Why do we do this?

We are makers. creators. dreamers. We love knowing our hard work goes into the homes and hearts of so many of our local communities.

I spent a long time trying to make it work on Etsy. Then someone hacked my account and started scamming people by selling fake sneakers.

Then they started charging us a LOT of money to be seen. We got buried behind loads of mass produced items. the only way out was to shell out even more money, cutting into the profits that feed our families, give us extra spending money and more.

so i started doing craft shows. weekends away from the family and missing out on friend stuff. loading up at 4 or 5 am to drive two hours and sit in the hot sun next to someone who bought their stuff and slapped it on a “handmade” card. or at a poorly advertised show. booth money, gas money, making more merch, just so you were sure not to run out. little or no bathroom breaks. hot heat at an outdoor show, next to Mlm “huns”with their smelly stuff that aggrAvates my asthma at an indoor show.

Idon’t to sound ungrateful for those opportunities. I met some truly amazing people and learned more than i could have dreamed. It just wasn’t for me anymore. I traded my uncertainty on the road for the stress and absolute joy of owning a retail store.

There is something magical about watching your face when you find “the thing” you’re going to walk out of here with. THe burst of laughter and “hey, come look at this!” between groups of friends. The “he is going to love this, it’s like it was made for him” comments.

There is also air conditioning and a toilet, so there’s that.

All this to say, we see your support. we love you. please keep showing up for your local shops and makers. we aren’t going anywhere even though it’s tough right now!