American Educational Products (AMEP), a maker of hands-on educational materials (mostly math and science items) for school and home. A major producer of raised maps, AMEP also makes items such as aquariums, human models, and other items that teach concepts in many fields of science. Operating through the Scott Resources, Hubbard Scientific, Teaching Tank, and National Teaching Aids divisions, AMEP markets its wares in the US and abroad through catalogs and educational dealers. Rival Nasco International acquired AMEP in mid-2001 and took it private. Nasco merged with Aristotle (medical teaching aids) in 2002 and AMEP became a subsidiary of Aristotle.

Beauty Gems Holdings was established in 1996. Beauty Gems Holdings Co., Ltd. company makes mostly rings featuring diamonds and semi-precious stones that are sold in Europe, Japan, Thailand, and the US. It sells jewelry through a few Beauty Gems stores and a dozen Beauty Diamond outlets located within the Central and Robinson department store chains in Thailand. As Thailand's biggest manufacturer and exporter of platinum jewelry, the group also exports about 95% of its diamonds. Intensified competition from producers in India, China, and Vietnam have prompted the company in recent years to fine-tune its talent.

STAEDTLER makes pens, pencils, markers, and other writing instruments for arts and crafts, technical drawing, and everyday use. The company also makes inkjet cartridges for printers. Europe's largest manfacturer of pencils, STAEDTLER sells its products through more than 20 global subsidiaries and has eight production plants worldwide. Customers include students STAEDTLER traces its roots back to 1662 when Friedrich Staedtler is first mentioned as a pencil-making craftsman; in 1835, J.S. Staedtler was granted a manufacturing license and began making blacklead, red chalk, and pastel pencils.

Yak Pak was founded in 1996 by company president Stephen Holt; its first major product, the D-Jay bag, was made specifically for DJs to hold their music. Yak Pak company manufactures utilitarian (yet trendy) bags, backpacks, duffel bags, totes, and related accessories that are sold through specialty retailers nationwide (including Pacific Sunwear and Urban Outfitters), as well as online and through a retail store located in San Franciso. Under an exclusive licensing agreement, Yak Pak also designs, makes, and distributes bags under the Dickies brand.

Paul Frank Industries (PFI) the firm has been capitalizing on co-founder Paul Frank's cartoon Julius monkey icon -- and the cute-appeal wave he's been riding -- since the company started in 1997. It also boasts characters Skurvy, Clancy, Sheree, and Worry Bear. Its product lines have expanded from plastic wallets to a themed wardrobe for men and women, children's clothes, bedding, kids furniture, and accessories ranging from eyewear and watches to print towels. PFI also does product collaborations with other pop-icon owners. Its products are distributed through about 20 The Paul Frank Stores worldwide and thousands of specialty stores worldwide.

In 1916, Keds created an American Classic: the first shoe with a soft rubber sole and coined the term "sneaker." This original sneaker, called "the Champion" has remained a style icon for over ninety years. Worn by Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O, and consistently celebrated by Vogue, Elle and Women's Wear Daily, Keds continues to attract fashion designers, stylists and top editors in the industry with their classic, authentic style. Today, a new generation has discovered the Keds brand, which is helping to inspire a collective spirit of new American style, youthful optimism, collaboration and togetherness.

P.J. Noyes has outgrown the days of magic elixirs -- now it makes vitamins and personal care items. More than 140-years-old, the company offers contract services for the testing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and shipping of personal care and pharmaceutical products. Its customers market dietary supplements, OTC pharmaceuticals, homeopathics, veterinary items, personal care products, and nutraceuticals. P.J. Noyes specializes in small- and medium-sized runs and the production of 1-inch-diameter chewable tablets. Owned and operated by president David Hill and his family, the firm was founded by namesake Parker J. Noyes in 1868.

SoftSheen/Carson Products is keeping the shine on its ethnic beauty. The company is one of the world's leading makers of ethnic hair care and beauty products, including shampoos, conditioners, gels, hair straighteners, relaxers, and shaving products. Its brands include Let's Jam, Baby Love, Optimum Care, Dark and Lovely, Magic Shave, and Weave Care. Founded in 1964 by Edward and Bettiann Gardner, SoftSheen was the largest African-American-owned beauty products company in the country until its acquisition in 1998 by L'Oréal USA, a division of French cosmetics giant L'Oréal. Carson was a subsidiary of L'Oréal USA before being merged with SoftSheen in 2000.

Cynthia Rowley is doing just swell. Named for the designer of the same name, the company designs and sells apparel, footwear, a signature fragrance, and related accessories (handbags, hats, hosiery, jewelry). Rowley is also a co-founder of Swellco, which produces trendy home goods for discounter Target. Rowley's fashions are manufactured by third parties and sold in a handful of upscale Cynthia Rowley boutiques in the US. In Japan, where the firm has a licensing deal with ITOCHU, there are about 45 shops. Rowley's merchandise is also sold in high-end department (Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's) and specialty stores in the US and abroad, as well as online. The namesake company is owned by Cynthia Rowley.

The oral health company makes and markets toothpaste, toothbrushes, sonic teeth-cleaning systems, and breath mints, for better oral care. Dentist Ron Murayama developed a less-expensive system for whitening teeth in the 1980s, then sold that product and business before starting Amden (where he's now chairman) in 1992. The firm promotes its products, primarily the Cybersonic system and its "harmonic resonance," through infomercials, often enlisting the help of celebrities, such as Vanna White and Cheryl Tiegs. Amden claims the Cybersonic is the world's fastest toothbrush.

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