 |  | Hi Grommet Fan,
Fact #1: Running a small business is HARD. 😅
Like us, entrepreneurs go through their fair share of ups and downs when creating their businesses.
Today we’re sharing a few of our favorite maker stories about small business owners who powered through the hard times and came away stronger.
You’ll get an inside look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of creating a brand from the ground up! 👍 |
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1. Alleyoop: This Los Angeles-based mom is a serial entrepreneur whose 4-in-1 makeup tool helps women get ready faster & easier |  | The Maker: Leila Kashani Manshoory from Los Angeles, California
The Story: Leila’s nickname is Wonder Woman. No, not officially, but we think the title fits. As Director of Fun at Alleyoop, Leila is a one-woman powerhouse who’s already done more in her career than most ever will. She’s worked with massive brands like Columbia and Nike, talked to moms in her role at a popular toy company, and launched multiple successful product lines. (Not to mention raising her daughter!)
The details: Her latest endeavor, Alleyoop, is designed for busy women like her who don’t have hours to spare getting ready each morning. Her 4-in-1 brush packs all of your makeup essentials into ONE easy-to-carry tool. The Multi-Tasker brush can be used to apply foundation, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner and to fill in brows in seconds. Drop it into your purse on the way out the door and finish your routine on the go.
The deal: Leila’s most popular offer is her buy 2, get 1 free deal which secures a $25 discount + free shipping. | | Buy from Leila |
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2. The Wine Wand: Meet the father/son team on a mission to eliminate wine headaches once & for all |  | The Maker: Dr. David Meadows & Derek Meadows from Colleyville, Texas
The Story: This father/son duo has something in common with a lot of us: they love wine, but hate the headaches! Like true scientists, they got to work on a solution. After 2+ years of failures, they finally locked in on the winning formula. The ‘Eureka moment’ came one day in the lab when David and Derek found the precise means to selectively remove histamines and sulfites without otherwise changing the chemistry of wine.
The details: The Wine Wand is so popular because it blocks wine headaches without impacting the wine’s taste. That’s a BIG deal for wine lovers. (Because what good is a headache-free evening if the wine tastes bad?) The Wand’s patented purification technology uses resin beads to actively absorb up to 95% of headache-causing sulfites in your wine. Simply stir The Wand in your wine prior to drinking - that’s it!
The deal: This made-in-the-USA product has several discounted offers available to Grommet shoppers including the 40-pack of Wands for $60 off right now. | | Buy from David & Derek |
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3. Mia V-Neck: This New York father & daughter source merino from Australia to make the world’s finest t-shirt |  | The Maker: Nicole Calleo Hawley from Binghamton, New York
The Story: Nicole is definitely a “Jane of all trades”. From product design and fashion planning to sourcing and budgeting, Nicole does pretty much everything for Woolx, the apparel brand she started with her father, Joe. Woolx is her baby and she cares deeply about every detail of their best-selling merino t-shirt, the Mia V-Neck. It’s certainly not cheap to source genuine merino wool from Australia, but there’s truly no better material to make a t-shirt out of.
The details: This ultra-popular shirt is, of course, extra comfortable, but the reason Nicole has trouble keeping it in stock is because of its temperature-regulating and anti-odor properties. This special odor-destroying fabric doesn’t stink even if you wear the shirt for days between washes. And since it keeps you cool and comfortable, it's perfect for hot summer months like these.
The deal: The Mia V-Neck is nothing like the cheap shirts they toss into the crowd at sporting events. This premium v-neck will last for years and will become your new favorite tee. Get 10% off with “SUMMER10” at checkout. | | Buy from Nicole |
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4. Azuna: This busy dad used a pile of stinky laundry as inspiration to invent an all-natural way to tackle nasty smells |  | The Maker: Scott Dancy from Buffalo, New York
The Story: Scott started Azuna after a broken washing machine left his clothes smelling like they’d paid a visit to the local dump. He tried everything to get rid of the smell, but was shocked when he tried a Tea Tree gel prototype that took away the smell like magic. After perfecting the formula, Scott launched Azuna, a non-toxic, all-natural air purifier and odor eliminator brand that removes nasty smells from anywhere.
The details: Azuna works by removing nasty smells from homes, apartments, cars, RV's, or anywhere else with a foul stench. It destroys odor-causing molecules like bacteria, mold, smoke, and mildew on contact. You’ll be left with a fresh and clean area and forget all about that horrible smell that once lingered.
The deal: You can save 20% right now thanks to Scott’s special “Subscribe & Save” discount! (Check out his site for additional savings, too!) | | Buy from Scott |
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5. MUD\WTR: This former “tech bro” left his high-stress job to start his morning a different way — without jittery coffee |  | The Maker: Shane Heath from Los Angeles, California
The Story: After a Silicon Valley tech job left Shane stressed out and addicted to caffeine, he decided that he HAD to cut back on his coffee drinking. But quitting coffee wasn’t easy. He experienced anxiety and depression and realized he needed to find something to drink each morning.
The details: Shane’s solution? Drink mud instead! (Don’t worry, it’s not actually mud…) MUD\WTR is a coffee alternative consisting of 100% organic cacao, herbs, and functional mushrooms. It contains just a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee but gives you energy, focus, and immune support without the jitters, crash, or fitful sleep.
The deal: Try this coffee alternative for yourself today for 33% off! (That’s $20 in savings!) Shane’s popular starter kit has everything you need. | | Buy from Shane |
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