{Giveaway} iota giveaway: 3 categories - 3 winners!

UPDATE!!

We have a winner!

Comment #105 - Fiona N.
Comment #8 - Alli @ cupcake diaries
Comment #30 - Kristina @ a home made by kiki

Congratulations!

Please email stefanie@annaandblue.com for info to claim your prizes.

As you know, I have fallen in love with Pinterest.  It has become an obsession really.  I find the most amazing pictures.  It is my go to place for finding inspiration for holidays, desserts, home design and so much more!  Recently, I was looking for color palette ideas when I came across the most amazing, colorful, and chic products. I instantly fell in love and had to learn more.  I discovered that the designer and founder behind these stylish designs is Kelly Alford of iota.  I look forward to sharing with you all about iota and know that you will be impressed with their amazing fashionable styles.  

As a special treat, iota has offered 3 giveaways for 3 winners!

What inspired you to start iota?
Born of a wish to be my own client, I began iota as a wholesale stationery and greeting card designer/manufacturer in 2003, incorporating some of the ideas that were left on the table by my graphic design clients. In my graphic design business, I had specialized in branding and identity creation, which proved valuable experience for my role with iota. At the time, my youngest child, Ruby, was just starting kindergarten, and I discovered I had more time and energy to create when she was in school. Today, iota is growing up--just like Ruby, who is now in high school. Also, I had always made my own birthday cards, invitations and more--a definite precursor to starting iota. I officially put the idea of iota into motion as an exhibitor at the National Stationery Show--we only showed mock-ups (we didn't have real products yet!), and it was a resounding success. Our designs were an immediate hit with buyers and retail customers.

What has been the most exciting moment for iota?
The most exciting iota moment happened on December 7, 2007, when CSS Industries came calling. It was perfect timing: I was looking for that next step for iota. And, in just a few months, iota was officially acquired by CSS Industries under their C.R. Gibson company. The acquisition allowed me to essentially quit my "day job," my graphic design business, and really devote more time to growing iota.

Tell me about a current fashion trend that you like to incorporate in your designs.
We don't follow color or fashion trends at iota--we create them! We do follow social, political and cultural trends, however. For example, we see our dependence on technology increasing and our interaction with technology changing. So, we set out to create accessories that make it a "softer" interface...products like phone covers, e-reader and tablet covers and laptop sleeves that showcase individual expression and personal style. We see the next generation seeking simplification in life, so we create products, like our new iotaSAKS, that are perfect for farmer's markets, for replacing dependence on plastic bags, and products meant for cooking and entertaining at home. We love to design products that we use ourselves--this is always a wonderful place to begin development of new ideas!

What is next for iota?
We are focused on building iota into a meaningful lifestyle brand, and this translates into many things. We are dedicated to infusing sustainability into the iota business model and into our designs, like using eco-friendly and fair trade materials. Social responsibility and the "triple bottom line" is becoming more of a focus for us in all aspects of our brand. As iota evolves, we look to expanding the bold, colorful and irreverent iota brand into more lifestyle categories. Every iota makes a difference!

 I just love learning about how other fabulous women start their businesses and feel so inspired by the iota team. A special thanks (Danke!) to Jennifer for working with me to make this feature & giveaway possible.

Who wants to WIN?? Here's how to enter:

1. Take a look at the goodies at every iota and come back here to leave a comment with your favorite item.

2. Are you a fan of anna and blue paperie on Facebook? If not, become one here and "like" our page! If you are a new fan, please say hello on our wall. Then come back here and let me know that you did.

3. Post about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. Leave a comment with the link here.

4. Do you follow my blog? If not, subscribe here.  Come back here to leave a comment that you did!

5. Become a fan of every iota on Facebook by clicking here and "liking" them. Don't forget to say that anna and blue paperie sent you! Leave a comment here letting me know that you did.

It will be verified that winners are fans of each page.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! If posting as anonymous, please leave your contact info!

Winner will be chosen on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 10:00pm (cst) Any entries after this time will be void. Winner will be selected using random.org.