How did Blooming Amethyst get its start?

Blooming Amethyst was born out of a passion for offering something that isn’t always easy to find—truly natural skincare. As an herbalist, I understand the importance of using pure, plant-based ingredients in our everyday routines. We wanted to create products that are completely free from synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances, allowing people to experience skincare as it was meant to be—simple, effective, and in harmony with nature.

Beyond just creating products, we love educating others about how the evolution of modern skincare has led to an overuse of plastics and harsh chemicals. Our mission is to help people make the shift back to natural, high-quality ingredients that nourish and heal, just as they were originally intended to do.

Very cool. Where did the name come from?
Amethyst is my birthstone, making it a reflection of me and a part of what I’m sharing with the world. The name Blooming Amethyst represents growth, transformation, and the journey of creating something pure and natural.

Love that! What inspires you to create?
I love creating products that I can trust on my own skin and that others can feel good about using too.  

And what is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is achieving consistency in scent and color. Since everything I make is 100% natural, variations naturally occur from batch to batch. People are used to products that look and smell exactly the same every time, but nature has its own seasons. Different harvests bring subtle shifts in scent and color, and while that may seem unpredictable, it’s a reminder that our products are truly derived from nature.    

Sun Glow

Interesting, I would have never considered that. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
Sun Glow is my favorite product because it’s truly been a face saver. It’s a daytime facial oil with natural UVA and UVB protection, which is perfect for me since I’m allergic to sunscreen but spend so much time outdoors. It keeps my skin nourished, protected, and glowing without any of the irritation I’d get from traditional sunblocks. 

What do you love most about Pasadena?

What I love most about Pasadena is the ambiance and the people. The city has this perfect balance of energy and relaxation. it's full of life yet has a laid-back feel to it. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?

A fun fact about me that others may not expect is that I’m currently learning American Sign Language (ASL) to become trilingual! I’m really excited about connecting with the Deaf community and embracing new ways of communication. Shout out to the best teacher ever Dr. Tomas.

Wow, super cool! Find Blooming Amethyst at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena AND the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: bloomingamethyst.com

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

Do you have a story behind your company name?

I started my business in 2018 originally creating one of a kind merchandise for my husband, Chuck Negron, former lead singer for the band Three Dog Night, and expanded into merch for other 60’s bands.

So I called my brand Ami’s Rock N (Roll) Pop (Culture) Shop.

Very cool! How did you get started?

When the pandemic hit in 2020, my husband could no longer go out on concert tour due to his lung disease. I was his manager so that put us both out of work.

I took a virtual workshop from Martina the owner of My Creative Outlet in Chatsworth. She taught me how to make vintage style cone dolls using spun cotton heads, felt and cardboard cones. I had so much fun designing the dolls that I began looking for things I had around the house to make more. I put them in my Rock N Pop Shop on Etsy and my husband’s fans bought them up. 

Since I was looking for a way to replace our lost income, I needed to expand beyond my current market and I had the idea to upcycle lost and forgotten vintage doll heads in order to appeal to the vintage collectors on Instagram. My business blew up on Instagram live sales, and from there I moved into Youtube and eventually Whatnot. And this year I am finally able to come out into the real world to do in person markets.

Congratulations that is awesome! What is your favorite part of your maker process? 

My favorite part of the maker process is pairing bright colors and accessories to give each doll a unique personality.

What inspires you to create?

Bringing joy to others with my creations.

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

A typical day in the studio first involves me opening packages of new supplies, doll heads that I have curated, new fabrics for the cone bodies. Then I might prepare to make some of my original doll face designs on spun cotton by applying a base coat of paint. Then cover cones with fabric while those are drying. I do everything in batches so I have various stages of dolls in production all at once. I usually have a couple of my cats hanging out with me in my studio, and one that is always trying to steal my supplies.

Funny! What is your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have created thousands of art dolls in the last four years,  so it’s impossible to choose just one.

I have included pics of my original handpainted grinch, snow person and holiday bat.

What do you love most about Burbank?

What I love most about Burbank is the community of creative people. I also love the retro vibe. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I will be bringing my one of a kind holiday art dolls and ornaments. I specialize in Christmas and Halloween year round.

I hope to have some of my Kitschmas Hats and also plan to bring my popular Build a Doll Workshop to the festival where guests can choose their doll head, cone material and accessory and I create it live in person.

Find Ami’s Rock N Pop Shop at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: https://rocknpopshop.company.site/

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

Instagram: @amisrocknpopshop

Tell us who you are and how you got your start?

I'm an illustrator in LA working in animation- I've probably designed that animated show you love! My favorite professional projects are Bobs Burgers and Over the Garden Wall. I wanted to branch out and start making my own brand of illustrated items and I'm loving the creative satisfaction.

I had been working designing characters and products for major companies (Disney, Cartoon Network, toy brands, Paul Frank) and I thought: I want to make my own merch! It was really empowering and creatively satisfying to make items inspired by all my favorite things. The best part is connecting with other people who want to geek out about the same stuff!

Very cool. What is your favorite part of your maker process?

I love taking a sketchbook doodle of something I think would make a fun pin design and turning it into production art and then having the physical item in hand within weeks. It's so fun to make wearable items: I think pins and patches are the funny T-shirts of today: a way to show your personality on your sleeve (or jacket, or hat, or backpack!)

What inspires you to create?

I make items that are inspired by all the things I love and think are fun: pop culture, music, scary movies, silly movies, animals, California and junk food! My art is bright, colorful and happy: I hope it makes you smile!

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

My full time job is art directing for a primetime animated TV series, so I make my personal art after work and on the weekends. It keeps me staying creative by constantly making stuff. The holiday season is definitely my busiest time of year as my pins and patches make great gifts!

Great stocking stuffers! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have two new tote bag designs debuting at Jackalope this year- I worked with a new production partner to make these and they are so much fun! I have one with a California Love theme and one with spooky Over the Garden Wall art. You can always use a nice tote bag at a craft fair to carry all your other purchases.

Very True! What do you love most about Burbank?

I worked at Cartoon Network for many years and I dig the vibe in downtown Burbank! There's always something fun going on and a big creative community to support it. Can't wait to see you!

What all will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I have a large collection of pins and patches as well as art prints, stationary, tote bags and greeting cards. Its fun! It's bright! It's happy! It's a whole vibe!

Anything special you’d like to share?

I love being a part of the Jackalope Fair! I've done other craft fairs and I think Jackalope really shines with the assortment of vendors and the organization of the show. I'm excited to see everyone out on San Fernando Road this December.

Find Miranda Dressler Illustration at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: www.mirandadressler.com

Instagram: @mirandaright

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

Ingrid | Petals to Stems

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I am originally from Guatemala—I am a Mayan. Knowing my roots has helped me become more comfortable with my artistic pursuits.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
My biggest influences are my husband and daughters: My husband for his support and always believing in me; And my daughters because they inspire my imagination so that I could, in turn, inspire them. 

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is seeing the surprise in people's faces when they realize that what they are looking at—these flowers—are not real. The look of awe inspires me to keep pushing forward.

We can’t wait to see them in person! What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

The hardest part is de-constructing all of the flowers. I hate to destroy the beauty of orchids or a rose… But the feeling of dread is quickly replaced with joy when I can finally recreate them out of paper. And knowing that that single flower will live on through many creations.

How has your style changed over time?

Over time my style has grown to be more elaborate, more detailed, but at the same time more confident. When I first started the amount of detail scared me to death. Now I embrace all the little dots, lines and even diseases that you’ll find on some of the flowers.

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

My favorite item would be the two wreaths on driftwood on my piano. It’s so peaceful with its blush colors of whites and soft pinks. It is an open wreath that can be placed anywhere on a table top.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Burbank is full of cute restaurants and vintage stores. I could just spend all day walking in and out of them. The best little intimate restaurants are so cozy and fun, the community theaters, the music… How can you beat any of this?!

Find Petals to Stems at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on June 8th & 9th, 2024.
Website: petalstostems.com

Instagram: @petalstostems

Natalie | MSL Bags

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I am a California girl through and through! Born in Santa Barbara and raised all over Los Angeles, I think my creative work is inspired by that sunny and energetic, chic and aspirational vibe that you get from living in SoCal.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
My style is influenced mainly by a BOHO aesthetic. An earthy and relaxed approach, expressing nature through abstract prints, and mixing different cultural expressions into an eclectic style that is free-spirited, yet elevated.

How do you define success as an artist?

Finding joy in the process of creating.

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

Making it look in reality, the way it looks in your head! Creation is oftentimes experimentation. Sometimes it leads you on a path to success, or something even better than you'd imagined! But sometimes it doesn’t work at all, and your vision remains unfulfilled, which can be really frustrating.

I bet patience comes into practice there! How has your style changed over time?

My journey as an artist in this space has really just begun. I am always fond of clean and elevated. So while I am sure to evolve, I think that element will always be a part of my style.

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

I only create one product, but the versions I love most are from the Indigo Shibori collection. There is something so clean and soothing about it for me. Maybe it’s the blue…maybe it’s the contrasting saturation of color against the white…it just makes me feel…ahhhhh.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Having lived in South Pasadena, Arcadia, Culver City, and Westwood during my lifetime, Burbank was always a hop skip and a jump away! From kid’s birthday parties at the local Chuck. E Cheese, to devouring Picanha’s cheezy biscuits as a young adult, Burbank has been a part of my life as long as I can remember.

Find MSL Bags at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on June 8th & 9th, 2024.
Website: www.mslbags.com

Facebook; www.facebook.com/mysourcelifebags

Instagram: @mslbags

What makes Branch and Vine so unique?

When you visit a Branch & Vine booth at one of their farmers markets, festivals or fairs, prepare yourself for more than just purchasing a delicious product; prepare yourself for an exceptional EXPERIENCE! 

This small, family-owned company is a genuine hidden gem founded by just two owners, Ray Brown and Kalie Nguyen. They understand the significance of having the freshest, highest quality ingredients to create a final product that is truly extraordinary.  Over the course of the years, the couple has created and curated a symphony of flavors coming from several sources. They thoroughly enjoy sharing their knowledge of all of the infused flavors they offer, from infused Olive oils sourced from  Napa Valley, CA to their premium barrel aged Balsamic from Modena, Italy. With over 36 flavors of Olive Oils and Balsamic vinegar, 7 salt infusions, several 100% honey blossom flavors, 25 loose-leaf teas and balsamic jam, flavor options will always be plentiful in your kitchen. 

We love the wide variety! What is your biggest influence in creating?

I used to be a bartender, server and a restaurant manager, so food, and hospitality is what I know.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success to us, is when a customer can experience our products and see for themselves how it makes their meals, and life, better.

How have you continued to develop your skill?

As a former bartender, I learned how to mix multiple flavors together and make people happy. Now we are able to do that on a daily basis with olive oils and balsamic.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Constantly creating different flavors and innovative products that keep our customers coming back for more, and educating people on how our products are different from the rest.

How has your brand changed over time?

We started with just 9 flavors and have built and evolved into 38 flavors and added multiple products of sea salt, tea, honey, and balsamic jam.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Seeing a multitude of customers faces happy and following us to different festivals, fairs and markets.  No matter where we go, there's always a supportive group following us; it’s humbling, and it feels great!

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

We love our barbecue combination! It has our garlic olive oil, hickory smoked balsamic and brisket rub. It's amazing on the grill.

That sounds so delicious! We’re so excited to taste all the goodies soon in Pasadena!

Catch Branch and Vine at Jackalope Pasadena on April 26th & 27th AND the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: www.branchandvineupland.com

Instagram: @branchandvine

Catherine with Slow Stir Foods

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I was born in Taiwan and raised in the US and I identify closely with my biracial heritage. Being Taiwanese and Caucasian, my multicultural upbringing significantly influenced how I would eventually create Slow Stir Foods. Exceptional cuisine and service to others were principal teachings throughout my childhood, so my drive to create a food brand rooted in seasonal, healthier ingredients that also exudes a sense of warmth and beauty is in my DNA.

How did you get your start?

My professional culinary career began in 2010, however, my lifelong love for cooking began much earlier. My memory of this starts at age four when I learned to bake Great Grandma Ruth’s mace cookies on Christmas Eve with Aunt Michele. Fast forward to December 2019, I finally decided to seriously pursue my dream of launching a food business. It felt like a now or never moment and I am so grateful that I listened to that quiet voice in my heart; because unbeknownst to me at that moment, the global Covid-19 pandemic was emerging and in a twist of fate it was an incredible launching pad for a packaged food business like mine. It was a unique time when people were increasingly buying local, due to supply chain issues from transportation to import, and doing so preferably at outdoor farmers markets when available. That’s my start in a nutshell.

Very cool. Who/what is your biggest influence in creating?

My biggest artistic influence is the seasonal produce I see at the farmers markets – the quality and characteristics of fruits inspire which herbs and spices I want to incorporate, the ratio of sugar or acid used to yield fruit forward products and how much kitchen time is required for the final product to taste and feel outstanding and consistent. And in the professional food world, my biggest artistic influence is definitely Chef Jamie Oliver. Even in his early days as The Naked Chef, his passionate advocacy that healthy, clean eating doesn’t have to feel mundane or be expensive was uniquely demonstrated in his home cooking methods that starred fresh, accessible ingredients to create outstanding family style meals. That really resonated with me on a personal level long before I knew I would have a food business.

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

A typical day in the kitchen is spread through a good 10-12 hours of work that starts around 8 or 9am depending on how much administrative duties I have to prioritize. I produce a variety of seasonal preserves and nut butters, so depending on the schedule I’m crafting one line or both lines of products simultaneously from prep to packaging. I’m pretty heads down when I work so I can easily cook in silence but more often it’s with my favorite music streaming. I believe that our energy goes into everything we create so my environment is important to how I flow through my process and handle stress. From how I feel to the sounds that fill my space and heart, a typical day in the kitchen is basically shaped by intention and mindfulness.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as a creative entrepreneur in the food industry has been an ongoing collection of milestones, closely intertwined with my personal and professional growth. Making a career out of authentic self-expression has been one of my life’s ultimate purposes. Feeling supported by the new and returning customers helps me see that I am achieving an essential aspect of my life’s purpose. Additionally, responsibly producing high quality foods in a world of fast consumerism and enormous waste is significant, especially in a city that offers a plethora of options and has one of the highest costs of doing business.

Well said! What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Simultaneously scaling production and business can be extremely difficult when all the products are handmade to the highest standards possible. Growing a business such as mine includes hiring people who aren’t simply energized by the culinary arts but also align with my heart-centered ethos and culture. This creative side of relationship building requires deep trust and letting go of the proverbial reins. So even though it’s still a one woman circus with regard to the actual production, I’ve been fortunate to hire retail support who I trust and have huge potential to help the business grow. You will see them representing Slow Stir Foods at farmers markets and special events like Jackalope!

Do your creations with Slow Stir help you in other areas of your life?

Definitely! Creating and sharing food is a natural fit for my personality, spiritual development and way of life. My creations are an expression of who I am, my values, and what brings me joy and hope. I shared a bit about being intentional and mindful during a typical day in the kitchen. It's an exercise in equilibrium: to be present, grounded and disciplined which are vital to my success and how I want to move through life. These are important to me because the day can be full of opportunities for distraction when I need to focus the most! So when I feel in alignment while working, which is usually most hours of the day, it supports and fuels me to maintain desirable habits. So my creation process is part of what makes me feel more connected to my overall sense of purpose in life.

How has your work changed over time?

While working as a pastry chef around a dozen years ago, I began creating minimal added sugar jams for clients, and eventually peanut butter for myself. It made sense that any future business of mine would reflect this progression. Slow Stir Foods was founded on preserving local seasonal fruit so this would mean rotating menus around 3-4 times a year. Once I identified growers who made certain fruits naturally available year round, some of my preserves became top sellers as they became more accessible. Eventually, I added regularly available nut butters to my brand. So I went from a heavy rotation of fruit based products to offering a core line of fruit and nut products year round. One of these core items is my line of Pistachio Butters which have been a huge hit. I’m excited for Jackalope attendees to taste healthy nut butters and preserves that are truly one of a kind!

We can’t wait to try them! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Choosing a favorite item feels a bit like picking a favorite child! But if I think about the products I reach for daily — the “day-to-night spreads” in my line of preserves and nut butters for their incredible versatility — there are a few standouts that come to mind.

First, our Sweet Pistachio Butter, which I use for a quick fix, stirred into my coffee or to make a unique, creamy plant-based milk — so delicious! Customers have been sweeping up jars to make the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar! This nut butter really stands out from the crowd.

For preserves, as the weather cools, I reach for our Spiced Apple Spread. It’s wonderful in roasted Brussels sprouts or layered into a grilled cheese or post-Thanksgiving sandwich. And I can’t get enough of our Orange Cardamom Preserve, whether it’s on a buttery croissant or used as a glaze for pan-roasted chicken.

We encourage customers to explore Slow Stir Foods products in savory dishes. It’s a great way to see how they can elevate meals from something nice to something unforgettably delicious— which also makes them perfect for gifting!

That all sounds so good! How has your career developed?

In my food career, I evolved from being a serious home cook to professional baker and finally taking the leap to being a food business owner with a lot of ideas. As a result my product offerings have steadily grown and diversified and so has my reach – which created a need for additional help. Naturally, my focus shifted from leading myself to also leading others in new ways. This has felt very different from when I led colleagues on behalf of someone else’s vision and bottomline. Between the time it took to launch Slow Stir Foods and my early work in the culinary arts, I spent a number of years in the corporate space from nonprofit to for profit. So developing this food business became a full-time career at the end of 2019 with 100% involvement in all aspects of it from ideation to the bottomline. I applied every relevant hard and soft skill and knowledge that I gained into creating Slow Stir Foods. There’s more at stake now and being successful has taken on a new and more authentic meaning in my career and in life.

Anything new in the works?

This autumn, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new addition to our line of nut and seed butters: Pumpkin Seed Butter! This rich, nutritious spread is a delightful nut alternative, especially for those with allergies or students on nut-free campuses. Like our Pistachio Butter, it’s a “close-your-eyes-and-savor” kind of deliciousness. But don't just take our word for it—we invite you to try it yourself and experience our entire lineup!

Just like our Pistachio Butters, customers often tell us they can’t stop at just one scoop—and we couldn’t agree more. Each bite brings a burst of flavor that’s dynamic and hard to resist.

For the autumn and winter seasons, we’re thrilled to be able to continue offering our beloved summer preserve Spicy Tomato Jam. This crowd-pleaser pairs the warmth of a little kick with the sweetness of ripe summer tomatoes, balanced by a hint of acidity. It’s a delicious way to add some heat to your winter meals and a favorite among our community!

Catch Slow Stir Foods at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival on December 7th & 8th, 2024

Website: www.slowstirfoods.com

Instagram: @slowstirfoods

Michelle from Fruit of the Bloom

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I grew up in suburban Chicago, and while I was lucky enough to have been exposed to art in many forms in a city where art is revered, my artistic abilities originate from my mother’s family. My grandfather, Harvey Rubin, was a commercial artist and sign painter for the Chicago Park District, and my mom, who minored in art at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, is by far the most creative person I’ve ever met. My cousin Marcie, an accomplished artist with a Master’s of Fine Arts from the University of Chicago, is a curator for a local art museum. My mom always encouraged me to nourish and lean into my creative side. This led me to enter art contests and participate in theater, dance, speech team…and eventually evolved into a 17-year career as a publicist in the entertainment industry before leaving to pursue floral preservation full-time. My grandfather would probably bemoan the fact that my new(er) profession has little to do with my (expensive) college degree, but I think he’d understand that I want to spend every day surrounded by flowers, making art and creating a second life for beautiful blooms.

What is your biggest artistic influence?

Nature is my biggest influence. Flowers have this insane power to instantly boost your mood. We send flowers to convey just about any emotion or sentiment, and to be able to turn that ephemeral beauty into a piece of botanical artwork is quite magical.  Whenever possible, I love to see how flowers grow outdoors to witness their natural movements and “interactions” with other flora and fauna. I also can spend hours walking through The Original Los Angeles Flower Market and perusing the social feeds of local florists like Wild Flora, Seed Floral and The English Garden who create jaw dropping arrangements that have tons of movement and texture. There is so much beauty in the imperfections of nature: a bud that won’t open or a flower with an extra petal. It’s a great reminder to artists such as myself to embrace the beautiful elements of our work that make it handmade.

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

If fresh flowers can bring a smile to someone’s face, I’d love nothing more than for my resin pieces to also make someone smile. I mean, it wouldn’t hurt for that smile to turn into a “I must have this piece in my home,” but getting that unfiltered, positive reaction to my work is rewarding. The majority of my (economic) success comes from bespoken collections: sentimental pieces that I’ve made using bridal bouquets, memorial flowers or other meaningful arrangements. But it’s so much fun to experiment and create pieces that I can sell at markets. I love interacting with nature and art-loving people!

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Resin, resin resin, ha! Resin is a challenging and finicky medium and has an innate ability to keep even the most experienced resin professionals on their toes! Resin not only requires consistency and stability in ambient temperature and humidity but mixing too much at a time, using too much heat to pop bubbles or even pouring too quickly can cause a “flash cure” or a slew of other issues. I knew that being an artist would mean having to wear a lot of hats (ex: social media manager, website developer, photographer, videographer, sander, marketer), but chemist wasn’t one I expected to wear daily.

How has your style changed over time?

I’ve always gravitated towards patterns, bright colors, things that stand out. Colored bouquets tend to dry the best (whites can turn ivory or have tinges of yellow), and they look absolutely stunning against a black or colored background. I’ve been experimenting with more colors, ombre backgrounds and even patterns.  For instance, I have these woven black and white French bistro chairs that have seen better days. I cut out and used some of the plastic “threads” as bold background for some coasters featuring yellow butterfly ranunculus.  I’ve always been fascinated with mixed media; most of the art in our home is of that genre, so it feels natural that I’ve also been playing around with floral cyanotypes. Right now, I am working on a few resin pieces where the dried flowers used will have a cyanotype “shadow” in the fabric background of the piece.

Propagation Vase

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

I’m always drawn to functional art, and I’m going to have a hard time letting go of this funky propagation vase from my “coral collection.” Magenta, tangerine, lime and mellow yellow celosia and cockscomb “float” in a vibrant, water-like blue background. It has color, texture, embedded flowers AND holds a few fresh blooms – what more could you want?!

Beautiful. What do you love most about Burbank?

My husband grew up in Burbank, and it’s really special to see some of his closest friends return with families of their own. My mother-in-law also lives there, so we are in the area quite often. I haven’t lived in my hometown of Chicago in 20 years, and most of my relatives are in the Midwest or farther, so being in Burbank feels like coming home.

And, finally - is there anything special that you would like to share?

Thanks to social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, there has been an increased interest in and knowledge of epoxy resin from crafters and non-crafters alike. While it’s exciting to see, for anyone looking to experiment, please make sure you do your research and not only buy quality epoxy resin (which does not include what is available at chain craft stores) but most importantly, PPE including nitrile gloves and a respirator mask. Even the top tier brands that claim to have no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are toxic once you mix Part A and Part B, so PPE and good ventilation is essential. Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram (@FruitOfTheBloomBoutique) with any questions. I love talking about resin!

Catch Fruit of the Bloom at Jackalope Burbank on December 9th & 10th!

Website: www.fruitofthebloomboutique.com

Instagram: @fruitofthebloomboutique