Business Briefs: Local Mom Launches Vegan Shoe Line

Here's a snapshot of activity in Birmingham's business community this week:

Birmingham mom launches vegan shoe line

Local TV host, blogger and mom Elizabeth Katzman is launching a vegan shoe line called Elizabeth's.

Handmade in the United States of recycled materials, Elizabeth's features the season's must-have footwear including peep-toe booties, side-zip faux leather boots and jelly flip-flops. All shoes are biodegradeable and emit no volatile compounds.

"This collection was born from my love for animals and fashion," said Katzman. "Although the two are often mutually exclusive, I don't believe they have to be."

Katzman, who lives in Birmingham, is a former lawyer turned stay-at-home mom to two young boys. She created the website and blog, "Elizabeth's Kind Cafe," elizabethskindcafe.com, to share tips on cooking, composting and gardening with children, teaching them to care for the Earth and themselves.

"There are vegan shoes out there, but for style-conscious women looking for really fabulous but cruelty-free footwear, there's a hole in the market," Katzman said. "My goal with Elizabeth's is to fill that void, and I look forward to introducing more great styles in the months to come."

Fleming's selling cocktail for breast cancer

Looking to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with your steak dinner? will offer the Stiletto throughout October. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the 99-calorie cocktail will be donated to the Avon Foundation for Women Breast Cancer Crusade. Fleming's will also feature Cline Cashmere, a specialty wine from Cline Cellars, throughout the month. Fleming's will donate a portion from each sale to support Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

Claire's, Beadz N' Bagz closing

Birmingham's and Beadz N' Bagz will close their doors this fall. Claire's, the teen jewelry and accessories boutique at 175 W. Maple Rd., will close at the end of the month. Everything in the store is 50 percent off.

, another accessory store at 152 N. Old Woodward, closed its doors recently after four years in Birmingham. Beadz N' Bags also has locations in Auburn Hills, Rochester and Clinton Township.

Panera sells ribbon-shaped bagels for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month by selling the iconic ribbon-shaped bagels throughoutl October. Each bagel is packed with cherries. In Metro Detroit, a portion of all bagel sales will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Since 2001, more than 7 million pink ribbon bagels have been sold, raising more than $1 million.

Upcoming events:

• Paesano|Akkashian ribbon cutting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, 132 N. Old Woodward Ave.
• Eton Academy 25th anniversary ribbon cutting: 4 p.m. Friday, 1755 Melton St.
• Investpreneur Roundtable on global markets: 4-6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the .
• Chamber member coffee: 8-9 a.m. Oct. 27 at .