Operating a small business is work well loved but often hard and lonely with little support.  So during my “big” birthday month, I’m going to be sharing with you some wonderful businesses and each of them will be giving away one thing to one lucky person.

I’m sharing these small businesses because my heart is with the business owner struggling to make it, but really passionate about serving people.  Any given day, I may fit that description. 😉

This month I’m offering a Newborn Special coupled with a chance to win free sessions.  If you’re expecting a little one, read this post for details.

Here is a link to all of the giveaways I’m hosting this month.

And now let me tell you a little bit about today’s small business owner.

Amanda Cobb

I met Amanda Cobb through the Allume conference.  I have never in my life met a more genuinely friendly person with such a heart of compassion and encouragement.  Spending just 5 minutes with Amanda fills your life with grace.

Amanda is a multitalented girl.  She blogs a little bit over here.  She runs a photography business.  And she’s a Noonday Collection Ambassador.  Oh, and did I mentions she’s a mama of some super adorable kiddos?

Amanda is giving away a beautiful piece of Noonday Jewelry for this giveaway.

Noonday Collection: Metallic Pearl Earrings

Noonday Collection has a beautiful business model.  Like Mary Kay or Pampered Chef: Noonday is a direct sales company; however, the similarities end there.

All Noonday Artisans from all over the world receive:

• Dignified Jobs at Living Wages
• No Interest Loans
• Scholarship Programs
• Emergency Assistance
• Long Term Trade

Purchasing a Noonday piece helps equip a person trapped in poverty to rise above their circumstances.  It’s sort of like having a beautiful wearable token of true world change.

And if that’s not enough, the company also offers 20% of their profits from a trunk show to the any family hosting that is pursuing adoption.  This company has a huge heart and I’m proud to support it!

Amanda is giving away these metallic pearl earrings made (with love) in Ethiopia.  Contest entry instructions are below.

But if you love beautiful accessories and hosting your friends, please book a Noonday Trunk Show with Amanda Cobb today!

Contest Entry Instructions

Leave a comment below telling me which Noonday Collection Item you’d most like to own.

Make sure to include a way to reach you if you win.

Giveaway Closes on January 31st.

Winner will be chosen through a random number generator and notified on February 3rd.

Shipping is for US only.  International winners will pay their own shipping if they win.

In just a few days, I may or may not be celebrating 3 decades here on this earth.   Ahem.

So for the past month, I’ve been plotting together with some really awesome people who also run small businesses about how to give you gifts for my birthday.

You read that right: I’m giving you gifts for my 30th birthday.

I’m starting off tomorrow with announcing a limited time photography special that also enters you into a giveaway to win free sessions! You’re not going to believe what I’m about to do.

So do me a favor?  Jump on the Quiet Graces Photography page and share my status with anyone you know who might be expecting a baby in 2014?  I’m pretty sure they’re going to thank you profusely! 😉

And don’t worry, there will be giveaways for those of you who aren’t expecting a little one as well.  Stationary, art, music, and more are up for grabs in the next week or so!  Stay tuned!