Do you have a story behind your company name?

TheLittleLabs was conceived as a space where big ideas could flourish in a playful and imaginative environment. The name reflects our belief that even in a small studio—or “little lab”—we can experiment, innovate, and create impactful work that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Love that! How did you get started?

Founded in 2016 by a husband-and-wife artist duo with years of experience at Disney, TheLittleLabs began as a passion project. Leveraging our backgrounds in animation and design, we started offering services in illustration, animation, and user experience design. As our client base grew, so did our team and the range of projects we took on.

What is your favorite part of your maker process?

Our favorite part is the creation and conceptual phase. This stage is an endless exploration of ideas, enhanced by collaboration with incredibly talented people. It’s where imagination knows no bounds, and we can truly innovate and experiment with different styles and mediums.

What inspires you to create?

From an early age, both Aradhana and Camilo, our founders, felt compelled to express themselves through art. They’re inspired by the challenge of distilling life experiences into simple, engaging stories for younger audiences. This passion drives our team to create work that’s not only visually appealing but also meaningful.

Tell us what a typical day is like in the studio?

Our day typically begins around 9 AM, following a good breakfast and a cup of coffee or tea. Aradhana, our lead, starts by meeting with the team to plan and prioritize upcoming tasks. The rest of the day is a blend of client meetings, collaborative sessions, and hands-on work with our illustration, animation, and design teams. The atmosphere is dynamic and collaborative.

Is there something that you love most about Burbank, especially with it being the media capital of the world?

Burbank is special to us—it’s where Aradhana and Camilo met and where TheLittleLabs had its first office on Olive Ave. The city has been the backdrop to many of our personal and professional milestones, making it an integral part of our story.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

We’ve always admired the Jackalope initiative and are excited to participate this year. We’ll be bringing some exclusive previews of our new side project, 'Cloudy and Friends' - a line of products aimed at kids 2-6 years old. We’re eager to connect with fellow creatives and attendees who share our passion for art and innovation.

Anything special you’d like to share?

We’re continuously evolving Cloudy and Friends, a project close to our hearts aimed at kids. Whenever we have time at the studio, we delve into developing this initiative further. We’re also proud to share that TheLittleLabs is a minority and woman-owned business, something that adds to the diverse perspectives and creativity we bring to our work.

Find The Little Labs at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: Thelittlelabs.com

Instagram: @thelittlelabs

Clara of Funky Gavroche

Do you have a story behind your company name?

The story behind the Funky Gavroche name is the story of a little, adventurous boy from the book “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo. I loved the character in the book, for his spirit of freedom and breaking the conventional rules, so when I started my small brand, I thought it could be a good representation for the artistic statement I was going for which was: artistic, free of rules and constraints, whimsical and creative.

Very fun. How did you get your start? I started Funky Gavroche back in 2010 when I became a mother for the first time. I have always loved to knit, I had learned to knit by my wonderful mom back in my home country, Romania, when I was just 12 years old. I’ve kept it as a hobby over the years and when I became a mother and decided to stay home with my boys, I wanted to keep my creative juices flowing, thus I’ve began designing and knitting children knitwear. As the years went by and my boys grew, I decided to continue my knitting endeavors by designing and knitting adult garments as well.

What inspires you to create?

In one word, ART! I love looking at paintings and other creative outlets that open new portals into my own imagination. I am a huge admirer of the DADA movements and surrealism as well as a Frida Khalo aficionada.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?

This question is hard to answer because I have more than one favorite part in my maker process. I LOVE the imaginative part of the process where I can visualize the garment I would like to knit, but I also LOVE the design process when I figure out textures, yarn weights and color combinations.

I bet there are so many options it is hard to narrow it down. Do you have a favorite item you have created?

I find hard to choose just one favorite item that I’ve created because I have so many designs I truly cherish and that have so many beautiful stories behind them. But there is ONE that I love a lot that blends in my love for drawing with the knitting process. It is a vest I designed and handknitted, and then I used the free form crochet technique for the appliqué on the back of the vest. The garment is called “Mirrored face” and it is truly a piece of wearable art.

So Fun! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I can’t say I have a typical day in the studio, but I try to have an artistic, creative day every day. I try to design and handknit two collections per year as well as custom orders and other fun inspirations that come to my head. I set aside a few hours every day to knit either custom orders that I need to fulfill, or just the designs I had already planned. On top of that, I try to stay active and engaged with my social media followers, creating content and prepping photoshoots.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Her favorite piece!

I love the vibrant artistic community in Burbank, where creativity thrives at every corner. It's a hub for filmmakers, animators, and artists, with studios and galleries that celebrate both established and emerging talents. The city's rich entertainment history, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it a perfect place for artistic expression and collaboration. Whether strolling through the downtown area or attending local events, there's always a sense of inspiration and community that makes Burbank truly special.

Well said. What will you be bringing to the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival?

I will bring a variety of handknitted items: from scarves to hats, and crocheted bucket hats, to cozy and fluffy sweaters, as well as cardigans, and knitwear for children.

Anything special you would like to add?

I would really like to say to all the people who will come to the Jackalope fair that supporting small businesses and artists is vital for building strong, vibrant communities. These local entrepreneurs and creatives bring unique products, services, and perspectives that enrich our everyday lives. By choosing to shop small or buy from independent artists, we help foster innovation, preserve culture, and keep local economies thriving. Our support allows them to continue pursuing their passions, while also ensuring that communities remain diverse and dynamic places to live and work.

Find Funky Gavroche at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: https://www.funkygavroche.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkygavroche

Instagram: @funkygavroche

Sandra & Edoardo

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Our company name is our family name. 

How did it all get started?

We are a family business. We are the 3rd generation.

That is incredible! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Creating designs and paying attention to the little details.

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Nature is our biggest inspiration.

What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

My favorite item is our alpaca socks. We are very proud of the feel and the fit of our socks.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
We will bring our alpaca socks, our hand embroidery accessories, and our WUAMAN Kids collection.

Anything special you’d like to share?
We are certified fair trade and sustainably grazed.

Find WUAMAN at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.wuaman.com

Instagram: @wuaman.official

Alex & Sun

Tell us where are you from and if that impacts your work?

We’re from the Pacific Northwest (Alex) and Orange County, California (Sun), but honestly we’ve been living in the greater Los Angeles area long enough that we just consider ourselves SoCal natives at this point. It’s definitely affected our work in the most amazing way. You don’t think about it on a day-to-day basis, but in hindsight we can definitely see the California influence.

The warm weather and diverse cultures that we experience year-round certainly guide the messages and products that we create. Our primary offerings are lightweight graphic t-shirts that are both convenient and comfortable to wear in Southern California. Additionally, our proximity to the entertainment and technology industries has given us an eclectic and future-focused approach to life, which in turn influences the mashup between art and tech often seen in Story Spark designs.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

There are quite a few sources of artistic influences in our work. Thought-provoking, minimal, and quirky art always catches our eye. We look at so many different types of artists, from graphic designers like John Maeda, Saul Bass, and April Greiman, to fine artists like Jeff Koons, Yoshitomo Nara, and Joe Sorren. We’re also inspired by contemporary design and architecture icons like Frank Gehry, Alexander McQueen, Betsy Johnson, and Charles and Ray Eames.

How do you define success as an artist?

We believe that the purpose of art is to connect with others. The essence of human communication lies in telling a message or story, which can be conveyed through a variety of mediums, especially art. Therefore, true success in art is achieved by making an impact on someone's life and giving them that "aha" moment that can shift their perspective and understanding of their own belief system.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

Art has an invigorating power that enhances our lives. There are times when we feel unmotivated and down with what we're currently doing - some may call it a blue period, or the ebb and flow of entrepreneurship. Running a small business is no easy feat, and finding creativity when you’re not feeling inspired can be incredibly difficult. But during these times, looking back on our past creations and remembering the spark we felt in creating those designs definitely pulls us out of that funk. Even old pieces of art can provoke new thoughts and emotions, which lead to gained inspiration. Art always provides the spark that ignites our stories and actions.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

Much of the improvement in our craft comes from work experience. We’ve found the best way to learn is just to do. Experience can be the best teacher. Although the process of creating a new design from a concept is never the same (and does not seem to get any easier), more practice and experience lead to more efficient techniques. Certain pitfalls, such as poor color choices and line weight limitations, are now easier to detect and avoid than when we first started.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

This is perhaps the easiest question to answer! The most difficult part of creating is being able to generate new ideas. 100%. As our portfolio of designs has grown, it has become increasingly challenging to develop something that is not only new but also meets our high criteria for quality.

How has your style changed over time?

Our style has undergone a transformation over the years, becoming more intricate and refined. Our approach to creation is deeply rooted in art, technology, and pop culture, which means it’s as constantly changing as the mediums we use. We draw inspiration from these fields to craft our unique creations and thus are always looking for new and exciting ways to express how we see the world as it changes around us.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Being an artist has given us the opportunity to do something that we love, which is creating and sharing new stories and ideas with others. It has provided us with a channel to express our thoughts and creativity in ways that satisfy our inner selves. What we’ve also discovered is that Story Spark has pushed us into becoming creative entrepreneurs, which challenges both the left and right sides of our brains each and every day.

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?

Oh, it’s so hard to pick a favorite! We’d have to say one of our most beloved Story Spark creations is "Boooost," also known as the "Rocket Sloth." This original design features a sloth with a jetpack meant to inspire people to charge forward and blaze their own path. Despite any preconceived notions or self-doubt, it's important to set your sights on the finish line and be ready to surpass your goals. We love the irony of this visual graphic and the positive message it conveys for those who wear it. Plus, the sloth’s silly expression always puts a smile on everyone’s face.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

The people, indefinitely! Every person we have met at the Jackalope Artisan Fair in Pasadena has been friendly and open-minded, and willing to hear the thoughts behind each of our pieces. This willingness is very humbling and encouraging for us to keep going. It’s a sense of community and interest that feels very unique to this area. We can keep going with more reasons to love Pasadena, but definitely the people!

Catch Story Spark on April 29th & 30th at Jackalope Pasadena!

Web: www.storyspark.com

Instagram: @storyspark

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was born in Kansas City, although my upbringing was a bit different than most kids. Both my mother and father are both from a small village in Croatia and I grew up in a bilingual household ... which also happened to be a small (non-commercial) farm.
We had chickens, sheep, cows, rabbits, a duck and a fully stocked pond. I love animals. So I tend to draw animals a lot.
I think growing up on a farm likely helped put a soft/organic spin on my art.

Very cool! Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
I always wanted to be a Disney Animator growing up ... so good 'ol Walt was definitely an artistic/professional hero of mine.
Nowadays though, I always find myself gravitating toward artists with a unique voice and a specialized craft/medium ...
I think 90% of the accounts I personally follow on instagram are tattooist.
I find fineline/detailed tattoo art so inspiring that I actually started teaching myself how to tattoo just before COVID hit.
I have been told countless times that people think the artwork on my leggings are tattoos and I have had a handful of customers reach out asking if they could get my art tattooed on themselves.
Hopefully I will be able to dive into tattooing more in the future.

We could definitely see that! How do you define success as an artist?
Success has two meanings for me ... If you are able to make a living through art, that is a massive win.
But more importantly, does the work satisfy a need to create. Sometimes when your passion becomes your job, the passion fades.
I have worked creative jobs in the past that were incredibly unfulfilling ... drawing things that other people wanted me to draw vs. drawing things that make my heart sing.
True success is a balance of both. Being able to feel good about the work you are putting out while also paying rent on time =)

A true balance challenge! Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

I haven't been posting much Etch A Sketch art as of late, but for a while I was going live nightly on TikTok and there is a super weird sense of calm to Etch A Sketch with a large audience knowing that you cannot erase as you go along. Etch A Sketch art is a very unique form of meditation for me. It's one of the only times where I can zone out, focus on what is in front of me, and not let my brain stress about 700 other things simultaneously. My personal insta and tiktok profiles share a lot of my etch a sketch art and both can be found at @chriztinamarie

We will have to check that out! How have you developed your skill at your craft?
I have been a visual artist for as long as I can remember. In being mostly self-taught, my technique has slowly evolved over the last 30+ years and I am constantly learning and trying new things. I started with 100% hand illustrations and paintings. Over time, I had to learn how to recreate my artwork in photoshop for it to be print-ready. That has been quite the evolution. Being mostly self-taught in photoshop puts me at a bit of a disadvantage because I do not know most of the shortcuts and tricks to finish a project faster ... but I approach my photoshop as though I am illustrating on a sheet of paper or painting on a canvas. I think that gives my work a bit more of a familiar/organic feeling vs perfectly crisp clip art. (Although that is not to say that I wouldn't welcome a couple tips/tricks and shortcuts now and then, lol)!

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The balancing act between what I want to draw vs what I think will sell.
Sometimes, I want to draw things that aren't so commercially appealing and I am not sure if I can invest in the cost of production to bring it to life. It's hard to put what you want to do on the back burner to instead work on the things that you think would be more popular/salable.

Also, and I am sure a lot of other small business owners can relate to this: I find it hard to magically find inspiration the moment that my schedule finally allows me to draw. Lately, 95% of my time revolves around administrative/operational/management tasks like bookkeeping, licensing, customer service emails (oof), permits, photoshoots and photo editing, writing email newsletters, working on the website, running production, etc .... I have about 3,197 hats to wear and it can be very hard to juggle all those things and then flip the switch when time allows for the creative process. More often than not, I find myself wishing I had a business partner who could manage a lot of the not-so-creative operations so I could focus on my art and what really makes me happy. A girl can dream.

A true entrepreneur! How has your style changed over time?
WERKSHOP Collections have evolved a lot over the years. I used to focus on single/large billboard style artwork on the leggings but have slowly shifted toward smaller details and mature styling. It's been a slow evolution though, because I have been trying to maintain a recognizable brand identity. The biggest shift in style has happened within the last year with the introduction of my Featherlight Collection. The Featherlight collection of leggings, bells, skirts, shorts and tops is the biggest change that WERKSHOP has embraced since I founded the company 9 years ago. WERKSHOP started as just Capri Length Triathlon/Compression leggings and has evolved into a full lifestyle brand over the years.

Very cool. What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Honestly, the best thing is being able to express what I feel/think in a way that can be shared with others even if I am not in the room with them. I imagine it is about the same feeling for all artists: musicians, writers, sculptors, etc ... we feel something, see (or hear it) in our head, and then get to share it with the world. I couldn't imagine a life without being able to share that side of myself.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Oh gosh, what a hard question! There is no way for me to pick one single item as my favorite ... but I will say that my new bicycle length shorts (with pockets) are my current obsession.
I wear them literally every single day. My favorite print out of the eight I have created so far would have to be the new Pit Viper. The print is also available as an active skirt (also with pockets) which is definitely my second-most worn style for the last few months.

Cute! Anything special you’d like to share?

If anyone out there is reading this and likes my art/clothing, I would be forever grateful if you checked out my website and came to visit my booth at the upcoming Jackalope Art Fair. As a small business, I sincerely appreciate the support more than words can say. Without a big marketing budget, I rely mostly on word-of-mouth and always strive to treat our customers like family. Welcome to #teamWERKSHOP! Thank You!!

Well we can’t wait to see you in person this November 19th & 20th at Jackalope Pasadena!

Where to see more of Eagle Rock Werkshop:

Website | www.werkshop.com

Instagram | @werkshop

Do you have a story behind your company name?

At the close of 2016, when darkness fell across the land, we felt compelled to start a social action fashion sock brand that could empower people invested in making real, positive change. The company’s name then really just kind of fell in our lap so to speak.

Tell us how you got your start?

We already had a rudimentary knowledge of knitting which turned out to be pretty crucial. We then spent about a few thousand hours on Google. Took a crash course in Adobe Illustrator and here we are!

Just goes to show that it is never too late to learn a new skill! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Seeing things come full circle. From the initial brainstorm, to sock drop, and then finally seeing our customers faces light up. Priceless.

What inspires you to create?

We definitely view the sock as our canvas. We are inspired by the social causes themselves but a premium is placed on creating something entirely unique. Sometimes entirely unique can be completely bizarre. Our dog’s bad behavior is pretty inspiring as well.

Too funny! Do you have a favorite item you have made?

That’s a toughie. Can you really have a favorite child? But if we had to choose I think we’d pick “Poppysock” and “Blue”.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

When we’re working on a design it's definitely a team process. Digitizing a handmade drawing can be thrilling but it is a slow process. Socks are not created quickly.

I would believe that! What do you love most about Minnesota?

That’s easy! Sub-zero temperatures. We’re kidding, of course. It’s the people! We have a quirky, offbeat sense of humor that seems to resonate with Minnesotans.

What did you miss most about in person events now that events are picking back up again?

Our customers! We’ve found that not only are FGS customers passionate, they are a wisecracking lot. They most definitely get the joke. We have heard too many cat vomit stories to count.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

Everything we have. Our entire line currently consists of 10 unique designs.

We can’t wait to see you in person this September 10th & 11th for Jackalope Minneapolis!

Where to see more of For Goodness Socks:

Website | www.forgoodnesssocks.com

Instagram | @4goodnesssocks

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Yes! Co-founder Bill Clark and I are SoCal natives, both loving everything about what being a ‘Californian’ means. Consequently, our Californians brand is inspired by the laid-back culture of our Golden State. Our casual, boho-chic styles are vintage-inspired and reflect the era of California’s Golden Age. Our footwear spans from beach-vibe flip-flops, to cozy shearling clogs, to metallic Hollywood-glam heels. Outside of styling, our footwear is all handcrafted right in the heart of California, in our boutique, a eco-friendly footwear factory in Los Angeles! What could be more Californian?

How did you get started?

I got started in the footwear industry with the intent to make a difference. I was really frustrated with how uncomfortable women’s shoes were and decided to take matters in my own hands. I wanted to create footwear brands that were rooted in comfort but didn’t lose the sense of style ladies desire from designer brands. Since 2016, I have launched 3 brands and opened my own footwear factory that focuses on sustainability and eco-manufacturing. Our Californians brand arose when I met industry veteran Bill Clark, who introduced a new manufacturing method into my factory and together in 2019 we decided to launch Californians using this new technique. 

That is so cool! What inspires you to create?

Designing Californians is a combination of Bill and my diverse backgrounds, experiences and styles. Between Bill’s immersion of 60’s surf culture and passion for all things vintage with my more modern style and eco-conscious approach, we have been pleased that the result is a brand people from all generations can get behind. The brand’s look features a fresh take on vintage styles, while its heart and soul reflect ‘made in U.S.A.’ and green manufacturing. We want our shoes to spur conversation, evoke nostalgia, and preserve the era of California’s Golden Age. 

Love that! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Our manufacturing process at our boutique factory here in Los Angeles is almost completely vertical. We bring in raw materials and make most of the components in-house. My favorite part of the process is our insoles. Since we have the ability to make our insoles in-house, we get to choose exactly how much foam is in each shoe. As a woman, I know the impact your shoes can have on your day. Uncomfortable shoes can affect everything from walking to getting things accomplished, to making or breaking your self-confidence. At Californians, we’ve chosen to use a revolutionary 6mm memory foam insole in our footwear. This makes our shoes, arguably, the comfiest on the market - whether it’s our proprietary flip-flop sole or our 4-inch heels, there is comfort built into every-single style!

What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

My typical day varies greatly day-to-day and is never boring! As the owner of our eco-friendly factory (called Clover & Cobbler) and our 3 in-house footwear brands, each day is an exciting adventure of new possibilities and challenges. As a creative at heart, my favorite days are when we’re planning new collection launches, full of designing, sample meetings, fit-testing and photoshoots. These days are chaotic and busy as can be, but to me, this is endless fun. 

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

I absolutely love our slipper collection! We started with a few sandal-inspired slipper styles including a slide and a shearling flip-flop (appropriate for Southern California year-round) and we had a huge response! Since they were such a hit, we expanded upon the collection, which now even includes men’s slippers. Today, our collection has 3 different color shearling options and by popular request, we launched closed-toe women’s slipper styles this fall. I think we’ve seen such success with our slippers because they are designed with a traction rubber outsole which keeps them flexible, but also wearable outside! Throughout the pandemic, comfy-chic has become the “it” trend, and our indoor-outdoor slippers nailed it.

Felicity Slipper

 Our ‘Felicity’ slippers are my personal favorite! I usually prefer wearing thong-style sandals over slides, and the shearling straps are just SO soft and comfortable. The leather footbed and proprietary cushioned midsole make them super breathable and just the right warmth for Southern California evenings. They are my morning and evenings go-to! 

Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

We will be bringing an assortment of our handcrafted slippers, sandals, clogs, heels and boots! All our footwear is perfect for holiday gifting, but of course, we find that our slipper collection is most popular around this time of year. Our slippers master both comfort and practicality, featuring breathable genuine shearling, a super soft foam midsole and our traction rubber outsole. 

What did you miss most about in-person events now that events are picking back up again? 

We’re so happy to be back at in-person events! There’s nothing quite like touching and feeling a product and getting to see the quality in-person. Especially for our footwear, the comfort built-in to our insoles is truly epic and rather hard to get across digitally. Being able to witness the moment when someone tries on our shoes and FEELS the difference is so rewarding and exciting. In that moment, we know we’ve just made a lifelong customer. Making those connections is what I’ve missed most!

What do you love most about California, seeing that it inspired you to create?

I was born & raised in Los Angeles (Calabasas, to be specific) and don’t think I will ever leave California! I love so much about LA, but one thing I value is the tight-knit community that has formed within the fashion industry here. Since our boutique shoe factory is here, we are so grateful to be surrounded by like-minded designers, pattern makers, textile suppliers, and more right at our fingertips – allowing us to find what we need right here, supporting our local communities. Being a Los Angeles factory also means we can ensure that all those who work on our products receive fair wages and a safe place to work, and we hope to help promote the fashion industry’s movement toward transparency and mindfulness. 

Anything special you would like to add?

Yes! At Californians, we hold sustainability at our core, upholding the utmost standards of respect for both the earth and its people. As environmentally and ethically conscious members of the fashion community, we’ve made it our priority to leave a positive footprint on the industry. By manufacturing in our own boutique factory in Los Angeles, we ensure that the manufacturing process itself and the environment we’ve created for our artisans upholds the core values of our brand. We feel it is our responsibility to make eco-conscious decisions every ‘step’ of the way. For example, we designed packaging that helps reduce waste and is completely recyclable. Our shoe boxes (also made in Los Angeles!) are made from recycled cardboard and are printed with only water-based inks which are less harsh on the environment, allowing them to be recycled again. Additionally, our shoes are made in small batches or made-to-order. By eliminating overproduction, we minimize our contribution to the fashion industry’s waste. Similarly, we do whatever we can to minimize our material waste. Rather than throwing away our leather and materials scraps, we repurpose what we can internally (look out for some keychains coming soon) and then pass along anything else to other businesses or local artisans who reuse the pieces for items such as bracelets and dog collars. 

We can’t wait to see you in person this November 20th & 21st when Jackalope returns to Central Park, Pasadena.

Where to see more of Californian’s Footwear:

Website |https://californiansfootwear.com/

Instagram |@californiansfootwear

What is the story behind your company name?

With the world of almost 8 billion people, I wanted to create a sense of community & kinship, and more importantly, highlight & amplify the fact that we are all the same – composed of the same elements, the building blocks of the universe found in the stars and our planet, from plants to animals to each other. We are KIN, we are a KINdom.

How did you get started?

My journey to sustainability started because of babies. Many years ago after my sister had my niece, I started my first eco brand to try and make the world a better place for future generations, but it didn’t survive the 2008 economic crash. After the birth of my child, I felt the same. I didn’t want to go back to the polluting and exploiting industry that is fast fashion, so I started my second eco brand, which is KINdom. Babies are an inspiration!

Is that your primary source of inspiration when creating?

My child inspires me to create as consciously, responsibly, ethically, and sustainably as possible. Once you have someone in your life that channels powerful unconditional love out of you, it needs to be manifested. The same goes for indigenous artisans – they are in the front lines of climate change, and their ancient traditions are being threatened. Supporting them ensures their cultures continue to be preserved & perpetuated, and we need them to survive as they hold the key to living sustainably in harmony with the world around us.

Love that! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Upycling & collaboration with indigenous artisans and independent artists are my favorite part of the maker process. Creating something new from existing products is a lot more challenging than having carte blanche on raw materials and making something out of that, so upcycling is more fun for me, not to mention, more sustainable. As for collaborations, as individuals we can only do so much, but collectively, when visions and creations are combined, magic happens. That’s why the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #17, Partnership for the Goals, is so important – we can accelerate the good in the world when we work together.

Very true. What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I wish I had more time to design and play with upcycling as well as indigenous materials (I have so many!). Since KINdom is a small business, I’m not only the maker, but also the marketing person, the accountant, the shipping department, sales, etc. So, most of the day is spent on the computer! But for the days that I get to create – I get lost in it, time doesn’t matter, and if not for alarms, I’d be in trouble!

It is easy to get lost doing something you love! What is a favorite item you have created?

My favorite piece that I currently created is my “Laguinda” skirt. I have some stock in reclaimed denim I got from deadstock which I designed into high-waisted shorts, hand- beaded with surplus beads. And I have some “malong” tubular textile handwoven by the Maguindanao & Iranun indigenous communities. I decided to revive the 80s yoke skirt, by cutting off the bottom part of the shorts, pleating the handwoven textile, and overlocking them together to create the “Laguinda” pleated yoke skirt. It’s both upcycled and indigenous at the same time! And moves so beautifully and elegantly as you walk!

We can’t wait to see in person! What do you love most about living in California?

I love California because within the State, there is so much to see in itself. You can go to the beach or check out the snow within a two-hour drive. We have the most beautiful and diverse National Parks, from Joshua Tree to Yosemite. And we also have a diverse community of people from different cultures around the world. This makes California so colorful to me, like a State with all colors of the rainbow (my child’s favorite “color”). Pasadena is the same, and a smaller version of that. In Old Town, you can get lunch at an Italian restaurant or have dim sum, then have ube ice cream for desert – all on the same street.

All great points. What did you miss most about in person events now that events are picking back up again?

I missed telling stories! There has been a disconnect between the product and the maker for long time, for about a hundred years now, since the Industrial Revolution. We have to go back to the mindset of the old ways, to think like the indigenous tribes, that each object has a maker & is part of each other - whether it’s a machine, a garment worker, an indigenous artisan, or Mother Earth creating something. This is why I talk a lot about the indigenous communities that I work with, or the effects of certain textile processing to the planet. So we can choose & consume wisely!

Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

I am super excited to bring one-of-a-kind indigenous new designs, along with upcycled styles, and reclaimed clothing from dead stock, plus handwoven indigenous accessories, all in time for your holiday events and gifting needs.

Well I know we can’t wait to come shop your booth! Anything special you would like to add?

Would love to thank Jackalope and the community supporting small businesses & makers like me and others, so we can keep our mission alive, especially when it comes to helping others survive and make the world a better place at the same time. So proud to be part of the Fair Trade LA organization, and fulfilling up to 15 out of the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. This is the future.

We can’t wait to see you in person this November 20th & 21st when Jackalope returns to Central Park, Pasadena.

Where to see more of KINDOM:

Website | kindomshop.com

Instagram | @kindomshop

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community? 

I like art. I like Colorado. I like fashion. I like t-shirts. There you go.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 

I try to test the boundaries of what local street wear can be. Representing Colorado and pushing what is acceptable a little bit.

3. What or Who Inspires you? 

I get inspiration from all over. The great art scene in Denver, the beautiful Rocky Mountains, everyday life in general.

4. What is your creative process like?

It varies from sketching and going through various outcomes and ideas to jumping straight on the computer and designing.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received? 

Don't be afraid to fail.

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope? 

Sweet t-shirts, sweaters, beanies and other random, radical things.

7. Where can we learn more about you? https://www.buckleyomega.com/

1. What is TRIBE?

TRIBE is a creative collaboration between Rebecca Taylor (fashion designer) and Sarah Hidey (international development/nonprofit consultant) – launched in 2016 as a fashion social enterprise. 

History of Tribe (aka How TRIBE was breathed into life): We are two independent women who have worked and lived around the US and the world, and we strongly believe that women of all ethnicity and walks of life, wherever they live, should have the opportunity to thrive & to live abundant lives. Lives where they can have fulfilling employment that allows them to provide for their families through a living wage, learn new skills and be empowered to follow their passions and dreams. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, and even here in Denver, many women (such as refugees and women living in poverty) face extreme barriers to employment, a lack of skills and a lack of opportunities that are not exploitative and unsafe. With a commitment to empowering women, a love for fashion that is ethically produced, and inspired by the vibrant fabrics from around the world, TRIBE was born. TRIBE is fair trade.

2. How did you get your name? 

Where the name TRIBE came from: We truly believe that no matter where we are, as woman, we are part of a larger tribe of women who want the same things: purpose, love, to provide for our families, good health, to thrive and be inspired. And this inspires us to connect women around the world so that they can support each other. 

Here is a video from our launch in 2016: https://vimeo.com/176240438 

3. How did you get your start in the handmade community? 

TRIBE was launched in 2016 – after about a year of dreaming and developing samples! Rebecca and Sarah were roommates in Denver for a year – and during that time Rebecca would often design and make beautiful dresses and skirts – and Sarah would be the lucky one who got to model them! During this time Rebecca had her own label, R. Lee, and she worked for a larger apparel company as a designer. (Note: visit our website for Sarah and Rebecca’s background – Rebecca has been a fashion designer for 12+ years and Sarah has worked in the nonprofit/international development sector for the same amount of time).

One day the dream was born – to merge Sarah’s expertise in social enterprise and international development and Rebecca’s creative talent and expertise in fashion design into a fashion line that is globally inspired (fabrics from around the world), locally designed (in Denver), and that has a greater purpose (to empower women through ethical employment in the US and in Cambodia).  Sarah had worked around the world and had boxes of beautiful fabrics from Africa and Asia. In 2015 and 2016, Rebecca began creating prototypes from these fabrics and TRIBE worked with local refugees and a local sewing studio employing women with barriers to employment to produce the initial samples. 

4. What makes your work unique and truly your own?

TRIBE is unique because of our approach to fashion and the story behind the clothing. Our solution to the exploitation and low wages prevalent in the global fashion industry is a fashion line that puts PEOPLE first, and not profit. It is a fashion line that is inspired BY women, purchased BY or FOR women and that benefits women globally.

Most fair trade women’s apparel fits in one of two categories (1) beautiful, modern and flattering styles that do not have a “global” element (i.e., they look like normal clothing but they happen to be fair trade—which is GREAT!), or (2) Apparel that is clearly “ethnic” and global in its aesthetics but that is not modern or stylish. (i.e., you will find a lot of this in typical fair-trade stores). 

TRIBE sits at the intersection of ethical employment, globally inspired fabrics and flattering design. We are unique because of the bold, colorful, global fabrics in the most flattering and stylish designs—great for professional settings as well as informal settings. 

5. What or Who Inspires you?

Above all else, we are inspired by the strong and passionate women we’ve had the opportunity to meet around the world. It is their hope, joy, culture, and beautiful/colorful fabrics they wear that are the inspiration for our line. We are truly GLOBALLY inspired. Every piece in our collection is inspired by a region of the world – at the Jackelope market you will see pieces from our Africa-Inspired collection as well as new releases from our Asia-inspired collection. 

We are also inspired by strong women, such as Maya Angelou (our first bag was called the Maya Make-up bag), all the men and women who are dedicating their lives to serving refugees and other vulnerable populations around the world, as well as female social entrepreneurs who are paving the way in ethical, sustainable fashion & accessories: such as the founders of Soko, Raven + Lily and Tonle. 

Sarah has had the privilege of working with amazing social innovators around the world who are using business means to accomplish a social mission --- and their stories inspire us both to use our business to promote PEOPLE and not PROFIT. 

6. What is your creative process like?

Rebecca is the designer, but both collections (Africa and the upcoming Asia one) are inspired by both Rebecca’s and Sarah’s travels and experiences. We keep a Pinterest board where inspiration is added on a regular basis. Rebecca often has the vision for the design, and together we find and source amazing fabrics that are bold and bright. 

In November 2016, Sarah and Rebecca traveled to Cambodia together to meet with nonprofit partners as well as to source fabric. One day as we were walking around Phnom Penh, seeing the temples and museums, we were struck by the beautiful red, gold and orange hues around us. We immediately began talking about a collection that had those colors at its core – we really felt that they embodied the beautiful culture we witnessed. Then, as we went to the markets to find fabrics – we used this inspiration to select fabrics from Indonesia and Cambodia. 

Rebecca is constantly experimenting with new designs and new products, such as bags. We are excited to release a new change purse at the Jackalope market! 

7. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

You will see dresses and skirts from both our African-Wax print collection as well as new releases from our Asia Collection. Retail prices range from $98 to $150, but we will be offering some special sales for Jackalope! Stay tuned! We will have three bags: the Maya makeup bag, the Channery change purse and our new essential oil/lipstick bag. TRIBE partners with refugees in the United States and women who are survivors of trafficking in Cambodia to produce all of its apparel. Lastly, we have men’s and women’s t-shirts that are screenprinted by a local Denver nonprofit that employs homeless youth, Sox Place. 

10% of all sales will be donated to Children’s Future International – a Denver-based organization that provides education and child protection services to vulnerable children in rural Cambodia. 

8. Where can we learn more about you?

www.togetherwearetribe.com

Instagram: @togetherwearetribe

Facebook: www.facebook.com/togetherwearetribe