The summer of 2009 marked Scentsy’s fifth anniversary and the company celebrated by giving their employees and their local business community a huge gift. Their gift was so well received and effective that they’re reaching out to the entire country with a simple idea that can have a big impact on local economies.

The goal of Scentsy’s “Contribute 2009″ campaign is “to inspire 100,000 people to pledge to spend an extra $50 at locally owned small businesses on October 12, 2009.” And they expect a ripple effect that will multiply the benefit. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, when you purchase from a locally owned business rather than a national chain, more of that money goes back into your local community.

Participate and show your support for your local small businesses. Learn more and sign the “Contribute 2009″ pledge at http://www.scentsycontribute.org/. Spread the word and encourage others to join in.

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Idaho based Scentsy Inc. independent consultants sell scented, wickless (flameless) candles at home parties and through other direct sales methods. Learn more about the company and home business opportunity by contacting one of the consultants listed in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

Entertaining at Home Inc. recently announced their acquisition of Southern Living at Home from Time Inc.

Entertaining at Home is itself a new company that got its start last year when founders Bill and Robin Shaw and a group of investors purchased the company from the Reader’s Digest Association. The Shaws are highly respected in the industry and bring years of experience to their company roles.

Edited 8/18/09 to add: While not from an official source, I found information suggesting that the companies won’t be combined into one, but will continue to operate as separate entities.

Find more information about both companies in our home decor company directory.

Touchstone Crystal, Inc., recently announced the acquisition of Little Black Dress® and will include their line of sterling silver jewelry in their 2009 fall catalog. Touchstone offers fashion jewelry made with Swarovski Crystals and personalized with a Touchstone charm.

Little Black Dress’s founders Robert McCannel and Erich Yost have joined Touchstone’s corporate team.

For more information about the company and to find out how to become a jewelry consultant, visit the Touchstone Crystal information page in the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

Earlier this year two well-known home decor companies merged (see Two Big Names in Home Decor Become One) and Two Sisters Gourmet was acquired by Partylite (read more about Partylite in our Candle Company Directory.

Image courtesy of ellievanhoutte.

Image courtesy of Lori-B.

If you are in the know about jewelry you probably already know about dichroic glass gems. I just learned about them while writing up a directory listing for a new jewelry direct sales party plan, Allura Designs.

Using a process that was developed by NASA to protect satellites, Allura’s artists produce unique, brilliantly colored gems for their jewelry.

Independent consultants sell the dichroic glass jewelry at home parties and through other direct sales methods, earning up to 35% commission on sales. Consultants can earn additional income by building a team and there is a new consultant bonus program.

To learn more about the Allura Designs consultant opportunity, visit the InternetBasedMoms.com direct sales directory.

Home & Garden Party recently acquired Home Interiors to create Celebrating Home, the largest home decor party plan company in the United States. More than 125,000 independent consultants will continue to market home decor and home entertaining products.

Home & Garden Party was founded in 1996 and headquartered in Marshall, Texas, now the home of Celebrating Home. Dallas Based Home Interiors & Gifts began in 1957.

Learn more about Celebrating home at HomeDecorBusiness.com

Many people think that if a company files bankruptcy it means they are going out of business. Often that is not the case. If fact, certain types of bankruptcy filings serve the opposite purpose – to keep a company in business.

On April 29, 2008, Home Interiors voluntarily filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States bankruptcy code. The Texas based direct sales party plan company has been selling home decor products for more than 50 years. They currently operate in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and the bankruptcy filing involves only their US operations.

This type of filing allows the company to continue to operate the business in much the same way as they did before the filing. In public information on their website, Home Interiors states that their intention is to “use the protections afforded by Chapter 11 to restructure our debt and restore our financial health and profitability.” In their FAQ for consultants they ask their representatives to continue to sell product and recruit new consultants.

The company clearly has a plan to come out financially secure and with a successful future. In my opinion, their willingness to publicly address some of the many questions consultants have is an indication of their confidence in the restructuring plan. And most important for consultants who may be making decisions about their future with the company, it provides accurate information on which to base decisions rather than forcing them to try and determine whether outside sources have all the facts.

For more information about the Home Interiors consultant opportunity, visit HomeDecorBusiness.com’s Home Interiors information page.

Avon Products, Inc. has partnered with well-known financial expert Suze Orman to provide advice to it’s US consultants. Orman will speak at events and provide webcasts and offer personal advice through email.

Source: FoxBusiness.com’s article “Avon Products, Inc. Partners with Acclaimed Financial Expert Suze Orman to Educate and Empower Women”

Arizona based Gold Canyon Candles has expanded its reach to offer their business opportunity in the United Kingdom. It’s UK branch is headquartered in Chester, England. Learn more at http://www.goldcanyon.co.uk.

Get information on other candle home party plan businesses at
CandleSalesBusiness.com.

AtHome America’s new president and CEO Joey Carter recently acquired controlling interest in the company. Co-founders Becky Wright and Lisa Brandau will stay on as executive vice presidents and board members.

Independent HomeStyle Specialists market the Illinois company’s home decor products through home parties, online, and other direct sales methods.

Find additional information about AtHome America and connect with an independent representative at HomeDecorBusiness.com.

Read the complete news release at AtHome.com.

Jafra Cosmetics International Inc.’s new CEO, Frank P. Mineo, has old plans for the company. He wants to refocus the company and its independent consultants on the marketing method that has helped the company achieve over 50 years of success – the home party. The company is also expanding into new markets and recently released a new skin care line.

Get more information about the company at MakeupBusiness.com.