Lula Flores

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I was born and raised in Chile and have been living in LA for most of my adult life. The myriad of cultures I’ve been exposed to and experienced have greatly influenced my artistic style and work.

What inspires you to create?
I draw upon my own life experiences for inspiration. Art has its own language and I express myself best through this medium. Whether I’m feeling sadness or anger, happiness or gratitude, or anything in between, my works depict a genuine and honest reflection of my inner self.

How do you define success as an artist?
The greatest sense of accomplishment I get is when I sign my name on the bottom of a newly finished creation. This means that I have succeeded in taking a mere idea in my head, taken it through all the trials and tribulations in physical form, and finally blessed it with the stamp of approval that signifies that this specific artistic journey has come to a glorious end. 

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
For me it’s finding true inspiration from my heart and soul. People might think artists and creatives in any field have a constant blooming field of ideas to pluck from, but that’s far from the truth. I don’t like to create out of necessity, but rather from a place of sincerity.

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why? I'm very proud of this new "Journal Series" I've created.

Not only does this journal make my art more accessible to the masses, but people can easily carry and interact with it on a daily basis and make it their own.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
I love to listen to great music and dance around while I paint! I usually work on several different pieces at once and find myself dancing from one to the next... usually when no one else is around! Lol! 

Love that! Find Lula Flores at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.lulaflores.com

Instagram: @lulafloresart

Mandi with Tolly’s Treatments

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I grew up and went to college in Minnesota, lived in San Francisco for a year, Colorado for a year, and now I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 15 years! I’ve learned a lot about myself and different lifestyles along the way, but being a Scandinavian from Minnesota mostly gave me dry skin and a kind attitude ;) I bring both of these things with me into formulating skincare and aromatherapy products!

Tell us how you got your start? 
I began making the Citrus Honey lip balm when Brian and I got married in 2012 (my last name became Tollefson, hence ‘Tollys’). I wanted a non-toxic lip balm for our wedding favors and it was hard to find! So I made my own. It was continually requested by friends and family and I became enthralled with learning how to formulate more and more non- toxic products.

I launched Tolly’s Treatments officially when I became a mother in 2016 in order to stay home with my baby and still have a creative outlet. In 2022, I became a Certified Organic Skincare Formulator and began creating the formulas and branding you see today!

That is so cool. What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Formulating products is a science, as well as an art. It takes A LOT of trial and error, feedback, and perseverance. I have the hardest time with my patience for something to click - but when it does…it’s magic!! That’s what keeps me going

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
I LOVE the Hydrating Skin Repair body butter - it’s almost like a cult classic at this point, ha. I’ve had it since the very, very beginning and my customers still keep coming back for it. It smells divine (no synthetic fragrances, of course!) and is the perfect consistency, plus very versatile - I made it as a pregnancy belly butter, but it’s extremely healing for scars, stretch marks, extra dry skin, etc. Of my new Mindful Beauty line, I love most the intention: gentle gel cleanser.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
There are so many things I love about Pasadena, but the people top it all!! Everyone is so kind and interesting to talk with, always. And the food, I love the food.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
Before starting Tolly’s, I was working as a producer in live TV. Mostly award shows and live specials. I loved it, but I love this work even more!

Oh wow that is a surprise! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?   
This is a hard question for me because I’m in my era of working on Mindfulness and living each day - but I also believe in having goals and dreams! In 5 years, I see myself as a healthy, happy mom and business woman who is working every day at being better. I’d love for Tolly’s to be a full time income and generating profits that can do good for my family and community.

That is a great goal. Any advice for someone just starting their own business?
Keep learning. Always work on getting better at what you do. Be mindful of what resonates. It’s going to be soul crushing sometimes, but keep trying. It doesn’t have to be huge right away, gain knowledge and perspective and you’ll find the thing that works.

Great advice. Anything special you’d like to share?
I LOVE JACKALOPE! I am so happy to be part of the most awesome community of creatives and customers. I am forever grateful, thank you for this opportunity. Xo Mandi Tollefson

Find Tolly’s Treatments at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.tollystreatments.com

Instagram: @tollystreatments

Justin with Wylies Wood and Leather

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I lived in 13 different cities before the age of 18, all across the midwest, south, and East Coast. I grew up with one foot in the city and the other in small town USA; and the intertwining of these two walks of American life have absolutely defined my design and build sensibilities. To use an analogy, each handcrafted piece would fit perfectly within the city mouse’s lakeside, country home or in the country mouse’s New York City penthouse apartment. Everything is crafted to offer you a unique taste of subtle luxury, while feeling home-y and inviting.

Tell us how you got your start? 
I moved to Los Angeles twenty-five years ago and I spent the first three years working for an extremely talented contractor in Pasadena. I believe I’ve worked in nearly every home in San Marino and Pasadena. During that time I received an incredible education in electrical, plumbing, and all-things-handy-man. Most importantly, this job launched my curiosity for how things are made. During a nearly twenty-year career as a television producer, I took any opportunity I could to work with my hands and continue to expand my skills; like rebuilding a vintage motorcycle from the ground up because I wanted to know how engines work. I eventually found my true passion in woodworking and leather craft and the rest is (living) history. 

Very cool. What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Splinters. Especially from Black Wenge wood. 

I would believe that. How do you define success as an artist?
My wife and our two daughters are everything to me. They are the biggest reason why I left a successful career as a producer. I want the three of them to know that healthiest (emotionally and mentally) version of me and I want to fill their lives with love and support. If I can show my daughters that starting a business of your own, and doing something that brings you absolute joy is possible, all while showing up as a strong, understanding, and deeply loving partner to my wife, is possible, than I sincerely believe I am the most successful person on Earth. 

Love that. What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
The cornerstone to Wylie’s is The Wesley Chair. I love the piece for two reasons. Firstly, it is named after my oldest daughter. Secondly, it feels incredible to sit in.

Wesley Chair

What do you love most about Pasadena? Pasadena is so rich with history and art. The world’s greatest architects have built here, the greatest movie directors studied here, it is home to the most beautiful gardens in Southern California. It’s where Marty McFly and Doc Brown devised a way back to 1985 and it’s the home of Pie and Burger. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
I’m a trained classical singer. 

Oh very cool! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?   
I see myself doing what I am doing today (perhaps on a slightly bigger scale). I hope I’ll still be encouraging my daughters to chase their dreams and not work for someone else’s, and to be as in love with my wife as I am today. 

Mic drop! Anything special you’d like to share?  
I have an uncanny ability to eat lots of ice cream, too often. 

Find Wylie's Wood and Leather at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena AND the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: wylieswoodandleather.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wylieswoodandleather

Family Business! Founders (Tiffany, her mom and sister)

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  
I am originally from Shenzhen, China, and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 13 years old. My cultural background plays a big role in my designs, as I love incorporating elements of my Chinese heritage into our products. For the past three years, we’ve created a Lunar New Year collection, as well as an Asian food and fruit collection, both of which are inspired by my childhood memories, traditional symbols, and the vibrant colors of Chinese culture. Blending these influences allows me to create pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh, celebrating the joy and playfulness of my heritage.

That is very cool and unique to you. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest artistic influence is Hayao Miyazaki. I grew up watching his films and have always been deeply inspired by his whimsical art style, rich storytelling, and the sense of wonder he creates in his worlds. I strive to bring that same sense of playfulness and magic into my own designs

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is the design and prototyping phase. I usually start by sketching out ideas before turning them into digital illustrations, but I also have to consider how they will translate into physical product. This includes choosing the right colors, figuring out the best way to cut the acrylic, and ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional. Each collection goes through multiple rounds of prototyping to perfect the colors, shapes, and overall look. Once this phase is complete, the rest of the process flows much more smoothly.

There is a lot of behind the scenes involved. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
My favorite item we’ve created is definitely our animal portrait magnets and brooches. I’ve always loved the charm of vintage cottage-style gallery walls and wanted to bring that idea to life with my own designs. That’s how the Sunnie Farm collection was born—I imagined a whimsical farm where these animals live, each with their own unique personality. I designed their portraits as if they were meant to be hung in a cozy farmhouse, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to our collection.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena has such a unique charm—its diverse community and rich artistic culture make it an inspiring place to be. The city is home to incredible art spaces like the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library, and it hosts amazing yearly art events that bring creatives together. It’s a wonderful place for artists to share their work and for people to find inspiration.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
In university, all my art classes were from 7-10 PM, so I naturally became a night owl when it comes to creating. Even now, I do my best design work late at night—it’s when I feel the most inspired and focused.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In five years, I hope to still be growing Sunnie Creative, expanding the business in a way that allows me to reach more people while also giving me more time for myself and my family. 

Any advice for someone just starting off on their own?  
My biggest piece of advice for someone just starting out is to strongly consider doing in-person events. They're an amazing way to test your products in real life, get immediate feedback, and really start building your brand's presence.

Love that. Anything special you’d like to share? 
We release a new collection every 1-2 months, and we’re always excited to share more fun, creative art with you! Stay tuned for fresh designs!

Find Sunnie Creative at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: https://sunniecreative.com/

Instagram: @sunnie.creative

Armelle

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  
I was born and raised in France and after years in Germany, Switzerland and Ireland, I settled in Southern California. I speak three languages and worked as a translator and interpreter before crossing the pond to become a full time artist and muralist. 

Wow that is very impressive! Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? Giacometti and Brancusi's female bodies, Akseli Gallen-Kallela's snowy landscapes and absolutely everything by Vincent Van Gogh. I have the deepest connection to him.

What is the hardest part of your creation process? Remember that it always gets worse before it gets better.

That can be so true! What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
I am quite happy with the "SoCal Spirit" that I created at the start of my painting journey because I was able to pinpoint that effortless Southern California vibe that I felt when I moved here, with what was going to become my signature style.

SoCal Spirit

What do you love most about Pasadena?
The old town and the Huntington Gardens because they remind me of Europe.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I am a creative cook and hate to follow a recipe! 

That takes talent! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Visiting all the National Parks and painting everything I see.

Very fun. You have the day off, what do you do?
I sweat in a hot yoga class.

Find Armelle’s Atelier at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.armellesatelier.com

Instagram: @armellesatelier

Do you have a story behind your company name?

This was my second time starting a business. With my first, I spent a lot of time brainstorming and perfecting the name, but the business wasn’t successful. The second time around, I did the opposite—I didn’t want to procrastinate. I chose a name without overthinking it, and that decision helped streamline the entire process of starting and running the business. Now, 10 years later, I see how moving forward quickly and decisively was a key to my success.

How did you get started? 
I initially tested selling a variety of products on Etsy. Back in college I sold pet jewelry, so I restarted that business using materials I still had on hand. From there, I continued experimenting with different products to see what would resonate.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Over the past decade, my favorite part of the maker process has evolved. I used to love working on custom products, many of which became part of my collection. Now, I really enjoy sourcing materials. We’ve built design spaces filled with so many different materials that inspire me and my team.

What inspires you to create?
It’s simple—what inspires me to create is the demand from my customers. Their interest and requests drive me to keep offering new and unique creations.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?
Before my kids were born, I spent long hours in my room from morning until late at night, working on custom orders that often became part of my collection. Having children made me realize I needed help with orders, which in turn helped me grow my business. It allowed me to shift focus to sourcing materials, designing, and building the right team to collaborate on everything from design to e-commerce.

What’s your favorite item you’ve created and why?
My favorite thing to do is painting and adding filigree designs and rhinestones to masks. I absolutely love it. Even when things get hectic around me, the process feels meditative and calming. 

What is the hardest part for you as an artist?

For me, designing is the hardest part because I want to design something authentic, unique, and innovative. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope? 

I hope to bring a bit of whimsy and fun to Jackalope. My wish is that through the serendipity of discovering my products, customers find joy in those unexpected moments when they come across something that speaks to them and creates lasting memories for them, and their loved ones.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

I’ve found that collaboration has been the key to even the smallest successes. From working with photographers who bring my products to life visually, to hiring the right people to help with orders, every person involved plays a part in shaping and reshaping not only my creations but the direction of my business. These collaborations have allowed me to grow and evolve over the years, reminding me that no business is built in isolation—every success is truly a shared one.

Find Serendip Box Inc at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.higginscreek.com

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I grew up in the Bay Area, and I was living in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland as a young adult. This is where I was introduced to ceramics.  I started at Laney Community College, learning how to throw on the wheel, and then I continued on to receive a degree in The Practice of Art at UC Berkeley.  Richard Shaw was my professor at the time, and he was highly influential for me.  He showed me how wonderful handbuilding was, and he helped me to find my own creative voice. So yes, I think my experiences in the Bay Area, especially throughout college, have definitely shaped my interests and direction into what they have become today.

Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

For me, success as an artist is simply feeling content with what I am creating, as well as providing joy for others.

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

Hm, that is hard because it can change depending on what I am doing and what is going on in my personal life. If I had to think of one consistent difficulty, it would probably be the physical strain on my body.  I want to build at least 5 hrs a day, 5 days a week, but I have to be careful and take time off in order to avoid injury.  This can be incredibly difficult, especially during times of feeling inspired.

How has your style changed over time?

After learning how to throw on the wheel, then being introduced to handbuilding, I began making more sculptural pieces, not necessarily functional anymore. This work was more detailed, thematic, and had a darker tone. Then, after moving to Los Angeles in my early 30’s, having children, and taking a break from ceramics, I eventually began working for someone doing production pottery.  In this job I was making planters for plants. I have always loved owning lots of houseplants, so having the opportunity to work in a space where I could make ceramic pieces for plants, while being surrounded by plants, was a dream for me. I was highly influenced by this experience, so after a few years I decided to continue to work with planters and plants, but create my own designs and eventually create my own business.

Her favorite piece!

Love that! What is your favorite item that you have created and why?

My favorite piece might be from my early years, at UC Berkeley.  It’s not a style or form that I have wanted to continue making, but I think it was a piece that represented my ability to create and execute something visually interesting, as well as technically difficult. I think this piece represents a starting point for gaining a level of confidence and excitement needed in order to commit my life to being a ceramicist.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Honestly, it’s mainly a nostalgic place for me because it reminds me of my grandfather. He lived in Pasadena my whole life, so my dad would take my siblings and I to visit a few times a year. Though I have lived in LA for 13 years now, I live on the west side, so I don’t get to explore Pasadena a lot.  However, every time I go, it brings back a lot of memories. It also just has a nice feeling to it all around. It’s a very peaceful city, and I always enjoy visiting, especially when I can be a part of Jackalope.  It’s a great way to meet new people and learn more about the small businesses in the area.

Find Stone Garden Ceramics at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

Instagram: @stonegarden_ceramics

Araceli Concordia
Founder & Creative Director

What inspires you to create?
I love the mid-century and the Art Deco eras, but all the materials I work with can influence and inspire me and my designs. 

We can see that in your designs, very cool! How has your style changed over time?
Career change, parenthood, and prioritizing what makes me feel good and comfortable have been a big change for me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

For me, designing is the hardest part because I want to design something authentic, unique, and innovative. 

That is a lot of pressure. How do you define success as an artist?

My definition of success as an artist is to be able to give joy to the wearer through my art.

What do you like most about Pasadena?

I love the architecture around the city, whether it be a residential home or a commercial building.

Find Araceli Studios at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.arachelistudio.com

www.facebook.com/arachelistudio

Instagram: arachelistudio

Gloria

Do you have a sorry behind your company name?
I chose the name Olivo Amigo – Your Friend the Olive Tree – because we want to be more than just a brand; we want to be your trusted friend. Friends are there to support and guide you, helping you become the best version of yourself. That's exactly what we strive to do. With our ingredients, we want to inspire you to infuse your meals with love, making every dish not only delicious but also fun and healthy. Together, let’s make every meal the best meal!

Love it! Tell us, how did you get start?
I was born and raised in Spain, where happiness is built around the table. In our culture, food is an experience that is celebrated and savored with loved ones. A drizzle of olive oil is a must, adding rich flavor and infusing emotion into every dish.

When I moved to the United States to study, I fell in love with this country and the man that is now my husband. However, I soon discovered that the U.S was lacking one very important thing - high quality olive oil from the Mediterranean. Spain produces more than 50% of the best olive oil in the world, and as an Olive Oil Sommelier, I made it my mission to bring that to you with our Organic EVOO from Spain.

And now, I’ve completed the Mediterranean experience with our selection of vinegars, spices, and housewares to promote wellness, flavor, gratitude and celebration. Olivo Amigo is my labor of love, and my dream is to share the health and happiness of Spain with you and your family. Let’s celebrate life together!

Very cool! What inspires you to create?
The fact that people think that eating tasty and healthy food is boring, and it is not! With just a few high-quality, simple ingredients, you can transform any meal. All it takes is some Olivo Amigo EVOO, Balsamic Vinegar, and Mediterranean spices to work their magic. The result? A delicious dish unlike anything you’ve tasted before!

What is a typical day in the kitchen like for you?
I’ll start my day by preparing breakfast and lunch with our golden ingredients, giving me the chance to create and explore new, fun recipes to share with everyone! Afterward, I’ll focus on creating content that highlights these delicious dishes and shares the benefits of EVOO. Finally, I’ll wrap up by packing and shipping all the goodies to our wonderful friends!

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

I believe that Vitality and Joy early harvested extra virgin olive oil—nothing is healthier or tastier on earth! Being able to offer this exceptional product to my customers, beautifully packaged to bring a touch of Spain into their kitchens, makes me feel like I’ve created something truly special.

The same goes for our Aperitivo Gift Set, which features miniatures of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar, along with a regular-sized jar of our Elevate Mediterranean Spices. They’re absolutely adorable and come in stunning packaging, making them the perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, or housewarming parties.

We can’t wait to try them! What do you like most about Pasadena? How charming and beautiful every street and corner is, it reminds me of Spain.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

At Jackalope, we will be celebrating the beauty of real, high-quality ingredients with our fresh, early-harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil, bold Balsamic Vinegar, and vibrant Mediterranean Spice blend. Sourced from small, sustainable family farms and produced in small batches, Olivo Amigo makes food fun! Our fresh, clean, and healthy ingredients elevate each bite effortlessly, turning every meal into a delightful celebration for your taste buds. We’ll be offering samples of our products paired with bread, so don’t miss this opportunity—come say hi!

Find Olivo Amigo at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.olivoamigo.com

Facebook: yourolivoamigo

Instagram: @yourolivoamigo

Joseph Hotter

Do you have a sorry behind your company name?
My last name is Hotter! I like to joke that I could have been a plastic surgeon with a last name like that. "Dr. Hotter makes you hotter", but hot sauce is a lot more fun.

Too funny! Tell us, how did you get start?
I was once 330lbs in my early 20's and I was a terrible cook at the time, I was also a really picky eater. I ended up losing 150~ lbs with diet and exercise. The one saving grace to my healthy meals was a healthy dose of hot sauce on damn near everything I ate. One month of Tabasco and I'd be bored of it, one month of Sriracha and I'd be bored of it. Eventually I got into more craft hot sauce and that really helped me appreciate different flavors. Fast forward to 2020 and I just started working for a company where there were frequent company bbq's. I had just made the first batch of my hot sauce, "Thai-napple", and I brought it to the next bbq for people to try, they really seemed to enjoy it. At first, I thought it was just co-workers being polite until they started to ask me if they could buy a bottle.

Honey Habanero

Love that. What inspires you to create?
I'm inspired by my favorite restaurants that helped me appreciate different cuisines and flavors. Indian food in particular really gave me that "wow" moment of how vital a well-made sauce can be to a dish. If Hotter Sauce could give a picky eater that same epiphany of how impactful a good sauce can be, I'd be elated. 

What is a typical day in the kitchen like for you?
When I'm not cutting a ton of peppers, burping ferments, or bottling sauce I'm tinkering with different pepper varieties to try to land on something fresh and interesting. Hot sauce is a very competitive market and you have to do your best to craft something unique that fits with your brand. We focus on flavor first and heat second, so processing ingredients differently from batch to batch and seeing how it affects overall flavor is a big part of how we RND a new sauce. 

Thai-napple

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

"Thai-napple" was my first sauce and it's my favorite because I made it at a point where making hot sauce was brand new territory for me. After you ferment a distinct blend of peppers, add a little this and that, blend it all up, and find that it tastes fantastic, it's a good feeling. It was a validating experience: I can make a good sauce, now let's make another one!

What do you like most about Pasadena? This has been my home for the last couple years. It's incredibly accessible to people who prefer to walk most places rather than hop in a car. We got some great coffee shops here like Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters, and my favorite restaurant, Howlin' Ray's. 

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Slammin’ Serrano

Some great hot sauce! I can't wait for people to try it out. We also have some gift packs for people to take back home to the heatseeker in their life. Can't wait to set up the tent and introduce Hotter Sauce to my Pasadena neighbors.  

Find Hotter Sauces at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024 AND at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on December 7th & 8th

www.hottersauces.com

Instagram: @hottersauces