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

How did you get started?

I was working as a tutor and I also happened to be making a beaded bracelet for a friend, when I thought it would be a good idea to make my student a math bracelet representing fractions.

So fun! What inspires you to create?

I love coming up with cool ways to remember things. I also enjoy being inspired by colors and different types of beads and patterns.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Getting the feedback from parents and kids about how much they love their math bracelets!

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

My studio looks like: Beads and books everywhere! My studio is also my bedroom

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

I've designed a bracelet to teach the distributive property of multiplication.

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

I will be bringing math bracelets, bracelet-making kits, shirts, and activity books. There will also be a chance to win a free math-bracelet zoom party for 10 people.

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 Brainy Bracelets:

Website |brainybracelets.store

Instagram | @brainy.bracelets

What is the story behind your company name?

Our name was inspired by Pacific Ocean Park ("P-O-P"), an amusement park that stood on Lick Pier in Santa Monica (1958-1967). It was designed to compete with Disneyland, so it had wild rides & attractions, and over 1 million in attendance each year. People loved it. Later, Lick Pier became the "Dogtown" hangout for local skateboarders and surfers until its demolition in 1975. It had its own cool.
POP and Lick are now gone, but people remember the pleasure they brought with a smile.  We like that … a lot.

How did you get started?

Famous Butter Crunch

Butter crunch was my go-to holiday gift for family and friends. After a couple nights of flipping butter in my home kitchen, they’d get theirs in a ribbon-laced cello bag. They loved it!

Then, a couple years later, my hair stylist was raving about it as she pointed to The Peninsula in Beverly Hills. “You should be selling it over there!,” she said. She was a successful entrepreneur who had carved out her own business. I remember thinking, why wouldn’t I take her advice to heart?

I also spent years in the nonprofit world where I was driven and motivated, but always operating within boundaries set by others. One day, I saw a quote from Rachael Ray – “If you’re going to work that hard, it should be for something with your name on it.” BOOM! AB. SO. LUTELY!

With that clarity, I started to see the opportunities that helped set p.o.p. into motion. A friend who sold her products at a local farmers market let me set up a small table at her booth. We started with four flavors – our “p.o.p classics” – and sold out of everything, even though it was a rainy day. They offered us a booth of our own before we even packed up! We said yes and officially launched our business.

My not-yet-husband – a pro in the restaurant world (could I have asked for a better business partner?!) – agreed to help me roll out the product. We found a commercial kitchen, scaled up the cooking, created more flavors, and developed our packaging and branding. Honestly, it all happened fast and it was fairly easy. It felt like it was meant to be.

What inspires you to create?

Good food and flavors we experience and then imagine rolled into our butter crunch base. It could be anything -- an herb, an interesting spice, a spicy flavor experience, or even a favorite cocktail!

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

Great question! Coming up with the flavors! After many bad science experiments and stovetop explosions (kidding!), we've come to know our butter crunch pretty well, so we really have fun coming up with unexpected flavor mashups that customers will love. Flavor origin stories vary ... some flavors happen on-the-fly (c-c-c-curry) and others take 9 rounds of R&D (whiskey cordial). No matter how much we think a new flavor is ready, it's always a little scary when we first share them with customers until we see their feedback. Then we can breathe again! (You can see the Limited Edition flavors we put out this year at: https://popcandyco.com/collections/limited-edition-flavors)

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

Eek, never enough time in the day for it all! Generally speaking, it's all about the BIZ in the morning (calls and deskwork), CUSTOMERS in the afternoon (order fulfillment and shipping), and KITCHEN at night (making and packaging). There's never enough time for social! 12 hour days are pretty typical.

The life of an entrepreneur! What is a favorite item you have created?

That's hard to pick one ... we're really proud of the Limited Edition flavors we've created cuz there's so much of a flavor and texture range. We also consider the visual experience of our flavors so they still taste great but don't always look the same ... so maybe Toasted Coconut or Raspberry Blast because they look so pretty, or Buttered Everything Bagel or Pretzel Crunch cuz they're so fun looking.

Everything Bagel is one of our favorites! What do you love most about living in California?

Beach to the mountains, and cultural food mashups! Love the creativity that pours out of California. Having lived in (So) Pasadena, and loved it, a special thing is to drive around during holiday evenings to check out streets full of holiday lights. So so pretty!

Is there anything you missed most about in person events now that events are picking back up again?

Seeing and chatting it up with our customers! We recently did our first post-Covid in-person event (in NoCal) ... it had been SO LONG, but the great feeling all came back so fast and customers made it so easy for us ... now they just tuck our samples under their masks! Easy peasy!

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

Once we did the NoCal event, we knew we wanted to do a couple of L.A. events for our local customers, and Jackalope immediately came to mind. Love the easy-breezy park vibe in Fall Pasadena. We'll be bringing a fun assortment of our classics, salty-sweets, spicy, and oh-yeah-sweet flavors, and at least one limited edition flavor (whiskey cordial). Plus holiday gifts!

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 P.O.P Candy Co:

Website | popcandyco.com

Instagram | @popcandyco

What is the story behind your company name?

My family and I live by the sea with our dog Moose, the inspiration behind Moose With Me™. After years of running my kids brand Woolf With Me®, our puppy inspired me to do something for dogs and that is when Moose With Me™ a dog brand was born.

How did you get started?

In college I double majored in commercial advertising and portraiture. This passion of mine for aesthetics translates into everything I love to do, whether that is creating designs and patterns for fabric, working on our website and brand, photographing product, and even doing crafts with my kids.

I’m a Mother, Animal Lover, Photographer, and Entrepreneur. I founded Woolf With Me®, a kids' brand in 2014, and Moose With Me™, a dog brand in 2021. I also have a blog called Woolf Talk™ which is a space for community, creativity & all things rad.

What is your primary source of inspiration when creating?

I am inspired by my family. Growing up, I spent a very large percentage of my childhood in my grandmothers sewing room working with her on costumes and custom outfits. I didn’t realize what a big effect this had on me until I had kids of my own and I had the desire to start creating again.

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

My favorite part in my maker process is connecting with people (and animals) and seeing our products live and being used. When I receive images of happy customers or see people at shows or on the street- it truly fuels me to keep creating. A close second is the initial process of having an idea, and acting on it.

What is the hardest part of the creation process?

There are so many complicated parts of life that can be considered challenging, but the creative process for me, is not one of them. Creating is where I thrive. I stay up late at night after the family is asleep dreaming up new designs and colorways and patterns. If I had to choose the most difficult part though, it would be the physical labor of getting the product out into the world. Making the first few products is fun, but doing production can be physically exhausting.

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

A typical day in the studio (once the kids are dropped off at school) starts out taking a drive down to the ocean. It’s a great way for me to clear my head and day dream. Once I’m at the studio I get to work on the computer, organize shipment, order materials, create mood boards, sew, experiment, photograph product, and then at the end of the day load up the postal truck with orders from the day.

One woman show! What is a favorite item you have created?

Our dog bandanas and truckers hats for adult & kids are all new with interchangeable velcro embroidered patches!! We’re excited to bring our initial letter velcro patches to Jackalope to personalize your dog bandanas and trucker hats. They make rad gifts for the holidays! 

We can’t wait to see all of the happy dogs rocking your bandana's! What do you love most about living in California?

I love a lot of states for many different reasons. I was born and raised in Texas, and I’ve lived in New York as well. I often times day dream about snowy winters on the east coast or tropical days on Oahu… but California is a great place to live. It’s been home for me since 2003. Los Angeles in particular because of the cultural diversity, and resources. The city is full of dreamers and doers and the entrepreneurial spirit is alive. It fuels my motivation and creativity.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist can be defined as not having to compromise your vision. Being able to have complete creative control from start to finish and having the ability to get your piece of work to a place that makes you proud. The only one that needs to 100% understand your work is YOU.

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

I’ll be bringing our Moose With Me rad dog bandanas, charms for dog collars, and kids+adult trucker hats!

We can’t wait! Anything special you would like to add?

Moose With Me™ is a woman owned, small business committed to embracing diversity and inclusion no matter your race, age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, education, national origin, as well as marital and socioeconomic status.

We value and welcome these differences to create a safe and open space for belonging, respect, and acceptance across our global brand.

Catch Moose with Me at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Where to see more of Moose with Me:

Website | MOOSEWITHME.COM

Instagram | @MOOSEWITHME

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

What is the story behind your company name?

The original name of my company was Frontyard Feast, encouraging people to grow food out loud and proud in their front yards, but people found it confusing and assumed that I didn’t work in backyards or otherwise. Plant Grow Eat was actually the tag line, but it became clear that it was really what my company was all about — the cycle of food, in front and back yards, side yards and balconies — and that it was way more than a tag line! Teaching people that everyone can Plant, Grow and Eat their own organic produce, as well as all of the other physical and emotional benefits that go along with that is the story of Plant Grow Eat.

How did you get started?

I’ve been a gardener all of my life, but it became my profession after I was laid up, again, with illness caused by the stress of my previous career, as well as being so busy that I just wasn’t taking care of myself. So, all strung out on steroids with another bout of stress-induced bronchitis provided the dream, and the next thing I knew, I had a complete vision to execute, which involves taking a huge leap, and I’ll never look back!

Oh wow, I am glad you were able to switch gears for yourself. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

I think the favorite part of my maker process is pulling all of the pieces together to see the complete product. I also test new seeds every season, and I’m always trying to make my garden kits as easy and successful as possible — with the goal of making the food-growing process a no-brainer for everyone.

What inspires you to create?

This is easy! I want to save the world, one garden at a time, and I’m going to do it by creating a community of people who also want to save the world by growing their own food and spreading the word to others by their example. When we simplify our lives, use our bodies and minds and get a little dirty, the sky is the limit!

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

My studio is my garden. And my garden is my test ground for what I put into every garden kit. Good soil and organic amendments to nourish seeds and plants, non-gmo seeds that have been tested to grow as simply and deliciously as possible, as well as paying attention to the seasons. Every component of a Plant Grow Eat garden kit is tested for optimum growth and health and simplicity — for gardeners of all skill levels and even all ages.

What do you love most about California?

California has everything! Besides the mountains and ocean and desert, we have cool people, excellent industries, from entertainment to cutting edge health and agriculture, fine dining to classic diners and excellent architecture, which is one of my favorite things about Pasadena, along with the beautiful Arroyo Seco and spectacular hills. Can you tell that I’m an LA girl?

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

I didn’t realize how much I missed people until I started seeing and talking to them in real life again. Zoom and FaceTime were fantastic tools to have during lockdown and quarantines, as well as other online substitutes of varying success, but being able to talk to people is something that I love, especially when it’s about something they’ve made or believe in or that you can pick up or taste…. I think some things have evolved online nicely, like I love online garden coaching, but I’m really looking forward to mixing in-person back in!

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

I’m so excited to share my garden kits with people in real life. As well as my branded merch to help get the Plant Grow Eat word out. It’s about getting more people to grow, and showing how easy it can be and how good it is for your mind, body and spirit. And the planet. And for anyone who doesn’t have a yard, Plant Grow Eat salad and herb gardens are perfect for small spaces, whether it’s for yourself or someone you love. A garden is a gift for everyone!

Anything special you would like to add?

When I first started gardening for a living, I dreamed of having a booth at Jackalope, and I’m so excited that my dream is finally coming to life! I can’t wait to see it all come together, be a part of such a great event, and meet and support other small business artisans! Let’s do this!

That is so sweet! 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 Plant Grow Eat:

Website | plantgroweat.com

Instagram | @plantgroweat

Why the name fun club?

Originally the company was named Crassholes, but as our wholesale business grew, I realized some buyers wouldn’t even open the catalog just because of the name! So, I changed the name to something a little less polarizing. Fun Club encompasses all that we try to be. FUN, and the worlds most inclusive “club”. Literally anyone can join, as long as you’re nice. And by join, I mean relate to our product and be our friend.

Please tell us how you got started?

In 2016, I was planning a surprise party for my now husband. I couldn’t find any balloons that weren’t the traditional “Happy Birthday” balloons. Where were the funny ones? They didn’t exist, so I made them. I started selling a few styles on the side, and then stores started reaching out to purchase wholesale. (I actually had to google “how to sell wholesale”). In 2018, I quit my full time job and focused on Fun Club full time! Now we are a full gift line, and our best selling products are our pen sets and tote bags.

Love that you jumped in when you saw something was missing on the market! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

I genuinely love coming up with new ideas! It can get frustrating and sometimes I feel like I am all tapped out creatively, but when an idea comes together it is amazing.

What inspires you to create?

So much! I think life can be really, really, hard, so we might as well try and laugh our way through it! A really big coping mechanism for me is humor. Everything from parenting problems to mental health issues, laughter for me is the best way to survive.

Do you have a favorite item?

Our “Demotivational Pen Set”. This was the first pen set I ever came up with, and I still love it so much. I had seen so many “motivational” products and that is just not my personality at all, so I decided to make the exact opposite. I think it’s hilarious that so many people relate to us, and it is one of our best selling items.

Thats so funny! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

A typical day in our warehouse involves a ton of things. Managing my team, assisting with fulfilling orders if we are busy, designing new product, purchasing product from other small businesses to sell alongside ours on our site, designing new product or new product packaging, asking 40 people if they think a new idea of mine is funny, social media management, and so much more. When you work for yourself you have 500 jobs and are expected to be an expert in all of them. Thankfully I have a really great team to take some of that stuff off my plate.

What do you love most about California?

The main reason I love California is because most of my family is here. Also what’s not to love about the weather? I grew up in Pasadena, so it will always be home.

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

The energy! There is something really exhilarating (and exhausting) about meeting so many new people and talking to them. It’s also a great way for me to test out new product.

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

SO MUCH STUFF. We will have a gift for everyone on your list. You can come to my booth and personally ask myself or my staff for suggestions for even the most tricky on your list, and I bet we will be able to find something! Tote bags, pens, candles, socks, balloons, stickers, pins, coasters, keychains, and our sparkling personalities.

Anything special you would like to add?

I am so proud that in 2021 Fun Club was able to offer its employees a 401k and health insurance! That was a really big personal goal of mine, so just really stoked that I am able to do that. I can’t stress enough how much I love my team.

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 Fun Club:

Website | www.shopfunclub.com

Instagram | @Shopfunclub

Please tell us how you got started?

I fell in love with photography early on in college, when I decided to take a photography class. I found solace and a creative voice in the darkroom processing and developing my images. Photography was something I enjoyed immensely, and was told that I was talented at. However, it wasn’t until after years of making a living in the film industry, that I finally broke free and went back to my authentic self. I took the plunge back into photography full time and began building my portfolio. I photographed bands and solo artists in the LA music scene for online music zines to start. What a crazy yet exhilarating world to photograph. From there it blossomed into me wanting to create my own imagery that told stories and allowed for a platform for me to purge and express my thoughts. I simply love bridging visual stories and streams of thought & emotions, via personal connections with people and places.

When people ask what type of photography I shoot, I like to say that I thrive on photographing staged, planned abstract portraiture, as well as abstract minimalist landscapes. While the abstract portraiture tends to lean on more emotional themes, my abstract landscapes balance it out by being more minimalist and serene. I guess you can say it’s my personal yin and yang / my libra roots coming though. In both genres I focus on creating negative space. This for me is where truth, beauty, and sometimes meaning exists.

That is awesome! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of my maker process is when I get to lay eyes on an image for the first time. It’s usually pure euphoria, in that moment. I put a lot of prep work into my photo shoots, and half of that work is journaling and storyboarding. The rest goes into all other elements of a shoot with directing models, wardrobe, lighting, props and locations. To me, there’s an incredible sense of fulfillment and elation to witnessing all my visual intent coming together in one image. I usually find so much more meaning along these little creative journeys. Therein lies the reward.

What inspires you to create?

Raw, organic emotion. Life unfolding. Beauty in the mundane. My daughter.

Do you have a favorite image you have created?

My favorite item that I have created is the image below titled “Unbound”.

It's my favorite for two reasons. One, is that the model in this image is my daughter (my little muse), braving the diving board. The second is because of its meaning. For me, it’s about being completely Unbound. Being free to be your authentic self. Diving into it, unapologetically and unafraid. Ironically, it took me years before the true meaning of this image grabbed hold of me. It wasn’t until someone (very close to me) put up a mirror in front of me, when I was able to see that I was not being my authentic self. This image serves as a poignant reminder to continue be my authentic self and to practice gratitude towards how I got here.

Always a good reminder. What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

My process takes me indoors and outdoors. I prefer to shoot using natural light, so I find myself on location a lot. My work begins with journaling and storyboarding for many days, then a day to usually scout out locations if it is an outdoor shoot, and lastly, finding the right model that aligns with my vision. Once all of my elements are in place, I plan out my shoot day or days and tend to fly by the seat of my pants, (in a good way) as I am usually inspired ten fold once I have someone in front of my camera. While the shoot is initially planned meticulously throughout, I tend to also let things unfold organically while actually photographing and do find that I am spontaneous in those moments.

What do you love most about California?

I love the sunshine (of course), the diverse population, culture and that on any given day you can head to the mountains in the morning and be lounging on the beach by the afternoon!

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

I will be bringing framed and unframed prints of various sizes, printed on incredible light fast Hahnemuhle photo rag matte finish paper. It is an archival paper that lasts 100 + years.

Anything special you would like to add?

I will be doing a print give-away each day for those that sign up on my mailing list and I am truly looking forward to being apart of Jackalope Art Fair this year!

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 Michelle Livingston

Website | https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlissAndChaos

Instagram | @blissandchaosphoto

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Our name actually has a double meaning - not only is it half of the name "Minerva-" goddess of wisdom and trade, but also in Portugese, "Erva Mate" means "yerba mate," which is the herb we specialize in. As our menu draws inspiration from around the globe, so does our name.

Please tell us how you got started?

We started as a full-service farm-to-festival concessions business. When we saw how popular our "ginger mate limeade" was, we were really inspired to share the unique joy of yerba mate with as many people as possible. We flipped over our "Veggie Burgers" banner, painted "Ginger Mate Limeade" on the other side, and went to the farmers' market.

That is awesome! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Our favorite part is witnessing the transformation of our yerba mate bases into the refreshing and delicious elixirs we're known for.

What inspires you to create?

The challenge of introducing people to a new flavor they may not have tried before is what gets our creative juices flowing.  

Do you have a favorite flavor you have created?

The Tulsi-Passion is probably our favorite item because it has a great depth of flavor that is unparalleled.

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

A typical day includes a lot of measuring, mixing, pouring, and taste testing.

Sounds fun and tasty! What do you love most about California?

We love California for its diverse topography: nowhere else can you find beaches, mountains, and deserts within driving distance. We especially love Pasadena for being so welcoming to our first brick-and-mortar storefront.

Located at 2377 E. Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107

Yes congratulations on that achievement! Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

We will be bringing our classic menu, and maybe a fall-themed surprise seasonal flavor.

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 Erva Brew Co

Website | www.drinkerva.com

Instagram | @drinkerva

To start us off, tell us more about Gogh Jewelry Design;

I’m Szilvia Gogh, founder of Gogh Jewelry Design. I’m a professional SCUBA diver, stuntwoman, yogi, cancer survivor and mom. I started my jewelry design business 20 years ago because I love beautiful things, but as an active woman, I couldn’t find any silver jewelry inspired by the sea, that was both meaningful and functional - so I started creating jewelry myself. I wanted to wear jewelry that reflects my passion for the ocean, my love for travel and jewelry that keeps my positive outlook on life.

Please tell us how you got started?

My friends and family were always skeptical when I shared my visions and dreams about traveling the world and making a living of my passions: scuba diving and creating jewelry. I didn’t want to end up like most people around me. They also had amazing dreams and visions, but ended up living in “reality.”

I did not want my potentials and opportunities pass me by. My source desire is to be happy in my own skin. I believe that living out our dreams is the key to long lasting happiness. And at the end of the day, we all want to live happy – even during a pandemic 😉

My individually crafted pieces are meant to reflect your journey through life and help you gain the confidence you deserve.

Can you expand more on why your jewelry is healing?

My individually crafted jewelry is simple, yet elegant with uplifting messages and healing gemstones, meant to be worn every day and made to last a lifetime.
Every piece of Gogh jewelry is a reflection of free will, love for life and the experiences we face. Each necklace, bracelet or set of earrings is made of pieces of the earth that I find during my travels. I put my heart and soul into my creations in the hope that they make you feel beautiful and empowered.

✨My source desire: to be happy in my own skin and help others find long lasting happiness too.✨

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Finding a cool piece of gemstone or seeing something that inspires me and come up with a piece. I do not draw or plan, I usually just jump in, try this, try that... until I love the piece and wear it.

What inspires you to create?

LIFE and my part in the big picture. I marvel Mother Nature’s creativity, the colorful and even bizarre critters. As time passes, my mind tunes out the every-day-thoughts and I truly enjoy each and every moment.

Sometimes I see exciting animals, such as sharks, dolphins or octopus, dive ship wrecks or under ice. But, even a dive in a murky lake with nothing really to see - fills my soul with the energy of the water.    

Being underwater is like living in another dimension of my life. Beneath the water is actually the one place where I can switch off my mind and not think. Some call it a meditation 😉

Empowerment through teaching people scuba diving and the jewelry I create - has always been important for me. It’s all about being confident in your own skin and not to yearn to be someone else, live somewhere else or look like somebody famous...

Do you have a favorite piece you have created?

My current favorites are: Master Healer Crystal Necklace with Healing Gemstones. When I am wearing this necklace, I feel that I am getting all the help I need. I am experiencing a change that comes from within, always working on the energies I happen to lack at the moment. When I am stressed out, I feel the calming of Amethyst. When I am fed up with a situation, I feel that Labradorite is bringing a positive change in my direction. When I need to feel my amazon women power, I rub on the Amazonite beads. And of course, I can always use the protection that Jasper brings in and the luck that comes with Turquoise.

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

I work in my home studio. So I get up 6-7ish, grab my cafe and start my day with my crystals while the house is quiet. I’m also a professional SCUBA diver and stuntwoman, so there are days when I am in the water. There are days when I design the new pieces, make them, photograph them... it really depends on the day ;-)

What do you love most about California?

The weather, the opportunities, the diversity. I came here for 2 weeks, 20 years ago ;-) As a matter of fact my first job was in Burbank and I lived in Pasadena. I even took some fun classes in the Pasadena City College and achieved a Photojournalism Degree.

A woman of many talents! Is there anything special you would like to add?!

Wear some creativity while helping children explore theirs!

Gogh Jewelry Design is a unique line of stunning jewelry made from nature’s most basic elements that inspires, gives back and celebrates life.
If the unique design of this jewelry doesn’t evoke these feelings, perhaps their purpose will. One percent of all Gogh Jewelry Design sales go to support projects by funding beads and jewelry making supplies for disadvantaged kids in gang influenced areas in Los Angeles

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 Gogh Jewelry Design

Website | https://goghjewelrydesign.com/

Instagram | @goghjewelrydesign