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Alexis Avery creates original paintings that empower, uplift and inspire with oils and acrylics. Additionally, she loves to explore different mediums and dabbles in mixed media art, candle making and designing jewelry. Read our interview with Alexis, and you’ll find amazing tips for your own journey as a creative
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A Conversation with Kent Stetson This year, Kent Stetson, an artisan handbag designer, is celebrating two decades of creative entrepreneurship. His niche is handcrafted handbags that double as art. Initially, the artist explored selling his paintings, but the endeavor wasn’t for him. Here, Kent shares why he cut up
creative business
Rachel Frank and Lori Berlinghof launched their handmade luxury jewelry brand, Elements Studio NYC, in 2015. With designs influenced by the earth’s elements, it’s no surprise that Rachel and Lori cast their pieces in recycled gold and only use ethically sourced stones. The design duo’s Bowie Collection
creative business owner
We chatted with Chau Sáenz, a skilled leather artisan who designs and creates luxury handbags and accessories. The designer’s love for bags and purses inspired her to enroll in a leatherworks school in San Francisco, where she trained under a Hermès leather artisan. The designer’s passion for her
Running a Creative Business
Business advice for artists, artisans, designers and makers By Hilary Young The concept of branding has officially made it into the mainstream. Branding is everywhere and, quite frankly, hard to avoid. It’s not even relegated to the business world anymore, given that I’ve witnessed many friends describe the
artist
As teens twins Eva and Yvette Estime loved watching anime and flipping through Japanese street fashion magazines—interests that would influence their future careers. Fast-forward to 2020, when the sisters founded Dirty Celebrity, an indie fashion brand. “Our accessories line takes inspiration from Japanese streetwear, American punk and pop culture—
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After Natalie and Julian Dion bought their first home, they needed to furnish it—but the couple spent all their savings on a down payment. So what would they do in a few weeks when they were hosting family for Christmas? Julian was a carpenter and designer. Natalie had a
Creative Business Tips
Imagine this. You just got into a juried show, a store just picked up your line or a company offers you a contract to license your work. You should be really pumped, right? You’ve worked so hard for this. But instead of being excited, you have thoughts like, “I’
artisanal food
Carol Gancia is the founder of Kokak Chocolates, an artisanal chocolate company in San Francisco. The creative entrepreneur has an incredible story—Carol, an Irish-Filipino immigrant and LGBTQ member, moved to the United States from Manila, Philippines in 2004. In the same year, she founded Ripplemakers, Inc., a video production
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Addie Rawr is the very definition of a creative entrepreneur as a watercolor illustrator, sticker maker, greeting card designer and all-around creative powerhouse. She got her start by seeing a huge gap in the greeting card marketplace—she couldn’t find designs that represented her friends and family. So Addie
Creative Entrepreneur
Canadian creative entrepreneur Stefanie Henderlin founded the award-winning Mangata Apothecary, which offers a range of botanical bath and body care products. Stefanie shared how she began making her products. “My background was midwifery, and I originally created all these products for clients,” the maker said. Stefanie received plenty of positive
artisans
Seeds & Stories empowers women artisans in rural Uganda Social enterprise entrepreneur Margarida Vasconcelos co-founded Seeds & Stories, a non-profit that empowers women in rural Uganda. After working in law for many years, Margarida followed her passion for social justice and began a second career. In her interview, the creative
Creative Entrepreneur
If you’re a maker, you may be creating products for consumers to buy for Mother’s Day gifting as we speak. You may also prepare for the day by looking at trends to help you determine what to create, promote and sell. We pulled together research on Mother’s
Creative Entrepreneur
Many people who want to be creative entrepreneurs wonder if they can run a business while working full time. Kelly Wilcox is an example of someone who does, and here is her story. Kelly was pregnant with her second child and frustrated with her options for maternity wear. “I was
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Poet Alex Wilkinson is the founder and chief executive poet at Poems by Post, an art and poetry subscription. Every month, he and his team create uplifting mail for people worldwide. “We send typewritten poetry and captivating artwork to people all around the world every single month, inspiring our audience
Creative Entrepreneur
Minnie Erickson is the founder of Minnieology, a gift box business. Before launching her endeavor, Minnie loved to curate gift boxes to give friends on their milestone birthdays. The presents were a hit, and friends began asking to purchase Minnie’s creations. That was her cue to begin Minnieology. “I