Do you have a story behind your company name?

Yes! HINDES is the Old English spelling of my married name, Hynes. Historically, the name was given to families responsible for tending deer and it means "female european red deer.” You'll see a subtle nod to this within our logo, an H with deer ears.

That is so cool! Tell us how you got your start?

I've made my own skincare products using minimal, natural ingredients nearly my entire life. My products have been well-loved by family and friends. During the 2020 pandemic, I added CBD to my products for enhanced wellness and mood-boosting. By October 2021, I decided to make a business out of it!

We love what CBD can do for the body. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part is creating new aromatherapy blends! Essential oils have tons of uses and layering them in different proportions can really change the scent profile. Testing new blends is my creative outlet.

Fun! Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

Notebooks galore! I make note of product recommendations and favorite scents that people have mentioned. From there, I review the healing properties of ingredients that would be best suited for the product I'm interested in creating. I'll write up several recipes to test. The fun part is the product testing! I'll fine-tune a recipe over several weeks until it is just right.

What inspires you to create?

Thinking of useful applications of ingredients, such as essential oils and CBD, inspires me to create. There's lots of room to play with aromatherapy profiles, types of products, and even how to use or apply certain products. My goal is to go beyond traditional avenues and to think differently!

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

My favorite product is the HINDES Skin Soother Body Spray. It's heavenly! While it's great throughout the year to moisturize dry, dull skin, it is specifically designed for after-sun skincare. It smells amazing - a mix of rose, lavender, and a hint of peppermint. The Skin Soother eases inflamed and irritated skin while adding a ton of moisture and it's light enough to layer under serums and lotions.

A must have for the lake days! Speaking of lakes, what do you love most about Minnesota?

Minnesota is an absolutely gorgeous state year-round, including all the lakes, hiking and biking trails, and even ice caves to explore!

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

There are so many HINDES products available on our website, but I'm just not able to bring them all to market. You'll see our best sellers, such as Essential Oil Rollers, Extra Strength Body Oil for pain relief, Soaking Salts for relaxation, Diffusing Oil for aromatherapy, and plenty more!

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

Where to see more of HINDES:

Website | shopHINDES.com

Instagram | @shopHINDES

Do you have a story behind your company name?

“Cheesecake” is really symbolic of my journey in life! Before I found my love for polymer clay I was baking all kinds of sweets for friends and family with plans to become a pastry chef. The timing wasn’t right then so I never pursued it wholeheartedly. Baking polymer clay is very similar to baking cookies and cakes, so when I was dreaming up names for my company it felt very natural to marry these two versions of myself. Cheesecake is my favorite dessert and when it's my birthday I always ask for cheesecake instead of cake! Cheesecake brings feelings of decadence, celebration, sweetness, and complexity to mind and these are all vibes I want my company to embody.

Love that! Tell us how you got your start?

In 2019 I left my job to become a stay at home foster mom and raise two sweet little girls with my husband. Then the pandemic began and life got a little wild. It was incredibly traumatic and difficult and I felt lost and depressed. My mom gave me some solid advice: find a creative outlet for all those feelings. Then she handed me some polymer clay and a 10 year old box of beads. Cheesecake started that day as just me finding myself again in the middle of chaos.

I bet that was a great outlet, mental health is so important. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part is always when I’m playing with clay. I love mixing colors and cutting shapes. I think of this part of the process as the “daydreaming” phase because I’m thinking about what it’s going to be. I’m paying attention to light, movement, texture, and what feelings I want to evoke in these early stages of a design and it’s really fun!

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

Well, my studio is in the corner of my living room and I am also a stay at home mom, so my personal life and my studio life are woven together! My day always starts with breakfast with my daughter and watering our flowers outside together. Then I start my studio day with product photography because I get the best natural light in the morning. Then I pack orders, answer emails, and plan out my social media strategy for the day. After I get all those things out of the way it’s clay time! I don’t typically plan my art unless it’s a commission. I create what brings me joy in the moment and focus on colors and feelings. Finished clay pieces go in the oven for an hour and that’s when I plan structures for jewelry pieces, beading, and assembly. At night I cycle between drawing on baked clay pieces, designing ideas on my iPad, and watching true crime documentaries. Once or twice a week when the rest of my family is gone for the day I open all the windows, get in my safety gear, and resin all completed clay pieces so they are ultra shiny!

What inspires you to create?

Lots of things! Random things! The shade of green in my mother’s eyes. A perfect curl on my daughter’s head. The yarrow that grows in my garden that is an incredibly bright pink! A stranger’s awesomely bold outfit. A beautiful sunrise on a morning vacation. I think what I’m trying to say is life. Living inspires me to create. It’s a compulsion!

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

My favorite piece I’ve made has to be these rainbow 2 tiered princess cake earrings. These were one of the first times I had attempted a 3-dimensional sculpt that was so intricate! I had to figure out how to make the sculpt hollow so they would appear heavy but weigh very little as well as make sure every individual piece was secured to the base. They were a big success and something I’ll never forget creating!

Those are so fun, I bet your daughters loved how they turned out! What do you love most about Minnesota?

Every inch of Minnesota is so beautiful and I love that we have a great balance between nature and city! The scenery here is pretty incredible and it’s a great place to live if you love the outdoors. I also really love how supportive Minnesota is of local small businesses and specifically artists. There are so many cool events to check out full of daydreamers like me!

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

I missed the thrill of watching people bond over my work! You know what I mean? Like when you walk up to a booth with a friend and discover a new piece of art that brings you joy, you start making happy noises and chattering about how it makes you feel? Then suddenly everyone nearby joins in on the good vibes and it’s this tiny, perfect moment of strangers smiling at each other. That moment makes in person events so worth it to me! If you walk by my booth there is a good chance you will hear me cackling and being rowdy with my customers and I wouldn't have it any other way.

That makes us smile! What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I will be bringing so much colorful clay in many different forms! I will have a lot of jewelry and home decor. I’m working on some special sun catchers, trinket boxes and dishes, as well as some larger original art pieces to hang on your wall!

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

Where to see more of Cheesecake Art & Design:

Website | https://shopcheesecake.co

Instagram | @pieceocheesecake

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Yes, Something to Cherish® is a play off of my birth name, Cherish, which means: beloved, to treasure, to care for, or to hold dear. When I started this art brand in 2007, I didn't know what I wanted to call it, but the mystery was soon solved with a call from my mom who had been talking with my grandmother. They had brainstormed the name “Something to Cherish.” I thought it was a wonderful name but assumed that somebody else was already using it. To my surprise, the trademark was available.

Something to Cherish® means that life is a gift to cherish. It’s an extension of my family legacy that focuses on loving and caring for people from all walks of life. As a community, if we’ve learned nothing else from the past years of Covid, hopefully, we have learned that no one is promised tomorrow, and we all need meaningful human connection. This present moment truly is a sacred gift to be cherished.

So true, and we love how personal your company name is. How did you get your start?

Since I was a little girl, I made art and played “gift shop” by creating amusing little things for all my family members to “purchase.” I even offered a gift wrapping service! In high school and college, I was fortunate to study art and earned multiple degrees in illustration, fine art, and design. Initially, I concentrated on children’s book illustration. After illustrating my first two books, I started a greeting card company and began assisting independent publishers in publishing their own books, which led me to realize my gift for artistic product development. 

Early in my career, I was selected to lead the art team for a company owned by Clint Eastwood (Tehama), where I learned about the intricacies of product development from firsthand experience, designing high-end resort wear that often appeared in celebrity sightings. I was also appointed to create surface pattern designs for the IZOD G (a PVH brand) and Arnold Palmer fashion lines where I learned about licensing and our global apparel markets. 

Wow that is really cool. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part is the spark creation that takes me off into a flow of delightful surprises, one after another. I often see things in colors and words before I see images. So, it's a fascinating journey to put pictures to the feelings and sensations that I have in my brain to help bring a story and vision to fruition. Stretching myself to use my various gifts and life experiences in each project is also challenging and fun.

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

One of the reasons I always wanted to be an artist is that I thrive on atypical days, as spontaneity is often the fuel for my next brainchild. However, I have also learned the importance of honoring my circadian rhythm so I am dedicated to opening and closing a day with a certain routine. Every morning I begin in the studio with a gratitude painting practice where I take out a blank sheet of watercolor paper, prepare my watercolors, and let my wet brush guide the painting. After this, I may work on a visual project, meet with business associates, teach an art class, work in my garden, take a walk, take an entrepreneurship class, and/or hop in and out of the computer to facilitate momentum – it all depends on the season, the deadlines, and my current endeavors.

Love that the first part of your day is a painting! What inspires you to create?

My work is highly inspired by nature. I love the little intricacies of how a flower buds, how a blade of grass is swept along in a creek, the rustling sway of trees, the taste of the life-giving herbs, and the way we are all connected on the substance of earth amid an infinite starry landscape. I’m enthralled with the divine order of things and honored to contribute my song to the vast chorus of creation.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

There is a range of beautiful things I have created over the years, but I am still exceptionally proud of the tote bag I designed for my “Elements by Cherish” line in partnership with Studio M. Each beautiful canvas bag in this collection not only reflects the joys of the elements of earth, fire, wind, air, and cosmos as interpreted by my watercolor designs, but the leather-handled bags are very sturdy and are designed to travel both near and far. I designed it with my ballet dancing sister in mind (it’s amazing how much they need to carry to each show!). Its big size and pockets fit everything you need for work or leisure. I love mine for a trip to the farmer’s market, and I have been known to use it as a weekender bag to the hot springs or beach. And best yet, it stows perfectly underneath an airline seat!

That is a true win! What do you love most about Colorado?

As a multi-generational native of Colorado, I adore the sunrises and sunsets over the purple mountain majesties. Living against the foothills, I love the close proximity to both the yawning prairies out east and the mountain passes to the west. I’m excited by the future with its expanding cultural opportunities and reflect on my deep family history roots in this little corner of the planet.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I’m excited to debut a new collection of tablet-friendly handbags, luxurious handmade silk scarves, accent pillows, boho baby blankets, and other accessories featuring my watercolor designs. In addition, I will be displaying a series of signed and numbered prints, as well as a selection of original watercolor paintings.

Anything special you would like to add?

While it’s a joy to share resplendent watercolor stories and inspiring words through quality designed goods that become a part of everyday life, it’s also important to remember the bigger picture. Because of the success of Something to Cherish®, it’s an honor to partner with non-profits that help me plant fruit trees in vulnerable areas where food, jobs, and vegetation is necessary for communities to survive and thrive. I love how one fruit tree can multiply into many possibilities for provision, nourishment, and even seeds for future trees, practically cherishing both people and the planet for many years.

Lastly, I'm excited that Jackalope is coming to this special area of Colorado, home to so many people who have supported my art journey over the last 20 years. I'm thrilled to have a venue to share my latest works and to celebrate this special milestone. 

We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!

Where to see more of Something to Cherish:

Website | https://www.SomethingToCherish.com

Instagram | @somethingtocherish

Do you have a story behind your company name?

After not feeling completely satisfied with my business name for a third time, I decided to take a walk to clear my head. It was a full moon that night and I jokingly said to myself, maybe I should change my name to The Moonery Collective. No, that's silly.. I looked up the definition when I got home and beside the obvious of mooning someone(!), I found that a "mooner" is a person who abstractedly wanders or gazes about. I have always been a daydreamer and get lost in thought. So the name stuck! It's a homage to all of those daydreamers out there!

Oh we love that! How did you get your start?

I have been dabbling in herbalism and creative processes for twenty years and in 2019, finally made it official. I am a professional archaeologist, and while that is a fun and fascinating career, I needed a creative outlet. My motto is "where science meets magick" slow fusion skin and ritual care, blending traditional herbal remedies I've learned over the years with fun, witchy ritual things like intention candles and bath items.

Definitely important to have balance. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Coming up with an idea and then watching it unfold for both the successes and the ideas that didn't quite come out the way I planned. It is all part of the learning process.

Very true. Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

The first thing I do is sip herbal tea, take in a deep breath, and say, "You got this," then get the candle melter started. While that is heating up, I check orders and emails, as well as the low inventory list. Some days I just start creating without a routine and follow my heart. Other days I'm overwhelmed and sit on the couch ignoring it all!

What inspires you to create?

I love teaching people about my products and to encourage others to make or do what inspires them, even if it's been done a thousand times. I'm not re-inventing the wheel here. You can buy a candle or a salve from a lot of amazing people, but it's that connection and conversations that keep me going.

Love that. Do you have a favorite item you have made?

Lady From the Mountain (a line in a Stevie Nicks song, can you guess which one?) is my most popular candle. Made with my own wax blend of coconut, soy, and mango butter using only essential oils, it smells absolutely intoxicating and is so pretty to look at! The candle is adorned with botanicals and a crystal that corresponds to the candle to help set your intention. The candle is safe to use on your skin, too! But if I'm being practical and want to share my love of herbalism, then I would have to say the Colorado Crack Salve is my favorite. It's like a first aid for your skin! Great for dry, cracked hands and feet, minor cuts, bites, and even safe for healing tattoos.

What do you love most about Arvada?

I love seeing the mountains every day, it never gets old. Arvada is a cute town just down the road from Golden, where I live. Olde Town Arvada is really great - the shops, the food.. one of my favorite places to meet friends is The Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge, there is something for everyone and the people are friendly.

We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!

Where to see more of The Moonery Collective:

Website | https://www.themoonerycollective.com/

Instagram | @the.moonery

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Our name is actually pretty simple! My husband and I have the last name Mathews, so it’s just the power of two M’s making candies!

Tell us, how did you get your start?

I originally learned the basics of chocolates in culinary school over a decade ago. Even before that, I was always making candy and chocolates as gifts for my extended family- my mom has plenty of stories about chocolate on her ceiling, cabinets and counters. There was something really alluring in the creativity of chocolate making; even though I have a restaurant chef background, I wanted to learn more. I worked in New York for a celebrated chocolatier and absorbed everything I could. I was able to do a lot of flavor creation and started to develop my creative voice. Once we moved to Denver, I was able to expand my restaurant skills, all of which help inform our direction for the business.

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

I love the aspect of creating! Food is so much fun to play with, and the interconnectedness of science, flavor and memory makes discovering new flavor combinations that much more enjoyable. My favorite time of the whole year is early Autumn- I start planning and testing my winter and holiday goodies, which means there are plenty of goodies to taste test!

That would be my favorite part for sure! Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

Typical is a bit hard to describe, as I’m sure every small business owner knows- but the day always starts with coffee! There’s a semi-official structure to the day, but by about an hour into most days, the schedule gets blown apart. In general, every day is handling custom orders, getting ready for events, holidays, emails, talking to vendors, coordinating with customers, managing finances, planning for future events and item rollouts, and then the actual production and packaging of items. All of this while checking all of our various sales platforms to make sure we’re getting products out to customers!

Sporting multiple hats! What inspires you to create?

Part of my philosophy when it comes to creation is to take flavors and desserts that inspire nostalgia and turn them into unique and approachable chocolates. Tapping into food memories is one of the things chefs strive for every day we make food. The act of making someone feel through our food is the definition of our artistic expression.

Very cool. Do you have a favorite item you have made?

That is a nearly impossible question to answer! I love so many different items for so many different reasons…I think our s’mores kits are so unique and delicious, and I feel like there are very few people who can do what we do with our kits. I’m a big snacker, so when it comes to sheer snackability, anything with our peanut butter crunch filling is so delicious and easy to munch on (I’m never too disappointed if I have a piece or two of our peanut butter whirls crack). Overall, our bon bons are the real representation of the full breadth of our creative direction, and they give us the most room to play around and enjoy unique flavor combinations.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope Arvada?

We will be bringing as much chocolate as we can hope to not melt, as well as some classic and unique candies that pack flavor punches! We have pectin jelly candies, various flavored bon bons and our s’mores kits, made with hand cast chocolate bars, fresh marshmallows and house-made graham crackers. We also hope to bring an assortment of other brand new items if we can manage it!

What do you love most about Arvada?

Arvada has been very good to us, both the city itself and the vendors and friends we’ve made in the city!  We’ve been welcomed with open arms by so many of the shops in the town, and we hope to have earned that trust and kindness.  I love that Arvada is such a welcoming community to everyone, and supports small businesses of all sizes!

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

Mostly just being able to connect with our community!  It’s very hard to communicate our intentions with our products without being able to present them ourselves, and I think that people appreciate when the maker can actually tell them why they are unique and worth buying.  I also missed getting to hang out with our vendor friend community.  It’s always nice to be surrounded by people who are going through the same trials you are, and everyone is always so supportive (especially the Jackalope community!) 

That makes us smile! Anything special you would like to add?

We’re opening our first retail and physical location in Westminster this August! We are so excited to finally move out of our commissary kitchen and into our very own space so we can continue to grow and innovate. We are hoping to expand our current truffle, candy bar and gift offerings, as well as introduce a few brand new (to us!) programs, including small batch ice cream and custom sundae kits! Keep an eye out on our social media to see what we’re up to, including when our grand opening will be!

YUM! We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!

Where to see more of M2 Confections:

Website | https://m2confections.com

Instagram | @m2_confections

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Mindful Works was chosen to reflect our meditation and yoga products. Our original name was Infinitely Simple, but participants felt that name did not accurately portray our mission and activities.

Tell us, how did you get your start?

Our Executive Director, Susan Williams, saw a need for employment to be part of the recovery process for individuals overcoming mental health challenges. Mindful Works is supervised by The Windhorse Guild and was created in 2015. We provide employment and real wages to our participants as they build skills to prepare them to enter the traditional labor market or pursue educational goals.

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

We love the collaboration that goes into making all of our goods. One person may cut the pattern, and another may sew, and then another may fill. It feels really great when it all comes together and we arrive at a finished piece. It is also wonderful to see the progress made by our participants as they improve their skills and gain confidence.

It is a true team effort. Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

Our day typically starts at 10am, with Program participants clocking in and getting work assignments for the day. Our Shoppe Manager keeps the work flow going as pieces are cut and serged, sewn and filled. Our baking team, The Mindful Bakers, head to the commercial kitchen and work with our Kitchen Manager to create delicious cookies and scones. The atmosphere is lively and buzzing with activity as our program participants learn work skills.

That is inspiring! Speaking of, what inspires you to create?

We are inspired to create different items according to the seasons, as well as color, texture and the beauty of the natural world.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

That’s a hard question! We have so many items that we love to make. If we had to pick a favorite it might be our Kilim Patchwork Pouf. That seems to be a customer favorite as well.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope Arvada?

We will be bringing some old favorites like our poufs and meditation cushions. We always have festival flags, jewelry pouches and napkins, which make great gifts.

Anything special you would like to add?

By buying our products you are supporting the recovery of individuals overcoming barriers to employment due to mental health challenges.

We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!

Where to see more of Mindful Works:

Website | www.mindful-works.org

Instagram | @mindfulworksboulder

Dana and Gary

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Our company name actually came from my mother in law who has been a huge supporter of the syrup and our business from the beginning; we are always running ideas by her even to this day! She thought since it started for our kids, made by "daddy," why not Daddy's Homemade?

Cute! How did you get your start?

Dannie is a stay-at-home dad who started taking a closer look at all the high fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients in the pancake syrup our kids were eating so much of. Between our family and some health issues that developed, it was important to have a healthier alternative, so he started experimenting with his own syrups – mixing, matching, and calculating all-natural ingredients and flavors. He created our syrup with no artificial ingredients, no high fructose corn syrup and no preservatives. Our daughter is the pickiest eater, so when she approved the taste, we knew we were onto something. With the encouragement of Dannie’s mom, we started giving it to friends and family to sample. They loved it, he loved making it, and from creating the labels to taste testing, the kids loved being a part of the process. Each member of our family, even our littlest at 3 years old likes to have his special jobs!

From our ingredients to the hand-tying of the twine on our jars, we utilize a multi-step process of creating then packaging our products meticulously by hand to ensure every batch is of the highest quality. Dannie has found a passion for trying new flavors, and I love experimenting with what we can use them for. Having three young kids who never agree on anything makes meals difficult most days, so he has created over 60 flavors, so there is always something for everyone. All our kids love helping us experiment with new recipes too! Even after customers have tried all of the flavors, there is always another flavor available or will be available soon. It’s exciting to see our return customers at events when they find a new flavor they want to try.

Often we are asked why many of our flavors are clear. There are no artificial ingredients, no high fructose corn syrup and no preservatives. We started using it on our breakfast foods, but because of the unique flavors, it is easy to enjoy on just about anything! In addition to our breakfast foods, we now put it in our coffee and beverages; meats and vegetables, popcorn and salty snacks; desserts and baked goods and so much more! 

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

Dannie makes all our syrup and I love the way the scent of the syrup fills our kitchen and house when he is making it! Getting to taste test new flavors is always fun too!

I bet! Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

There is no typical day! I have a full time job while running our small business and juggling 3 young kids! We find time when we can in order to try to get everything done, but when Dannie is making syrup, our oldest has a special job to help get him started and then we are all kicked out of the kitchen while he works his magic! Once he gets started, he gets into his groove and if he needs anything we help get it, otherwise he is not to be disturbed! We like to ensure the highest quality product comes out of each batch every time!

Love that. What inspires you to create?

I am surprised to have found a creative side to my husband giving us a flavor explosion! He has always been the science and math brain! When I am creating for our social media or for recipe ideas, oftentimes my kids give me ideas and we just start creating! I also get inspired from hearing what other people use our syrup for.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I love our variety packs. They are great for gifts and for someone who wants to try different flavors (they come with 4 flavors in different sizes and are customizable); plus it includes a single batch of pancake mix and a reusable tote. I love when customers use the tote to bring back their empty jars for discounts on their new jars at events.

That is a great idea, and a great gifting idea. What will you be bringing to Jackalope Arvada?

We will be bringing lots of new flavors of our all natural homemade syrup we have been experimenting with as well as some of the classic flavors and our newest; most popular flavor - Lavender! We will also have our variety packs, pancake mix and samples to taste a few of the flavors!

Anything special you would like to add?

Our daughter helped create the labels and was hand drawing each one when we first started selling so we are bringing out some of her artwork to the event as well that you will be able to purchase and take home! We are so proud of her art and how much she has been helping us with our family owned business!

Other ideas for our syrup? We also have a restaurant/bar using our syrup in cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks and lemonades. There is a bakery using our syrup for baked goods and a doughnut shop that will be using it for glaze for their doughnuts!

We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!

Where to see more of Daddy’s Homemade Syrup:

Website | https://www.daddyshomemadesyrup.com/

Instagram | @daddyshomemadesyrups

Dana and Gary

How did you get your start?
It all started during the pandemic when I took some homemade samples that our parents made for the house to a notary signing appointment for a client whom I was visiting for the second time. I decided to put them in a little ziploc baggy and asked if she wanted some. Originally, she rejected my offer as she's older in her 80s and thought it would be hard for her teeth. When I then offered it to her son who was also present, she decided to try it and loved the honey glazed walnuts and asked how she could buy some for friends and family for the holidays. I told her they weren't for sale and I would have to go home to ask my mother in law if she would make them to sell to people. I went home and told her an older lady wants to buy her nutz. Since a complete stranger enjoyed the product, we decided to continue testing the product (honey glazed walnuts) with friends and family where we got positive feedback so that's when we knew there was something there for a business idea.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Our favorite part of the process is getting to quality control taste the nutz to make sure they are of great quality for our customers.

YUM! Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

Our days can be long as Dem' Nutz takes a detailed process to make. They include us sourcing the best walnuts or pecans first, then we boil our nutz to clean them, then they roast on slow heat for several hours, then they get glazed over the stovetop, then immediately pulled apart so they are in individual pieces, and lastly they get bagged. The entire process is hand made by us.

Love that. What inspires you to create?

Our parents because this is their own recipe for the honey glazed walnuts that we're now sharing with the world. Once we began, we knew we needed other flavors and nutz so we added the honey glazed pecans and spicy honey walnuts. The response we get from the customers when they taste our samples for the first time motivates us to continue making Dem' Nutz as there's nothing out there with the addictively delicious flavor like our nutz.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

Besides our delicious nutz, we have some merchandise and our favorite item we came up with is the Customized Nut Sac to hold the nutz as a gift set.

Too funny! What will you be bringing to the festival?

We have honey glazed walnuts, honey glazed pecans, spicy honey walnuts, Dem' Nutz t-shirts, Stress Nutz and Customized Nut Sack.

Anything special you would like to add?

Come by our booth for a nut shot and have a great laugh!

We can’t wait to see you in person this May 14th & 15th for the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival!

Where to see more of Dem’Nutz

Website | www.Dem-Nutz.com

Instagram | @omgdemnutz

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Our founders names are Ailing and Marissa, so AM is the combination of the first letter of our names. What’s the most important, we love sunrise, so am always means hopeful, active and optimistic to us, JUST like what we want to bring to our customers with our jewelries.

Love that double meaning. How did you get your start?
After graduating from Academy of Art University’s School of Jewelry & Metal Arts; we worked in different jewelry companies for years, which gave us more valuable experience of jewelry business. We launched our brand in 2018 with wearability at the forefront of our design approach. Using traditional goldsmith techniques, we craft trendy jewelry at an accessible price point.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Of course the creation part! Illustrating our ideas effectively is essential to keeping our design pipeline moving and in keeping the store stocked with new designs :)

I bet it is very satisfying to see it all come to life! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

The first thing we do is A CUP OF COFFEE lol. Then we starting fulfilling our orders, because we’re very thankful to our customers who support us. Never want them to wait too long for their orders. No matter how busy we are, we always use one hour to work on new designs.

Love that. What inspires you to create?

Anything can inspire us! Movies, books, flowers, animals, the artworks from the artists we like, and even small things that happen during the day can give us inspiration. A notebook is very helpful, so we can write down and illustrate our ideas.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

This is my favorite item during our latest product. I think the idea of this necklace is so cute. In the front of the necklace, a large freshwater gives one of a kind shine with cute arms hugging it. In the back, there’s a print of the arms. It makes me smile whenever I see it. Gives the wearer a very warm and helpful feeling. I think this is a necklace we need during a pandemic.

What will you be bringing to the festival?

We’ll bring our newest designs to Burbank. Some of them are not even updated on our website! Included is our newest pearl collection, hand printed enamel collection and a lot of cool designs!

We can’t wait to see you in person this May 14th & 15th for the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival!

Where to see more of A.M Jewelry Studio

Website | AMJEWELRYSTUDIO.COM

Instagram | @a.m.jewelrystudio

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Yes! My dog Elvis was the stinkiest little guy, and so I used to call him stinky paws.

How cute! How did you get your start?
I learned to crochet when I was a kid and picked it up again when my dad passed in 2012. I learned that it was very therapeutic and then only crocheted occasionally.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Watching it all come together and becoming something that I created.

Must be very satisfying. What serves as inspiration for you?

My boy Elvis and my parents; I miss them all so much.

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

Chaotic. I work two part time jobs and trying to turn my passion into something I want to do full time is insane but totally possible.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I think my favorite piece is the cat house I made. I used a lamp frame and made a cat like sleeve over it; creating a cat house.

What will you be bringing to the festival?

Crocheted items for fur babies, their pawrents and many other items!

We can’t wait to see you in person this May 14th & 15th for the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival!

Where to see more of Crochet for Stinky Paws:

Instagram | @Crochet_for_stinky_paws