A wooden table is set up for a holiday painting project, featuring a palette with green and red paint, two paintbrushes, and two paint tubes. A decorated card with small hand-painted Christmas trees and red dots is also present. To the side, a red gift box tied with twine adds a festive touch to the creative workspace.

Microenterprise Directory: Gifting for the Greater Good

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year, and if you’d rather spend the holidays celebrating with loved ones than searching high and low for the very best gifts, look no further than Vaya Health’s microenterprise directory.

Finding a unique gift from our microenterprise directory supports small businesses and uplifts the most entrepreneurial members at Vaya. Many members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities run their own small businesses (aka microenterprises), which Vaya has curated into an online directory. These microenterprises not only give members employment and income, but also a sense of purpose, independence, and an opportunity to give back.

So, this holiday season, why not gift for the greater good? From cartoon prints to yard care services, our microenterprise directory has one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list! Not only will you brighten your own holiday, but you’ll also make a difference in the lives of small business owners and the ones you love. Featured microenterprises include gifts …

  • For the young at heart

Calling all comic book lovers! Merlin Strivelli, a new addition to our microenterprise directory, turns subjects into superheroes with hand-drawn, custom portraits. Merlin’s unique view of the world makes his storytelling and artistry distinct. Each portrait is not just art—it reflects the subject’s personality, interests, and imagination, down to the last detail. Perfect for that nostalgia enthusiast or aspiring superhero. Purchase at ComicBookMerlin.com by Dec. 12 for holiday delivery.

  • For the domestic dynamo

Shopping for a happy homebody? Look no further than Watt’s Pottery, another new addition to the microenterprise directory. Conceived from memories crafting with family, Watt’s Pottery offers nature-inspired, handmade pottery. Beth Watts creates decorative pieces including ornaments, magnets, wall hangings, and vases – as well as functional pottery like soap and sponge holders, small bowls, small mugs, herb strippers, and platters. Purchase at Open Hearts Art Center.

  • For the outdoor enthusiast…

Know someone who loves spending time outdoors but hates the yardwork? If you’re looking for a gift in the west Buncombe area, check out Jeremy’s Lawn and Garden. In addition to selling farm fresh eggs, Jeremy’s Lawn and Garden provides lawn mowing, weed eating, raking leaves, planting, and shoveling sidewalks and driveways. They’ll even handle post-holiday Christmas tree removal! Contact Jeremy for service details and pricing at jeremylandg79@gmail.com.

  • For the photograph aficionado…

A beautiful photograph can last a lifetime! Nick Burrows Photography offers photography services including individual portraits, promotional images, and modeling headshots, as well as assorted prints and calendars. Nick’s passion and artistic eye can be seen in each of his photos from nature and landscapes to restaurants and concerts. Purchase at Maddie’s on Main; view samples at http://nickburrowsphotography.smugmug.com and Nick Burrows Photography on Facebook.

Need Help?

Finding care can be confusing sometimes. At Vaya Health, we make it easier. The process starts with a phone call to our Member and Recipient Services Line at
1-800-962-9003.

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