Piece by Piece is an organization committed to providing art opportunities to underserved communities. Their mission is to empower residents who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity by providing free mosaic art workshops enabling them to build confidence, earn supplementary income, and promote wellness and an improved quality of life. Through mosaic art, Piece by Piece offers a platform for artistic expression, personal growth, and community engagement, emphasizing sustainability and empowerment.

We were excited to get the chance to talk to a couple artists from Piece by Piece!

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

Andrea: I am from Jalisco, Mexico. The vibrant colors of home, with its lush flora & fauna, has helped make me more mindful about the use of color in my work.

Victor: I’m from Oaxaca in South Mexico, it doesn’t really affect my work! I like to work with my hands in general, and Piece by Piece is like therapy. My mind is relaxed when putting mosaic pieces in place.

Who are your biggest artistic influence?
Andrea: Definitely our instructors Luz & Dawn, as well as Jose (Piece by Piece Artist) in the social enterprise team. I wish one day that I will be like them!

Victor: My biggest artistic influence is Frida Kahlo. She’s a very very strong woman, I like her colorful form of expression, dress, & history.

How do you define success as an artist?

Andrea: When people like what I do, that’s successful.

Victor: When I am established with enough money such that I can concentrate all my efforts on new projects.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Andrea: Picking and choosing colors! Some of the preliminary decisions are the hardest to make - the rest is easier.

Victor: The hardest part of the process is selecting the materials and choosing colors in preparation for the project! We use many materials of different sizes, such as ceramic, glass, tile, and they must be organized in specific to each project.

Andrea’s breast cancer symbol piece

How has your style changed over time?

Andrea: It changes all the time! Before I thought I was good, but now I think I’m a little bit better. There’s always room for improvement, but I’m at a point now where I’m very happy with what I make, and that didn’t happen a lot before.

Victor: I think I haven’t changed my style. When I came I preferred and loved pique assiette for the variety of materials that could be applied to each piece, and I still prefer it!

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

Andrea: I like the glass-on-glass breast cancer symbol that I did. That’s my number one, because that represents a lot; it means a lot to me. The second one is the mirror with the flowers because you reflect yourself and the flowers surround you.

Victor: I like the huge Mandela I made with the social enterprise team at Piece by Piece. I enjoyed the process, and using tile with ceramic invoked a pique assiette style which looked lovely.

Anything special you would like to share?

Andrea: I enjoy mosaic, this is like therapy to me. It’s helped me emotionally, physically, this is more than I was looking for, a lot more than I was looking for when I first started coming to Piece by Piece’s mosaic classes.

Victor: I like Piece by Piece because it is like a family. Sometimes people are angry, relaxed, happy, like a family. We talk about and support each other through our problems. 

We are so excited to explore your collection in person!

Find Piece by Piece at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | https://www.piecebypiece.org/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/piecebypiecela

Jennifer

Do you have a story behind your business name?

Chickens on the Moon Publishing, which is my parent company, is named after a plot line in a book series that is due out in the coming months. In general though, it's meant to represent the idea that there are no rules when it comes to imagination, especially when you are creating for children. 

Jambo Jennifer Puzzles was named for the friendly greeting you get all over Africa. It means hello but it is always said with a bright smile and a genuine warmth to make you feel welcome.  I get to experience this time and time again when I am there photographing animals for my puzzles and books.

Love the meaning behind Chickens on the Moon, and I bet that is such a great experience being able to photograph animals in Africa. Tell us how did you get start?

I come by this business honestly. First and foremost, as a mom! But I also had a 20 year career in photography and a bit of magazine writing. And always in the background I wrote poems and stories. So when it came time to put down my 40 pound backpack of camera equipment it was easy to decide what to do next - children's books and wildlife puzzles!

Very cool. What inspires you to create?

My company specializes in unplugged fun, to try to help parents and teachers combat the onslaught of screen options in our world today. I think it's really important for kids (and adults!) to be able to still enjoy themselves away from a screen.

So true. What is a typical studio day like for you?

Right now I'm doing a LOT of puzzles! Literally putting the pieces together so that I can photograph them at different stages for marketing. I'm also working very hard on my Becky Barnes book series. The first two books will be released together (hopefully this winter). I do the lettering myself and so it takes a good bit of time. So in short, I don't really have a typical day as my projects are many and varied!

What is your favorite part of being an artist?

Right now I'm completely obsessed with my alphabet puzzles and the explorer cards that come with them. I love that when you buy a Jambo Jennifer Puzzle, you also get to learn all about the animal that it features. That was very important to me as I developed the product. Even the 1000 piece puzzles come with an Explorer Card because I feel strongly even adults still love to learn.

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

I do love Africa Dreaming - I think it's the perfect bedtime book but it also has a lot of adult fans because of the intimate wildlife photography.  

What do you like most about Arvada?

I'm a relatively new resident here so I am still learning about my hometown! I love Old Town of course, and the parks are amazing. I'm partial to the one across the street from our house - I can photograph turtles, ducks, muskrats, herons, bullfrogs... the wildlife here is so abundant, even in the city. But also, my camera and I can be above 14,000 feet with my beloved mountain goats in just a little over a hour!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I hope families will discover me so that they can have a few new items to share with their kids when they know they've had enough screen time for the day. I try to make sure my creations are fun for the whole family to experience together, whether they are reading one of my books aloud or learning from one of my puzzles that bighorn sheep can ram each other at 40mph! 

Anything special you’d like to share?

It's never too late to reinvent yourself. I turned 50 last year and I started my company at age 48. If you aren't happy or can no longer do what you've always done, dream big and go for it.

Find Jambo Jennifer Puzzles & Books at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I’d say I belong to a lot of places, as I have traveled a lot and I have lived in many different locations - Madrid, Naples, Rome, Canada, Australia, and several spots in the USA… but if you ask where I was born, I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain.

Having been to so many countries has made me seen the world around me with open eyes, definitely affecting my work by taking mental notes of all the landscapes, nature, cultures, textures, colors .. and mixing all that into eclectic collections that are inspired by all the things I lived and saw in each of those beautiful locations. 

I’d love to dive into hearing about all of those travel stories eventually! What is your biggest artistic influence?
Nature plays a big part in my inspiration process but also the places I've been to and all the elements I encountered while traveling: Textures, colors, shapes, materials and people. 

On another hand, I have always been into botany and plants (as a pharmacist I guess that's unavoidable!) and when I  first saw my australian teacher John - a royal artist, sculptor and master opal jeweler - I soon wanted to learn his technique so he  taught me how to turn organic materials into living Jewelry pieces… amongst other things. John travelled the world in search for stones, pearls and all kinds of materials that he then incorporated into this designs. He was one of my biggest inspirations as well; thanks to him I quickly found my passion in metal smithing, as this allowed me to use the chemistry involved in the process to combine the beauty of different elements and natural materials in my designs.

The influence of nature on your pieces is so clear… but I had no idea you were a pharmacist! Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

I guess success to me is first, being able to find the right technique to transform an idea into an actual piece (that can sometimes be challenging) and also seeing your pieces go with the right people, no matter how weird or unusual. That means you're doing something good.

I imagine it must be so special seeing who falls in love with each piece. What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Sometimes I have an idea to make a piece of jewelry but the material does not allow making it because it would be too fragile or not suitable to wear it comfortably. This happens a lot with those pieces inspired directly by nature , when I try to cast a tiny lichen into a necklace, for example, and it does not work.. or a tiny something. However when it works it’s a reason to celebrate because the piece becomes so special. I remember last year when I succeeded electroforming a sea cucumber and a cicada into a pendant and a pin respectively, of course they had to find that special person to take them home but when they did, it was amazing to share the story of the making with the customer and sharing how unique that piece they took home was. 

Another challenging part is the tech part of running a business… the social media slavery!

How has your style changed over time?

Uhh! I started making bangles with leather, beads and fish skin that I found in Iceland…that style was very chunky! Then I learned metal smithing, wax carving and electroforming while living in Australia and my style evolved into more detailed pieces, until now that I also like to follow a minimal, dainty style in many of my designs. 

After moving to LA, I started admiring the Art Deco building styles in the Downtown Jewelry district and that also made me start some totally different pieces more inspired in shape. In the end the style evolves with you depending on what surrounds you with time, but always keeping a still seed in it that does not change. 

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

I love the Opal chevron ring set. I created it mixing inspiration from different places travels and it became one of my forever pieces. The Australian opal, being all of them one of a kind, symbolizes the uniqueness of a person - it can be you or another.. how ever you envision it.The arrow means continuity and direction, despite of anything and everything and whatever is going on. And the bubble ring symbolizes the ups and downs of daily life. 

 So the three pieces would mean something like: “ Embrace yourself, take in mind that not always will always be perfect and just keep going” 

What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love how green Pasadena is, the kind people who live in it,  I love the Descanso Gardens nearby and the old adobe houses… 

I have participated in a continuous way in several markets in Pasadena from the beginning of my jewelry adventure and I have really good connections here. Some customers from Pasadena have become good friends with the years and I am very thankful for that. But what I like most is the good memories I have there. I've seen my baby girl grow over the years and enjoy every Jackalope spring market since she was born... that's very special!

That is seriously so special and cool to hear! Anything special you would like to share?

Lately I have been fascinated with old shapes and the intricate designs from last century, so I have incorporated that vintage look into my collections, mixing old stones and rings refurbished from vintage pieces with nature inspired style with art deco shapes… I have also made some new styles with the electroformed leaves and have incorporated a pin to every leaf pendant, making it so that it can be worn in two different styles. I am very excited about my current collection and I am so looking forward to sharing them with everyone at Pasadena ARTWalk!

We are so excited to explore your collection in person!

Find Minkara Jewelry at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | https://minkara.life

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/minkarajewelry

Lilia and Alisa of Untitled Square - featuring the star of the show.. Lilia’s pup, Shanty.

“Time’s Gentle Embrace”

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

Lilia and I are both Armenian American artists. I (Alisa) was born in Armenia and moved to the U.S. when I was 6 years old. Lilia was born in Iran, moved to Armenia for college and then moved to the U.S. when she was 29 years old. We grew up under very different circumstances, but when we met, we shared so many commonalities that we became fast friends. Even though we had very different artistic styles, we found that we were able to work together quite easily, even sometimes on the piece. We were able to match each other’s brushwork while keeping our own artist hand still visible in the piece. This led to us constantly working together and eventually becoming business partners. Our studio was founded in 2020…while the world shut down, we went to work! We are a transnational duo, classically trained fine artists from different corners of the world. We both spent our artistic careers as painters; creating, exhibiting, and teaching Art. We still continue to paint, but found a deep love for clay and the beauty in working with malleable raw materials. With clay we get to play again, learn again, and create differently than we ever have before.

Our art has always been inspired by the harmony of human impermanence as it relates to behavior, the vibrant colors of cultures and tradition, and storytelling. These concepts are the lens with which we create our ceramic pieces. We derive strength from the richness of our unique perspectives and our diverse experiences and we take pride in the connection each piece forges between us as artists and you as the customer.

Very cool! I love hearing about you two have come together. What is your biggest artistic influence?
There are so many incredible ceramic artists that influence our work in one way or the other, that it is extremely difficult to choose. These are just a few that come to mind Grayson Perry, Betty Woodman, Peter Voulkos, Beatrice Wood, Shoji Hamada, and Lucie Rie are just a few that we are in awe of. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Artistic success, for us, is a multifaceted journey that encompasses personal fulfillment, financial stability, impact, and growth. We find joy and satisfaction in the creative process, which fuels our passion and drives us to continuously improve and experiment with new techniques. Achieving financial stability through our art allows us to sustain our practice and focus on our work without external constraints. Beyond personal achievements, we aim to make a meaningful impact through our art, influencing culture and contributing to society.

 There is endless value in that. What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Ideation! Going from working conceptually and technically, to making work that is functional and sculptural, has proven to be a challenge. Thinking through practicality, necessity, and functionality before we start creating, and asking ourselves “how can this be used?” before we has been an interesting trial for our creative process. 

How has your style changed over time?

The biggest change has been shifting from two dimensional to three dimensional materials. Working with clay introduces tactile, hands-on elements to our creative process. Clay allows for a direct manipulation of form and texture, enabling us to explore different dimensions, shapes, and surfaces in a way that is different from paint. With the change in artistic medium, our conceptual framework and artistic expression has naturally shifted.

Love that you both were able to make that shift together. What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

Lilia’s favorite piece is called “Contemplative Echos” [pictured below]. She loves the overall composition, the rich turquoise glaze draped over the brown clay, and the expression and body language of the people that we sculpted on this vase.

Alisa’s Favorite piece is called “Shadows that Sing” [also pictured below]. I love this piece because of its monochromatic nature, its use of negative and positive space, and because it has just the right balance of texture and smooth.

“Contemplative Echos”

“Shadows that Sing”

I’m having trouble picking a favorite myself! What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena is a unique blend of old and new, of culture and history. There is such beauty in the historic homes and scenic views. Not to mention it houses two of our favorite places, The Norton Simon Museum and Blick Art Materials. What’s not to love.

Find Untitled Square at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.

Instagram | www.instagram.com/untitled.square

Etsy | www.etsy.com/shop/untitledsquare

Christine Ann Nicols of CANdesignsn

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Growing up my dad would tell me and my sisters that "success comes in CANS". I took that very literally and looked for the "success can" mixed in with the Campbell's Soup. Unsurprisingly, I didn't find it. But it was never lost on me that my initials, Christine Ann Nicols, spelled CAN. CANdesigns was born from childhood innocence and a desire to change the world.

That is too funny. How did you get started?

I tell environmental stories through my jewelry and art. I want to give a voice to the surroundings that have inspired me, and my hope is to help people find a deeper connection with nature.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

As a solopreneur there is no such thing as a "typical day" in the studio. But there are some non-negotiables- coffee, music, and time outside. Beyond that the days vary based one where I am in a launch cycle. Some days are really technology intensive, some days I only emerge from my cave to go for a walk with my sister.

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

I was asked to make a custom necklace for my friend's wedding. The design mimics the lace of her dress. It was challenging, experimental, and playful - all the things I love most about metalsmithing.

How unique and personal! What do you like most about Arvada?

The access to green spaces and old trees in Arvada is incredible. A park or greenbelt seems to be no more than a 10 minute drive from wherever you are in the city.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I am so excited to be bringing one of a kind and small batch jewelry to Jackalope. You should have jewelry as unique as you are.

Anything special you would like to add?

Giving looks good on you - a portion of every sale goes to the Xerces Society, an organization working for the conservation and preservation of bugs and their habitats.

Find CANdesigns at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: christineannnicols.com

Instagram: @christineannnicols

Margaret

Do you have a story behind your business name?
The founding belief of my business is that we ARE Nature. So the name came from remembering that our innate wildness is what helps us reclaim our radiance. And everything I make comes from the land so I wanted to invoke that connection to Mother Nature as well.

How did it all get started?

I worked at Whole Foods in college, in the body care and supplement department, which is where I learned about non toxic skincare. But being a broke college kid, I didn't have money to buy those products so I started making my own skincare. 10 years later, I started my holistic health coaching business supporting women in menstrual health and fertility, and clean skincare is one of the topics we focus on. So I started the skincare side to complement the health coaching, and to offer simple botanical skincare that's so clean you could eat it.

That is so cool! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Growing some of the plants I use, harvesting them, and making them into products that are deeply nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. 

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Being able to work with plants and help people remember their connection to Nature through what they put on their body.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

I light a candle, listen to an audiobook (currently re-listening to Outlander), then get into the flow of whatever needs to be made. I also chant healing mantras whenever I first start working with the plants to invoke that loving energy into every product that gets applied to people's bodies.

Love how personal that is. What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

Naked Body Oil! As an Ayurveda Health Counselor, massaging your body with oil is one of the most highly recommended practices. And for good reason! Not only does it support the lymph system, circulation, digestion, and the nervous system, but oil in Sanskrit is sneha which is the same word for love. And your hands are an extension of your heart. So when you massage oil into your body with your own hands, it's a way to imprint self-love into your very tissues.

So interesting! What do you like most about Arvada?

I love how community centered it is, with a lot of focus on supporting local businesses.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I'll be bringing our signature line of skincare which includes herbal powder cleansers, hydrating toners, face oil, and body oil. I'll also have tallow belly balm for the pregnant people wanting a clean, non-greasy, and deeply nourishing balm for their growing bellies.

Find Wild & Radiant Botanicals at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.wildandradiantbotanicals.com

Instagram: @thewildandradiant

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I was born in Dordrecht, Holland from French and American parents. We moved to Southern California when I was 6 and I have been living and working in Long Beach, California since moving there to go to University. I think I have my love of old things, old houses and beautiful ornate objects from the formative years in Europe and I have my relaxed, playful, nature vibe from growing up in Southern California. We always lived near the beach and being so close to such an impressive natural space has really impacted the way I see the world. Even if my work isn’t particularly beachy, there is a strong reverence for the natural world that I try to bring into all of my pieces.

I definitely see the influence of nature in all of your pieces & I’m obsessed. What is your biggest artistic influence?
I grew up going to a lot of museums and going to see tons of live music. Just last weekend, we saw Keith Haring at LBMA, I love his bold lines and patterns.  Also, not too long ago we were at the Norton Simon Museum with a group of friends, taking in the European painting  collections from Manet to Kandinsky. There is always so much to be inspired by, with the great painters, even if it’s a totally different medium, I love to look at color combinations and compositions.

We still go to a lot of rock shows, we are so fortunate that LA has such great venues to see bands, it makes it so easy to get out and see great music. We recently saw LCD Sound System at the Rose Bowl, Nick Cave at The Orpheum, The Dandy Warhols at the Fonda and Queens of the Stone Age at the Forum. Besides rock, drop by the studio any day and you will hear anything from jazz to neo soul to afrobeat to Latin punk, The music is always playing!

Especially jealous that you saw LCD Sound System! How do you define success as an artist?

I’ve been at this for almost 25 years so my views of success have changed over time, but one thing that has been a constant is quality of life. I have tried to make fulfilling work while still allowing time for raising my two boys and exploring the world around me. Making jewelry has provided me not just with an income and flexibility by being my own boss but a chance to make work with my hands - a practice that is both meditative and thrilling. There is so much problem solving in jewelry making, there is never a dull moment. I also really enjoy making pieces that other people can connect with and wear as a part of their daily life. That connection and experience is really important to me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

The selling part can sometimes be a challenge. I love connecting with people in person, it gives me so much satisfaction seeing the work on customers. That said, outside of doing shows, it’s hard to market the work and grow the audiences, every time I think I’ve got it down the technology changes!

How has your style changed over time?

I feel like my style has changed slightly over time in terms of scale and shapes, in jewelry you do have to move with the trends a bit, even if not following them, you have to at least nod to them.  However I think if you look over the years, most people see a thread or style that runs through most of the work. I have learned some new techniques along the way so they usually make it into new works as well. Overall, story telling through texture, symbols, picturesque stones and organic forms have inspired my work since the very beginning. 

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

These are the first three cuff bracelets that I ever made. The one in the back with the row of dots is one of my favorites and a piece that has been the jumping off place for some of my most popular pieces. I have been making wide and skinny stacking pebble cuffs for 20 years! I love the texture, the dark and light contrast, the way it works with so many other silver textures as a layering element. I also love arranging the little silver pebbles and fusing the piece together, the process itself is really fun.

I love that the first cuffs you ever made are still your favorite. What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena arts and crafts! The old school charm, the architecture and magnificent gardens. 

Sitting at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, Pasadena is beautiful!  I have been coming to this city since I was a kid, for museum visits, strolling Colorado Blvd and Huntington Gardens with my Grandmother. Later as an adult I did the Contemporary Crafts Market at the Convention Center for many years. During that time, I met some really wonderful people, I feel like people here really appreciate craftsmanship, and as a maker, that is such a special thing to connect with. It’s  been so nice to reconnect with some of those customers  through Jackalope and to meet so many new amazing people! I love any chance to come up and spend some time in Pasadena.

It really is a special place. Anything special you would like to share?

Right now I’m working with some really fantastic stones that have this wonderful sky scene in them. They feel so fresh and optimistic, I’m really loving the feel of this new collection. I can’t wait to share them with you all at Pasadena ARTWalk! 

I’ve never seen any stones like this!! Can’t wait to see them in person.

Find Jivita Jewelry at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.jivitajewelry.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/jivitajewelry

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I'm a first generation Puerto Rican, my parents moved from the island to mainland America. I recall late nights of my father playing Bomba with his friends when we would visit my grandparents. He even showed me how to play the barril de bomba. Bomba is music and dance developed by West African enslaved ancestors as a form of self expression and resistance against plantation oppression on the island. This is why music overall is a large part of my process of creation, it takes charge of what colors or energy I put into my pieces. My Great Grandmother always had cats visiting the back of her home, so it felt magical seeing them come and go- the scene still sticks with me. Lots of large leafed plants in the back and cats peeking in to see if food is served. I think this is partly why I'm obsessed with combining cats with floral motifs. Along with my father taking me to see El Yunque National Forest, one of my favorite plants I encountered there was the Mimosa Pudica. It's a cute plant that curls in itself when touched! Since then, I've had a deep fascination with nature and mishmash that with my love of color and nighttime vibes.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
Impressionism, Puerto Rico (specifically at night, and nature themes), Retro Anime (Sailor Moon, city pop themes etc), Surreal Horror (Middens, Ib etc), Vapor Wave, decora, collage, reliquaries, folklore, superstitions, Astronomy/Biology

Your inspiration seems to be everywhere! I love it! How do you define success as an artist?

I'm not sure. I'm still learning as an artist and there's so many forms of "success.” I don't think I've reached that point for myself.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

I hate the sketching process. It's my least favorite stage of art creation. I try to jot down the idea quickly, focus on shape and mood in mind- then go in with color as soon as I can.

How has your style changed over time?

My work used to be more focused on reality and background heavy, now it's far more surreal with aspects of reality injected in. I'm a little happier with the process of how I make art now. It's become more enjoyable with how I think about a piece and how I arrange the composition.

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

The "Dreams.exe" sketchbook! I love huge, fluffy clouds ( The clouds in Puerto Rico and East Coast are glorious! I miss them after moving to the West Coast).
And I like using colors you can see on those cool NASA photos of nebula, so I combined those for the sketchbook cover. The "Dreame.exe" cause I want it to remind anyone using the sketchbook to have fun engaging with creativity and imagination.

“Dreams.exe” sketchbook

That is so cool! What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love how green it is here! There's a lot of variety in vegetation, great diversity of people (I don't feel out of place), and there's a lot of excellent local food joints!
I'm incredibly happy to be in a place that cares for small business.

Definitely one of our favorite parts too! Anything special you would like to share?

I'm a huge fan of pokemon! I collect pokemon cards and make my own themed decks as a hobby!

Find Cosmicloak at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.cosmicloak.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/cosmicloak

Sandra & Edoardo

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Our company name is our family name. 

How did it all get started?

We are a family business. We are the 3rd generation.

That is incredible! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Creating designs and paying attention to the little details.

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Nature is our biggest inspiration.

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

My favorite item is our alpaca socks. We are very proud of the feel and the fit of our socks.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
We will bring our alpaca socks, our hand embroidery accessories, and our WUAMAN Kids collection.

Anything special you’d like to share?
We are certified fair trade and sustainably grazed.

Find WUAMAN at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.wuaman.com

Instagram: @wuaman.official

Begonia & Bench

Do you have a story behind your business name?
"Begonia" symbolizes our love for nature and beauty, and is also a nod to Darren’s mom’s favorite flower. "Bench" represents our dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. Together, they capture the harmony between art and the environment that inspires everything we do.

How did it all get started?

When we began, we were shocked by the waste generated in the candle-making industry and knew we wanted to do something different. Determined to make a change, we committed to planting a tree for every candle we make, not just sell (that’s a marketing tactic).

We also support local non-profits focused on community and environmental needs. This mission drives us as two artists passionate about creating something that doesn’t just go in the landfill.

To date, we’ve had over 11,500 trees planted in a US National Forest—all from just a 10x10 pop-up tent.

That is incredible! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
The most rewarding part of our process is working with a unique Japanese rice bran wax, known for its smokeless and dripless properties, despite its challenges. Blending this rare plant wax with our soy and coconut waxes is where art and science meet. We use a multi-pour technique, rather than a single pour, to ensure a perfect blend and finish. Each candle is then aged and cured like a fine cheese or wine, allowing the complex scent blends to mature and develop. The stability and slow-burning nature of rice bran wax, combined with our unique fragrances, provides a burn time of around 90 hours—much longer than traditional soy candles. This meticulous process is incredibly fulfilling and truly sets our candles apart.

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Nature is our greatest muse. The changing seasons, the vibrant colors of flowers, and the serene beauty of the forests all inspire us. With an artist's eye, we see the world a little differently, finding beauty in the everyday moments like the first light of sunrise or the delicate patterns of a leaf. These perspectives fuel our creativity and drive us to create candles that are more than just a source of light.

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

One of our favorite creations is the "Cozy Campfire" candle, which captures the essence of an outdoor campfire with its earthy notes. This candle is special because it was inspired by our favorite camping moments in Minnesota and took over six months to perfect. Due to its sensitivity to humidity and heat, we can't always bring it to events, and we only make a very limited batch at a time. They sell out quickly, but you can also watch for them on our website!

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

A day in our studio is a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and behind-the-scenes work. It also usually begins with a cup of coffee and a walk in the woods 😊. Every day is different, but it always ends with us feeling grateful for the opportunity to create something meaningful.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
We’re thrilled to be a part of the Jackalope art fair, where we’ll be showcasing our latest collection of Artisan candles. This includes some exclusive new scents inspired by the vibrant summer season. Alongside our new creations, we'll also have our bestsellers and a few surprises up our sleeves 😉. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay updated and catch all the excitement!

What do you love most about Minnesota?

Minnesota’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The forests, the pristine lakes, and the vibrant seasons all provide endless inspiration for us! We also love the strong sense of community and the support for local artisans, which makes Minnesota the perfect place for art to grow and thrive!

Anything special you’d like to share?
At Begonia & Bench, we believe in giving back. For every candle we make, not just sell, we plant a tree in a US National Forest. This commitment has recently earned us recognition as a Sapling Partner by the National Forest Foundation on their website! We're proud of our efforts to make a positive impact on the environment, and you can learn more about our partnership here: https://www.nationalforests.org/tree-planting-programs/small-business-tree-planting-partnerships

Find Begonia & Bench at The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival on August 10th & 11th, 2024.
Website: www.begoniaandbench.com

Instagram: @begoniaandbench