deborah Koff-Chapin
Portals of Presence Faces drawn from the Subtle Realms
Available for pre-orders due to COVID-19
Enter a deeper relationship with yourself and the world via the language of the human face. The images in this deck were selected from Touch Drawings Deborah created in the presence of ancient trees, mountains, standing stones, temples, cathedrals, and human wisdom carriers from many lineages. Each face radiates its unique being along with a universal presence. Think of them as friends, allies, beloveds, or guests from unfamiliar realms. Gaze deeply and explore your own relationship with these beings. There are no titles or written meanings for each card. This supports you to bypass preconceptions and cultivate direct experience. The guidebook offers approaches to spark creative imagination. It includes a code to download a guided audio with original music to hold sacred space for your process. Portals of Presence can be combined with SoulCards 1 & 2, each deck bringing a new dimension to the other. 72 cards, 4.5” x 6” with guidebook & audio download ISBN 978-0-9964634-3-0 $26.95 Distributed by New Leaf and U.S. Games and available through all major wholesalers.
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Contents
HOLIDAY EDITION SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020
INSIDE 4 EDITOR’S NOTE 44
PLAY LIST Reviews of Great Music to Sell and Enjoy
54 TAKE FIVE
5 Hints to Help Your Business Navigate These Times Before the Holiday Season Begins
56 ADVERTISER INDEX
EXCLUSIVE
28 E DITORS’ PICKS
Holiday Gift Ideas
55 H OLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Special Advertising Section
FEATURES
6
RETAIL: THE LANDSCAPE OF CHANGES Discover how you help your business stay relevant for the short and long terms
12
THE FUTURE OF TRADE SHOWS What are industry experts saying about expo shows and events for 2021?
20
OVERCOMING ANXIETY Learn how you can release fear, negative feelings, and reduce anxiety
30 INTERPRETING THE CURRENT STORY OF US
Modernizing Tarot to be inclusive and break barriers!
36 CHANGING LANDSCAPE FOR NEW AGE MUSICIANS & SOUND HEALERS
A special feature with Dudley & Dean Evenson
48 2020 COVR VISIONARY AWARDS
List of the best products & award winners
2 RetailingInsight
ON THE COVER
Modern Minimalist Black + Natural by KAZI (more details, on page 55)
6 12 30
20
36 44
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 3
Editor'sNote Who would have imagined at the beginning of this year that businesses across America would be struggling with a pandemic for the final three quarters of the year? But even during these challenging times, one thing we know for sure, is that this year… oh boy, it has been the year for us to evolve! It has been a time to embrace change. To familiarize ourselves with the new face of what the retail industry and human interaction looks like for the foreseeable future. A time to take a deep look at why we started our businesses and how important they are to us and our communities. We shouldn’t be resistant to change, but instead find ways to be resilient in the face of change since we didn’t choose to upend our business models that had been working for us this time last year. We continue to find new ways to shape our journey. The interesting thing is that we all aim for change in some point of lives, right?! But few really tend to accept the changes, and fewer still are courageous enough to pursue their vision. The silver lining to all of this in a way, is that the decision has been made for us. Change has come and we have the opportunity to write entirely new chapters for our life stories. Your business is the soul of your community! So, let’s focus on switching our mindset and find comfort in what makes sense now in today’s climate. Your mind is a powerful tool and positive thinking and belief in yourself and your abilities can go a long way in helping to weather today’s trials. Rethink how you can accept the need for change in a positive way. The answer may come to you when you least expect it, but keep your mind and heart open to finding the answers you need. I’ll make no illusions – it’s likely to take substantial work. We’ll continue to provide advice on ways to improve your business. Techniques to increase your social media footprint. Methods to drive traffic to your store’s website. Creative ideas for fostering that all-important sense of community. And stories from business owners like yourself, going through the same difficulties to remind you that we’re all going through this together and we’ll get through it together. Have an insightful reading!
RETAILING INSIGHT MAGAZINE is a bimonthly trade publication specializing in the conscious living retail market. The magazine is published exclusively for retailers and small independent businesses in the USA. Our mission is to share one on one business advice, unique product reviews, advertisement from top sellers in the industry, and exclusive and mindful topics to help businesses continue to thrive.
PUBLISHER COPY-EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGN CONTRIBUTORS
SALES
Roberta Gazzarolle Sean Ruck Stephanie Biddle Bill Binkelman Melinda Carver Hilary Daninhirsch Dudley Evenson Megy Karydes Uma Silbey Karen Suth Sue Wilhite Karen Johnson
Retailing Insight® magazine is published by New Way Publishing, LLC
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Roberta Gazzarolle Roberta Gazzarolle, publisher, Retailing Insight Magazine
Editor’s Note – Footnote
©2020 Continuity Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 2372-7977. Volume 34/Issue 5/ Year 2020. T he magazine is publishe d bimonthly/six times a year (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sept, Nov) by New Way Publishing LLC, 4117 Park Road 12252, Charlotte, NC 28220. Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER send address changes to Retailing Insight Magazine, P.O. Box 12252 Charlotte, NC 28220.
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RETAIL: The Landscape of Changes By Hilary Daninhirsch
Normalcy is out the window in 2020. While some scientists may have called it, most people did not expect to be dealing with a global pandemic this year. Apart from the devastating virus affecting millions, it also wreaked havoc with the American economy, particularly as non-essential retailers were ordered to shutter their doors during several months of quarantine. Even though those quarantine orders gradually began to lift, the short and long-term effects of the forced closures upon retailers are still unraveling. Retailers agree that the key to surviving is to roll with the changes and be as flexible – and creative – as possible. The following are accounts of how some businesses dealt with the challenge. The lessons they learned may help you too!
Connecting with Customers Shopping in person provides a face-to-face experience that cannot be replicated online. Some customers become regulars, and even friends, but when that is not possible, retailers have to find a way to stay connected. Apropos is a one-stop shop for all gift giving, located in suburban Pittsburgh. The store was fully closed for two months, but during that time, owner Jan Osterholm found ways to maintain connections with her customers, via personal phone calls and texts, email marketing, and social media. With two locations in Florida, The Mystical Moon, which carries such items as sage, candles, incense, crystals, tarot cards, and the like, also offers readings and classes. During closure, owner Laurie Barraco made sure to stay connected with customers via a newsletter and by starting a Facebook group called “Laurie Barraco’s Astral Lounge.” “In this private, free group, I offered encouragement, streamed live with messages of support, spiritual guidance, and offered free classes on different topics such as meditating and space clearing,” she said. Denise Welling is co-owner of Body Mind & Soul in Houston, a store carrying candles, jewelry and crystals along with many other products. Traditionally, Welling often conducted Facebook Live videos, but had no time during the height of the pandemic to do so. However, she did continue to conduct her regular classes, such as psychic skills or a chakra balancing workshop, via Zoom. That continuity was important for maintaining contact with her regular customer base.
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 7
Business During the Closure
Give the gift of divination this holiday season!
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Osterholm offered phone orders, online orders, curbside pickup, and shipping and delivery while the store was closed, though online shopping had been activated prior to the pandemic. As incentives, she offered several sales and deals for free shipping. While she did have some digital growth, sales were down from previous years. To keep business flowing, Barraco offered discounts, promotions and fresh content to assist customers. While sales were down a bit overall, she reported that online sales increased significantly in April. Though Body Mind & Soul already had an online ordering system, it really took off during the store’s physical closure. “I stayed 10 hours a day, seven days a week shipping orders. They kept coming in,” she said. Welling continued to send out regular marketing emails to customers. As an incentive, she did lower her free shipping threshold to $30. The closure also gave the store more time to work on the website. They added more products based on what people were requesting. Giordano’s Gift, Garden & Design in Sea Cliff, NY is a combination garden center, landscape center and gift center. They also provide landscape design services. Because of its status as a home improvement company, it was never closed, as it was considered to be an essential service. “We are fortunate that 90% of what we sell is outdoors,” said owner Paul Giordano. Though the gift shop is located indoors, the store placed some popular merchandise for sale online and took limited phone orders for curbside pickup. They even utilized FaceTime to allow customers to purchase gift shop items.
Not Quite Business as Usual Coinciding with the first day of the county entering the ‘yellow phase,’ Apropos opened its doors again on May 16. However, customers were not lining up immediately. “Opening days seemed somewhat quiet with few customers. People were excited to hear we were open, but hesitant to come right away,” said Osterholm. She still has limited hours and will keep those for the foreseeable future. She is continuing to offer online shopping and curbside pickup, even though the doors are back open. Barraco also has limited hours and like Osterholm, noted that traffic was light continued on page 10
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during opening days, though over time it increased. “By the end of Barraco said that as more people are spending time at home and May, the business picked up speed significantly,” she said. She limits want their homes to be a peaceful sanctuary, she’s noticed an increase the amount of traffic up to 12 people and sanitizes several times a day. in demand for the type of products she sells. She added that people Although she has left mask-wearing up to the individual, she may are being mindful of budgets and taking advantage of discounts and modify these limitations if Covid cases spike in her area. coupons. As for sales, she said, “I do think these changes will remain Osterholm said she has been having issues with deliveries from for a long time, and I believe more and more people will continue suppliers since she has been open. “Shipments are not being processed shopping online rather than venturing out.” as quickly since some manufacturers have cut their hours and Welling has not seen much of a difference in terms of what people staff. Also, the shipping companies are saying they are bombarded, and are spending. “My shoppers that buy big are still buying big,” she said. some days can’t get to us during our business hours,” she said. Future Outlook Barraco also has had a few Whether retailers will continue “The gift shop retailers who survive issues with delayed deliveries or to welcome shoppers inside will be the ones who…. limitations on supplies, such as their brick and mortar stores or …listen to their customers’ needs and get creative the plastic bottles she uses for her have to revert back to a digitalwith their marketing strategies.” aromatherapy line, but said that only platform, shop owners her suppliers are doing their best will have to find ways to keep Laurie Barraco, The Mystical Moon to fulfill demands. customers interested. Welling said that when her store “I will continue to seek new …are dynamic and who listen to their customers. opened back up, there was a line lines and new ways to engage The ones who make a plan, but aren’t afraid to drop outside the door, but she is only customers and keep Apropos allowing six customers in the door an exciting place to shop,” said it and completely transform at any given moment.” at a time. It was not long before she Osterholm. Jan Osterholm, Apropos pivoted to an appointment-only Ba rraco believes t hat t he model, but if the store is not busy, changes brought about by COVID she will allow in additional people, will remain for a long time, as …concentrate on the areas where the demand even without appointments. As the more people continue shopping actually is and products to sell to compensate for the Covid situation is so fluid, so is her online versus venturing out. “I loss of sales in the gift shop, so the gift shop, when plan for her store, but that is the believe my business will continue its appropriate, can return to normal function.” key—to be flexible. “We require to thrive as an e-commerce busimasks, and customers have to ness, and I am hopeful that the Paul Giordano, Giordano’s Gift, Garden & Design sanitize upon walking in. As Texas brick and mortars will continue to has gotten worse, we now take thrive as a place where customers …. persevere. We ask ourselves everyday how temperatures,” she said. feel comfortable coming in for we can serve our clients better.” Though restrictions have eased, their conscious living supplies Giordano’s still restricts people and spiritual support,” she said. Denise Welling, Body, Mind & Soul from coming indoors where the Giordano said that he does not gift shop is located. “Since the feel that the pandemic-related beginning of June, we moved half changes in the retail landscape the inventory of the gift shop to the outside where we have protection are permanent. “Business is returning to normal now in terms of from the sun and rain, so you can shop a portion of our gift inventory volume; I think that will give suppliers a chance to catch up,” he said. outside. We still do not allow people inside the premises, and we won’t However, he said is concerned about the fall months. until there is a vaccine,” he said. “I truly expect we’re going to have to take extreme precauThey also require a mask for outdoor shopping. “We were handing tions at that time because we will not have the luxury of being them out at one point, but we can’t afford to do it any longer. We totally outdoors, and I think at that time we’ll have to curtail keep them available for the help,” said Giordano. He is continuing operations to deal with what I believe will be a possible second to encourage online ordering and is still offering curbside pickup. surge in the virus. We are already making a contingency plan” he said. “Long term—as long as a vaccine is available and enough Consumer Mindset people take advantage of that---business will return to its normal Some shop owners felt that the consumer mindset has shifted a bit state,” he added. during the pandemic. Osterholm said she is seeing less impulse buying. “When it comes to clothing, the consumer is looking for Hilary Daninhirsch is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. She has written comfort. With household goods, they are looking for practical,” features and business profiles for dozens of trade and lifestyle publications. she said. Hilary can be reached at https://hilarydaninhirsch.journoportfolio.com.
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12 RetailingInsight
The Future of Trade Shows By Megy Karydes
Normally, summer months are busy for everyone in our industry. Vendors are running from trade show to trade show while retailers are excitedly placing orders and managing busy shops back home. This year, due to COVID-19 and sheltering-in-place orders that have caused trade show cancelations and stores to close, the way we do business has shifted and we’ve been left no choice but to adapt to this changing landscape. Trade shows as we know them, which have seen their own shift in recent years with the advent of digital trade show platforms and soaring costs to exhibit that don’t match the return on investment many companies need to justify a presence, might be in jeopardy. But the gift and home industry is built on resilience and flexibility as well as relationships and community. While the trade show experience might not look the same anytime soon or possibly ever again, it is adapting to meet the needs of the ever-changing marketplace.
The New Trade Show Experience: Digital “The coronavirus pandemic created a forcing function for retailers and brands alike to reconsider the best and most efficient way to do business together in the absence of traditional trade shows,” says Marcelo Cortes, co-founder and CTO at Faire, a wholesale marketplace that empowers small business owners and independent brands to buy and sell wholesale online. “With crowded events raising new concerns about health risks, and store closures creating tighter budgets, it has highlighted the need for reliable digital tools that provide remote buying opportunities,” adds Cortes. “In the future, as the functionality of these digital tools continue to improve, we’ll see brands and retailers rely less on seasonal in-person events that require costly discretionary spending.” Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers, which hosts AmericasMart Gift & Home Market, IMC High Point Market and Las Vegas Market, admits that while nothing can replace the in-person buying experience and the excitement of market, he sees emerging technologies as a complement to that in-person experience.
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 13
Celebrating 30 Years!
Holiday Fun
“A recent survey of IMC’s buyer and exhibitor universe shows that digital platforms will become an increasingly important element for market preparation, product discovery and order processing,” Maricich says. “As such, we see the lines between physical and digital marketplaces continuing to blur, allowing buyers and sellers to connect wherever and whenever they wish to transact.” Something to remember, though, is that trade shows are not just about buying and selling. They’re about community. “One of the overlooked benefits of attending trade shows is the chance to be with other like-minded businesses,” says Jennie Misner, owner of Venture Imports, an importer, wholesaler and retailer of fair trade products from Kenya. “The networking that goes on at shows can be helpful from a business point of view, but psychologically as well. Running a business can feel lonely at times, so it’s nice to bounce ideas off of other business owners, and just to commiserate with each other! Now that we don’t have trade shows forcing us to be together, we have had to be intentional in keeping up with each other.”
How To Do Business Today
All Things Bright!
Peace to the World dZi.com Member Fair Trade Federation
14 RetailingInsight
For both brands and retailers, trade shows afforded them the opportunity to establish contacts and relationships within the industry. So how do companies help translate that in-person experience online? “Our mission at Faire has always been to empower our customers to chase their dreams, and during the COVID-19 crisis, that has meant building products to help them navigate a new path forward,” adds Cortes. Faire recently announced the development of new tools intended to build upon their online marketplace to bring the sense of community and connection of trade shows online to create year-round buying opportunities. These tools include: • Live streaming: Brands can host livestream video to hundreds of retailers to debut new products and launch new collections. Retailers can ask questions through live chat and checkout directly. • 1:1 appointments and collaborative cart building features: Brands can invite
retailers to live video appointments to walk through product and merchandising options. During the appointment, brands and buyers can easily create orders together with collaborative order building. IMC introduced a new digital innovation division, IMC_di, in January to develop a seamlessly integrated omni-channel B2B e-commerce platform for the apparel, gift and home furnishings industries served by IMC’s physical markets. IMC’s new digital marketplace is expected to launch by year-end. “In the meantime, as the COVID-19 crisis has created more need for enhanced online resources for our industry, IMC has leveraged existing digital tools – such as ShopZio and Catalog Connexion, which were acquired as part of our IMC_di launch – to help buyers and sellers get back to business,” notes Maricich. “Linkable directly from our market websites, these tools enable exhibitors to maintain visibility, showcase available products and transact business until physical markets resume.” Independent retailers are trying to run a business while figuring out how to place orders they can’t touch or feel for the important fall and winter seasons. Rachel Hershinow, owner of Stella, an independent gift and apparel boutique in Evanston, Illinois, admits that she’s been trying to take it day by day because otherwise she becomes completely overwhelmed. The problem, she says, is that buyers need to forecast and purchase or commit several months in advance for merchandise. Yet, without a decent road map based on previous trends and history, she feels like she’s navigating in the dark. Not to mention Hershinow is a “touch and feel” kind of buyer and that’s not possible to do online. “It’s going be super challenging to buy for fall and holiday without the ‘tradeshow treasure hunt’ that I have relied on for so many years,” Hershinow says. “I will have to buy very thoughtfully and lean, which is opposite of my nature which is to go by gut (which has served me well in the past).” Just as inventory management will be hard for retailers, it’ll be a major challenge for wholesalers, too, since they have to project future inventory needs as well as
lead time. “It’s difficult for us to predict how much inventory we’re going to need,” Misner admits. “Even if we could accurately forecast how the pandemic will affect sales and buying patterns in the months ahead, we may be struggling with a lack of cash flow due to loss of sales thus far.” Products that require extended lead time due to where they come from or because they’re handmade may become harder for retailers to source once they’re able to buy again, according to Misner. “This will be important to keep in mind for those attending trade shows that have been moved to October, for example,” she adds. “Products may no longer be available in the quantities they desire that late in the season.” Meanwhile, wholesalers are re-evaluating how they introduce products and considering ways to make it easier for retailers to explore their lines and place orders for the upcoming seasons. In past years, dZi Handmade would launch new products at the trade shows first as an incentive to
“ ” attendees, and then post them online. “Now it’s going to be the reverse as the online market place has become the primary one for sales,” says Mac McCoy, CEO and
be more delighted to have their team marketing his company on their new virtual showroom platform. “We’ve also just on-boarded with Faire.com, and
Independent retailers are trying to run a business while figuring out how to place orders they can’t touch or feel for the important fall and winter seasons.
founder dZi Handmade, a company that imports fair trade gifts and home accessories from India and Nepal. McCoy also works with the Gifts of Nature rep group, which serendipitously just launched their new e-commerce site featuring all 50+ lines, so he couldn’t
now that we have all those b2b materials organized we’re going to join the RepZio. com platform,” he adds. “I’m expecting these steps to help us bridge to 2021 when I expect the primary trade shows to slowly come back. It might not be what it used to be, but maybe the combination of a
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Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 15
traditional and an expanded virtual market presence will equal more than what we previously had… one can only hope!” While all these online tools are great for many retailers, some buyers like Hershinow still favor paper catalogs, line sheets and cookbooks to help them visualize layout of products. Email pitches tend to get buried in the sea of regular daily emails, she says. WorldFinds, a fair trade wholesaler that works with women artisans in India and Bali to produce handmade jewelry and accessories, is trying to meet their retail customers wherever they are: tradeshows, marketplaces, online, print catalog, and even on one-on-one Zoom calls any time. “And sample boxes!” shares Kelly Weinberger, founder of WorldFinds. Similarly, retailers have been experimenting and adopting new methods to sell inventory to customers at home. “During this time, small businesses have demonstrated their ability to remain agile and innovative by adopting new savvy tools and strategies to help them compete and continue to grow their businesses,” says Cortes. “On the retailer side, tactics typically deployed by big box chains like curbside pickup, buy online pick up in store, and selling through social media, are now being used by local retailers on a large scale. As of June, according to our survey of 100,000 independent retailers, 78 percent are offering now curbside pickup, and 68 percent are investing more in new or existing online channels. On the brand side, we’re seeing incredible creativity in how entrepreneurs are pivoting – from a beauty and wellness brand creating hand sanitizer, to a gift brand designing face masks.” Hershinow has been hosting Facebook Live sessions where she showcases half a dozen to 10 dresses, outfits or jewelry, each associated with a number. Like a host on a television show, she shares details about each product, turns it around so viewers can see the shapes and cuts, and then encourages customers to comment or message her with the item number they want to purchase. “All of us have had to be incredibly creative during this time,” adds Weinberger. “Our retail partners have really hustled by offering curbside pick-up, personal
deliveries and selling on Instagram Stories and other social platforms. So many of our independent retailers are really resilient and will adapt to ordering in other ways if trade shows look different or aren’t an option for them this year.”
Relationships More Important Than Ever Without physical trade shows, many won’t be seeing familiar and friendly faces this year, as Misner mentioned earlier. Understandably, this is difficult for many who feel like attending trade shows is like a reunion of sorts. For others, the reality that they’ve had to suddenly and abruptly change course without a road map is unsettling.
Independent representatives are feeling it, too “I feel sad because customers, businesses and vendors including myself have been thrown off our regular paths and we have all struggled over the last months to find our balance,” notes Gina Lempa of Gina Lempa & Associates in Elgin, Illinois, an independent sales representative covering the Chicagoland area. Still, Lempa feels hopeful because she has seen how resourceful everyone is in getting right back to business and creating new ways to reach their customers through social media, email marketing and a variety of educational courses online. “I believe virtual showrooms will be a must,” adds Lempa. “Venders must provide a virtual way for customers to ‘see’ what’s new. Buyers must be patient and willing to work the virtual showroom online similar to how they invested their time and walked and worked the showrooms in the past. Some retailers have had great success with Facebook Live events and I think wholesalers might want to take notice and offer some type of similar option. Recently, one of the companies I represent started a Private Retailer Only Facebook group so we can exchange information more openly and easily.” Teresa Hendricks, owner and goddess of Lucia’s World Emporium and Lucia’s Imports, agrees that online purchasing and selling will become even more prominent in the coming months and years. She owns two stores, one continued on page 18
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in Kentucky and the other in Michigan, as well as a wholesale fair trade business that works directly with artisans in Guatemala. She used to do the trade show circuit for a decade, but pulled back after 2018 as attendance dwindled. Instead, she decided to switch course and focus on online sales and opening up a second retail store. “I’ve seen wholesalers have to kind of sit back and regroup during the shutdown,” Hendricks says. “We all kind of had to be mindful of our customers who were unable to open their doors. At the same time, I watched many of our retail partners, including myself, up their online presence. Many of us had great success with generating sales with Facebook and Instagram Live. Our communities of customers were really showing support for the local businesses.”
What’s Next? Admittedly, no one really knows what the future holds as there are so many unknowns. “I think everyone is looking at all possible scenarios as to how this year might play out,” says Weinberger, who is planning to stay in close contact with her trade show contacts, artisan partners and retail partners and hopes to figure it out together with open dialogue. Misner feels we must be realistic about the constraints on consumers both now and as we come out of this and hopes the time we have to reflect on our business this year will bode well for us in the future.
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“We know what it’s like to come back from a trip or vacation with all sorts of ideas about how we’re going to change our lifestyles when we return,” she says. “We also know how quickly that changes once we are faced with our everyday reality. During this time of being at home, many people are re-evaluating their lives and priorities. They may be thinking about how they want to buy more meaningful gifts, about how they want to support their communities. And they might have the time now to research how to do that.”
Some companies already are seeing some positive news “The biggest surprise to me is how quickly sales have begun to pick back up after going to almost zero in April,” says McCoy. “We’re almost to 50 percent of last year’s June sales, and I’m super grateful!” Lempa is proud of the retailers she works with and their “Gotta Get it Done” attitude, as she calls it. “Customers have shared with me how tired they are and how much harder they are working, but the best thing is their excitement about their businesses,” she adds. “They’re telling me it’s reminding them of how it was when they first opened and how they are inspired and turned on by the challenge. Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer currently working on a book on behalf of a client that wants to use it sell and promote their organization. Visit her website at www.megykarydes.com.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
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JANUARY It’s a good month to spark your intuition CARD DECKS are on the rise! So, take a peek at the latest products on divination,, arot, and oracle decks this month.
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Overcoming Anxiety By Uma Silbey
These days are tough for retailers. Our stores remain closed or open without the normal foot traffic we’re used to receiving. Our products, that we spent money purchasing, languish on our shelves while we slowly run out of capital. Not only are we struggling to pay our invoices, but we may also have trouble paying our mortgages, rents and even our employees. And our employees, even if we are able to pay them, may have little to do. We are suffering professionally and personally. We worry about getting sick, taking care of our families while likely juggling work with caretaking, worry about paying our personal bills while slowly going broke, and worry about our government and society as well as the state of the world. We are constantly feeling alarmed, disgusted, angry or deeply frustrated by what we see on social media, read in the news or hear on TV. On top of that, we may be feeling lonely or bored without our normal social interactions. We may be grieving the loss of friends, family, or life as we knew it. To say that this is a lot for most of us to handle emotionally is an understatement. For many of us, underlying feelings of anxiety now form the bedrock of our everyday experience. Not only does anxiety fail to help us solve our problems, but it can also hurt us in far deeper ways because prolonged anxiety affects our body as well as our mind and emotions. When we’re anxious, at the least, we are likely to feel extremely nervous, which then stimulates the fight or flight response. Because we can neither fight nor flee, our symptoms will likely worsen until we may feel actual panic. Feeling such deep and prolonged anxiety, we may be unable to concentrate and become restless and irritable. Our appetite changes so that we either overeat or stop eating entirely. Our mind races as in a constant state of with one thought after another and can’t shut it off so we feel constantly fatigued as the constant worry drains our body and mind. Our sleep patterns may change so that either we can’t sleep, or we can’t get enough of it. We may physically suffer with stomachaches and headaches, muscle tension, and sweating, shaking. Our breathing is likely to be shallow and fast so that we don’t get the oxygen that we need to stay healthy. In the extreme, we may become extremely depressed, and have panic attacks, develop
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 21
high blood pressure, heart disease or even diabetes. As we confuse real facts with those we imagine, we may react inappropriately or be unable to react at all. In that way, if we are unable to decrease our anxiety, then it can actually become a worse enemy than the actual crisis itself. Since we are probably unable to change the circumstances that are causing us to feel anxious, we have to alter the way we are responding to our circumstances. The best way to combat anxiety is to have our attention entirely centered in the present because we can only feel anxious when we are imagining what may happen in the future. The more we can center our attention in the present moment, then, the less anxiety we are likely to feel. In fact, when our attention is entirely focused on the present, our anxiety will completely disappear. When we are centered in the present moment, we start becoming aware of an inner reality within us that is unchanging in its steady calmness and clarity. Centered on this unchanging awareness within us, no matter how horrible our circumstances, we will be able to feel a deep sense of inner peace. From this space of inner peace, we will be able to make good decisions, do what we can do, change what we can change, and not worry about the rest. The following meditation will help us relax, release our fear and other negative feelings and center ourselves in the present moment. Centered in the present, our anxiety will lessen or go away entirely.
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Sit upright with your spine straight, feet flat on the ground, and face forward. Place your hands in Hansi Mudra, the hand position that stimulates acceptance, helps to access courage, and combats anxiety and fear. To do this, touch the tips of your index, middle and ring fingers to the tip of your thumb. Extend your pinky finger to the sky. Do this with both hands. If you can hold the position, extend your elbows outward with your forearms and little fingers extending upward. If not, rest your hands on your lap next to your stomach. Close your eyes. Now, bring your attention to your breathing and feel it flowing in and out of your nose. With long, deep breaths, completely empty and fill your lungs
without straining. With every in-breath, imagine that you begin to fill with energy and vitality. With your out-breath, imagine that any tension flows down from your body and out from the bottoms of your spine into the earth. Continue this for three minutes or until you feel relaxed and energized. Next, take another long, deep, gentle breath and on the out-breath let go of any thoughts and imagine that they too flow into the earth from the bottom of your spine. Do this for three minutes. If you become aware of any associated physical sensations or feelings, drop your attention from them and bring it back to your breathing. As you continue to breath with long, deep, gentle breaths, bring your attention to your feelings. With your in-breath, feel as if you are gathering a sense of peace to flow into your heart chakra. With every out-breath, release any other feelings into the earth. Do this for three minutes. Still breathing with long, deep, breaths, imagine yourself as surrounded by clear, light turquoise blue sky. Focus all of your attention to this vision of the endless, clear blue sky that extends outward from you as far as you can see. See and feel yourself within this gentle, serene, turquoise sky as you allow your body to further relax, releasing any tension. In your mind’s eye, notice that you’re actually f loating as a bird within this endless, turquoise sky. Imagine that you are perfectly buoyant and lighter than clouds, gently floating within the endless expanse of clear, turquoise blue sky. With every breath, let yourself feel more buoyant and free, released from all that binds you. Imagine, now, that you look down within this endless and gentle sky to see a soft, white cloth bag. As you continue to look at it, you realize that you are to open this white bag, so you do so. After opening the bag, recall a fearful, anxious thought or feeling that you have, and imagine that you now place it inside the white, cloth bag. As you do this, the thought or feeling leaves you completely. Now, find another anxious or fearful
thought or feeling and imagine placing it into the bag. If you cannot find a thought, just imagine one that you might have and place it into the white bag. With each thought or feeling that you place into the bag, imagine that you feel lighter and more peaceful. Continue to place any anxious or fearful thoughts and feelings into the soft, white, accepting bag until you have no more to put into it. When you are finished, imagine that you send healing energy into the bag so that the negative thoughts can be transformed. Then imagine that you close and tie the top of the bag so that no thoughts or feelings can escape. Now, as you finish closing and tying the white bag, imagine that you release the bag and it begins to float upward into the turquoise sky. Imagine this white bag floating higher and higher into the sky and as it does, you feel more and more peaceful. Imagine that as the white bag floats higher
and higher into the sky it eventually looks like a little white speck. As you continue to look, the white speck is so far away that you can no longer see it.
yourself as f loating freely within this endless sky. Imagine that your body is light as a feather. Continue to imagine yourself surrounded by the endless, turquoise sky,
“ ” When we are centered in the present moment, we start becoming aware of an inner reality within us that is unchanging in its steady calmness and clarity.
Once it has entirely disappeared, again imagine the turquoise blue sky around you in your mind’s eye. As you continue to breathe with long, deep, breaths, imagine
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light as a feather, for three minutes. If you mind wanders, bring it back to the vision of the endless, blue sky. Bring your attention back to your breath. Imagine that you draw this soft,
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gentle, peaceful blue sky into you with every in-breath so that it fills your entire body. Once your body is filled with the light of the clear, blue, sky, imagine that you slowly and gently float downward back towards the earth until you become aware of your body and the chair or surface beneath you. Filled with peace, shift your attention entirely to the chair or floor beneath you. Feel the earth beneath your feet. With your in-breath, continue to fill yourself with the peace of this meditation. Relax with every out-breath, feeling the floor beneath your feet and the seat of the chair beneath you. When you feel ready, open your eyes to your surrounding environment. See if you can retain this feeling of inner peace as you go about your day. Whenever you have any worries, fears, or any other negative thoughts or feelings, close your eyes for a few moments and imagine that you place them into your white bag which then floats up into the heavens until you see it no more. Once your white bag disappears, let your negative thoughts and feelings be entirely released. After this meditation, it would be helpful to carry or wear a turquoise, celestite, blue calcite or other light blue stone to remind us of the sense of enduring inner peace that we found during this meditation. Any time that we start feeling anxious, worried or afraid,
this light blue stone can remind us to not only let negative thoughts and feelings release, but to also shift our perspective back into the present moment. As we do that, we can choose to not allow fear and anxiety to form the basis of any decisions that we make or control our lives. Finally, it will help us to chant this mantra: “Om Dum Durgaya Namaha:” Loosely translated, this means; “Salutations to the one (the Goddess Durgo,) who bestows compassion, fearlessness and patience.” Along with this powerful mantra, we can also repeat this affirmation: ‘I am fearless.”
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Editor’s Picks
GIVING BACK GIFTS
With the holiday season approaching, consumers are eager to find unique gifts to present to family and friends – a welcome way to express their gratitude and appreciation during this special time of year. Take a look at our editor’s favorite picks!
With graphic letterhead printed on the front, this handmade notebook definitely sends the message out! World Needs More Hippies by Tim’s Garage
Fair Isle pattern fingerless gloves hand loomed in Peru. Loro Fingerless Gloves by Emilime
This keyring was designed to be shared with someone special! Together Keyring by Danforth Pewter
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A beautiful collection of handmade nature-inspired jewelry featuring preserved botanicals from all around the globe. Pressed flower terrarium jewelry botanical necklace by Eight Acorns
An elegant deck for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of today’s reality. The Uncommon Tarot, Shaheen Miro & Theresa Reed by Weiser Books
Versatile and cute, this eco-friendly tote bag is made with 100% natural jute to help our planet! Good Dog Tote Bag by Mona B
Handmade in Providence by French artisans using traditional techniques. Primavera Soap & Dish Set by PrĂŠ de Provence
A unique, eye-catching lighter case handmade by Chicagobased artisans, using traditional metalsmithing techniques. Lighter Case Necklace with Opal By Therese Kuempel
Reduce fatigue and bask in the welcoming glow provided by this natural salt crystal lamp. Natural Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp with 5 Salt Massage balls by UMAID
A delicious way to set the day with a daily vegan and fair trade chocolate meditation!!! Organic Lavender Grey Dark Chocolate by Wei of Chocolate
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 29
DIVINATION DECKS By Melinda Carver Tarot is moving out of the dark Middle Ages and beginning to resonate with modern seekers. Authors and artists are bringing exciting, unique perspectives to Tarot and their innovations are not only shaking up the status quo, but also revitalizing sales. This trend offers something for every one of your customers to interpret their life and speaks directly to their heart and third-eye through cultural and artistic expressions.
Interpreting the Current Story of Us Modernizing Tarot to be inclusive and break barriers!
Image deck from The Urban Tarot, U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
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The Urban Tarot Robin Scott ISBN 9781572819702 I Price $22.95 Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Flipping the script on traditional RWS artwork, this is an innovative, modern deck that the author has re-imagined to connect present day readers to Tarot. The contemporary settings of living rooms, baseball diamonds, bathrooms, protests, parades and more evoke 21st century emotions while depicting families, lovers, current career paths, computers, addiction and violence. Scott also explains her selection of symbols of each card in the accompanying book. A great deck for millennial shoppers! Includes 78-card deck and 82-page booklet.
The Hoodoo Tarot Tayannah Lee McQuillar Artwork by Katelan V. Foisy ISBN 9781620558737 I Price $35.00 Published by Destiny Books
Celebrating the tradition of American Rootwork of Indigenous and African Americans, this deck features legendary rootworkers, botany, archetypes, esoteric knowledge and Hoodoo symbolism. Artist Foisy’s sepia toned artwork evokes the history of this tradition, and also changes the suits to match as Sticks, Baskets, Needles and Knives. McQuillar’s accompanying book provides the complex history of Hoodoo, as well as introducing you to the Elders of the Majors. Beautifully crafted, this deck will evoke strong emotions and spiritual connections through this unique tradition’s past and present. This deck will resonate with multi-cultural rootworkers and readers. Includes 78-card deck and 160-page booklet.
Pride Tarot U.S Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 9781646710034 I Price $22.95 Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
A collaborative deck showcasing powerful stories from 45 different artists around the world and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This RWS style deck depicts their everyday life, special events, heroes, and poignant moments. LGBTQ+ experiences in the modern world are shared in the spirit of love and support. The illustrated book features the artists’ stories and a special Parade Card Spread and extra Pride Rainbow Flag card. The publisher donates a portion of the proceeds to an LGBTQ+ organization. Includes 78-card deck and 192 page booklet.
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Tarot Z Alejandro Colucci, Jaymi Elford ISBN 9780738763477 I Price $26.95 Published by Llewellyn
Italian-Uruguayan artist Colucci zombie apocalypse deck is a limited, and numbered edition based on the RWS tradition. His artwork is both darkly primal and extremely vibrant. The cards featuring zombies in cemeteries and harsh landscapes, evokes a dizzying feeling of being inside the World War Z movie from which it’s based upon. Horror and zombie genre fans will eat up this deck. Includes 78-card deck and instructional booklet.
Hush Tarot Jeremy Hush ISBN 9781572819993 I Price $18.95 Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Hush’s luxuriant imagery evokes the Gilded Age of 19th century gothic decay, featuring animal guides and humans in decadent details. This deck invites you into a lush environment, twisting your imagination with the fusion of animal-human beings and their life and death. Experienced readers or collectors looking for an exceptional new find will crave this deck. Includes 78-card deck and 68-page booklet.
Frida Kahlo Tarot Lo Scarabeo ISBN 9780738765082 I Price $24.95 Published by Llewellyn
The Major Arcana and Court cards feature portraits of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo while the pips are basic artwork for the suits in the RWS style. This deck was created as a tribute to Frida to connect you with her creativity, passion, strength and avant-garde charisma. Art lovers will value this edition. Includes 78-card deck.
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The Tarot of Enchanted Dreams Yasmeen Westwood ISBN 9780764358289 I Price $34.99 Published by Red Feather
This RWS style deck’s Female-centric artwork invokes a dreamy quality with gauzy robed mystics, imagery and symbols. The large cards are gilt edged and borderless. Westwood’s art makes you believe you stepped into a fairy tale. Goddess followers will delight in this deck. Includes 78-card deck and 144 page guidebook.
Circle of Life Tarot Maria Distefano, Lo Scarabeo ISBN 9780738764702 I Price $29.95 Published by Llewellyn
A round deck populated by fairy beings and fantastical beasts representing the great wheel of life. The deck somewhat follows the RWS style of the four elements. Distinctive artwork of the deck assists in connecting with Earth energies. Take it out for a spin during readings. Includes 78-card deck and 96-page booklet.
Tarot of the Kingdoms Paige Ozma Ashmore ISBN 9780764359637 I Price $34.99 Published by Red Feather
Enter the five magical worlds of earth, air, water, fire and spirit in this whimsical deck. Ashmore’s bright, multihued fairies, dragons, mermaids, tree folk and spirits populate these kingdoms. The cards’ channeled art assists in tapping into ancient knowledge. Fantasy and fairy tale lovers will be enchanted with this deck. Includes 80-card deck and 144-page booklet.
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Touchstone Tarot Kat Black ISBN 9781572819986 I Price $18.95 Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Baroque masterpieces of the 16th century are highlighted with modern emotive faces in this RWS style deck. This is the first deck to only use historical portraits on every gilt-edged card. Black’s emotive face art will pull you straight into the cards. Face and body language readers will enjoy this deck. Includes 80-card deck and 108-page booklet.
Pre-Raphaelite Tarot
Luigi Costa, Lo Scarabeo ISBN 9780738762135 I Price $29.95 Published by Llewellyn
A vibrant palette of Pre-Raphaelite imagery infuses these cards, highlighting opulently drawn people and symbols. This stunning traditional deck has borderless cards in the RWS style with a romantic flare. Easy to read, clients and readers alike won’t be able to take their eyes off of this deck. Includes 78-card deck.
Inversion Tarot in a Tin Jody Boginski-Barbessi ISBN 9781572819948 I Price $18.95 Published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
The black and white graphic design of this pocket sized 78-card deck is based on Paul Mathison’s artwork for the Rolla Nordic Tarot and traditional Marseille Tarot. The Major Arcana resemble starkly detail lithographs while the pips feature the minimalist depiction of the suits. Graphic artists will fancy this deck. Includes 78-card deck and 64-page booklet.
Melinda Carver is an award-winning Author, Psychic Medium and Speaker. She is the President of the Church of Radiant Lights. To know more about Melinda, visit www.psychicmelinda.webs.com.
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 35
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Changing Landscape for New Age Musicians & Sound Healers By Dudley Evenson
The times they are a changing! But what else is new? Change seems to be the name of the game in the music business. In speaking with musician friends about the unusual times we are experiencing, there are several themes arising. First, because of the changing formats in music distribution, fewer stores are carrying CDs. In fact, many people today don’t even own a device that plays CDs. When Apple took the CD ROM player out of their computers, we knew the end was near. Second is Covid-19. We’ll get to that next, but first – here is a brief story about the saga of managing the changing formats in technology that musicians have had to deal with. When Dean Evenson and I founded Soundings of the Planet in 1979, cassette tapes were a new and exciting distribution format. We originally sold our music tapes at swap meets and eventually ‘graduated’ to regional arts festivals. People loved meeting the artists in person. Then bookstores, new age stores, and mom and pop shops started selling the music and our wholesale business grew. Later, we traveled across the country sharing our music and teaching workshops at massage, yoga, spa and new-thought author conferences. In 1987, we had shifted to making CDs and for the next decade sales were through the roof. Everyone was replacing their record collection and new age music was becoming recognized as an important genre, especially because it benefited healing arts professionals and lay people searching for a more relaxing and spiritual form of music. In the 1990s, computers became ubiquitous and then the internet showed up! Eventually, mp3 audio tracks that could be played on digital devices were invented. In the late ‘90s, peer to peer ‘file sharing’ became popular as people thought trading mp3s of other people’s music was ok. However, after numerous lawsuits by record companies, file sharing was deemed illegal since it was considered unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material. Then Steve Jobs and Apple came up with a system of paying $.99 cents for an mp3 song and the concept of paying for downloads caught on allowing musicians and labels to be compensated. This seemed like a fair solution, although it did cut into the relationship between musicians and the stores which had sold their physical product. For a time, downloads were popular and thankfully people continued to build up their compact disc collection for a few more years. Performing musicians and teachers could still make a living supplementing their gig or workshop fee by selling their CDs in person, on their websites, or through the wellness and consciousness marketplace. But by 2005, download sales surpassed physical compact disc sales and the handwriting was on the wall.
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 37
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Around 2010, a totally new idea for distributing music showed up called streaming music. People could listen on Spotify for a monthly fee or for free (with ads of course) to any song or album ever recorded. How does one compete with that? There were others of course. Pandora caught our attention early on and we were delighted when we started hearing our music played. Apple music was well established and then along came Amazon with all the options for paid listening, downloading or purchasing. Soundscapes and Sirius Satellite Radio steamed music and YouTube combined music with videos. All this was happening against a backdrop of slow decline of physical and digital album sales. Around then, Allegro, a large independent distributor of new age music, purchased Music Design, one of the top music distributors in the genre. Like many new age musicians, we found ourselves in a precarious situation with our two main distributors being consolidated. The sale of CDs had already been declining, but not too fast yet to cause worries. Until – in 2016, Allegro along with Music Design declared Chapter 11 causing a lot of musicians to lose their CD stock and to never get paid for what they had already sold. Fortunately, other distributors such as New Leaf which also distributes books, have remained in business. Labels talked about taking legal actions, but we knew right away it was a waste of time. We had been through several other bankruptcies in the past of distributors going under and owing us a lot of money and they always protect themselves. We knew the most important thing was to get our distribution back up through new channels which we did, and we advised other artists to also do that. The other important issue was to regain our direct relationship with The Orchard which manages our digital income from streaming services. Fortunately, we had a pre-existing relationship, so we were back up and running in short order. For us, there was a silver lining. As digital streaming platforms increased, so did our income. Now instead of reaching hundreds or thousands of listeners, we are reaching millions of people all over the planet. It is almost laughable how little is paid per play
- less than a quarter of a half of a penny or some ridiculous formula. But with a large catalog of many albums, it adds up. Since many people use the music as background for yoga classes or healing treatments, they are likely to play the same music over and over which adds up. The streaming system is especially challenging though for musicians with fewer albums or different kinds of music. Also performing musicians who used to rely on CD sales to add to their in-person performances or workshops can’t count on many sales these days. Which brings us to the current state of the world with Covid-19 causing a worldwide quarantine that encourages social distancing to stop the spread of the virus. We saw it coming in the early part of 2020 and it has only gotten worse for musicians who used to be able to earn a living performing or teaching in public. Peter Ali, a Native American flute player who Dean Evenson recorded with on the COVR Gold Winner, Prayers on the Wind, told us
that last year was his busiest year ever with workshops and gigs. He used to perform regionally every weekend at festivals and gatherings. He is grateful to still have a day job, because the weekend gigs which had been helpful in supplementing his income are now non-existent. He also taught flute making classes at reservation schools and libraries, but that income has all dried up too. He did recently perform in a studio setting that was professionally streamed. He had avoided the streaming concerts that have become popular during the quarantine, mainly because he doesn’t have the technology to do it and also because it just hasn’t been inspiring to be playing in front of a computer instead of for a live audience. Ma ny ot her musicia ns have been pro-active doing steaming concerts and welcoming ‘tips’ or contributions. Some have taken advantage of online patron systems which ask for small monthly contributions from friends and fans to keep them going. Chant master Jai Uttal works
with Patreon, a web platform based upon an ancient principal where fans can become an integral part of the lives of the artists they love. Through Patreon, Jai is creating a circle of devotion – an opportunity to be involved in the co-creation of the music. He says, “I’m inviting you to become part of my creative and devotional world and allowing me to keep on giving my art and my heart to you!” Other established artists like Deva Premal, Miten and Manose, who for years have lived on the road touring worldwide to sell out audiences, have also had to stop doing live concerts and workshops. They were fortunate to have a backup system that could easily transform their presentations to the online platforms. They have taken the workshops they typically offer in person to online gatherings. It is working for them. Deva Premal and Miten have stated “In these unprecedented times, we give thanks for our global online Sangha, keeping us calm and focused. Together we support and uplift each other. Now is the time to dive
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Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 39
deeper into the practice. Don’t waste the crisis! We are with you all the way.” Some musicians are actually grateful that their very busy touring schedules have been halted for the time being. We
and although he misses the income, he is grateful to take a break. The time off is allowing him to go deeper into his art and develop new areas of expression. He has recently set up an online school called
“ ” Many other musicians have been pro-active doing steaming concerts and welcoming ‘tips’ or contributions. Some have taken advantage of online patron systems which ask for small monthly contributions from friends and fans to keep them going.
spoke with sound healer and jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan who is known for his unique fretboard mastery. His rigorous touring schedule had left him exhausted,
Integral Arts Academy where he offers online classes in guitar mastery, health and healing, and music therapy. When we connected with music therapist
Christen Stevens, she said she is busier than ever during the quarantine, explaining that she is doing all sorts of online presentations and classes. Known for her work in drum therapy, she has now expanded into offering a flute workshop with The Shift Network. Christine is also included in The Shift Network Global Sound Healing Summit where Dean and I are also presenting. She offers both free and paid workshops online which seems to be the formula most musicians are finding works. Sound hea lers Jonat han and Andi Goldman are enjoying taking a break. For decades they have traveled the country presenting their workshops. They are grateful that they took my advice years ago and were able to gain new distribution when Allegro closed down. They also have a decent income from selling their tuning forks, books and from streaming their music. That has helped them stay afloat during these times. Of course, as authors, they are glad to not be traveling so they can Retailing Insight 3-2020.qxp_Layout 1 3/21/20 continued on page 42 9:12 AM
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focus on creating new works. They have also discovered ways to participate in online Book Clubs which certainly helps promote their many books. Steven Halpern is another new age musician who has been very prolific over the years and like Dean Evenson, has a large back catalog and hundreds of tracks streaming online giving him a steady income from various platforms. For decades, he traveled the country offering workshops and keynotes at conferences. He is grateful to be able to take a break and focus on creating new music. He did mention an idea to share with readers. Years ago, he suggested to his local Unity Church to broadcast their services live online. At the time, they weren’t technically set up to do that, but now we are seeing many churches doing that very thing with excellent technical backup. This is certainly an option for new age, spiritual and healing musicians to offer their music from their own home or at
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their local church to be broadcast to their congregations – which can now include a worldwide audience. Dean Evenson and I are among the few people who haven’t had our lifestyle change that much during the quarantine. We had stopped travelling a few years ago and love being home in our mountain river valley tending our gardens. Last year was a busy one for us as we celebrated Soundings of the Planet’s 40th anniversary with a gala in person concert of our artists which could not have happened this year. We also got to travel to France where we videotaped in Monet’s gardens and we’re recording a new album based on that journey. Thankfully, we are still supported because of our large back catalog, and the fact that we have stayed up to date on technology changes. We now reach a much larger global audience as we share our #PeaceThroughMusic offerings to a world sadly in need of healing. We do hope musicians can stay engaged with the stores who used to carry their
music and especially with the few who still do sell music in these changing times. Even if they aren’t selling music, stores can play the streaming music as a background to provide a pleasant shopping environment and the artists do get paid for that. Book clubs and stores can now invite the author to their Zoom calls. There are many new and exciting ways to offer workshops or music presentations through stores, churches, or groups. Stay safe and stay tuned as we learn to navigate new and interesting opportunities to enhance our connectivity. Harpist Dudley Evenson and her husband flutist Dean Evenson are sound healing pioneers who have released over 90 music albums and videos. This year they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary! They have co-written a book Quieting the Monkey Mind: How to Meditate with Music. Learn more and link to their social media and streaming platforms at www.soundings.com.
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PlayList
Reviews of Great Music to Sell and Enjoy By Bill Binkelman
1. Blue Landscapes III: Frontiers
3. Celtic Fairy Dream
Robert Theis & Damjan Krajacic By Real Music
2002 By Real Music
Robert Theis (piano) and Damjan Krajacic (flute) have something truly special going with their Blue Landscapes albums series. Their third installment continues what came before but also evolves their signature contemplative soundscapes which are created solely through their two instruments. All but two of the fifteen selections were recorded spontaneously in the studio over five days of recording. The sound is organic without being aimless, rich with emotional resonance without resorting to melodrama. In short, this is a sublime release, as were the first two chapters in the series. Tracks vary subtly in mood and tempo, but these variations are not intrusive, but instead add to the “whole” of the album itself.
The trio of 2002 (Randy, Pamela, and daughter Sarah Copus) have, over the last several albums, slowly evolved into showcasing Sarah’s angelic vocals as well as highlighting their affinity for Celtic influences. I stated in a previous review that Sarah is poised to become her generation’s Enya, and Celtic Fairy Dream certainly underscores that evaluation for me. Sarah’s voice, as it matures, develops an ethereal beauty that, to me, equals Enya’s. With Randy (piano, guitar, keyboards, percussion) and Pamela (harp and flute) providing superb instrumental accompaniment (as well as some vocals too), this album is best described as thoroughly beguiling and enchanting.
4. Hidden Flowers 2. Fire in the Clouds Eric Bikales Self-released I www.ericbikales.com
This latest effort from Eric Bikales strikes me as one of the cheeriest, friendliest, and likable piano recordings in a while, comparable to release from artists such as Wayne Gratz and Jim Chappell (high praise from me). On the first playing, I found myself smiling at the melodies, and I felt myself slip into a better mood than before. There is a hint of jazz, a smattering of New Age pop, and whole lot of charm. The last two tracks, “Reasoning With the Wind,” and “Kansas Wind” benefit from a light application of keyboards, the former some lovely bell tones, and the latter what sounds like organ, emphasizing the blues/ragtime nature of the melody.
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Masako By Masako Music
Pianist Masako continues to impress me with her particular style of playing piano, which emphasizes a minimum of “fuss,” i.e. pointless pyrotechnics. Instead, her melodies are laid out gently as they unfurl at seldom more than a midtempo pace, and frequently more sedate than that. While not truly a minimalist, she allows her notes to “breathe,” all the same. Recorded at Imaginary Road, under the guise of the production team of Ackerman and Eaton, with guest stars typical of albums helmed there, Masako also finds the right balance of stepping into and out of the spotlight when other artists appear on a song. Seeking a relaxing yet not overly somber piano album? Here you go!
1 2
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4 Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 45
5. Sanctuary of Light
6. Sacred Spaces
Peter Sterling By Harp Magic Music
Michael Whalen By Solace Recordings/Myndstream
Peter Sterling, one of the top New Age artists recording today, always finds something “new to say” musically on his recordings. Sanctuary of Light finds him operating solo and in a gentle, flowing musical vein. As one would expect, his harp playing takes center stage, but he also displays his talent on keyboards, piano, Native flute, recorder and even more! There is a delicate gentleness to the melodies throughout the album’s eight tracks, making this one of Sterling’s more relaxing and contemplative releases. Sanctuary of Light will make your cares and stress a distant memory as it insulates you from the chaos of the outside world.
Not many artists in the instrumental field can match Michael Whalen for his combination of composing and performing talent across a wide swath of genres, styles, and moods. Sacred Spaces, his latest, continues in the same vein as previous electronic keyboard recordings such as Dream Cycle and Nightscenes, both among my personal favorites. Whalen excels at “layering” his assortment of keyboards, textures, rhythms, and melodic lines, forming cohesive wholes for each track. “A Metaphysical Morning” kicks off the album is wonderful fashion with an assortment of twinkling tonalities and infectious rhythms. Each of the other nine songs each carve their own respective ear-pleasing musical niche. Bill Binkelman has been reviewing New Age, ambient, and world music since 1997. Email him at billbink01@gmail.com
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The 2020 COVR Visionary Awards by Karen Stuth, president of COVR For more than a quarter of a century, the Coalition of Visionary Resources has awarded COVR Visionary Awards to entries selected from among the best new products, audio-visual media, jewelry, music, and books in the Mind*Body*Spirit marketplace. Our Visionary Awards are the only awards of their kind in our industry. Both COVR members and non-members were eligible to enter the competition. COVR offers many subcategories that entrants may choose from; not every subcategory has entrants each year, and in other years COVR often adds new subcategories to reflect the many exciting and emerging categories of products and titles in the Mind-Body-Spirit industry. Voting in the COVR Visionary Awards is a bifurcated process, judged by both the COVR membership, consisting of active members of our industry, and also the general public. Votes from COVR’s members account for a weighted 60 percent of the total score. Votes from the general public make up the remaining 40 percent. The final scores result from the application of a proprietary algorithm developed by COVR administration. The change, made by COVR’s Board of Directors in 2015, has provided more entrants the opportunity to leverage the marketing potential of their entry by conducting a social media campaign or email campaign that draws their audience to vote for their book. “As always, we’re quite pleased with the breadth and quality of entries in each of our four major categories,“ noted COVR Awards Chair and Board of Directors member Alex Fernandez, a retailerowner of Hearthside Candles in Lincoln, Nebraska. “Voters are really presented with such an exceptional range of products in a wide variety of categories that we have for the past three years prepared a Voter’s Guide which members of COVR and also the general voting public can explore to learn more about each of the entries. This year’s awards program also included new opportunities for entries in a number of emerging categories. The entries considered this year well represent the growth and maturing of the Mind*Body*Spirit industry.” Fernandez also observed that distributors and retailers both inside of and outside of this niche industry should take note of the wonderful selection of entries and winners with an eye toward including these books in their own store inventories or catalogues. COVR Visionary Award winners include a gold, silver and bronze winner in most categories, depending on the number of subcategory entries. Each major category also includes an “Of the Year” winner – the entry with the highest combined and weighted score – as well as an Industry Choice – the highest number of COVR votes – and a People’s Choice Award – the highest number of general public votes – in each of the four major category. COVR is the trade association for the Mind Body Spirit industry. It supports the success of members by providing education, mentoring, discounts, and targeted networking. Visit www.covr.org for more information or to learn about becoming a member.
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AUDIO & VISUAL
Blogs
The Ark Animal Tarot & Oracle, Bernadette King & Heidi Sutherlin Gold Soundings Healthy Living Dreams Blog, Dudley Evenson Silver
E-Books Money Is an Energy Game, Margaret Donahue, Madeline Gerwick Gold
AUDIO & VISUAL OF THE YEAR
The Ark Animal Tarot & Oracle Deck, Bernadette King and Heidi Sutherlin Film Voice of the Ancestors, Grayhawk Gold
Frequency & Transformational Music The Infinite: Music for Heart and Brain Coherence, Barry Goldstein Gold
INDUSTRY CHOICE FOR AUDIO & VISUAL
The Infinite: Music for Heart and Brain Coherence, Barry Goldstein
PEOPLE’S CHOICE FOR AUDIO & VISUAL
Voice of the Ancestors (film), Grayhawk
In the Garden, SEAY Silver Blissful Magic: Spiral of the Celtic Mysteries, Grayhawk Bronze
Multimedia Music Guided Meditations Activating Your Sixth Sense: Golden Bowl Meditation, Maureen St. Germain Gold Journey Into Your Heart, Lee Harris and Barry Goldstein Silver
Iconic Music Reiki Chants, Jonathan Goldman Gold
Ambient Meditation, Grayhawk Gold Waves of Healing from Tropical Relaxation, Dudley Evenson and d’Rachael Silver
Podcasts & Radio Shows Soundings Podcast with Dean & Dudley Evenson, Dean and Dudley Evenson Gold
World Fusion Music Voice of the Ancestors, Grayhawk Gold Ignite the Heart 2, Barry Goldstein Silver Roots to Revolutions, The Bhakti House Band Bronze
Visionary Music Song of the Sidhe, Lia Scallon Gold Mystic Messages, Ben Brooks and Peter Day Silver Raise Your Words [Shanti Peace Prayer] feat. Bailee Brooks & the children of the Peace Love OM Project, The Bhakti House Band Bronze
BOOKS
Almanacs, Calendars & Datebooks Just for Today Calendar: A Year of Inspiration, Wendy Craig-Purcell, Laura Carl Gold 2020 The Good Timing Guide, Madeline C. Gerwick Silver Alternative Science Books Heal Your Soul History: Activate the True Power of Your Shadow, Tracee Dunblazier Gold
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 49
Giza’s Industrial Complex: Ancient Egypt’s Electrical Power & Gas Generating Systems, James Ernest Brown, Drs. JJ, Desiree Hurtak Silver Nikola Tesla: Afterlife Comments on Paraphysical Concepts, New Physics – Vol4, Nikola Tesla channeled by Francesca Thoman Bronze
PEOPLE’S CHOICE & INDUSTRY CHOICE FOR BOOKS
Energy Medicine for Animals By Diane Budd
Iconic Books Soul Healing with Our Animal Companions: The Hidden Keys to a Deeper Animal-Human Connection, Tammy Billups Gold Intuitive Intelligence: Make Life-Changing Decisions with Perfect Timing, Paul O’Brien Silver The Essence of Sound: Full Spectrum Vibrational Healing for the Meridians, Chakras, Auric Field & Figure Eight Energies, Evelyn Mulders Bronze
Autobiographical & Biographical Books Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatle’s Guru, Susan Shumsky Gold
Best Book Cover Design The Angel Experiment: A 21 Day Magical Adventure to Heal Your Life, Corin Grillo Gold Turn Me to Gold, Andrew Harvey photos by Brett Hurd, design by Haille Pavey Silver
Children’s Books You Are Like a Seed, Michaun Madsen, Alyssa de Asis Gold Secrets of the Flower Fairies, Carol Weakland Silver Silverspun Stories: Four More Enchanted Tales – Vol2, Francesca Thoman Bronze
Coloring Books Color Magic: A Collection of Pagan Inspired Coloring Pages for Meditation and Magic, Chris Dishaw, Alex Fernandez Gold
Contemporary Spirituality Books Opening the Akashic Records: Meet Your Record Keepers and Discover Your Soul’s Purpose, Maureen St. Germain Gold
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Heal Your Self with Journaling Power, Mari L. McCarthy Silver We Are More: A Roadmap to Mastery, John Bigelow Bronze
Self-Love Through the Sacred Feminine: A Guide Through the Paintings & Channelings of Jo Jayson, Jo Jayson Silver Dharma for Awakening and Social Change, Maetreyii Ma Nolan, PhD Bronze
Crystals & Gemstone Books Stones of the Goddess, Nicholas Pearson Gold Crystal Rhythms: Exploring the Energy Potentials of Crystals & Stones, Kate O’Dell Silver
Divination Books The Language of Tarot, Jeannie Reed Gold Born Under a Good Sign, Kristy Robinett Silver Tarot Correspondences, T. Susan Chang Bronze
Health & Healing Books Advanced Medical Intuition: 6 Underlying Causes of Illness and Unique Healing Methods, Tina Zion Gold
Journals Just for Today: A Journal for Conscious Living, Wendy Craig-Purcell, Laura Carl Gold
BOOK OF THE YEAR
Opening the Akashic Records: Meet Your Record Keepers and Discover Your Soul’s Purpose By Maureen St. Germain
Personal Growth & Self-Help Books
Visionary Non-Fiction Books
The Evolutionary Empath, Rev. Stephanie Red Feather, PhD Gold As You Feel, So You Heal: A Write of Passage, Donna DeNomme Silver Soul Conversations: A Medium Reveals Hoe to Cultivate Your Intuition, Heal Your Heart, and Connect with the Divine, Austyn Wells Bronze
The Way of the Lightkeeper: Your Inner Pathway to Spiritual Liberation, Catherine Grace Landry Gold Sew Witchy, Raechel Henderson Silver The Male Awakening: A Global Perspective, Rob Fournier Bronze
Pets & Animals Books Energy Medicine for Animals, Diane Budd Gold
Reincarnation, Death & Dying Wisdom of Souls, The Newton Institute Gold Heal Your Soul History: Activate the True Power of Your Shadow, Tracee Dunblazier Silver Love Never Dies: A Psychic Artist Illustrates The Stories of the Afterlife, Jane de Forest, Tara de Forest Bronze
Paganism & Shamanism Soul Conversations: A Medium Reveals How to Cultivate Your Intuition, Heal Your Heart, and Connect with the Divine, Austyn Wells Gold
Divine Feather Messenger Deck By Alisson DeNicola and David Scheirer
Wicca, Witchcraft & Magick Books Good Juju, Najah Lightfoot Gold Scottish Witchcraft, Barbara MeiklejohnFree Silver Honoring Your Ancestors, Mallorie Vaudoise Bronze
PRODUCTS
Aroma Products Ganesha Spray: Destroyer of Obstacles and Brings of Good Fortune, Margaret Ann Lembo Gold Mercury Retrograde Neutralizer, Jacki Smith Silver Divination Products 6th Sense Connection Oracle Cards, Anne-Marie McCormack
Beneath the Surface: A Teen’s Guide to Reaching Out When You or a Friend are in Crisis, Kristi Hugstad Gold
Gold Sacred Geometry of Relationships Oracle, LON Silver Odin and the Nine Realms Oracle, Sonja Grace Bronze
Visionary Fiction Books
Herbs, Teas & Herbal Products
Invisible Forest: Take the Walk, Christina Barnes Gold Miracle Minded Manager, John J. Murphy Silver Atlantis Writhing, Jean Brannon Bronze
UniTea Collection, Kaitlin Osman & Paige Drummond Gold Yin & Yang Seasonal Immune System Support Tinctures, Megan Murphy Silver Winner
Teen Books
PEOPLE’S CHOICE & INDUSTRY CHOICE FOR PRODUCTS
Home Décor, Clothing & Textile Products 3D Glow in the Dark Dragonfly Moon Tapestry, Taylar McRee Gold Love Lingo Tie-Dye 7 Chakra Colors Short Sleeve Tee, David A. Anderson Silver Tree Wisdom – Augmented Reality Tabletop Lamp, Veronica Vargas Bronze
Iconic Products SoulCards: Powerful Images for Insight & Creativity, Deborah Koff-Chapin Gold Sound Essence Chakra Balancers – Whole Notes, Evelyn Mulders Silver Oracle of Initiation Divination Deck & Book, Mellissae Lucia Bronze
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 51
Inspirational & Transformational Products Cosmic Cat Wisdom Cards and Guidebook, Randy Crutcher, Barb Horn, Teresa Shishim Gold Mystic Sisters Oracle, Emily Balivet Silver Archangel Zadkiel Spray: Angel of Mercy, Margaret Ann Lembo Bronze
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
The Ark Animal Tarot & Oracle Deck By Bernadette King and Heidi Sutherlin
Manifestation Products Saint Germain Spray: The Violet Flame, Margaret Ann Lembo Gold Intention Dice, Kaitlin Osman, Laura Carl Silver Raven’s Wands Oracle, Steven Hutton Bronze
Personal Products Clarity – Aromatherapy Spray, Sheri Noordam Gold Reiki Oracle Deck, Claudette Knox & Gena Wilson Silver
Print Magazine Retailing Insight Magazine, editor: Roberta Gazzarolle Gold
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Unity Magazine, editor: Katy Koonz, design: Hailee Pavey, Laura Carl, Mark Szymanski Silver
Tabletop Games Hope’s Heart Tarot Deck & The Seeker’s Journey Layout Board Set, Joan Kristin Haugan Gold
Tarot Decks The Ark Animal Tarot & Oracle Deck, Bernadette Kind & Heidi Sutherlin Gold Herbcrafter’s Tarot, Joanna Powell Colbert & Latisha Guthrie Silver The Tarot of Enchanted Dreams, Yasmeen Westwood Bronze
PEOPLE’S CHOICE & INDUSTRY CHOICE FOR JEWELRY
Zero Waste Necklace By Szilvia Gogh
Tarot Products Modern Witch Tarot Extras, Lisa Sterle Gold
Visionary Products Divine Feather Messenger Deck, Alison DeNicola & David Scheirer Gold
JEWELRY
Iconic Jewelry Tree Spirit Silver Pendant, Uma Silbey Gold
Jewelry w/Stones Aqua Aura Fork Bracelet, Uma Silbey Gold
JEWELRY OF THE YEAR
Metatron’s Cube By Christopher Olson
Tagua Nut Half Moon Face, Sabine Koehring Silver I am Who I am – Affirmation Mindfulness Wrap Bracelet, Szilvia Gogh Bronze
Precious Metal Jewelry Metatron’s Cube Christopher Olson Gold Tree Spirit Silver Ring, Uma Silbey Silver Sterling Silver Pegacorn w/Gold Horn, Michael Zeff Bronze
Visionary Jewelry Zero Waste Necklace, Szilvia Gogh
Gold
Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 53
TakeFive
5 Hints to Help Your Business Navigate These Times Before the Holiday Season Begins By Sue Wilhite Many small businesses, and particularly retail stores in America, are struggling due to the chaos introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to survive, and possibly even thrive during these trying times, it’s necessary to resourceful and innovative. Most of the advice to follow centers on customers, but there is more to success than just generating revenue (I know, shocking concept, but bear with me!) First and foremost, it is about relationship management. Stay in front of your customers through newsletters, social media, postcards, etc. The more you can reach out to them and become a local resource for what they want and need most, the better for you and your store in the long run. You cannot afford to be passive in this time of ongoing crises and hope that customers will suddenly appear. You must become their advocate and a better resource than the online competition because you show you care directly about them – while utilizing some of the benefits of being online. In addition, strengthen your relationships with your vendors – they are struggling too, so discover ways you can help each other. Don’t be shy. Build your reputation as someone they WANT to do business with and help. Create a vendor roundtable. Create co-promotions online and offline. It is going to take more work, but in the long run you will have a better business. In that frame of mind, here are some resources, advice, and tips for you to put in place to help you gear up for the all-important Holiday season!
1
Have a Virtual Presence for Sales. Because people turned to online shopping in record numbers during the lockdowns, you MUST be online to stay top-of-mind for your customers. If you don’t have an ecommerce website already up and running, set up a Facebook business page featuring a store with your top sellers. Or use Instagram to feature new products that can be bought with just a click. Facebook has excellent tutorials on how to set either of these up. Wix and Squarespace make creating websites easy. Just point and click, then add some pictures and prices. You can also create some “how-tos” about using products and post those article on Wix, Squarespace and on your social media, including LinkedIn, to build your credibility and exposure.
2
Hold a Customer Loyalty Sale. You know who your best
customers are, and you’ve got ways to get in touch with them, right? Reach out to those who’ve supported you through this latest crisis and say Thank You with a personally written card. Offer them something: a gift card, a special shopping day (think premieres/new
54 RetailingInsight
products or a popular vendor trunk sale), a discount (either one-time or maybe once a month for the rest of the year). What would make them super happy? Be creative!
3
Hold a Sidewalk Sale. During physical distancing restrictions,
you can bring your stock outside to feature special products or products that are easy no-brainers to buy. Entertainment and self-care tend to be picked up fastest. Think about bundling products together at a good discount. Working with your vendors would be exceptionally valuable for that process.
4
Hold Virtual Events – card readings, classes, guided meditations, etc. Events (virtual or otherwise) are a personal
favorite, as events build a sense of community. Two keys to these events: be consistent by creating a theme and sticking to it, and get talented people who exude charm and charisma to help you. Guest speakers or readers from outside your area may create curiosity and get more people paying attention. Create a book club or a product of the month club. It will take time to build up, so hang in there. If you can, get permission to record the events, and offer them to your best customers as a bonus.
5
Make Product Videos. They don’t have to be fancy or expensive – a smartphone, a tripod, and a flexible desk lamp will get the job done. Feature tools for troubled times, or new releases, or just your favorite things. You don’t need a script, just your product knowledge and enthusiasm will carry the day. You might even invite a special customer to participate with you as a bonus! Create them consistently – not necessarily daily, but at least twice a week and post at a particular time. These are also excellent social media outreach posts for you. Zoom or Google Meet video conferencing apps are easy to set up and learn, and you can upload them to your social media. Sue Wilhite is a best-selling author, Law of Attraction coach, and Certified Biofield Tuning Practitioner. After working for and owning businesses large and small, including running an independent bookstore, Sue found that her biggest passion is helping entrepreneurs get over their money blocks so they can have a thriving business, leading to her nickname as the “Profit Attraction Master.” Sue is known as a brilliant and inspiring speaker, and loves to make difficult or complex subjects understandable and relatable. To know about Sue, visit www.sue.gotmygocard.com
Special Section HOLIDAY GIFTS Adorable & Affordable for Quick Sales! Our lower priced sterling silver jewelry line remains consistent with meticulous workmanship and high quality sparkling gemstones. Our glowing Labradorite Swirls Ring wholesales for only $9. Save even more by ordering Discounted Packs. Call Elaine for a custom-made pack that will suit your customer’s taste. Quick & Free Holiday Shipping, Oct. thru Dec.
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STUNNINGLY CRAFTED HOME DECOR & GIFTS Each product is handcrafted by an artisan from natural materials in rural Africa. Trending color stories and high quality contemporary statement pieces for the home. Plus, unique and thoughtful gifts that give back this holiday season. Easy ordering. Low minimums. Free shipping for orders over $1k through December 2020.
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Holiday Edition I September/October 2020 55
AdvertiserIndex Benjamin International............................................... 24 800-488-4699 I www.benjamininternational.com
Inner Traditions I Bear & Co........................................ 25 800-246-8648 I www.innertraditions.com
Shaman's Dawn............................................................ 39 855-229-7928 I www.shamansdawn.com/wholesale
Coventry Creations...................................................... 16 800-810-3837 I www.coventrywholesale.com
Kamibashi .................................................................... 18 828-333-5166 I www.kamibashi.com
Soundings of the Planet ............................................. 17 800-937-3223 I www.soundings.com
Crystal Garden, The .................................................... 24 877-444-5099 I www.thecrystalgarden.com
KAZI .................................................................. cover, 55 858-333-8484 I www.kazigoods.com
SoulCards ........................................... inside front cover www.soulcards.com
Crystal Earth Studio..................................................... 42 866-345-1910 I www.crystalearthstudio.com
Kheops International, Inc. .......................39, back cover 800-215-8705 I www.kheopsinternational.com
Starlinks ...................................................................... 25 800-867-4344 I www.starlinksgifts.com
Culture Spot ................................................................ 22 www.culturespot.com
Llewellyn Publications ................................................ 38 877-639-97-53 I www.llewellyn.com
Stephanie Jane ............................................................ 55 585-756-2262 I www.stephaniejane.com
DeVorss Publications................................................... 11 800-843-5743 I www.devorss.com
Mandala Arts............................................................... 25 800-344-8072 I www.mandalaarts.com
Steven Halpern I Inner Peace Music............................. 9 www.stevenhalpernmusic.com
Dragon’s Eye Incense................................................... 53 800-774-0301 I www.dragonseyeincense.com
Nature’s Artifacts ........................................................ 18 888-895-3017 I www.natures-artifacts.com
Sun's Eye Inc. ............................................................... 46 800-786-7393 I www.sunseye.com
dZi Handmade ............................................................. 14 800-318-5857 I www.dzi.com
New Leaf Distributing Co.,........................................... 33 800-326-2665 I www.newleaf-dist.com
U.S. Games Systems, Inc. ............................................ 33 800-544-2637 I www.usgamesinc.com
Ericka Boussarhane..................................................... 43 850-941-4321 I www.psychicschoolhouse.com
New Life Foundation .................................................. 40 800-293-3377 I www.anewlife.org
We’Moon .................................................................... 23 503-288-3588 I www.wemoon.ws
Esprit Creations Inc............................................... 26, 55 352-316-6130 I www.espritcreations.com
New World Library ...................................................... 11 800-972-6657 Ext.20 I www.newworldlibrary.com
Wellstone .................................................................... 42 800-544-8773 I www.wellstonejewelry.com
Eternal-Ice ................................................................... 46 307-754-4396 I www.eternal-ice.com
Raiders of the Lost Art................................................. 43 800-527-4367 I www.raiderocks.com
Windrose Trading........................................................ 40 800-229-3731 I www.windrosetrading.com
Flying Wish Paper........................................................ 55 503-914-3978 I www.flyingwishpaper.com
Red Wheel/Weiser ....................................................... 8 800-423-7087 I www.redwheelweiser.com
World Buyers .............................................................. 23 800-996-7531 I www.worldbuyers.com
Gaia’s World................................................................. 43 866-605-1191 I www.gaiasworld.com
Schiffer Books.............................................................. 41 610-593-1777 I www.redfeathermbs.com
Zen and Meow............................................................. 47 717-229-1138 I www.zenandmeow.com
Goddess Design Studio................................................ 52 570-982-3230 I goddessdesignstudio@yahoo.com
Seeds of Light, Inc. .............................. inside back cover 800-378-4327 I www.dreamseeds.com
Zen Stone Garden, The ............................................... 47 541-961-1285 I www.kellybarker.com
Heart & Lotus .............................................................. 43 www.heartandlotus.com
Self-Realization Fellowship......................................... 15 888-773-8680 I www.srfpublishers.org
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