In the past few years, there’s been a huge resurgence in handmade goods and the appreciation for the people who make these one-of-a-kind goods. In partnership with American Express in support of the Shop Small® movement, here’s a look at a few of my favorite makers right now whose work I personally love wearing or having in my home. Also, because I love hearing how small business owners evolve over time, I asked each of them one thing they have learned as a small business owner…
Coral & Stone's jewelry mixes casual with dressy for unique and colorful jewelry that feels really easy to wear with anything. Maker Coralie Reiter notes…
“It’s so important to believe in yourself! There can be a million doubts circling my mind daily, but I know I have to go with my gut feeling and stick to it! Things will get easier and more clear along the way.”
For that mini me in your life, I love these beautiful stuffed animals by Walnut Animal Society. They even have the cutest outfits making them the best-dressed animals around. Lauren Bradshaw from Walnut Animal society reminds herself…
“I've learned to reframe the way I look at problems or mistakes; instead of getting discouraged, I keep in mind that this is actually the path to becoming an expert in my business–learning the best way to go about it, even if that means learning the hard way!”
Kindah Khalidy's beautiful painted patterns cover her handmade clutches and other accessories. Her clutches are all one-of-a-kind and no two are alike. Kindah believes…
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
The wallpaper by Juju Papers is one of my favorites with the mix of hand-drawn elements with metallic accents. Founder Avery Thatcher reminds herself…
“The saying, 'the darkest hour is just before dawn' is often the case in my creative and professional life. There's always a slog in everything worth doing. POWER THROUGH THE SLOG!"
I’m proud to own, wear, and decorate with goods made by these talented folks and happy to see them living their dreams doing what they love…
This post is in partnership with American Express – committed to connecting small merchants to more customers through the Shop Small® movement.
Yes!! As a small business owner myself, I too am learning all these things (at once!). Especially about reaffirming “mistakes.” I’m learning to embrace it as just part of the process. Thank you for sharing these insights!
“reframing” mistakes 🙂
So excited to see Coral and Stone on here. They are such an amazing shop and I am obsessed with their jewelry. All of the colors and textures add such flare to any outfit.
I love how you support small businesses and feature them!
Rachel
http://rachelinflight.com
That wallpaper is to die for!
It’s important for us small business owners, to understand that having a great product is just the beginning, and that no successful business grew without struggles. Keeping and open mind, and being open to change has also been the my biggest lesson so far.
Lucy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LucyLovesPaper
The Kindah Khalidy clutches are works of art. Beautiful!
I agree with and feel everything they say because I feel exactly the same starting my own start-up at the moment, my VERY OWN theme party designs. It’s all about gut feeling, but this gut feeling often makes me feel like I should just stick to a 9-5 job with stable income. I know some people view me as “why don’t you get a job?” It hurts. So I fear to fail, I don’t want them to tell me “Told you so.”
love power through the slog!