This past fall I applied for a business competition called the Carroll Business Challenge. The contest is for new businesses or new ideas yet to be established. I didn't make the "Final 5" cut, but my new friend Ryan did!

In preparation for his presentation to a panel of 5 judges (and a full audience!), Ryan reach out to me to have creative images taken of his beautifully hand crafted products. Ryan is a wood turner and also collaborates with other artists. Through his website, www.handmadeformen.com, Ryan sells his fine work (writing pens of which are my absolute favorite)... pens, accessories, journals, wallets, phone stands, wine products, and so much more. If you're having trouble shopping for your man, this is a great place to shop... and obviously as a female, I love many of his products as well!!

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Congrats to the Carroll Biz Challenge finalists and the grand prize (and people's choice) winner, Ryan Herbstsomer of Autumn Summer, LLC. The event was held at the Carroll Arts Center in Downtown Westminster, Maryland. What a blast!

For those of you that missed the live show, I hope you come out next year!! Thank you to the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce for hosting this each year, and to the pre-judges, the judges, and the MC's of the evening for all your hard work and passion!! And to the CCAC team, you were wonderful!!