Copycat Creation

In today's marketplace, we have grown accustomed to hearing about knock-off designer handbags and pirated computer software.  But a village?  Seriously?  Yes, it is true.  For years, some Chinese tourists have been taking measurements along with photographs of one of their favorite villages, Hallstatt, Austria.  According to dailymotion.com's video on youtube, plans are underway to recreate the village in China. 

The idea to replicate an entire village from another country is outlandish enough to generate worldwide press and interest.  I wonder if we, the world audience, are disturbed by this story.  While Hallstatt business owners served the Chinese tourists for years, their businesses and historical landmarks were being measured and painstakingly detailed for future use elsewhere.  In years to come, Hallstatt hospitality will have been rewarded with a decline in tourist revenue from their former Chinese tourists.

Some will say that this is an example of business as usual.  Indeed, it is a business-beware scenario, where one had better get everything patented and registered, or someone will steal his or her idea and run to the bank.  Well, it used to be idea; now it appears Austrian villages are up for grabs, too. 

At Georgia Vivienne Creations, I strive to offer home decor products from microbusinesses and mompreneurs who work hard to provide for their families and grow their businesses.  I strive to offer primarily products that are made in America, although I do have a few products that are made overseas by American entrepreneurs out of necessity for offering a competitive price.  I also sell fair-trade products from overseas which help create jobs in these communities.  I am excited about the products I currently offer and look forward to buying from even more microbusinesses and mompreneurs in the years to come.  Come check GVC out and see some of the handmade products at http://www.georgiaviv.com.

Featured MicroBusiness Product for May

Have you ever gone shopping and come home to find that you have 20 grocery bags?  Sometimes these bags have holes from carrying lightweight items.  Other times bags with two or three items inside are double bagged.  I scratch my head when that happens.  It puzzles me that stores use such weak bags when a lot of their customers haul their purchases on the bus system, on bicycle rides, and up a couple flights of stairs.

Approximately one year ago, I discovered Esse Reusable Bags, a great alternative to taking chances on grocery bags from stores.   GVC sells the Esse Everyday Bag in blue, black, and green.  These bags are made from Renewtex, a material created from recycling plastic bottles.  They replace two shopping bags and can carry up to 20 pounds.  They also fold up with an attached elastic band for compact storage.  The Everyday Bag has about as many purposes as you can imagine.  It can be a gift bag, a grocery bag, or even a feather-weight purse alternative if you don't mind the top being open. 

Esse Reusable Bags is American owned and operated by two women.  Their Everyday Bags are simple, stylish, and great for saving space.  Visit the GVC storefront at http://www.georgiaviv.com and check out the Everyday bags yourself.