Do you have a story behind your company name?

 Zelba and Mary were the names of my paternal grandmother and mother respectively. My grandma Zelba was a talkative, piano playing, larger than life figure who taught me to knit and crochet when I was young. My mother, Mary was a phenomenal seamstress who sewed endlessly as a passion and out of necessity. She made everything from under garments to wedding dresses and everything in between.

That is awesome! Tell us more about how you got started? 

I wanted to make my granddaughter a special handmade gift for her 2nd birthday, and she was in love with baby dolls and puppies so I made her a puppy she could dress and care for and always know it was made by me. Soon I was getting requests and before you know it, I’m designing and planning a business. 

What a great gift! What inspires you to create?

I’m an Interior Designer by education and career; one of the first things I learned was to always look at your surroundings, be curious, notice everything. I am inspired by the classics; a black and white farmhouse’s simple form, the sophistication of European toys such as Steiff, fun, colorful fashions of Francis Valentine, or the floral headpieces of artist Frida Kahlo. 

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

As a one woman show it varies every day from cutting, sewing and stuffing, to planning, ordering, and organizing. I tend to get in a groove and end up doing one thing a day, so if I am sewing, I’m sewing all day. I will often hand sew or knit at night while spending time with my family. No 9-5 here.

Do you have a favorite part of your maker process?

I’m a big visionary type so I love to design new collections and products and when it all comes together as planned it’s just so rewarding.

Do you have a favorite doll that you have created?

Really loving the new smaller 10” friends that were just designed and are in production for the fall/winter shows coming up. They fit just right in an adult hand and so easy for little people to carry around.

We can’t wait to see them in person. What will you be bringing to Jackalope? 

I will be bringing handmade textile animal friends made from European linen and dressed in sweet fashions in a standard 15” and a smaller 10”, not including ears of course. I will also be bringing some of my new raw linen pillows and patchwork pouches that are made from fabric remnants from the animal friends. The fabric I use is expensive and I try to use every bit of it.

Now that events are picking back up again, is there a part that you missed most?

I started my business during the pandemic, so I missed being a spectator, I missed being part of the action. Mingling in crowds at art and maker shows, going to concerts to hear live music, and browsing small shops. 

What do you love most about Minnesota? Top Ten Minnesota things...

• Fall is my favorite season

• The Mia (Minneapolis Institute of Art) is my favorite museum

• University of Minnesota campus (I’m an alum) is beautiful

• The Children’s Theater has fantastic shows

• The Nook’s juicy lucy

• Dairy Queen in the summer

• MOA for shopping

• Stillwater and Duluth are my favorite day trips

• Minnesota State Fair is hands down my favorite event

• Oh, and did I mention hockey?

Anything special you’d like to share?  

Zelba + Mary is a new adventure providing simple, well-constructed soft friends for young and not so young and I’m excited to share my handmade items with everyone.

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Zelba & Marry

Website | ZelbaMary.com

Instagram | @zelbamarystudio

Do you have a story behind your company name?

 Yes.  I wanted a name with true meaning, not only for my customers but for myself. I wanted my name to inspire me, and that was a bit of a challenge.  One night my husband Tim and I were going back and forth with name ideas and all of a sudden he blurted out "Bella Botanicals!?" When the words came out of his mouth I was like "perfect!" 

Bella = Beautiful and Botanicals = Nature .... And our slogan is (Naturally Beautiful Skincare)!!  We think nature is beautiful, we think skin is beautiful, we think women are beautiful, and we wanted a name that supported that. I was thrilled when I saw Bella Botanicals wasn’t trademarked and I hopped on the paper trail to snag it. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to nab it on social media and for our URL, so we went with mybellabotanicals for those.

We love that! Tell us more about how you got started? 

I got started by attending a local workshop on soap making. I made batches upon batches of soap,  both solid and liquid.  After that I started making body butter and lip balms. When I realized I wanted to get serious about formulating I enrolled into Formula Botanica and got my certification for Organic Skincare Formulating. From there I really worked hard to figure out what formulas I wanted to offer to the general public. I really wanted to grow organically and let my customers drive the brand.  After one year in the business I was able to cut back to part time as an xray technician and began to throw the majority of my time into bringing Bella to life. Although I'm still laying the groundwork for where I want my brand to go, I'm excited to say that I have a thriving business. 

What inspires you to create, why did you turn to body care products?

Knowing that through this business I give women confidence to be their authentic selves. One of our main pillars is assisting women with finding their confidence in the nude (aka without makeup). There are far too many things that demoralize females into thinking their beauty is defined by how much they can canvas over their true selves, and we’re here to say “F” that. I want makeup for women to be the exception, not the rule. I also thrive on educating women about their skin. There are so many wonderful products to choose from, however identifying what works best for your skin can be challenging. I work with many women to cultivate a skincare routine that works best for them so that they’re able to see the results they want.

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

A typical day starts on the computer checking emails and scheduling posts. Then I'll pack orders and run them to the post office. After all that is completed for the day I'll restock items that are low, and order inventory. I usually get so wrapped up in my work that I often forget about lunch until 1 or 2. It can be difficult to not get lost in work when it’s something you’re so passionate about.

Do you have a favorite part of your maker process?

I absolutely love learning about new botanical skincare ingredients and experimenting with them. There are so many lovely plants out there that can do absolute wonders for the skin, and I want to experience every single one. 

What about a favorite item that you have created?

My all time favorite product is my Organic Under-Eye Roller with CBD. This product has made a world of difference for me personally. I used to NEVER leave the house without concealer on. I had dark circles and wrinkles around my eyes that really made me feel self conscious. This product has not only lightened the darkness under my eyes, but it's greatly helped to diminish the fine lines and wrinkles around my eye area, as well as reduce puffiness. (thank you CBD) I call it #betterthanbotox!! The beauty of this product is that it's 100% natural and organic. It's an oil based formula so there's no preservatives needed, and it's super gentle so that ANY skin type can use it. 

That sounds amazing! What will you be bringing to Jackalope? 

I'll be bringing my three step skincare routine, the eye roller, cbd salve, and natures kiss lip balm. 

Now that events are picking back up again, is there a part that you missed most?

I absolutely thrive on in person human interaction. I love getting one on one time with customers to talk about their skin. Skin is personal, and having that one on one to really delve into a woman's insecurities is incredibly important. I also love the people I meet. Some of the vendors I've met at shows have become close friends. It really is a lovely community of people that are hard working and inspiring. 

What do you love most about Minnesota? I love it’s natural beauty. It's such an incredible landscape that offers so much for nature lovers.. I love the local breweries, the shops, and the culture. People in MN are always so friendly.

Anything special you’d like to share?  

As a child and young adult, I struggled to find my beauty. I put my time and energy into things and people that were ultimately destructive, all because I couldn't figure out how to love myself. My journey to self love is ultimately what led me to start this brand. Truly loving myself gave me the power to come into my own truth, and I want this same thing for all women. I want to inspire women and girls of all ages to love themselves for who they are instead of what society tries telling them to be. To connect with their true nature, whatever that may look like. I want women to stop viewing self care as "selfish" but as a necessity for harnessing true happiness and peace. Women are asked to do so much in this world, and we've constructed this ideal that in order to be loved we need to be perfect. It's just not realistic nor is it healthy. Bella is my platform to touch women with this message. We’re more than just a company selling beauty products, we’re on a mission to change the way the world sees beauty.
Another thing worth mentioning is that we formulate some of our products with CBD. CBD is known to be anti-inflammatory, analgesic (skin numbing), and a potent antioxidant. We utilize it in our leave-on products so that the body can get the full effect of this potent botanical ingredient. 

We love your mission and why you create- so inspiring! We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Bella Botanicals:

Website | www.mybellabotanicals.com

Instagram | @mybellabotanicals

How did you get started with your art?

I got started painting in 2005. My husband spent 4 years fighting for disability through social security and in 2005 we finally obtained it. That meant a check for four years worth of disability. He wanted art supplies to keep him busy. I asked him if he minded if I got some watercolors because I was interested in learning them. He said to go for it. I ordered watercolors, paper, brushes and some books. I taught myself watercolors and four months later did my first fine art show. My style changed about ten years ago. (There’s a blog article on this on my website)

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the process is watching the pigment in the water travel and mix with other colors.

We can definitely see some clear themes in your work, but where does your inspiration come from?

Nature inspires me to create. I enjoy painting animals and flowers, with a particular focus on endangered animals as well as sea life.

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

A typical day in the studio includes me getting up at 630-ish, working on a sketch or making a list for the day. At 7:20 I leave to take my boys to work/school, run any errands I need to and return home to work on the painting or to knock out my list of todos. Which could include augmented reality work for my paintings, or coloring book, inventory and ordering, or sublimating some of the merch I have.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

My favorite item that I created is an animated augmented reality piece. A painting that comes to life with an animation after scanning a QR code.

Very Cool! What do you enjoy most about in-person events now that things are picking up again.

I missed talking to people the most at in person events.

Us too. What will you be bringing to Jackalope this September since you are driving out from California?!

I will be bringing some pretty cool original paintings to Olde Town Arvada as well as hand sublimated items like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs, puzzles, tumblers, coasters and stickers, greeting cards and of course Fine Art Prints. I will also be bringing Augmented Reality Art that has embedded videos and/or animations.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I do custom work both painting as well as augmented reality. So think about the wildest thing you’d like to see and let me create it!

Where to see more of Water + Ink Studios:

Website | www.waterplusink.com

Instagram | @waterplusink

Why do you create?

My mission is to bring healing energy into the world and to spread light, joy, and happiness to people through my art.

That is great- what inspires this creation process?

Metaphysical sciences really inspire me. I am very intrigued with the healing powers of color and organic materials such as rocks, crystals, and glass. I also am very inspired by geology! I wanted to be a geologist when I was in college but I could not pass the lab tests. I have realized all these years later, that the concepts of geology (strata and minerals) are at play with my compositions and material choices.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the maker process is allowing the hand/brain connection to work with my materials. As I'm not able to render into a drawing what I may see or feel from memories, dreams, or ideas, I "channel" while I'm working and am always delighted with the outcomes. It is very freeing to not have strict constraints on designs or ideas!

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

I like to spend 2 hours early in the morning before the family wakes up in my studio. I've always been a morning person and this early morning time sets me up for a balanced and happy day. I put on my full spectrum light for some light therapy and insert my earbuds to either listen to a guided meditation or music. I do work part time, so on the days I am in my home studio after my morning charge up and ensuring the family is sorted and ready for their day, I then spend several hours creating back in my space. I thoroughly enjoy looking around at my materials, thinking about designs and combinations, and bathing in the creative energy that my studio provides.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

This is a rather difficult question to answer as I love everything I make. I will answer with the most meaningful piece, which is a sculpted mirror called "Dad's Amend." My dad is a mythological figure in my memory now, and while working through a 12 step-program for alcoholism, one of the most freeing and powerful amends I made was to my dad posthumously. He called me "Hummy" and I created this mirror with a hummingbird to honor that nickname. I worked through years of hurt, trauma, abandonment and was able to release decades of negative feelings and reached a state of forgiveness and peace.

What do you love most about Minnesota?

There is something very soothing about the farmlands, rivers, and lakes of my home state. I love driving along the bluffs along the Mississippi river and always look at the strata lines and the curves of the river. I admire the lines, colors, and textures of the landscapes here in Minnesota. I particularly love when I am visiting my parents and family in Winona, a lovely town on the Mississippi River. My favorite thing to do when home is to take a boat ride along the backwaters of the Mississippi and look for birds and sunning turtles on logs. It is these simple pleasures that fuel my creativity.

What do you enjoy most about in-person events?

I am new to the festival circuit! I have done two shows this year and won a "Festival Favorite" award in both shows. What I have really enjoyed is the happy energy that people have when visiting the shows. I give away "magic rocks" to booth visitors and the smiles that leave my tent are priceless.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

Oooh! I'll be bringing all sorts of magical and sparkly mirrors, healing pendants encased with gemstones, copper and gold, some garden art, and a big bowl of magic rocks.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I am super excited to be part of the inaugural Jackalope Art Fair in Minneapolis. We have such a great creative space in the Twin Cities and people really appreciate artists and festivals. I anticipate an amazing turn out and a super fun weekend - October is a favorite month of many Minnesotans, including myself. The location is fantastic and I know I'll attract more friends and family who may want a craft beer!

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Shelley Beaumont:

Website | www.Shelleybeaumonthealingmosaics.com

Instagram | @shelleybeaumontartist

A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.

-Unknown

As we get ready to celebrate Father’s Day, we want to share some of our top picks for dad from our Local Undercover site!

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Davis Wallet: CatellierMade makes handcrafted leather goods that are made to last. Get dad a new wallet, leather tray, or cord taco to help keep him organized on the go.

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Compass Cufflinks: Now that gatherings and events are beginning again, help dad with his style with these awesome cufflinks by Accessory Alchemy.

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Coffee Lover Gift Basket: For the man who loves a good cup of Joe, Redemption Road Coffee has the perfect gift basket. This set includes two one pound bags of coffee, a coffee scoop, a bar of coffee soap, and a coffee bag tote.

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Octo-Beer-Fest Tee: The perfect tee for a beer lover. Richer for Wondering celebrates animals on adventures with original illustrations on t-shirts and totes.

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You’re my Favorite Card: Made by Alissandra wants you to celebrate dad! Whether near or far send him a card sure to make him smile.

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Mother: One person who does the work of twenty, for free. Also known as superwoman. To celebrate who mom is to you, here are our top picks to help shine a light on mom.

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Cork Fabric Puzzle & Serving Tray: Not only is this an activity that you can both do together, but after completion, use the provided glue and this puzzle can now be enjoyed as a serving tray. Sumsaara utilizes cork in her eco-friendly, handcrafted pieces that mom will be sure to love.

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Relax & Repose Set- Shower Sprinkle Body Scrub Bundle: No reason why a shower can’t be peaceful and therapeutic thanks to Bonblissity, even if it is just for one minute. This bundle includes 3 body scrubs made with pure cane sugar and super fine salt to exfoliate, moisturize, and protect skin.

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Sea Lover Mismatched Earrings: How cute are these seashell and sea star earrings by Meissa Jewelry?! Including Cubic Zirconia and Mother of Pearl these are the perfect pair for any beach lover.

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Worlds Best Mom Card: Give your mom a custom mini map card by Granny Panty Designs. Simply pick any map to go on the front and include your own special message inside.

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Turquoise Bud Vase: Treat mom to some fresh blooms and pair them with this gorgeous bud vase by Betsey Carter Ceramics. The flowers may fade, but she will always be reminded of your love when she see’s this vase.

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As the temperatures rise and we embrace the new season, it is time for a spring refresh. Let’s spring forward into the changing of the seasons with these happy finds.

Poppies and Bee’s Watercolor Art Print: Changing out your artwork for the season is a quick and easy way to energize your space. These watercolor prints by Easy Sunday Club will bring a buzz of color to any space.

Spring Lip Balm: You made it through winter. Now give life and hydration back to your lips with Edith + Herbert. This floral and citrus scented lip balm will be your perfect travel companion.

Steampunk Bird Collector Necklace: The bird who dares to fall, is the bird who learns to fly. Flaunt your wings this season with this Steampunk necklace by Accessory Alchemy.

Easter Basket Bunny Pillow: Swapping out your throw pillows is another easy way to achieve a space refresh. We are loving this hand crocheted easter pillow from Melange Collection handmade in Armenia.

Floral Stationery Gift Set: Spread some warmth to your family and friends with this floral stationery gift set by Sherry Lou Studio. This set includes postcards, (1) print, sticker sheets, a greeting card and vinyl stickers.

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Sometimes you need a quick gift, or a little something as a pick me up. Here are our top 10 favorites all from our under $10 gift guide on our Local Undercover Virtual Marketplace.

Corgi Macaron Vinyl Sticker: What is better than a Corgi and a Macaron? Nothing… that is why this sticker by Artistique Loop is on one of our favorites.

Food Pun Swedish Dish Towels: Oh Kale Yes! Go eco-friendly and achieve a smile with these swedish dish towels by Corvidae.

Hand Sanitizer Spray: Having hand sanitizer on the ready is not something that will be going away anytime soon. We love this spray by Tolly’s Treatment’s that uses essential oils to combat germs.

Sand Dollar Necklace with Lava Stone and Clear Crystal : The lava stone has a calming and grounding energy and you can add your favorite essential oil to it since it is porous! Take us to the beach with the breeze in our hair and sea spray on our face.

Derma Facial Scrub: Rejuvenate your skin with The Balm Shop. Its grapeseed and poppy seed exfoliants help to remove dead skin cells, while green apple and beet root help to improve skin texture, boost hydration, brighten skin and combat acne.

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My Daily Zoo- A Drawing Activity Book: For all ages, this book is packed with 96 pages to inspire creativity.

Be Fearlessly Authentic Magnet: A good thing to to remind yourself every time you open the fridge thanks to Avant Card Studio.

Let’s Go Card: Who else is ready to hit the open road? This card by Granny Panty Designs can be mailed to a friend, or hang it up as a print to inspire your future adventures.

Beaded Earrings: Make a statement with these Maasai beaded earrings by Save the Rain. Plus your purchase will go directly to funding their Clean Water Projects in the rural villages of Tanzania.

Black Lava Sea Salt: Dress up any dish with this detoxifying sea salt by Hepp’s Salt. There is a chef inside all of us!

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Looking for eco-friendly supplies, or maybe just products that are made eco-friendly? We have both available in our Local Undercover Virtual Marketplace. Want an easier way to shop? Check out our Eco-Friendly gift guide; and to get you started, here are a few of our go to items:

Swedish Dish Towels: If you have not yet heard of Swedish dish towels, it is about time that you did! This gift set by Bespoke Provisions can be customized, and they replace up to 15 rolls of paper towels. How cool is that?!

Beeswax Food Wraps: Green Pear Organics has a huge variety of eco-friendly products. These BeesWraps are the easy answer to plastic-free food storage. They are reusable and washable. Plus, look how cute they are!

Rat in a Hat: This little guy made by Zazu Faure / Los Angeles, is made of repurposed cashmere and wool sweaters. Just think of all the adventures to be had!

Operation Game Creative Spark Journal: Not only does the front and back cover of this journal utilize an up-cycled Operation game, but the pages inside are all recycled as well. Ignite your creative spark with BeckyDesigns.

Coconut Scrubbers: Made from coconut husks, these scrub brushes are scratch resistant, naturally anti-bacterial, and long-lasting. Another Green Pear Organics product for the win!

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Whether you need something to occupy your time during the winter months, or want to learn a new hobby during quarantine; we have got you covered in our Local Undercover DIY Gift Guide. Here are our top crafty picks to keep you busy and your mind fresh!

Silk Bandana Scarf Dye Kit: This kit by Couleur de la vie includes everything you need to dye your own silk bandana using natural plant materials and steam.

DIY Circular Weaving Ecourse & Kit: Join Trudy Perry and learn how to create a circular wall hanging. Learn basic weaving skills and techniques. This is great for fiber newbies and crafty experts alike.

DIY Jewelry Kit: Sumsaara’s jewelry kit is perfect for both beginners and experienced jewelry makers. This kit has everything you need to create your own beautiful and unique cork earrings. 

Desert Landscape DIY Embroidery Kit: This beginner embroidery kit will bring a touch of warmth into your home with this beautiful desert landscape. MCreativeJ is the queen of embroidery kits!

Paper Toys: Need an activity to help occupy the kids? Little World of Beasts has created a paper toy digital download of 3 animals that are ready to be printed and assembled. Of course we love the Jackalope ;)

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