BRISTOL, RI – Holidays are associated with joy, but also stress. Just about everyone grapples with stress. Of course, some handle it better than others. Those who found a solution and are willing to share it usually have an interesting idea and some degree of credibility. Such is the case with Alyssa Ann Heller, who came up with what she calls “a beautiful solution – the Peace Pouch – a curated artisan meditation kit. Using this kit helps to create a healthy respite from stress, no matter if you are at home, the office, or on the go.” Alyssa is one of the many vendors returning to this year’s Small Business Saturday SHOP RI event November 24th, at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick.
The idea for the Peace Pouch started simply enough: one evening, Alyssa was getting ready to attend a guided meditation group. She says, “I wanted to bring something to the gathering, so I looked in my craft room stash to see what I could make that would be thoughtful and useful. I found some black velvet drawstring bags, and then filled them with tea lights, a book of matches, incense, and confetti. The name “Peace Pouch” came to me instantly, as if it was being whispered in my ear. I felt good about my little project and brought it to the group. The reactions were heartwarming and group members were thrilled about their meditation kits!”
While you’re busy, rushing to care for work, family, and related daily tasks, taking the time to learn to meditate – to essentially do and think nothing in the midst of a busy day – can seem daunting. Alyssa counters, “If you want to learn how to meditate or wish you could calm your mind enough to meditate, this kit is perfect because it takes the stress away from the process. However, if you already love to meditate, this kit helps to bring your meditation and mindfulness practices with you wherever you go.”
Her business concept leads to a logical question. What is a Peace Pouch? Essentially, the company selects beautiful components that are designed to engage all senses. As a result, the body becomes focused on experiencing, rather than thinking, thus naturally calming the entire being. According to Alyssa, who started making Peace Pouches in Fall 2017 to help people create moments of Zen in their day, “by engaging the senses your body naturally focuses on experiencing, rather than thinking. A gentle, peaceful feeling flows through you, like being in a cocoon, and when you emerge you feel renewed.”
By design, each element is created by Rhode Island artists/makers. Each kit includes:
- Drawstring Pouch – artwork print by Sherri Snyder-Roche, sewn by Jo Hannuskella
- (12) Positive Affirmation Cards and Wooden Easel – photography by Jason Michalski
- Hand-Blended Organic Tea – by Providence Perfume Company
- Tea Lights (wax or LED) – embellished by the Peace Pouch team
- Aromatherapy Spray – by Jessica McKay of Essential Blends by JEM
Alyssa signed on as a first-year vendor with the Small Business Saturday Shop RI event in 2017 and proudly reports: “The inaugural event was very well organized, and communication was excellent. Sales were great, and I had repeat business from it.”
In fact, everyone who participated in the event is eager to speak about their experience. She noted, “I am thrilled that my labor of love resonates with people.” When asked from a purely business standpoint who her target audience is she acknowledged, “many buy Peace Pouches for themselves, but also give them as gifts. I’ve had parents buy Peace Pouches for their teens (both girls and boys) who are struggling with self-esteem issues. Some customers have bought them for their spouses who travel. Therapists have purchased them to share with their clients. I am humbled hearing the stories of how my pouches help to make meditation and inner peace more accessible. My personal struggle with anxiety and depression has made me aware that many people experience debilitating effects from stress. I believe that individual health is the building block to a strong community, so I am always on the lookout for techniques/practices that can improve this.”
Thrilled with the first-year sales, and eager to learn more about business, she participated in SBS Shop RI’s new 2018 initiatives, business development workshop classes. She, along with other exhibitors, represent women, veterans, small business start-ups, including members of the disability community.
ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SHOP RI
To learn more or to apply online, visit http://www.sbsshopri.com. Hard copy applications can be found at our web site and are to be mailed to: Small Business Saturday Shop RI, C/O RIDDC, 400 Bald Hill Road, Suite 515, Warwick, RI 02886. Entry fee: $50.00 and must be submitted at time of application. Those applicants that are not accepted for participation will receive full refunds. No refunds will be provided for business/vendor cancellations.
CONTACT
Alyssa Ann Heller, Peace Pouches
401.447.8246