Because Giving Back is Paying it Forward!
By now you know a lot about Carved Solutions and what makes us tick. You also know that I wear my heart on my sleeve and there are moments where what is in my heart has to come out. This is one of those moments.
I’m certain that you feel as I do, often finding tears welling up in my eyes as I attempt to watch life in Haiti on “CNN“. Overwhelmed just by seeing the suffering, the heartbreak, the unbelievable disaster to those already in need. As I child, witnessing the world’s experience through the eyes of dedicated reporters I would often ask my Daddy, “Why?” his answer was always the same “Baby, life’s not fair; I don’t know why”. As a grown woman, a wife, a mamma, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a business owner ~ it is not for me to judge why this happened but it is for me to stand up and ask what should I do?
So many charities (remember charities aren’t just organizations they are people like you and me that really need an extra hand) have been effected by the tightening of the economy. I know it’s hard to give when you don’t have a lot to give but it’s that kind of giving that really makes a difference!
As I prepare for the NYIGF next week – part of me is so filled with excitement for the show, excitement to share with you what’s new at Carved Solutions, excitement for what 2010 has planned for Carved Solutions and all who work with us. But another part of me, my deepest core, knows that responsibilities to others comes first.
With that said, Carved Solutions has partnered with UNICEF and will be donating 50% of all GROSS sales for this week (thru Friday 01.29.10). Please add #Haiti in the special request field so we may acknowledge your contribution.
I know it is a child’s wish, but could you imagine if every soldier from every country was given the gift of putting down their arms, setting aside their differences and all came together to rebuild Haiti – I imagine “Extreme Makeover – Home Edition” as “Extreme Makeover – Country Edition” – wouldn’t that be a dream come true?
Together, we WILL make a difference for Haiti and in turn Haiti WILL make a difference in the world – bringing the best out in each of us!
Peace, love & light,
~Dawn
Happy Holidays from Carved Solutions!!
Most of us have a holiday we celebrate in December. Mike and I are the kind of folks that embrace everyone’s celebration – if it’s important to you; it’s important to us!
Presents are a great part of celebrating Christmas – it’s always fun to give or receive a gift, to be thought of in a special way and to celebrate the experience with those closest to us. This is one of the main reasons we created Carved Solutions – we wanted to make gift-giving personal again , we wanted to bring thought and feeling, quality and true workmanship, and practical eco-luxury to the marketplace.
One of the most amazing gifts this time of year is reflection. As I reflect upon the journey of how Carved Solutions has become the most desired brand of monogrammed soaps and candles I can’t help but to find myself humbled and completely overcome with gratitude. Each and every one of our clients and vendors has played a notable role in creating who we are today. For that guidance, we eternally thank you!
For our clients, you’ve taught us from your experience what you want most from a personalized soap company: the value outstanding quality in products and production, stellar client care, dependability, honesty and integrity and our vendors, you’ve taught us the importance of loyalty, teamwork, collaboration, and being truly Made in the USA. In fact, we are the only personalized soap company with US made packaging. We don’t just say “Made in the USA”; we ARE “Made in the USA”. Would it be more cost effective to go overseas? Absolutely! But the value of keeping jobs in the USA outweighs perceived savings; those jobs employ our neighbors, our friends, and our family (it’s important to see the big picture).
Presents come in many forms and when you give the gift of a Carved Solutions personalized eco-luxury product you give back in many ways. Giving back is important to us at Carved Solutions.
We do our best to support Fresh Water Water-borne illness is the second highest cause of childhood death in the world.
Women’s Rape Crisis Center Everyone deserves to live free of violence. Vermont is a great place to live and we are happy to be a part of “Building A Safer Vermont”.
Vermont Youth Orchestra (VYOA) has enriched the lives of Vermont’s youth for more than forty years.Ronald McDonald House in collaboration with Alpha Delta Pi we have the opportunity to share with the Ronald McDonald House. The RMH provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill and injured children who much travel to receive treatment at children’s hospitals.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure 1 in 8 women will experience breast cancer. My own mother is a two time breast cancer survivor!
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption a national nonprofit 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 150,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, who was adopted as a child.
MDA Helping Jerry’s Kids is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education
Champlain College’s Single Parents Program provides exceptional advocacy and support to its participants by offering workshops, access to resources and many services designed to help students reach their educational and professional goals. Education sets you free.
Champlain College’s Sophomore Symposium is the kick-off activity for Year 2 of LEAD, focusing on lifelong career management.
Shelburne Farms Cultivating a Conservation Ethic. Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm, National Historic Landmark and a nonprofit environmental education center that welcomes visitors to enjoy its spectacular landscape.
Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center Lake Champlain faces many threats, including non-point source pollution, invasive species, algae blooms, and a multitude of other problems directly caused by human behaviors. ECHO’s educational programming, exhibits, and collections are designed to educate the community and inspire visitors to use their ability to affect positive change by becoming stewardship advocates for Lake Champlain.
Golden Huggs Rescue, Inc. They are a very small group of volunteers who have made it their mission to find loving suitable homes for (otherwise) displaced, abandoned, or stray golden retrievers and golden mixes. Sure Carved Solutions has a Bernese/Greater Swiss Mountain Dog but we love all of the world’s innocent creatures and this group is amazing!
We encourage you to give back where you can. Even a single $1 makes a different to a caring, non-profit organization. If you need an auction item, consider a gift from Carved Solutions, a gift worth bidding on! All year long, your gift always gives twice with Carved Solutions (to your causes & ours!).
For those that you are spoiling with gifts from your heart, a gift that is signature Carved Solutions, there is still time for Christmas delivery. Our Vermont Made personalized and monogrammed soaps are elegant and eco- luxurious (highest quality carving, soap base, and purest fragrance in the industry) and they do make the perfect gift for everyone on your list. We make fulfilling your list easy and your gift-giving experience a thrill! From a simply elegant initial, the classic monogram, the superior name & phrase and even a logo or graphic (over 60% more personalization capability than any other brand) Carved Solutions is here for you!
We wish you the best the holidays have to offer, that you find yourself surrounded with the peace, love and light of the season. We wish you the ability to forgive and mend any challenged relationships in your life (people are in our lives for a reason), we wish you the strength to apologize where needed, the power to share the love in your heart, the vision to see the beauty in the world and the people who stand right in front of you every day. We wish you belly laughs, child-like awe and most of all the deepest peace in your heart that comes from awareness of the greatness in your life (no matter who you are; there is greatness ~ just look in the mirror!).
Be well!
Dawn, Mike & the whole Carved Solutions family
NOVEMBER already!
The time is now! Holiday season is upon us! Do you realize that there are only 61 days left of 2009? Over the next two months we have a lot of folks to appreciate and a lot of reasons to celebrate!
Carved Solutions makes giving personal easy!
Known as the Most Desired Monogrammed Soaps & Monogrammed Candles in the industry we know what you are looking for (thanks to all your feedback!):
You want affordable luxury – giving elegant, practical, memorable, personalized gifts. Each one of your recipients will feel completely spoiled, appreciated and touched that you cared enough to create, just for them ~ the very best! A Carved Solutions gift is perfect for every recipient and every occasion.
Carved Solutions Personalized Soapd
You want the most exquisite soap and luxurious candle formulations.
100% vegetable soap base comes in a variety of qualities. Carved Solutions uses only the best soap base in the industry. By starting with quality we guarantee pure, clean, color-free and odor free base. Allowing our bars to exhibit their full richness, enhance the moisturizing properties they’re known for and the creamy lather.
Our Base vs Their Base
Only the finest fragrance quality will do. Our signature aqua-mineral scent is simple, clean and fresh; often thought of as addicting and intoxicating! The best part is that this water-based fragrance is safe for all skin types and sensitive noses!
Made in Vermont and triple-milled to maximize lathering and experience. A Carved Solutions bar experience last many times longer than other “luxury” soaps. We know you are intelligent and don’t try to fool you into thinking you are gaining value with a very large, gaudy bar. Our 4.5 ounce bar is just right for the perfect washing and bathing experience!
Our candles are 100% plant-based from wax to fragrance! Completely biodegradable and Made in Vermont! Each burns with an unbleached, all cotton wick – safe for you, your family, your pets and the environment (NO hidden additives – plastic or petroleum – in a Carved Solutions candle. Enjoyable even in the most sensitive homes!) We care about your health!
You want the finest impression (quality does matter) deepest carving, finest detail.
Sometimes you have a lot to say and Carved Solutions advanced engraving, carving technologies gives you 63% more personalization room.
You want to work with a family owned and operated business that gives you real personal attention and the quickest turn-around time.
You want natural and environmentally friendly products and production methods ~ true Eco-Luxury (1, 2)
You want integrity! When we say “Made in USA” you can really trust us; even our packaging is US made. Carved Solutions is the only brand to carry the USA-C (Certified Made in USA badge of honor).
You want animal cruelty free and sweatshop/child labor free products! So do we! Carved Solutions is Fair Labor Association Category D Licensed (plus our CERTIFIED Made in USA products guarantee that they are sweatshop/child labor free products).
Now that you know you’ve got the right brand where to begin? How about…
Veteran’s Day (November 11): Celebrate or remember your favorite Veteran.
Personally, I always appreciate the Marine in my Mom ~ Semper Fi ~she loves a personalized gift of our Vermont made soaps and I always light one of our Eco-Luxury candles for my Dad – Go Navy! He always put others first; “not self but country”. So many have expressed how much they cherish their Memorial Candle from Carved Solutions. Mike always feels a deep sense of responsibility when he creates them but I didn’t feel the true affect until he made one in memory of my Dad. My very own Eco-Luxury Memorial Candle means so much to me that when it isn’t on display at home it comes with me to every trade show we do!
Personalized soaps and personalized candles engraved with our signature custom carving technology captures the patriotic emotion and respect we feel for our service men and women. From retirement, to special recognition and to honor consider engraving their name, military rank, branch of service, initials or motto.
Thanksgiving (November 26): A day filled with gratitude, peace and love!
Giving thanks is something we all need to do more often! It’s great that we have a day to remind us, as it is so easy to let our “busy-ness” fog all that there truly is to be thankful for in our everyday lives.
From the first moment we open our eyes, the warmth of a shower, fullness after a meal, camaraderie with our co-workers and friends, the sense of being complete in the arms of a beloved, the way a fragrance can bring you back to a different time and place, the musical sound of a child’s voice, the warmth of your pet’s cuddle, the comfort of your favorite chair, the escape in a great book (The Unknown Rockwell; a new fav of mine) and even the generous acts of kindness bestowed by a stranger! Simple, yet priceless moments we often forget.
Show a hostess, a friend, a co-worker, a family member, a teacher, a neighbor, or even a shut-in that you care an appreciate them! A personalized gift from Carved Solutions makes it easy! Select our “Give Thanks” signature series or consider a truly personalized gift with our 100% Vegetable-Based, Triple-Milled, exquisitely fresh, personalized soaps and personalized candles engraved with our signature custom carving technology. A simply elegant initial, the classic monogram or the pièce de résistance the name or phrase!
Hanukkah (Sundown December 11): “Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit.”
… and May This Festival of Lights bring Blessings upon you and All Your Loved Ones for Happiness, for Health, and for Spiritual and Material Wealth, and May the Lights of Hanukkah Usher in the Light of Moshiach and a Better World for All of Humankind.
Another great opportunity to spoil the mother that takes care of all the details, or the hostess with the mostess! Celebrate with our Hanukkah trio or personalize with our Hanukkah Luxury Gift Set! Giving elegant is what we all desire – couple that with giving personalized, elegant and practical and you’ll find success every time!
Christmas (December 25): Traditions and memories vary by family but the foundation is all the same … love.
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” ~Norman Vincent Peale
Bring joy back into Christmas gift-giving. Make it simple, practical yet elegant and divine! In today’s world a Carved Solutions product is perfect for every recipient on your list. Yes, you want each and every one of them to have the best of the best, you want each and every one of them to know you specifically thought of them, and time is of the essence. Carved Solutions makes one-stop shopping easy! Do you need us to ship direct to them? We do that! Do you need a gift note? We do that too! No worries about gift-wrapping as our brand new, eco-luxury packaging is gift ready! Each gorgeous thyme colored box nestles each personalized soap bar with luxurious hemlock colored velvet! The exterior of the box is wrapped with a simple gold ribbon & bow!
New Year’s Eve (December 31): Ring in the New Year!
Can you believe 2010 is only 9 Monday’s away!?! Spoil your New Year’s Eve guests with their very own personalized soap (they can wash of the old and rinse in the new) or thank your host/hostess with a personalized celebration just for them – have a few of our “Celebrate” signature series gift sets ready for folks that drop in or places you visit. Everyone loves to feel special!
We’re there for you… Winter Birthdays, Weddings, Showers, Corporate Parties, Corporate Gift-Giving, Client Appreciation, Employee Appreciation … and everything inbetween!
Carved Solutions … because gift-giving is personal!
Welcome to September
Weddings are still very busy and what better way to pamper the newlyweds than with their very own personalized soap. Custom carved with their family name, their wedded monogram, a single initial or even a graphic to compliment the wedding theme itself. Carved Solutions personalized soaps and candles also make great wedding favors, unity candles, and reception décor.
Alyssa Milano's Wedding Monogram
On August 15th while David Glickman ( Vermont Butcher Block & Board Company ) and I were setting up for the NYIGF at the Javits Center, the beautiful and charmed Alyssa Milano was marrying her beloved, David Bugliari.
You may ask yourself – why is Alyssa Milano’s wedding in the Carved Solutions blog? Because we at Carved Solutions had the honor of playing an intimate part in Alyssa & David’s special day. The newlyweds worked with Colin Cowie who designed a wedding theme around nature and family with décor that reflected those themes (Alyssa said she wanted the wedding to reflect who they are as a couple).
Our Eco-Luxury products were a perfect fit. Each soap bar is 100% vegetable based, triple-milled, made in Vermont and bear a water-based fragrance. Our US made packaging captures the best of luxury with the benefit of reduce, reuse, recycle! Each candle is hand-poured in VT, generously infused with pure essential oils and an all-cotton, unbleached wick (safe for you and the environment)!
Each guest received a Carved Solutions custom monogrammed soap bar for a welcoming gift (additional custom monogrammed soap bars were added to the décor of the powder rooms). As you can see the couple designed a gorgeous and thoughtful monogram which looks stunning when carved! Additional décor provided by Carved Solutions were custom designed white candles infused with lavender essential oil intricately carved with Alyssa & David’s custom wedded monogram.
Though Carved Solutions products are elegant, gorgeous and timeless we can’t hold a candle (no pun intended) to the stunning Milano(wearing a custom gown by Vera Wang and holding a bouquet of lily of the valley flowers, walked down an aisle strewn with cream-colored rose petals and natural grass to the tune of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The couple exchanged traditional vows under a wrought-iron gazebo decorated with willow, calla lilies and roses. Among the guests was actor Bradley Cooper, a friend of the groom.)
Alyssa Milano's Wedding Album from People Magazine
The NYIGF was a great show for Carved Solutions! Our custom carved personalized soaps and monogrammed soaps were chosen over all other brands to be featured in the NYIGF’s “Sustainable: Design for a Better World” display. It was a true honor to be considered for Eco-Choice awards!! Green Retailer and @RetailExpert (on twitter) are truly dedicated not only to professionalism but to our Earth as well!
Our 4 seconds of fame on The Early Show was great fun! Carved Solutions was also featured on The Jewish Channel and had wonderful visits with the folks from O, The Oprah Magazine, InStyle Magazine, Real Simple Magazine and more! Seeing our loyal and cherished retailers is always a pleasure as well as making new friends and meeting new retailers!
Being the MOST DESIRED BRAND of monogrammed soap and personalized soap in the marketplace is truly our passion.
Carved Solutions, a Vermont family-owned and operated company has one mission … to make gift giving personal again! Our custom carved, all natural, VT made soaps and candles are the perfect gifts for every holiday, event and occasion.
Imagine the appreciation from the receiver knowing you truly thought specifically of them! With our 24-48 hour turn-around time giving “personal” is easy!
There are many reasons Carved Solutions is known as “The Home of the Most Desired Brand of Monogrammed Soaps and Candles”. Highest quality in the industry, retail pricing from $15-$80 fits every budget, on-shore production fits our economy, our eco-friendly products and production methods fits our earth!
Carved Solutions Personalized Soap & Monogrammed Soap
It’s also “Back to School” time! Back to school is always a mix of emotions at the Lancaster home. Summer quickly moves to fall in VT and fortunately Sarah (now 9) is always excited for school. Being parents to a 4th grader is an exciting time; our baby is growing up more and more every day! There are moments that I wish that time would just stand still and I just can’t imagine where the last 9 years went. Mike is always great about adding feathers to Sarah’s wings and reminding me “that it’s all good!”.
It is truly a gift having the opportunity to experience the world through Sarah’s innocent eyes and her open heart. Getting lost in her imagination, her love for her Greater Swiss puppy (8 months old and already 60+ pounds) and her daily reminder that she shares with me (she **still*** thinks I’m the BEST mom ever … I suppose this is why I don’t want her to grow up!).
Back to School also brings added excitement to Carved Solutions. Have you thanked your child’s summer care provider yet? Created a warm “Welcome Back” for your child’s bus driver, teacher, or all the other special folks in your child(ren)’s lives that deserve recognition and appreciation. Their personal attention and care to your little angel(s) is so deserving of Eco-Luxury pampering that can only be found at Carved Solutions.
“Back to School” also holds much excitement for the college-bound! The new apartment or dorm – have you given that special finishing touch yet? An initial, monogram, name or even a graphic; what about a phrase “Don’t forget to study!”? So much fun can be had with a bar of Carved Solutions personalized soap.
As the only OFFICIALLY GREEK LICENSED personalized soap manufacturer in the marketplace; Carved Solutions is the only place you can mix SORORITY love with a personalized touch! Great Sister gifts and Rush gifts too!
The rest of the year is made easy with Carved Solutions too! Hostess gifts for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah & Christmas. In fact, Carved Solutions monogrammed soaps and personalized soaps are the perfect gifts for every occasion (birthday, wedding, anniversary, retirement), holiday (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas) you name it!
WOW! It’s been way too long since we’ve had a moment together; lots to share! How has the summer been for you? I hope it was filled with sun-kissed days, gentle breezes, the cool shade of a favorite tree, your toes in a mountain stream, floating in a gorgeous lake, the ride of the ocean waves and endless hikes to gorgeous new places with surprises around every bend. I hope your days have been filled with unconditional love, laughter, new discoveries, friends, family, growth and gratitude. I hope your nights have been filled with moonlight, starry skies, the music in dance and the music of the great outdoors, BBQs, bonfires and sparklers…did you see the sunrise?
Carved Solutions … because gift giving is personal!
As always, I wish you dreams come true and the best life has to offer!
Smiles,
Dawn
PS: Have you discovered the Flow Lucky Free lifestyle yet? We at Carved Solutions love being FLF! From the FlowLuckyFree site “remember to embrace LIFE with passion, breathe and simply let yourself FlowLuckyFree. It’s in that moment that you’ll smile to yourself and say “aaaaight”. Plus, the designs rock, the shirt quality is supreme and the philosophy true. Who doesn’t want to FlowLuckyFree? “
Welcome to June!
Happy Father’s Day!
Summer has so many special opportunities to celebrate. Graduation, Father’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and even housewarmings. But the most precious gifts are when you think of someone “just because” or when you remember to appreciate someone who deserves your attention. A thoughtful friend, a busy hostess, a dedicated teacher, or a special family member that deserves that feeling of “I specifically thought of you”.
Custom Carved Vermont made soaps & candles
That’s where Carved Solutions comes in. As the home of Eco-Luxury we give you the opportunity to share guilt-free pampering. Spoil someone in ways they never knew possible; the highest quality, made in Vermont products, custom carved and personalized just for them.
With Father’s Day in mind today I can’t help but share a little about my Dad. He always said that “your word defines your character and without your word you have nothing”. With that said, you can trust and depend on Carved Solutions to always be honest with you. When we say Made in the USA, even our boxes are Made in the USA. When we say carved not engraved, you can see the difference instantly. Our Eco-Luxury classification is a true description of who we are and what we do; not a marketing term. My Dad always insisted that business should be done on a handshake and at Carved Solutions that mindset resonates throughout the entire company.
I love reminiscing about my Dad!
I remember when I was younger my friend thought he’d never be married and he’d never have children. I can’t help but smile when I hear his beautiful, intelligent, and loving wife calling him “Squeeze” and I can’t help but gush when I see the smile in his eyes as he looks at his magical little girl, who does look so very much like her Daddy!
I don’t think that men truly appreciate the gift of fatherhood until they become one, themselves. As I watch my own husband interact with our daughter, Sarah, I see the priceless appreciation in his eyes and the wonder of how his heart got out of his body and became this beautiful little being that one day will grow up and he will have to set free.
When I was pregnant and we found out we were having a girl, I couldn’t help but be excited for Mike to experience the love, power and affect that “Daddy’s little girl” has on a man’s life, heart and beliefs.
With great pride, I watch him add feathers to her wings every day preparing her for that flight. He does a much better job giving her feathers than I do.
Sarah reminds me of myself as a young girl. How not only does she have her Daddy wrapped around her finger, but he holds her heart in the palm of his hand, the great protector. Watching the two of them makes me reminisce about my childhood experiences with my Dad and allows me to remember the joy he did bring into my life. How I wish he was here now so he could enjoy Sarah and Mike too.
With much gratefulness and appreciation we do still have the gift of Mike’s Dad, Jack. Jack has been in my life since I was 12 years old (I’ll turn 40 this August~shhhh!). It is with great love and honor that I call him “Dad” and he is in every since of the word a wonderful father to me. Jack has always offered to me his support, guidance, love, patience and humor! I often wonder what he would say about me if I wasn’t in the room. I would bet on one hand he’s proud and loves me very much and on the other hand finds me challenging at times, and wonders where I come up with my “ideas”. For me, he’s priceless and I’m so glad Sarah has a Grandpa like him!
Whether we come from “dysfunctional” families or even the perception of perfection in the Cleavers or the Cosby’s, our Dads have a remarkable impact on who we are and who we’ll become. Be aware of the impression your Dad has made on your life. If it was good, seal it in your heart and strive to equal it, if it was less than desirable, learn from it and make your life easier now.
An important belief that my Dad always impressed on me was to love, respect and protect your mother because you only have one. I think my Dad finally was able to find peace and let go of this existence when Mike told him not to worry about his girls because he’d take care of them. The best Dads I know have deep respect for their Mothers and their wives.
Ahh, the joy of fatherhood!!!
Chris…you’ve come a long way baby! Bud, you make me proud! Jack you are my shelter in the storm! Daddy, I miss you!!!!
Got a special message for the Dads in your life? Let us know, if you’ve got a suggestion, we’re willing to try anything so let us know what your soap should say!
Always with smiles,
Dawn
Carved Solutions is ECO~LUXURY! Guilt-Free Pampering!
Being the most desired monogrammed soaps and candles in the marketplace is so much more than just lather and light! A thoughtful, kind and environmentally conscious work ethic is at the core of every decision we make in creating Carved Solutions monogrammed and personalized soaps and candles. Luxury that is truly deserving of your discerning taste and worthy of your trust!
The Carved Solutions family believes in being an environmentally responsible business. Our teams are comprised of eco-friendly professionals to ensure environmentally-sustainable and luxurious products. Guilt-free pampering! Please click on the below PDFs to learn more about our environmentally-responsible practices.
All soaps & candles are made in VT
Environmentally-friendly production methods
Electricity from renewable resources
Maximize energy efficiencies
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Environmentally conscious raw material sourcing
Rainforest preservation
Nontoxic alternatives (no SLS)
Alternative raw material sourcing (renewable resources)
100% Natural vegetable based products
100% Natural essential oils (no synthetics, additives or boosters)
100% Biodegradable Waxes
Fair Labor Association Category D Licensed: Sweat-Free, made in the USA packaging (know where your boxes come from, end sweatshop labor, promote fair treatment, end forced child labor)
Support and encourage sustainable forestry
You deserve to be pampered, you deserve to have the opportunity to spoil those around you, and you deserve to feel good while doing it! Carved Solutions is ECO-LUXURY! Guilt-Free Pampering!
Carved Solutions is helping to build a safer Vermont!
Carved Solutions, a Williston, VT family-owned business has developed a program to aid in BUILDING A SAFER VERMONT
When you shop at www.carvedsolutions.com for yourself, occasions or holidays Carved Solutions will donate back 50% of your ENTIRE purchase to the Women’s Rape Crisis Center!
Carved Solutions offers Vermont made, eco-friendly personalized soaps & candles that are perfect for everyone on your list ~ all year long AND your purchase makes a strong contribution to helping others and
BUILDING A SAFER VERMONT!
We all have people, holidays and occasions to buy for; make your purchase count and give a gift that gives back right here at home. This offer will even apply to corporate gifts, event décor and shower décor/favors!
It’s easy, when making a purchase at Carved Solutions at check out add the phrase “Building A Safer Vermont” to the COMMENT SECTION and that’s it! We’ll take care of the rest. Follow our blog and we’ll update periodically how much we’ve raised.
ABOUT CARVED SOLUTIONS: In today’s anonymous world the art of gift-giving has changed dramatically. With so many mass-produced, overseas items populating today’s storefronts, the ability to give a gift that imparts an intimate awareness of individual caring has been lost. Carved Solutions brings back the warm feelings of recognition, awareness and connection. By customizing Vermont-made soaps, candles and embroidered gifts you have the power to personally touch someone’s soul.
MOST RECENTLY SEEN IN:
O, The Oprah Magazine: Issue April 2009, page 175
(Oprah, Estee Lauder & Carved Solutions partnered to create the O-ward)
O, The Oprah Magazine: Issue December 2008, page 96
(The coveted holiday O List!!)
The Today Show: December 8, 2008, Bobbie Thomas
(Hot Hollywood Gifts)
O, The Oprah Magazine April 2009
What happens when Oprah, Estee Lauder and Carved Solutions come together?
“We’re thrilled to shine a light on the season’s makeup winners. Here, our very own O-ward statuette.” (O-ward carved by Carved Solutions.)
Childhood Sweethearts Capture the American Dream!
News Release
Contact: Dawn Lancaster, 802 872 0047 | dlancaster@carvedsolutions.com | 60 Lyman Drive, Williston, VT 05495
CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS CAPTURE THE AMERICAN DREAM
In today’s economy, filled with doom and gloom, a spark of hope remains! Mike & Dawn Lancaster (40 year olds and parents to a 9-year old miracle daughter…that’s a story all of its own) left their successful 20-year careers, in challenged industries, to capture the American dream, a successful family owned business, Carved Solutions!
Dawn and Mike met in junior high and have been inseparable for the last 24 years (Dawn turns 40 this August). With more than half of their lifetimes being spent with one another these sweethearts obviously have many things in common. One of the strongest is their love for family and friends. Over the years, they like everyone else, struggled with finding the right birthday gift, holiday gift, anniversary gift, thank you gift and the like. Desiring an eco-friendly and American made product that possesses the ability to share sincere thought towards the receiver was hard to find.
Ever since childhood the two discussed a future family business but just couldn’t decide what it would be. Mike Lancaster, a mechanical engineer by trade, brought the idea about that the couple should form a company that would custom carve Vermont made soaps. Each soap bar would bear the receivers initial, monogram, name or even a logo or custom graphic. They knew they would not be the first in the marketplace but they did know they would become the best by offering the highest quality in products and stellar customer service!
Carved Solutions was born on Valentine’s Day 2006 (20 years and 1 day after the couple started dating). Dawn left her career in August of 2007, Mike left his in November 2007. Since then, just as planned, Carved Solutions has become the most desired monogrammed soaps and candles in the industry. As 2008 drew to an end the dream had grown real legs. Private Label accounts such as Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma Home, Soft Surroundings and Vermont Country Store called Carved Solutions products their own. Carved Solutions products made their way into the pages of the December Issue “O, The Oprah Magazine” for the holiday “O List” (being honored with this coveted spot had been the top item on Dawn’s “to do list” all year; such a dream come true). Shortly after the magazine came out “The Today Show” featured Carved Solutions products as “Hot Hollywood Gifts”. A special Estee Lauder project that Carved Solutions proudly carved at the request of the “O The Oprah Magazine” can now be found gracing the pages of the April 2009 issue.
Mike has always been a creator, a problem solver and inventor. Dawn has always loved helping people, networking and business development. The combination of their talents, skills and love has created a very strong business foundation. Carved Solutions has grown to offer personalized (1) Vermont made, all natural, triple-milled soaps with a water-based fragrance (2) Vermont made, hand-poured, palm wax candles with pure essential oils and all cotton, unbleached wicks (3) Vermont made, organic, cold-pressed soaps (4) Vermont made, hand-poured, all natural luminaries with your choice of (made in VT) scented (pure essential oils) or unscented votives (5) The industry’s only round, carved pillar candle also Vermont made, hand-poured, palm wax and all cotton, unbleached wick. Carved Solutions is able to offer the round carved pillar candle because Mike invented, designed and built the machinery to carve it! Carved Solutions products are Greek licensed and Collegiate licensed too!
In today’s anonymous world the art of gift-giving has changed dramatically. With so many mass-produced, overseas items populating today’s storefronts, the ability to give a gift that imparts an intimate awareness of individual caring has been lost. Carved Solutions brings back the warm feelings of recognition, awareness and connection. By customizing Vermont-made soaps, candles and embroidered gifts you have the power to personally touch someone’s soul.
Not a day goes by when either Dawn or Mike Lancaster regret the decision to forgo their stable jobs with good benefits in order to be their own bosses and pursue their own goals. “It’s such a passion” Dawn Lancaster said. “It’s a dream come true for both of us”. Talk to them on the phone, follow them on Twitter or Facebook their belief in each other, in you, in hope and the power of being positive is addicting! Welcome to the family!
Happy New Year!
We at Carved Solutions found our Original Trio (3 bars of our now famous monogrammed soaps) gracing the pages of O, The Oprah Magazine. Our Vermont made, monogrammed soaps were hand-picked by Adam Glassman and prestigiously placed in the coveted holiday O List (page 96!). Yes, we were the first ones at the newsstands the day the magazine came out…we feel very fortunate for this badge of honor! Click to see O List
Carved Solutions selected for the O LIST!!!
Hot Hollywood Gifts on The Today Show
Randy Miller with InStyle Weddings Magazine also gave our round candles (monogrammed candle personalized to your desire) rave review in the StyleSchool Blog. Click to see Burning Love
With our collegiate line growing and the completion of our Greek licensing (every sorority is available to you) we do our best to make sure we have the products you are looking for. As we constantly expand our graphic and sentiment library, holidays and occasions, our door is always open to for you to share what you’d like to see.
2008 saw the introduction of the round pillar candle (Carved Solutions is the only manufacturer in the marketplace with a monogrammed candle that is round). Our president, Mike Lancaster, not only built our carving machinery but he also built the machinery which carves the round candles; he’s amazing!. Mike’s engineering truly allows our carvings to stand out from the crowd. There is no deeper or more definitive monogram or personalization out there. We also added family and address signs as well as our Vermont made, CS Simply Organic line of soaps (for those of you that like soap chips; you love this line). For 2009 we have many new ideas coming down the pipeline and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Finishing 2008 as the most desired brand of monogrammed soaps and candles has left us humble and grateful for each and every one of you that has tested, tried and found the Carved Solutions brand and client care style to be all that we profess to be.
Let’s welcome in 2009 with all the hope, change and promise for tomorrow. Let’s vow to do something nice, something good, something thoughtful for someone else every day…even a smile can change someone’s day!
Keep in touch…there is so much more to come!
Smiles!
Dawn
