Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Break!

Happy Wednesday everybody! I hope your Fourth of July was amazing! Due to the holiday, I have taken the week off from my typical grind. No worries though; I have an amazing line-up for next week!

For the holiday, we ate a delicious breakfast buffet, relaxed all afternoon, ate an amazing dinner cooked by my amazing in-laws, & met some friends at their house for some July Fourth festivities & neighborhood fireworks!

Enjoy some photographs from our lovely day!

& some extras of my kids, just because I can :P

Entrepreneur Crush(es) of the Week: Cyle & Shannon Lewis

"We must accept finite disappointment but must never lose infinite hope."

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Each of us bears a scar - a healed battle wound - that represents a difficult time in our lives. The story behind each mark is as unique & different as the person who wears it. We learn from our experiences but are constantly reminded of our trials & tribulations by the permanent emotional imprint it has left. For some, battles are only won by maintaining trust a better day will come. It is a choice - & oftentimes a very hard one to make - but in all things, hope is the last thing to die.

That is why I can't express how much I love the story behind my next feature.

Hope Farm Co is a business owned & operated by husband/wife team, Cyle & Shannon Lewis of Brunswick, GA. Whether it be a wall hanging, a nativity set, an ornament, or cake topper, each piece is carved with an inspiring message. "choose HOPE," "be KIND," "give thanks," "choose happy," & "you have strength" are but a few bits of advice you will find on these hand-made (literally), rustic home furnishings. With almost 2,000 Etsy sales, Hope Farm Co has instilled optimism in the homes of people all over the world & the impact it's making is nothing less than magical. Preserving hope may take lots of courage but it's something we all harvest deep down. - Perhaps we need but a "little" reminder here & there. 

Though the brand became official in 2015, Cyle & Shannon have been makers all their lives. With their creative vision and ability to design, build, & construct, they began selling pieces in 2012. Hospital boards that complimented a baby's nursery with space for height, weight, date, & time, evolved to seasonal door hangers (that caught the eye of many friends & neighbors) & other celebratory/seasonal collectibles. The idea of cake toppers originated from the "Hunny B" in what used to be Hope Farm & Hunny B (Cyle's sister)! Two antiquated birds facing each other with a stamped "Mr" & "Mrs" began selling very quickly outside people they already knew.

Then came the signs. & the stories. In whatever season a customer may have been, they found themselves on the Hope Farm Co Etsy site in search of encouraging words, "small" reminders to "choose hope" & to "quiet your heart." Some customers found themselves coming back to share their testimonies with Cyle - who takes time to read & respond to every message with heartfelt words - or to purchase more.  They shared with me stories of couples who have suffered infertility or lost a baby, individuals who have recently been diagnosed with cancer, & even happy stories with happy endings such as a recent adoption. In fact, their "Gotcha Forever" signs are their top-sellers. With a date & a child's name, these signs commemorate for many the exact moment the family became official.

So how did the name come about?

The story represents moments on a timeline like puzzle pieces that interconnect perfectly.

Shannon, a long-time musician, discovered by chance an unintentional common denominator in his music: hope. During a long car ride to Cyle's grandmother's bed & breakfast in North Georgia, the couple passed miles of farmland & signs. It was in this moment the couple began to connect the dots. Cyle says, "We were talking about the life pattern we both felt God was speaking to us which was sow, cultivate, harvest - which are the main steps in farm life..." While you won't exactly find dirt, animals, or plants, you will find a couple, - with their own story - nurturing & growing an important concept with the greatest of care. They truly are farming hope.

When I asked the couple to share any message with their customers, they responded with: "That life is worth celebrating, & the little things do matter, a small sign for someone being adopted or a 'Choose Joy' sign in a troubling time can mean a lot for someone. That there is always a bright side & we are what we think! We tend to fulfill what we believe about ourselves & what goes on in your mind does matter. We spend a lot of time listening to Audible & books that renew our minds like Psycho cybernetics & a whole lot of talks about neuroplasticity & how we can control our thoughts & what is in our mind influences what’s in our hearts & ultimately determines how we live our life. Our brains are neuroplastic & can change which means the words we surround ourselves with are important." Truly inspiring they practice this in their personal life!

Each piece is 100% hand-made. While a more automated process via machine-cutting has the potential to save a lot of time, over the years the couple has found an efficient way to streamline their work process & improve work flow. Somehow, I find this just adds to the authenticity of their story. In my profession, this can be compared to the use of film - a once-almost obsolete process that some people associate with the inability to move forward. (Yet, that's how I entered into the world of photography.) Shannon says, “We take antique inspirations, with a touch of modernized implementation. There’s a time & a place for high-tech, but there’s a unique look & feel to handcrafted items. Sure they take a little more time to make; I like to think they're worth it." For a certain category of people, the craftsmanship, the process, & the end result contributes to the piece. Its story begins long before it enters the home.

There is a lot in store for Hope Farm Co. The story behind the business is as unique and full of hope & encouragement as each individual piece that leaves the couple's shop. Whatever is to come, it will stand on a strong foundation of faith, an amazing partnership with one another, & a beautiful story having no parallel.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” – Romans 15:13

You can find their work at the following:

Etsy :: Scoutmob :: houzz.com :: Dot & Army in Downtown Brunswick, GA :: Violas Market on St. Simons Island, GA

(Continue scrolling for more photographs!)

Entrepreneur Crush(es) of the Week: Renee Shepherd & Alison Dutton

Y'all! My first two-person feature!!!

Renee Shepherd & daughter, Alison Dutton, are my featured entrepreneurs this week! I know this isn't the first time you've seen their work, as I've posted product photos before, but get ready to fall even harder in love!

I've followed their work since it began but I started to really ask questions while working a booth with them at our local Moxie Craft Festival! I was so incredibly impressed by their innovation & sheer creativity! Their main item (keep reading to find out what!) is just waiting to end up in every home in Coastal Georgia & across the nation & I don't expect anything less! 

Plant & Sew was started officially in February of this year after years of this mother/daughter team dreaming of having a business all their own. Alison's desire to work full-time from home & Renee's extensive experience with sewing inspired the pair to dive in head-first in to the world of entrepreneurship. Renee says, "I’m of the age where Home Economics was offered in school & there was a sewing section in that. I remember making a skirt that was full of mistakes including breaking three machine needles sewing in the zipper. Needless to say, zippers still give me a bit of anxiety. It was not really until after I married though that I really began sewing & bought my first used sewing machine. Sewing became a creative outlet for me & I’ve continued sewing ever since. My daughters and now grandchildren have been the beneficiaries (guinea pigs) of many sewn items. A few years ago, I bit the bullet and purchased an embroidery machine which had been a long-time wish. As they say, 'the rest is history.'" Before Plant & Sew was even born, the creative duo already had in mind all the amazing things their shop would offer, starting with their ever-popular customizable burlap pillow wraps!

"Our products are personalized to fit any style of décor," they say. "The embroidered monogram is the perfect touch to create a more unique and custom look." Burlap is both durable & versatile so it's no wonder you'll find their pillow wraps accenting a wide variety of beds, couches, chairs, & porch swings! In addition to selling the burlap wraps, burlap pillows are also available in their store. This is exciting news if you're in to burlap as much as the rest of us!

They also currently offer customizable burlap makeup bags to satiate your organizational desires while sporting a classy, unique look!

In the near future, you can expect to find customizable burlap place mats & chair wraps (also customizable) to add to any wedding style!

A 10% discount is currently offered for anybody who "favorites" their shop on Etsy or leaves a review!

Renee & Alison may have started with pillow wraps - genius, in my book! - but they are constantly looking for ways to expand the market for customization & with their level of creative aptitude you can expect nothing but quality. I am very excited about their business venture & witnessing this dream team grow together!

Thank you Renee & Alison for your vision & talent!

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Jennifer Zamudio

I did not officially meet Jennifer Zamudio until I showed up to photograph her & her darling shop in Downtown Brunswick last Friday. (I thought it would be most appropriate to feature her because her shop, Dot & Army, ends up in almost every one of my features!) I remember running home to my husband & bragging about all the ways this venture has affected me; not only have I come across some businesses I didn't know about or hadn't had the pleasure of visiting, I have met some remarkable people (now friends!) along the way. After declaring how lucky I am, I proceeded to tell my husband how so very talented, nice, genuine, bright, easy-going, & hard-working Jennifer is! That's why I'm so excited to be featuring her this week!

Today, you know the brand, Dot & Army, as beautiful, handcrafted cloth napkins & table linens. But the brand was actually started about 8-9 years ago with bibs, burp cloths, snack bags, baby's & children's dresses & pajamas all made from vintage fabrics, table linens, & muumuus. Jennifer sold her goods on Etsy, farmers markets, trunk shows, & by way of word of mouth. However, a personal decision 7 years ago for her family to quit using paper towels & only use cloth napkins sent Dot & Army in a new direction. Friends and family began requesting her hand-sewn cloth napkins & in 2016 her shop opened in Downtown Brunswick. The rest is history. (But I'll keep telling the story anyway!)

(Scroll a bit to view only some of her amazing work!)

SNACK BAGS! As somebody who has been transitioning to a more eco-friendly & health-conscious lifestyle over the last couple of years, I can totally get behind this! These are completely reusable and can be used for ALL kinds of snacks, ranging from grapes to blueberries, crackers to granola, & oranges to Cheerios! Just throw in the wash!

What or who is "Dot & Army?" you may ask! Dot & Army are actually Jennifer's maternal grandparents! A humongous inspiration behind her work & solid contributors to the person she is today, Jennifer says they "are the best people, kind & generous, family is a priority to them." And wouldn't you know the brand does not pay homage to her grandparents in just the name? Dot taught Jennifer's mother how to sew & Jennifer's mother taught her how to sew. Aside from passing on her talent, "they are hardworking people, and very kind and honest, and I strive to be like them," Zamudio says. (I think she's been pretty successful!)

Jennifer was able to employ her mother & together, in the back of her shop, they sew. For some, a mother-daughter team (or any close friend or family member) in a professional environment doesn't sound that appealing but for Jennifer & her mom, it works! They seem to have a wonderful relationship, constantly encourage/support one another, & continue to grow together! "In the end," she says, "we always laugh a lot, & we are never one to say no to a glass of wine!"

A custom apron for our friends, the Farmer & the Larder

REUSABLE SANDWICH BAGS in the making! You guys, QUIT USING ZIPLOC BAGS RIGHT YESTERDAY AND GO GET YOU SOME OF THESE!

Blueprints for a custom order for another local business owner!

Matthew of the Farmer & the Larder holds up is rough sketch of his custom-designed apron!

Jennifer has opened her storefront to other business owners to sell goods made in Georgia. About once a week, she searches the world wide web for new shops & items that are unique, tell a story, & represent the great people who make them. Currently in her shop is a wide selection of soy candles, soaps, pottery, wall art, wood products like cutting boards and salt cellars, cooking salts,  locally made furniture, & jams & pickles & more!

I can't even begin to tell you how sad I am that we had to sell our farm table due to down-sizing houses. I can assure you that once I have a forever space, my table will be completely adorned with Dot & Army linens. For now, Jennifer has inspired me to transition my own family to cloth napkins in leu of paper napkins (even if we are having to use them on our TV trays). With little ones who are constantly eating, I am excited to carry around my new snack bags that are beautiful, practical, reusable, & made right here in my own town! But Jennifer has also inspired me to keep doing what I'm doing. She truly is a hard worker &, though her vision didn't explode overnight (as is the case with many successes!), people have caught on to the quality of her work, unique story, & love that goes in to each piece. She truly deserves all the good things!

Thank you Jennifer for your contributions & thank you Dot & Army for helping create one of my new favorite entrepreneurs!

If you live in Brunswick, please visit her store at 1426 Newcastle St #100, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Also check her out at the following:

Etsy :: Website :: Uncle Don's Local Market on St. Simon's Island :: the Market at Sea Island :: Turnip Greens in Darien :: Food52.com :: the Farmer & the Larder 

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Buddie Daniel

The Fourth of July is coming up & you know what that means!!!!!! We, as a nation, come together to celebrate our independence from Great Britain almost 241 years ago, cookout with our friends, family, & neighbors, & shoot off fireworks. Lots & lots & lots of fireworks!

Until 2015, it was illegal to sale or purchase fireworks in the state of Georgia. Many people remember driving across the border to make their purchases but times have certainly changed! & thanks to Buddie Daniel, owner of Brunswick's Velocity Zone Fireworks, you only need to drive but a few minutes to this 11,000 square foot showroom to acquire all the fireworks your little heart desires!

Velocity Zone Fireworks officially opened its doors on May 27, 2017 & business has been booming since! (Pun totes intended.) Buddie says he's always loved fireworks & was driven to start selling them after four years of retirement. But this is not his first experience with owning a business; he founded TAPCO & sold it in 2012 after 25 solid years. Aside from selling fireworks, Buddie spends his spare time walking the beach & picking up trash with his girlfriend (thank you Buddie & Donna!!!) & spending quality time with friends & Precious, his diva of a pet potbellied pig.

At Velocity Zone Fireworks, you can expect to find a wide selection of inventory priced way below MSRP, especially if you love the sparklers & fountains or the big stuff that's loaded to the maximum allowed by law at low prices & no gimmicks of high prices & BOGO scams. -& expect a 10% discount if you're in the military, a police officer, or a firefighter.

YOU CAN BUY IN BULK!

Visit Velocity Zone Fireworks at 3219 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick, Georgia! Be sure to follow him on Facebook to keep up with schedules of open hours and specials!!

Please remember to be safe this Fourth of July & brush up on Georgia Law regarding the use of fireworks!

Entrepreneur Crush of the Week: Jenny Van't Land

If you've been following my posts for the last several weeks, you'll have noticed a lot of "Moxie Craft Fest"'s being thrown around. Obviously, the event was a wonderful way for me to connect & meet some new & amazing entrepreneurs who have taught me a LOT! & that's all thanks to this ladybug here, Jenny Van't Land, owner of Free Spirit Jenny & creator of the biannual Moxie Craft Festival. Jenny is a devoted wife & mom of two bright boys, - a family woman first - embroidery artist, & pioneer in the local creative scene. When Downtown Brunswick erupts in to the happening place it was always meant to be, it will be attributed to the hard work, nurturing, & vision of artists like Jenny. (& I will be here to capture its progress - count on it!)

Free Spirit Jenny was started some four years ago after spotting some embroidered pieces, trying it for herself, & totally rocking it. (That last bit didn't come from Jenny but it's totes true.) A native Texan, her inspiration is rooted in all things cactus (duh), botanical, & retro. Though her pieces are more on the minimalistic side, they follow her interest, not just what she thinks will sell. & that's what's so likable about Jenny - she stays true to her heart & people get it & definitely want a piece of it! 

Embroidered necklaces!!!! WUT?!

A couple of years ago Jenny partnered with a friend to bring something the Golden Isles was in desperate need of, a market for the community unlike we've ever seen before - & she had the support of the development authority 100%. Moxie Craft Festival in Old City Hall is a place for unique vendors to sell & connect while customers can shop for true, one-of-a-kind pieces & meet fresh, up-&-coming artisans. The growth of the indie scene is quite obvious after attending these festivals & some of us are eager to attend just to see how far it's come in the past six months. While the fourth festival was just concluded, Jenny expects she will begin planning & preparing for the next one in about another month - yes, it takes about four months to plan! But you can bet it will be bigger & better than the last! (Hard to believe, I know!)

Jenny gains much of her inspiration from cacti, which adorn almost every square inch of her beautiful home!

Jenny pretty much lives inside of a magazine house.

Don't judge me - I couldn't pick just one!

Jenny invited me in to her home to take these photographs, a most perfect setting to capture her true essence. When I walked in, I was blown away by her style, collection of plants, use of space, white walls (to accentuate with her minimalistic style and PLANTS) , & inviting, comfortable tone. Her home is a reflection of the family: fun, hip, but lived in. Her pieces are a true reflection of herself: simple, light, beautiful, & very inspiring. (& I'm happy to say I walked away with two of her pieces!)

Find her work on her Etsy page, at the local shops, Coastal Kiss, Viola's Market, & Dot & Army, or some of the local craft fairs. You can also find her in the Hidden Hand Society in Savannah, Community Athens in Athens, GA, and in All Ye Citizens in San Diego, CA. Be sure to follow her on her social media sites to see where she'll be next!