Can you tell us how you got your start?

Stress and despair! :) No, really! My wife and I were going through a particularly difficult time acclimating to parenting my 8 year old nephew a bit into the transition of him coming to live with us. We were relatively new in our relationship and this was a huge undertaking that required many therapists, specialists, and lots of change. I was working a full-time, middle-management job at the time and was under an exorbitant amount of stress there and at home. Have you ever had one of those end-of-your-rope, you’ve tried all the talking and prayers and breathing and coping things, and there are simply NO MORE TRICKS up your sleeve moments of despair? This all seems like such a simplification of what was really going on, but it was that kind of debilitating chaos. 

One night back in 2014, I lost it. I was alone in my room after a particularly difficult evening. It was dark and I was just sobbing everything out in a mess of hyperventilation and tears - the really ugly kind of crying. I was at a complete loss and out of nowhere, this wild energy came up and it was like my body was moving without me. I found myself grabbing for random things - a tv tray, a stack of scrapbook paper, paints, scrapers, and brushes. The next moments are all a blur as I literally pushed all the energy into painting these feelings.

Everything came out. It was fast, deeply emotional, and wildly expressive. Truly, it was maniacal and not far off from what you’d watch in a dark film as someone legit goes crazy. Haha I painted square after square - the papers were 12x12” and each became a scraping and smudging of the stress and feelings I carried around every day.

This experience was not only incredibly cathartic, but really surprising because I had never painted before, aside from some furniture in my teens (peace signs and cow print - hello 90’s) and some school projects for compositional study when I attended FIDM in my 20’s for Visual Communications. 

I ended up with 45 paintings. I only just released them on my website shortly before the pandemic hit. I love that there are pieces living on in my collector’s homes and life stories, some all the way in Copenhagen! I’ll have the collection at the show along with newer bodies of work.

That is incredible, so glad you found a way to release those feelings. So what inspires you to create now?
Freedom. Letting go. The state of being. Whatever you are right now, fully accepting that in its most peaceful, purest state. Feeling. Being boundless. Photos of people doing yoga on a cliff. Dancers floating and moving their bodies like water figures so open and uninhibited. Space. Not literal stars, but space to be - that kind of expansion where there are no limits and anything is possible. Musicians lost in melody. Lyrics to a favorite song. People in their elements of passion - enthralled with the process of becoming and stepping outside of themselves. Seeing others tap into that energy. Being totally untethered. That’s the juice. 

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

Having no plan when I sit down to create. It’s so pure and freeing. I struggle with anxiety and perfectionism; always looking for the “right” and “should” answers out of fear of being wrong. A lot of self-doubt comes with that.  A lot of second-guessing. That internal spinning is chaotic and can be pretty paralyzing. 

 Abstract painting is a space where I’m free from all that. I meet it with no plans or expectations. It’s an honest place, totally surrendered and open. It just asks me to show up and decide; to be present and willing. To listen. It’s an invitation to be seen and be known as I am, without expectation or judgment in any state of feeling I may be in. It accepts all of me. And in those moments, it teaches me to accept all of me. 

I don’t start from an idea or sketch. There is no end in mind. Just a blank canvas or paper on the table next to my trolly of tools and paints. I sit, decide to be open, and start grabbing, letting my intuition and deep love for composition lead and express. It’s a thrill to not know where I’m going. It’s like hopping in the car and driving to anywhere with nowhere to be. Wild and free. I love that.

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

I get to paint for hours on end, uninterrupted, in total flow - LIES. :) It’s so boring. haha An artist’s life is as dull as any on the daily. There’s coffee, hot or iced - a very big decision. Then, planning. Lots of research. I have a couple of clients I work with on design, social media, and non-art-related projects that need tending to. There are task-avoidance Pinterest sessions, of course. Emails, calendar sorting, and the like. It’s “office-y” with music playing. 

When I do get to actually create, it’s very focused. Often very quiet. I paint quickly and I paint a lot in one sitting. I guess I’m more of a “session” creator. I’m also pretty neat for an abstract painter. I see artist’s on Instagram who paint so slowly and meticulously or who are the opposite and throw paint at the wall. I wouldn’t dare! I’d be so upset the room got messed up. I am a quiet little mouse when I paint, laser focused and clean; just one mark at a time and building as I go, working on the cheese. It’s a lot of brayer-rolling, smudging, rubbing, ripping, scratching, layering, and uncovering. It’s actually pretty aggressive. It probably looks like I’m just destroying something or making nothing. Like a kid. I have stacks and stacks of work. I’m kind of embarrassed by that for some reason. I feel like a hoarder. :)

Do you have a favorite piece you have created?

Ok, this is hard for an indecisive. I’m going to go with a painting that I did - it’s not quite a self-portrait, but I feel myself in it and it’s definitely a depiction of how I felt in a moment. It’s called “Franken Feelings” - a black and white abstract of a most-honest face and probably my most common feeling as a sarcastic introvert who is becoming more hermit-like and socially awkward with each passing day; so annoyed with humanity and everything always. Hahahaha it is silly, honest, and it makes me laugh so hard. It’s basically me. <Ok, it’s me.>

I’m also going to plug my tiny art collection because I love it so much!! When the pandemic kicked off, I decided to paint 100 tiny abstracts (or TABstracts as I like to call them). They are 2”x3” and 3”x3” - so small! I became obsessed with the challenge of creating smart compositions in such a tiny space. They are so cute. I love this project because I got to collaborate with my wife, Gina, for the first time in art. She custom-built all of the tiny frames out of our garage. She’s an actual rockstar and I loved getting to see her create alongside me. These will be at the show in April too, and are on my website now. These tiny pieces are pandemic-born and are such a great little punch of inspiration for tiny places, like a bookshelf, desk, nook - I meant for them to bring creativity to folks who are working from home so much more now. We need that. I saved a few for myself and we have them sprinkled all over the house. I really love them!

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

Original art, prints, stationery, and gifts. I have pieces in all sizes, from 3x3” to 18x24”. There are framed and unframed options, too. I’ll also have geometric prints available in mini 5x7” up to 16x20” - these designs are digitally created and have a mid-century modern vibe to them. Colorful and playful compositions - some of my favorites! For stationery and gifts, I’ll have hand-painted bookmarks, ornaments, cards, magnets, and other fun work to make a home artful, gritty, and cool. I’m so excited to share them all. Self-expression in a home is so important. 

Definitely, handmade brings a heart beat into a space. What did you miss most about in person events now that events are picking back up again? 

Fresh air! And creative buzzing. There is something special about the “shop local” movement these last several years. People are wildly inventive and so brave, right? There are so many amazing artisans and creators. These events are super important to keep that energy alive and thriving. Shoppers are more supportive and encouraging than ever. And they want to connect with makers directly. I love (and have missed) their excitement and cheerleading. Selling online is handy, but it’s just not the same.

Agreed! Well we can’t wait to have in Pasadena. Is there something you love most about the city?

It’s calm and small, but big enough to feel “city”. We love to shop and walk. I’m from Boston originally, so any chance we get to walk the shops with coffee and goodies while cars scurry by is a hit for me, especially when it’s old mixed with new. And Pasadena has great shops, eateries, tree-lined streets. It’s a bit story-book and artisan. It’s cool.

Any final words you would like to include?

Yes! I think it’s important to note that I am a self-taught artist. I have always been a creative, but not a painter. I did go to a form of “art school,” but it was not for fine art and I did not graduate. This is an important message because I think we need to be reminded that living a passionate life isn’t just for other people or for “the schooled.” It’s for us. It’s for you. We are all created differently with varied skills, abilities, desires, and circumstances. This world needs all of it. There is plenty of space from the streets to the classrooms. And life is incredibly short. Too short for our fears and excuses, no matter how present everyday they may be. 

Part two of my “why” story is that 2 years after I discovered painting (and was not consistently committed to it as a daily practice), I learned that I had cancer forming in my uterus. I had a total hysterectomy and needed additional surgery after that for complications. When healed up enough, I returned back to my corporate job for 6 months. Nothing was more clear to me than not wanting to spend the rest of my days puttering around doing something I hated. It wasn’t worth it. I, thankfully, had the support of my family and means to quit. And I did. 

It was and still is terrifying to be on my own, braving days as a full-time artist. But, living for something means too much to me to grind my teeth for nothing. I hope that inspires someone to be brave. To give it a try even when their knees are knocking. It’s hard. But it’s good. And supportive communities like Jackalope bring people together to inspire and be inspired. Want to make butter? Go make your life’s best butter. :) We’re totally here for it.

Also, that nephew I mentioned? He’s now 18 and we officially adopted him, finalized in 2021. This life is one wild ride. 

That makes us smile :) See you in person this April 23rd & 24th in Old Pasadena!

Where to see more of Tobi Beck:

Website | www.tobibeck.com

Instagram | @tobiannbeck

Can you tell us how you got your start?

Working my way up the corporate ladder, I started evaluating my life’s choices and where they were headed. I could work my way up and transfer to an art oriented full time safe and cozy job creating someone else’s ideology, logos, advertisement , or I could quit my job and focus on my own artistic abilities and pave my own way. Having both was out of the question, because when you want to follow your dreams you have to go all in. It was then, in 2020 I decided to pursue my career in the world of fine arts. My husband and I quit our jobs, sold our home in the East Valley of Arizona and moved back to our homeland here in Southern California with our little family to start our new adventure.

We love that! What inspires you to create?
The beauty of Mother Nature. The warm sun on my face, the soft grass beneath my feet, and her beautiful creatures that roam the earth and skies.

That is definitely something to draw inspiration from. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of my painting process would have to be choosing from a multitude of photographs taken earlier with friends and family dressed up and positioned in classical poses. Being able to choose from my own photographs of what to paint next is a very exhilarating experience!

Love that you use your family and friends in your process! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

A typical day always starts with a cup of coffee, picking colors for my palette or refilling those that are needed, sometimes cleaning stray brushes, and making sure my easel is in a good position and near a good window. Most days I will listen to my favorite calming music or some soul filled classic rock. From there I just dive in, wether I am in the beginning of a project, in the middle or the end. If it is the beginning, I first sketch out what I am about to paint, either with charcoal, pencil or simply diluted paint. In the middle and end I am just filling in my sketches with colors and shading.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created?

My favorite so far that I have created is a painting of my daughter, Evelyn. I believe it is my best oil painting so far, capturing a great likeness to her, and because it has a part of her character in it through her bashful gaze and her bright future full of wonder and possibilities conveyed through her hand me down space exploration shirt.

So cute, and a memory to have forever. Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

This Jackalope, in Pasadena, I will be bringing original pieces of fine artwork.  Each work is either painted with oil and acrylic or drawn with charcoal and chalk pastels.  Every piece took many hours of tedious time consuming craftsmanship and very well may be a little window into my soul.

Well we can’t wait to have you back in Pasadena. Is there something you love most about the city?

What I love most about Pasadena is the beauty of the classical architecture and victorian homes surrounded by a community with a great appreciation of the arts.

See you in person this April 23rd & 24th in Old Pasadena!

Where to see more of Lauren Tuma

Website | www.laurentumaart.com

Instagram | @can0tuma

Do you have a story behind your company name?

I have been very blessed throughout my life with regards to family, friends, health, work, sports, etc. Pretty much all areas of my life. I attribute all my successes as blessings and gifts from God. So, when it came to naming my company, I wanted to recognize and honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I chose FG&M, which stands for Frankincense, Gold & Myrrh. 

Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh were the gifts the three wise men brought to the Christ Child, Jesus, in Bethlehem. These gifts were to honor him as King. In those days, frankincense, gold, and myrrh were highly valued and proper gifts for a king. Even today, these three elements are very valuable and quite expensive. Frankincense and myrrh have excellent therapeutic properties for skin and hair care products. And gold, well, gold speaks for itself. 

In designing my logo, I wanted a classic crest with a crown. Interestingly, the flower of the frankincense tree, Boswellia Sacra, looks like a crown, so, I asked my package designer to draw the crown of the crest to resemble the flower. The leaves on the sides of the crest are also in the shape of the leaves of the Boswellia Sacra tree. 

Very cool. Tell us more about how you got started?

After 24+ years as a Certified Public Accountant, I wanted a change in my life to do something different, something with my essential oils, something that would be healthy and good for people. I had been using essential oils for about eight years and had taken a couple of herbalist courses. I made various skincare serums and salves for myself and family, as well as herbal remedies for minor injuries and illnesses throughout these years. So, I retired from Public Accounting May 31, 2018, and set out to do something different.

I happened to buy my husband a natural shaving soap one day shortly after retiring from Public Accounting and noticed the ingredients – all natural and scented with essential oils. I thought, hmmm, I can make this. So, I started my soap making journey. After two and half years of researching, reading, formulating, and practicing, I launched FG&M Soapery’s website in October 2020. 

I learned early on in my research that the handcrafted soap industry was very much tailored to women. So, I decided to focus on men’s grooming products, as I had a great background to work with. I have a husband, a son, and two brothers, and I was always encouraging them to take care of their skin, and to use natural and organic products. So, focusing on men’s grooming came naturally with all the guys in my family. My husband and I are also avid golfers, so I had the benefit of having some of the men from the club evaluate products and give me feedback. 

We love that it is geared towards men, they need self care too! What inspires you to create?

I believe that the God given wisdom found in nature’s botanicals, salts, and clays hold the true properties and constituents our body needs to be clean, nourished, protected, and revitalized. Just as real food from the earth nourishes and sustains us on the inside, it is just as important what we put on the outside for nourished, healthy, vibrant skin and hair. This is what inspires me to create – all the wonderful bounty of plants, flowers, clays, and salts we were given to enjoy and use to keep our bodies looking good. 

That is inspiring. It is so important to consider what is in your skincare products. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of making my products is cutting the soaps. After making the soap, it stays in the mold for two days, and then another day or so after coming out of the mold before I cut it. I am always anxious to see it right away, but I know I need to be patient and let the soap saponify for a few days before seeing the end results.

Patience is not my strong suit, that would be challenging! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

In making bath and body products, it is very important to follow Good Manufacturing Processes to ensure the products are as safe as possible.

In a nutshell, my day goes like this:

• Print out the product batch sheet

• Sanitize work area, equipment, and utensils

• Get out the ingredients and log the ingredient info on the batch sheet

• Weigh and mix ingredients for what is being made that day

• Record any notes on the batch sheet

• Clean up, wash equipment/utensils, and sanitize work area

Other tasks of the day include packaging and labeling finished products, fulfilling any online orders, or working on formulating new products.

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

My favorite creations are my salt soaps. I use real stones from nature as my inspiration and try to design the soaps to look like the stones. Theses soaps are difficult to make for two reasons; 1) salt soap sets up very quickly, so I must work fast, and 2) it was challenging to get the colors right. I only use plants or clays as color, so getting the colors close to the natural stones’ color was a challenge. I often display the actual stones next to the salt soaps in my booth.

That is so unique! Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

In addition to my current product range of shaving soaps, beard oil, mustache wax, bath soaps, and lip balm, I will be bringing a special limited addition Jackalope Soap. 

Love it!! What do you love most about Pasadena?

That is a hard question because there are so many things that make Pasadena a great city. If I had to pick one thing, I would say it is the arts - the museums, botanical gardens, and of course the most wonderful natural art display ever – the Rose Parade.

We can’t wait to see you in person this April 23rd & 24th in Old Pasadena!

Where to see more of FG&M Soapery:

Website | https://fgmsoapery.com/

Instagram | @fgmsoapery

Betsey Carter

Do you have a story behind your company name?

When I began selling my work I decided to keep things simple, using my name and what I do, i.e., Betsey Carter Ceramics.  I also decided to sign my work with my name handwritten either into the clay or in black slip. So all my pots have “Betsey” written on the bottom

A nice personal touch! Tell us more about how you got started?

I majored in art in college, focusing on ceramics and sculpture, but after graduation I soon decided that the struggling artist life wasn’t for me.  I then went to graduate school for a master’s degree in something completely different. I always knew I’d come back to pottery someday, and about 25 years ago I did.

That is so cool, full circle! What inspires you to create?

Providing functional, useful, and beautiful objects we need and use every day in our homes .

And who are your biggest influences?

I have been influenced by teachers, by my environment, by history, by practice and research, and many other inputs.  But the thread running through it all is the philosophy of William Morris, a leader of the British Arts and Crafts movement who said that we should have nothing in our homes that we do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.  Creating objects that are both useful and beautiful is the heart of what I try to do.

How as your style changed over time? 

I believe artists’ work is strongly influenced by their surroundings. My early years as a studio potter were in my hometown of Charleston, SC, and my work was influenced by the historical and formal setting of that city that was settled in the 17th century. I worked mainly in high fired porcelain with slip decorations, mishima, and lusters, resulting in work that reflected the formality of my surroundings. Since moving to Southern California my work has gradually taken on a more informal design, mirroring the surrounding colors, shapes, and forms.  I have also changed to rich, toasty stoneware clays.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Definitely throwing pots on the wheel!

I tried doing it once at a class, and it was so challenging! What is the hardest part of the creation process?

As a one-person business, time management has to be the most challenging part of the process. Coordinating the designing and making processes, publicity, marketing, and shipping, plus online, wholesale and in person selling is an ongoing process.

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

It depends on the day of the week. I typically start each week with 2-3 days of throwing pots on the wheel, followed by another 2-3 days of trimming and finishing (handles, carving, etc.).  When the pots are dry they are then ready to bisque fire and finally glaze fire.

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

I especially love throwing large serving bowls.

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

It makes me a better person to be around.  When I can work at some aspect of making on most days, I am calmer, happier, and feel more accomplished.

How do you define your success as an artist?
I would define success as finding a way to incorporate your art into your life in a way that suits your life.  For some that will be working at it full time and making and a living with your art.  For others, it means squeezing in a bit of your art around all the other parts of your life.  For most it’s probably somewhere between those two poles. Figuring how to do your art in whatever way suits your life at that moment is success.

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

I’ll be bringing a variety of work: lots of mugs, bowls of various sizes, vases, teapots, planters, candlesticks, touchstones, bells, wall hangings, all the things I love to make.

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

I missed seeing all the people. I love meeting new customers and catching up with long-time friends. I get such inspiration from the people visiting my booth and buying my work. They tell me how they’re using a piece, what they’d like for me to make, or, if it was a gift, how it was received. The interaction is a joy. 

What do you love most about Pasadena?

It reminds me of my home, Charleston, SC, in that it’s big enough to have good restaurants, shopping, and other niceties of life, but it’s still compact enough that you can get around and take advantage of those things.

Catch Betsey Carter Ceramics at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

Website: www.betseycarter.com

Instagram: @betseycarterceramics

Do you have a story behind your company name?

I wanted my company name to accurately reflect my work – to show that I was making art out of beaded jewelry.

Makes sense! How did you get started?

I taught myself to bead during the pandemic by watching videos, taking online classes with professional bead artists, reading books, and lots of trial and error! I had started beading as a way to nurture my creative side and help me through when we were in lockdown. My beading then became a passion. My husband encouraged me to start my shop based on all the pieces that I was making that he thought I should share – and The Beaded Art Boutique was born!

That is so cool! What inspires you to create?

There are so many things that inspire me to create! Mostly, I love to create to make something beautiful that will make whoever wears it feel happy and treasured. Also, I work my “day job” in the sciences, so it is so good to be able to use my creative side to make beaded jewelry.

Where are you from and how does it affect your work?

I am originally from New York though I have lived in Pasadena for the last 24+ years. I think the combination of living on both coasts has affected my work as I bring in facets of my life in NY, such as my love for bright lights and fast-paced action, and combine them with pieces of my life here in Los Angeles, including my love of the ocean and the mountains. I also am so lucky to have lived in two places that have so many cultural and artistic opportunities which inspire me and influence my work.

A good balance. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of my maker process is actually when I have that moment when a design all comes together. Many times, I have had to pull out beads (called “frogging” in beading lingo) and start a design over until I am satisfied with the way it looks – and it is the best feeling to get that perfect piece after struggling to create it.

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

When I am beading, I am in a peaceful place. I don’t spend all day in the studio due to family and my day job, but when I do bead, it is my “me time.” I sit at my beading table, decide what I want to focus on, chose the beads that catch my fancy, and then sit down, listen to my audiobook, and just bead. It is my favorite part of my day.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I am a person who loves to continually learn and stretch myself. I am a self-taught beading artist and I continue to learn new skills by reading books, taking beading classes, learning new techniques, and following other beaders who I admire. I like challenging myself as it keeps life interesting and helps me to further my artistic skills.

With that, what is the hardest part of the process for you?

The hardest part of my creation process is when I make a piece that doesn't quite "work" and I need to start all over again. However, though this is the hardest part as it can lead to frustration, it is also the most rewarding part when I finally feel that I have gotten the piece "right."

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

My favorite item that I have created is a custom necklace for my best friend. She lost her mother several years ago, so for her birthday, I made her a one-of-a-kind necklace featuring a picture of her and her mother. To see her face when I gave this to her and the pleasure this necklace gives her each day, is the very best feeling.

How do you define success as an artist?

My definition of success as an artist is creating a piece of jewelry that brings happiness to the person wearing it and makes her feel beautiful both inside and out. I also think that having someone buy a piece of my jewelry to share with a loved one is the highest compliment someone can give me and that, in itself, is the definition of success.

We can’t wait to see you in person this December 10th & 11th in Downtown Burbank!

Where to see more of The Beaded Art Boutique:

Website | https://www.thebeadedartboutique.com

Instagram | @thebeadedartboutique

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