4. Do unto others as, well, you know… The best way to collaborate with a business partner is arguably to be the type of partner you would like to work with. Katherine Hervey runs a small minimal jewelry and apparel business called Freed Outfitters with her sister-in-law, Jennifer Hervey. “We are co-owners of our business; we operate design, shipping and receiving, social media, marketing and finance. We also donate a portion of our profit to an orphanage in India called Mason's Place, which was started in the memory of one of our dear friends' son," she says. Hervey and her sister-in-law both work from their homes in Tennessee and Idaho respectively while their kids are in school. They have certain guidelines that they both adhere to—their families come first, and the work comes second. That doesn't mean they aren't constantly working (“We keep to-do lists, write down ideas, meet over the Marco Polo app and text and email at night," Hervey says), but they always respect each other's family time. While the sisters-in-law don't always agree on everything—no business partners do—Hervey says that “the most important thing about working together as business partners is putting each other first and keeping lines of communication open, while [being] truthful, humble and kind. Nothing that gets done within a business is worthwhile if we step on each other in the process." By being a better collaborator, you're more likely to be a better business partner running a better business.

These favorites represent like-hearted businesses, personal friends, and often, something I actually have, love, and just had to share with you. I hope my list makes your lists just a little bit easier this month.

Cosmetic Clutch – I love this Pendleton Clutch from Freed Outfitters, they are handmade and their brand has an amazing story and helps to fund an orphanage in India, which I love!