Monday, April 22, 2013

Spotlight on Mom: Sally Short of Zymbol -- Includes Product Review and Giveaway


Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views I share are mine and mine alone.





Women's Small Sterling Pendant

I stumbled upon this week's Spotlight Mom, Sally Short of Zymbol, when putting together my Mother's Day Gift Guide.  I always look for unique gifts that can be treasured for years to come, and love when I can find them created by moms.  If you have never heard or seen a Zymbol pendant up close, you are missing out, as this interactive pendant is really amazing, as is the back story.

How Zymbol Came About?:

"Zymbol™ was ‘accidentally’ created when company Founder Sally Short was doodling, and wrote down the phrase ‘LOVE IS ALL U NEED' stacking each letter on top of the next, and then adding a peace sign to complete the design.

Sally then sent the design off to be cast as a ‘Love and Peace' pendant.  But something happened when the Short family received the pendant; they randomly saw it sitting sideways and noticed a ‘K' popping out.

“There is no ‘K' in the phrase LOVE IS ALL U NEED,” commented Sally’s Daughter Merida.

That motivated the family to see what other letters they could find and they ended up uncovering EVERY LETTER of the ALPHABET and EVERY NUMBER hidden within the symbol!

The Short Family decided to create a line of Interactive Empowerment Jewelry based around the symbol. They named it Zymbol as it is a symbol that represents all letters A through Z.



How is it Interactive?

ZYMBOL™ allows you, or the person who receives it as a gift, to TRACE out a message of inspiration while wearing it. The message can change and evolve with the person or remain consistent. Set your intention for the day or use it to S-P-E-L-L out important names, dates, phrases and goals. The possibilities are endless. "


Watch as Merida & Dane (MERIDANE) explain how their interactive line of jewelry was 'accidentally' created. You will also learn about the 'unlimited possibilities' when wearing this unique jewelry.

Isn't this cool?  I thought so, not only when I stumbled across the website, but also when I received a necklace to review.  


Upon taking the pendant out to the box, I unfolded the brochure that comes with it, which shows you how to draw or find all the letters and numbers in your Zymbol jewelry (as seen above). And, you can also use this card to trace a message and share if you are giving this interactive piece as a gift.

Women's Small Sterling Pendant

I don't know about you, but my moods change often, and I love this pendant, as I can change up its meaning based upon how I am feeling.  There are certain days I wear the necklace and think about daughters' names and birthdays, while other days I wear it as a cancer survivor, in honor of those that I have loved who have passed, or even to get inspiration for my writing.  However, I choose to wear my Zymbol necklace, it always gains attention when I am out and about in public and people notice the design.  At first, they are intrigued solely by the design.  But, when I tell them the story about how the Zymbol came about, and begin pointing out the different letters of the alphabet, along with numbers, they, too, are amazed.  And, more times than not they say they want one for themselves, or know a person who this would make a great gift for. :-)  I couldn't disagree with them, as I love my Zymbol pendant, and plan to buy one for my Mom this Mother's Day.  She has been eying my necklace since I received it, and I can't wait to see what personal meaning her own Zymbol pendant will hold for her -- maybe her anniversary, the family name, her favorite quote, or simply all her grandchildren's names and birthdays. Whichever way she chooses to wear her Zymbol pendant, I know she will love showing it off, and sharing what the necklace means to her, with family and friends.

So, with Mother's Day (and Father's Day) right around the corner, why not order a Zymbol pendant for your Mom or Grandmother?  This is definitely one gift that will be enjoyed and treasured for years to come.  Just be ready to order another, as you will fall in love with it once you see the Zymbol up close and begin to trace out the letters and numbers that make up the design -- and, you will wish you had bought one for yourself. :-)
 
Visit their website their website to learn more, or to place an order today -- http://www.ZYMBOL.net. And, don't forget to follow Zymbol on Facebook for news and special offers, as well as to share the special meaning your Zymbol pendant holds for you.

After you are done buying a few pendants for yourself to give as gifts, make sure you head back here and enjoy my Spotlight on Mom Interview with the creator behind the Zymbol, Sally Short.


---BUY NOW---


You can purchase the Zymbol for only $42 as a small sterling silver pendant and $52 for the larger version at https://www.zymbol.net.  In addition to this pendant, you can also purchase bracelets, earrings, dog tags and charms, that people of all ages will enjoy wearing.   

Sterling Charm with lobster clasp Orange Acrylic EarringsBlack Acrylic Earrings

The Zymbol pendant, as well as their other products are available  for purchase in sterling silver, stainless steel, pewter, wood and colored acrylic -- which only makes this unique gift that much more special, as you can choose the color that is right for you or the one you plant to share the Zymbol piece with. 

And, just for Inspired by Savannah readers, make sure you use coupon code "SAVANNAH" at checkout to receive 15% off all online orders


--GIVEAWAY--


One lucky reader will win a small Pewter Zymbol pendant, to keep for yourself, or share that special someone in your life.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
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Spotlight on Mom Interview with Sally Short of Zymbol



Name: Sally Short
Company Name/Product/Service: Zymbol
Company Location: Durango, Colorado
Company Website: www.ZYMBOL.net
Twitter Handle: @Meridane_Design
Age of Company: 4 years
Favorite Inspirational Quotes: ‘LOVE IS ALL U NEED’
Favorite Book: Anything by Eckhart Tolle


Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How many children do you have?  What are their ages? Your hobbies? Etc.

I am an outdoor enthusiast as I have lived in Colorado for the past 35 years.  I have two Children – Merida 31 & Dane 29.  I actually put their two names together to create the name of my company, Meridane Design!  My Husband jay and I enjoy traveling whenever we get the chance.

Briefly explain your business.  How did it come about?

I was doodling, that’s it!  I wrote down the phrase ‘LOVE IS ALL U NEED’ stacking each letter on top of the next and then added a peace sign on top. I really liked how the design looked (along with its message) so I sent it off to be cast as a ‘LOVE & PEACE’ pendant. But something happened when we received the pendant; my children randomly saw it sitting sideways and noticed a ‘K' popping out. Since there is no ‘K' in the phrase LOVE IS ALL U NEED,”  it motivated my family to see what other letters we could find and we ended up uncovering EVERY LETTER of the ALPHABET and EVERY NUMBER hidden within the symbol! We decided to create a line of Interactive Empowerment Jewelry based around the Symbol. How is it interactive? The fact that this ONE SYMBOL contains every letter of the alphabet means that you, or the person who receives it as a gift, can S-P-E-L-L out a personal message while wearing it. The message can change and evolve with the person or remain consistent. You can set your intention for the day or use it to spell out important names, dates, phrases and goals. The possibilities are endless. For every Symbol we sell – one is gifted to a Children’s Hospital.

What is a typical work day like?

I start out by talking to my son who has taken on the role as CEO.  He will break down the day’s activities and I usually end up on a conference call, in a meeting or making jewelry.

What has been a struggle while starting up your company? 

Marketing. On a bootstrapped budget it is really tough to get the word out about our product & movement. You’ve got to get creative!

What did you do in your past work life?

I had a lace jewelry company back in the early 90’s.

What have been some of your major successes?

We’ve been featured in media outlets such as PEOPLE en espanol, Huffington Post and Hollywood Today.  The feature I am most proud of is when FOX 7 in Austin followed my son into a Children’s Hospital to highlight our ‘Zymbol Drops’.  The first time I found out someone had tattooed the Zymbol on their body I was shocked!  It turns out, 13 other people had done it as well. Zymbol really touches people on a personal level. Every time we set-up and sell our product face-to-face someone cries upon hearing our story….it is truly amazing.

What have been some of your major challenges?

Our product is story driven.  Without the story, it is just another piece of jewelry.  That presents a challenge when entering into retail locations.  We need to be able to have our retail display/packaging tell the story…which is a major challenge.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?

The main intention of our product is to INSPIRE. We hope that when people wear it, it contains an inspiring name, date or phrase that is close to their heart.  Plus, every time I need motivation I think about the inspiration we provide to the children in the hospital.

What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?

I’m extremely lucky because this is a family business.  My family talks on a daily basis.

What is next for your business?

We just signed a partnership with Melissa Gorga from the Real Housewives of New Jersey.  We have some very exciting co-markings campaigns coming up in the next few months.  We also intend to meet with HSN by the end of the 2nd quarter.

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?

Rather than always focusing on some day in the future when your business is successful, focus more on enjoying the process of building the business. 


 
Visit their website their website to learn more, or to place an order today -- http://www.ZYMBOL.net. And, don't forget to follow Zymbol on Facebook for news and special offers, as well as to share the special meaning your Zymbol necklace holds for you.


Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views I share are mine and mine alone.

2 comments :

  1. It's a beautiful pendant. I'd keep it!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this design: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151638932346202&set=pb.110061561201.-2207520000.1367382413.&type=3&theater/Holly Cunningham/Thanks for the chance....

    ReplyDelete