SHOP SMALL & GIVE BACK this holiday season

This year has been tough for many. Despite the challenges, acts of compassion and generosity can bring together the global community.

With this holiday season different than those before, it is important to remember the world’s shared humanity and help make the season brighter.

For those who will be celebrating this season and are looking for gifts that give back, UNICEF Market offers an online collection of handcrafted gifts made by artisans from around the world. Supporting these small businesses helps both the artisans — many of whom are dealing with economic hardship because of the pandemic — and the lifesaving mission of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The platform brings business to artists like Mirian Otzin from Central America, who began weaving using Mayan techniques with her mother as a hobby at the age of 8. Otzin worked for a female weavers organization for 16 years before becoming an entrepreneur.

“This is something I'm grateful to UNICEF Market for because for me and many artists like me, this is our only source of income,” she says. “Thanks to its system and the space it’s opened up for artisan women like me, we still have hope that we can overcome this pandemic. During these hardships, we’re still crafting in our home-based workshops, making sure we’re following all the health protocols set by our health departments and the platform’s rules that we must follow to keep everyone safe.” Featuring an array of woven goods, Otzin’s profile includes table linens, cushion covers and bags. In addition to Otzin, more than 2,000 artisans are empowered on the platform. These entrepreneurs share their talents, selling their handcrafted items for homes and gardens, jewelry and more.

A portion of gifts’ proceeds also help fund lifesaving programs such as nutrition, sanitation, education and more in the more than 190 countries where UNICEF works. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the organization’s 13,000 staffers have reached 250 million children with distance-based learning and 2.88 billion people with virus prevention information, as well as delivering more than 234 million units of personal protective equipment, hospital equipment and diagnostic tests to frontline workers globally.

Share the best of this season by visiting unicefusa.org/ShopSmall2020.

TIFFANY'S One of a Kind Designs

I’m Tiffany Camejo, founder of One of a Kind! I live in San Diego with my husband and teenage daughter, Kayla. I specialize in creating epoxy-resin art and jewelry. All of my art is nature-inspired, specifically ocean and floral themes. Being One of a Kind, I always strive to find unique pieces to turn into art.

When I first began creating resin art and jewelry back in 2019, I was having so much fun creating art that I had no intention of selling any of it. It wasn’t until friends began asking if they could buy my products that I considered selling them. I felt so insecure about sharing my work but hearing their positive feedback filled my heart.

When the quarantine hit, I wanted to keep selling so I opened an Etsy store and with every new order my passion grew, which also encouraged me to sign up for my first craft show. It was so successful that my husband decided we should rent a retail space in Local Niche Mission Valley Handmade Collective.

Now, after only a few months, I have already participated in over ten artisan markets and I am now in five retail stores: Local Niche Mission Valley & UTC, Adore Boutique Carlsbad Village & The Forum Carlsbad, & Di Torr in Hillcrest.

After working in restaurants for 20+ years, starting a business from scratch was a challenge. I created the art and still had to build my brand, set up an online store, take photos and write product descriptions. The vendor markets were also new to me. Aside from selling Girl Scout cookies with my daughter, I had no idea how to be a successful vendor. My daughter and I bonded over the business and she was a huge help with everything from marketing to building displays.

My business has sparked a family affair. My daughters’ entrepreneurial spirit has been ignited and she now sells her own jewelry designs. She also manages my social media accounts. My husband has even collaborated with me on pieces, using his laser engraver. I am grateful for my support system. I would not be where I am today without the support from family, friends and fellow artists and I’ve even learned to take time for myself, focus on personal development and adopt a wellness routine.

A PASSION FOR FASHION turns into profit

vanessa hazelwood Mia Astella owner of

SHARE YOUR BACKGROUND WITH US

I was born in Panama and raised in New York by a hardworking single mom who came to America to give her children a better life. I’m a mom of three girls and a grandma to a beautiful granddaughter. I have worked with seniors and autistic children for years. I love cooking, traveling and, most of all, fashion and shopping.

My passion for shopping is where my entrepreneurial dreams came from. I had a strong desire to be my own boss. Helping women feel beautiful and confident and helping to find the right outfit for the right occasion is my passion.

I attended many trade shows and fashion events. Speaking with other vendors helped me learn the latest trends. My love for God, shopping and fashion has made for a successful business. I am also thankful to have my best friend and my daughter join me in this venture.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

COVID has been my biggest challenge. Five days before our grand opening COVID-19 shut us down. Having spent so much time and money building the store only to have it shut down suddenly was hard. The fashion industry stopped. No products were being exported and fashion shows were cancelled so there were no trends to follow and no events or malls to sell from. WHERE IS YOUR BUSINESS LOCATED?

I was blessed to meet Daniel and Tylor Summers, who were a step ahead of the game and opened Local Niche in Mission Valley, an outdoor mall allowing vendors and local artists to stay open. Then I met the owner of Adore Boutique and joined that collective team.

ADVICE TO OTHER MOMS?

Follow your passion. It's easy to want to be a boss babe, making money, but you can get burned out and lose interest. It’s so easy to stay motivated when you’re following your passion or dream. Don’t overthink it, know you may have challenges, just don’t give up.

Don’t be afraid to get help and also help others. Remember, family and teamwork really makes the dream work!

EMMA MYER

Ken Moran Executive Vice President

Cabrillo Mortgage Direct (760) 521-8527 eFax (619) 923-3000 ken@cabrillomortgage.com NMLS 292033

Confidentiality Disclosure: This message contains information from Cabrillo Mortgage, and is confidential and privileged. The information is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this RECORD-LOW MORTGAGE RATES message is prohibited. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this message and then please delete the message from your system. Cabrillo Mortgage 3110 Camino Del Rio South Suite 312 San Diego, CA 92108 (Company NMLS 292211 Company DRE 01264205) What Do the Rates Mean for You?

LET'S ASK THE EXPERT: KEN MORAN

QKen, how long have you been in the mortgage industry and what makes your service unique? A: I’ve been in the mortgage industry for more than 27 years. We specialize in Jumbo loans to $10 million, government loans, and conventional loans. Our longstanding relationships with more than 100 funding sources enable us to provide preferred rates and pricing on mortgage products that many other lenders don’t have access to.

QWhat is your take on these new record-low rates for mortgages? A: With the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 3.18% this past week, according to Freddie Mac, it’s the lowest level in nearly 50 years. Rates are expected to stay near these low levels for at least the rest of 2020.

QWhat does this mean for a buyer of a home that costs $600K?

A: Interest rates are hovering near all-time lows, and for qualified borrowers in San Diego County, borrowing less than $701,000, should get optimal rates in the low 3’s.

QHow does it look for a buyer in the $900K or $2 million range? A: Qualified borrowers borrowing up to 2 million dollars in California will have great options with 15%-25% down payment. There are great loans that are fixed for 3, 5, 7, and 10 years all with rates in the mid to high 3’s. There are also options to amortize over 30 or 40 years and interest only options for lower payments and higher cash flow. QWhat makes your service unique? A: I’m able to close creative financing to help borrowers purchase when they otherwise could not. I do cross collateral loans to help buyers purchase non-contingent without having to sell their current residence. I fund asset depletion loans using assets to create income where other lenders cannot. We have really great technology that enables us to frequently close loans in two weeks or less at market leading rates and terms. The great products, rates and experience enable me to close transactions and provide options for buyers that might not otherwise be able to purchase a home.

QWhat kind of paperwork do you need to help a potential client? A: It is really not too much to compile. I always request 2 years tax returns and W-2s, 2 months of bank statements, and 2 recent pay stubs. If a buyer is self-employed, I will also need 2 years business tax returns and K-1s or 1099s. I always set up a secure link so they can just drag and drop to make it quick and easy.

QDo you think these historically low rates could go even lower? A: It’s possible. My best advice is to lock in a historically low rate now while you can. If rates go up there is nothing you can do. Rates are incredibly low. Take advantage of it while you can!