It takes a lot of confidence in your product to start a new business at time when many companies are cutting back or even closing their doors. Melissa Bryne had just that confidence in her designs and new glass ornament line, JingleNog, debuting in January 2009.

Melissa's background includes being a buyer and product manager for both Bloomingdales and Lord and Taylor. But it was a blinking sweatshirt (remember those?) that hooked her on product design.

Her resume also includes working for Christopher Radko as Director of Product Development. When she decided to start out on her own, Melissa used that background in product development, combined with the knowledge that customers love to be entertained to create the JingleNog glass ornament line.

It's hard to generalize a line of Christmas ornaments, but the main feeling from JingleNog is fun with more than a touch of whimsy. The characters come to life with the little story that is attached to each one. One look at Nick and I can just imagine him taste-testing the candy canes or seeing poor Ribit waiting for someone to give him a kiss! The ornaments are carefully packed in one of the best boxes in the ornament business. Added bonus - the box, hang tags and inserts are all made of recycled materials.

When asked what comes first, the design or the story, she says it depends upon the piece. "I might just be doodling or I will see a painting somewhere, a tree with perfect knots, an exhibit or influences from people around me to inspire the piece.

Often the story develops as I am doodling. A few times the story will come first, but generally it's the doodle."

After she is finished with the design the drawings are sent to Europe for the glass blowers and artists to interpret. She says that it can take several takes before the ornament is what was originally envisioned. The ornaments are created in Italy and Poland by craftsmen that she has been involved with for years in her position as a buyer.

Everyone needs good feedback and Melissa has that with her two daughters and husband. Everything is run by the family first and she trusts them to be critical when they need to be, especially when it comes to listening to the stories. Her older daughter also helped at the first trade show and setting up JingleNog's Facebook pages.

Although all of the ornaments have been very well received, including the hand-painted balls and the more expensive free-blown Italians, popular ones this first year include Snap, Noel Nick, Stacked, Jingle Tree, Peppo, Googlie Green and the Stripe N Stock.

An example of how well received JingleNog ornaments are -- Ellie won a Collector's Choice award from the Collectors Information Bureau.

Stores include fine gift stores across the country, such as Milaegers; Borsheims; Gracious Home in NYC; Patrick's of Alexandria; Cleveland Botanical Gardens;David Blair Designs; Casey's of Oklahoma City; Blackstone's of Beacon Hill, as well as Lord and Taylor department stores.

Now onto the ornaments!