MINNEAPOLIS GIFT & ART EXPO

NOV 1-3, 2024 - MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Carlyn and I am a Project Admin for a manufacturing company. My day job is very computer based, I spend most of my time looking at spreadsheets and our ERP system, so it doesn’t allow for very much creativity.

How did you get started in your business?
I started Ponderosa Sky Designs in the summer of 2021 because I was feeling uninspired in my day job and in need of a creative outlet. I had been watching Instagram videos for months of other women making stunning and vibrant jewelry out of what looked like playdough, but turned out to be polymer clay. In mid-June I finally bought a sample kit of clay and started playing around with it, I was instantly hooked. I had found my outlet!

Have you always been passionate about art and design?
I have always enjoyed dabbling in crafty things, but I haven’t ever thought of myself as someone who is naturally inclined to towards the fine arts. I think that is what I love so much about polymer clay, it feels more like an adult playdough than a form of sculpture. It has allowed me to express my artsy side without even realizing that’s what I was doing.

What motivates you to create?
Now, 2+ years later, I have made this creative hobby into an actual business! I have been lucky enough to create special collections for friends’ weddings, participated in 15+ art fairs and had a booth at the last two Twin Cities Pride festivals. My motivation now is to increase my skill with polymer clay, but I have also been recently branching out into other mediums, like stained glass. My hope is that one day I’ll be able to leave my day job and do art full time!

Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
I am working on a holiday collection that will include items such as 3D snowflake earrings, stained glass ornaments and snowman necklaces.

Ponderosa Sky Designs

ponderosaskydesigns.etsy.com
www.instagram.com/ponderosa.sky.designs
www.facebook.com/Ponderosa.Sky.Designs

Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a full-time cabinetmaker by day, woodworker by moonlight. (My clothes are always dusty.) Taking photography in high school developed my attention to detail. Woodshop allowed me to become comfortable with tools and my creativity took off.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
I was a 20-ounce preemie with few complications, other than hammertoes as I grew older. I had surgery on both feet in January 2020, right before the pandemic, and had lots of time to think about my longboard business. HammerToe fell into place.

What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
I grew up working at our family business, Juanita’s Fajitas, at the Minnesota State Fair. I learned how to function within large groups of people in a hectic environment, quality control and efficiency.

How does the city you live in influence your work?
With our beautiful trails and lakes in the Twin Cities, it’s great to cruise around on a handmade board on wood grown locally, when possible.

www.hammertoellc.com

www.instagram.com/hammertoe_longboards

Who are you and what do you do?
I grew up in rural(ish) Minnesota and now reside in the suburbs with my husband, Sergio and my dog, Kona. I served nine years in the Minnesota National Guard. I made the decision a few years ago to discontinue my military service after my second deployment to the Middle East in 2019. I wanted to find a hobby that I could dedicate my spare time to, so I began researching potential hobbies and I came across candle making! While still deployed, I ordered a beginners candles making kit to see if it was something I would enjoy. I wasn't even home for two weeks yet and I started making candles. I fell in love and knew this was something I had to do!

Is this a full-time business for you?
Nope! Just a bonus, fun “side hustle” that allows me to escape into a mad scientologist. I am actually a paralegal by day.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
Great question! "Re" is used for reuse and repurpose. There are so so many items that are thrown away these days. I enjoy finding new life to old items. "Coop" is inspired by the initial vision of this small business to be operated out of a retired chicken coop off my great-grandparent's old farm. And "MN" is obviously in the name because that is were this business was inspired! And I have lived my whole life in Minnesota!

How did you get started in your business?
It was an idea for about 5 years before the launch in 2020, though candle making was not the original idea. I made some repurposed bedroom furniture with my aunt for my new home at the time. It was something we both enjoyed doing and wanted to do more of. But as you know, life gets busy. This was the initial thought behind ReCoop. But then I thought, why not have the best of both worlds and make a candle hobby turned veteran owned small business!? Repurposed furniture, still could be a path ReCoopMN takes, but decided to focus on candles and wax melts (for now - baby steps!). ReCoopMN officially launched on my 30th Birthday!

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I am proud to say that most materials I use are made in the USA! Each candle and wax melt are made and hand poured in my home. All of the candles are eco-friendly, made from 100% American soy wax, cotton wicks, and hand poured into mason jars. Each scent is tested by me to ensure you are getting a high quality candle and the most out of your purchase, in hand selected scents that invoke memories, best moments, and tell a story with every candle!

www.recoopmn.com

www.instagram.com/recoopmn

www.facebook.com/recoopmn
 

Who are you and what do you do?
atelier mamako is a creative studio co-founded by Jacques Elate Joss and Carmen Elate, lifelong partners, educators and artists based in Minneapolis, MN. Jacques is a Cameroon-born DJ, poet and visual artist. Carmen is a book artist and textile designer. atelier mamako started in our home, where we enjoy making art side by side. We make handmade journals, patches, and patchwork home goods with eclectic and colorful pieces of fabric.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
When we were looking for a name, our inspiration was music and language. mamako comes from a play on the word Makossa, which is the name of the Douala people (Cameroon) dance and music. Soul Makossa is a song by the late Cameroonian jazz musician, Manu Dibango. (mama sa! mamako! mako makossa!) We wanted to show our creativity in cutting fabric just like Manu Dibango cut the word makossa. We also speak French and atelier is the French word for studio.

How did you get started in your business?
We recently decided to turn our artistic practice into a business. We've been partners in life and in the arts for 30-plus years and have always used our home as a studio. As educators, we taught in and through the arts in classrooms, museums, and community programs. We started atelier mamako with the idea that we were going to make art that could support our vision of a world where artists collaborate across borders and make a living out of their craft.

What motivates you to create?
We are excited to expand our practice and conversation around textiles, patterns, and designs. We create fabric collages of colorful patchwork. Our patchwork reveals a space of bold and unpredictable design. We want our art to be functional and beautiful-journals, patches, and home goods. The exploration of the materials, as well as designing our fabrics motivates us.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
Our customers enjoy the one-of-a-kind products that we make and the uniqueness of each piece. They value the creativity and vibrancy of our patches and journals. Our customers love the juxtaposition and the mix of elements and the cultural conversations that our work projects. They like the sustainability of our upcycled projects and enjoy integrating our work into their own creativity.

www.ateliermamako.com

www.instagram.com/ateliermamako

www.facebook.com
 

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Jennifer Kanikula. I am many things I suppose. A mother, wife, and a chaiwala of course! But also a dietician by day (at least for now)!. I love to travel, which is how this whole little business venture was started in the first place, and I also love to create, so the two went hand in hand when the business began.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
When my husband Trevor and I left on our travels I began a food and travel blog (thesofulltraveler.com). I am a dietician by trade and I liked the play on words between So Full, and Soulful. Frankly, no place we ever traveled had more soul than India. So when we began making chai, the name seemed perfectly appropriate!

How did you get started in your business?
My husband Trevor and I traveled to India and Nepal for a month each back in 2020. We were 4 days into a 14 day hike in the Annapurna mountain range when we were forced to turn back because of COVID and fly home early. However, during our stay in each country we drank chai constantly. Multiple times a day, every day, just like the locals. I was fortunate enough to take a cooking class while in India and learned how to make authentic Indian masala chai. I never had any intention of turning it into a business, I simply began making it at home when we returned and friends and family encouraged me to try selling it at farmers markets. Two years later, here we are.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
I think customers love its authenticity. I think they appreciate that it tastes like true chai, and that means it packs a little bit of spice. I think they also begin to really appreciate the 3-4 minute ritual of making it each morning. It is an opportunity to slow down and create a relaxing morning routine, and we have been so glad to hear how many people have begun to cherish that morning routine. What is nice about our product, is that it is intended to be made at home. Coffee for example, tends to be best at the coffee shops, and your coffee at home is simply a quick easy substitute of lesser quality, but our chai is best made at home by you. Coffee shop chai is lagging, unlike their coffee, they put no time or love into the process, and it is evident in the quality of the chai. So it is fun to be able to provide a premium product for people to enjoy and make themselves at home.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Lately we have been working on getting into coffee shops. Most coffee shops are using macro products from big businesses with watered down and Americanized versions of chai. We hope to change that. However the beauty of our product is its authenticity, so we are trying to find ways to make our product more accessible to coffee shops without losing the traditional spicy flavor we know and love.

www.sofullchai.com

www.instagram.com/sofullchai

www.facebook.com

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Rachel Johnson and I live in Minneapolis. I spend my time doing a hodgepodge of things that include making prints and cards, teaching art, raising my kids, cooking, reading, and connecting with friends.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?

The name Coneflower Creative was inspired by the actual coneflowers that line Mpls streets in the summer. They are native to MN, just like me, so I thought the name was fitting! I also just really like the flower as do many other women in my family, so they have many levels of meaning for me.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?

I've been drawn to art and creating ever since I was young. In high school, I took a commercial design class that sparked my initial interest in graphic design which eventually led me to a bachelor's degree in graphic design. Those skills have allowed me to pursue art I enjoy making by digital collage.

What motivates you to create?

I think creating is a good outlet for me! In the past few years, I've come to really just enjoy playing with different mixed media elements in photoshop to see what emerges through the layers! The playfulness of the process can be quite therapeutic when I get into that zen, creative space.

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?

I think my process sets me apart from others. Digital collage is such a unique mixed-medium option that allows for so many beautiful, visual designs. People are often drawn to the pressed plants and nature imagery I use in my work.

Coneflower Creative

www.etsy.com/shop/coneflowercreative

www.instagram.com/coneflowercreative

www.facebook.com/coneflowercreative

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Crystal Alvarez, Owner and Chief Chalkatier for The Chalk Bloc, LLC. I have the amazing privilege to Spread Joy, Encourage Creativity and Give Back to Communities. My premium, handcrafted sidewalk chalk is all made in my home lab and is remarkably different from any other sidewalk chalk.  The vivid colors, smooth texture and fun shapes are unique and full of fun for people of all ages.

Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?  

When choosing The Chalk Bloc name we wanted to communicate not only that we have pieces of chalk but that they are designed to be used and shared with others.  We thought about spelling it Chalk Block but that only suggests the shape or amount of chalk.  When using the spelling Bloc, it refers to a group of people or nations.  We want our chalk to bring people together so we landed on The Chalk Bloc. 

Is this a full-time business for you?

While I do devote full-time hours to The Chalk Bloc, I do also work full-time at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie as their Event and Volunteer Alignment Strategist. I love both worlds!

How did you get started in your business?  

During Covid, I wanted to do something for my neighbors we could all do together while still being 6 ft apart. I invited them to do an art Gallery on our driveways the weekend of May Day 2020.  As part of the invite, I wanted to give them a box of chalk. When I went to buy sidewalk chalk I really didn't like what was available. The colors were dull and the chalk was, well, chalky. I decided to try and make my own chalk. Let me tell you, my first boxes to the neighbors were a little sad looking compared to where we are today but that event started a hobby that turned into a business. It was the encouragement of friends in December of 2021 that made me look into starting my own business.  On January 19, 2022 I received the stamp of approval from the Minnesota Secretary of State's office and on May 12, 2022 my website launched. 

What is your favorite item that you sell?

The Go Rocket Go story set is my all time favorite item because it is my story.  The lesson in the Go Rocket Go story set is about having courage to do what you were made to do. The little rocket wasn't so sure he could blast off into the sky but the stars and planets cheered him on... Don't we all have something that we need a little courage and a great support system to help us do what we were made to do. Through this process of becoming a business, I have been the rocket who thought ... What if I fail, and I am so thankful for my friends who have cheered me on and helped me Blast Off

What is the latest thing you have been working on?

Jazzy Chalk (TM) is a crowd favorite! Jazzy is a method I use to pour chalk. Each piece has 10 or more colors in it and when coloring, you never know what colors will come out next. It is so cool!!! I am working on developing a line of fun gift sets that feature a piece of Jazzy Chalk.   I am also formulating a product that changes color as you draw ... It might take some time but I think it will be super cool when I get it all figured out.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?

I hear it over and over again, "your colors are so bright" - "That doesn't feel like chalk, it feels like plastic. Does it write like chalk?" Our customers also rave about our Jazzy Chalk (TM)

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?  

Our chalk is just so darn cute and full of vibrant colors. It is also less messy.  when you pick up a piece of our chalk, it doesn't get all over your hands.  It really is pretty amazing.

What has been your favorite moment since creating your business?  

There have been so many moments - like the smile from the lady who really wanted a story set but her husband wasn't as interested in the chalk as she was.  I caught up with them after they left my booth and gave her a Have We Bloomed Yet story set. I can still see her smile. One of the most fun was being part of a summer camp for 1st - 4th grade students.  I got to share the go rocket go story with 175 students and give them little mini rocket sets.  They were quite the little artists. That was an amazing day.  

How does the city you live in influence your work?  

I have had the privilege of being part of the Chanhassen Farmers Market.  It is so fun to watch the market grow and be part of a group of people who are makers for a living.  The farmers market was my first market experience and I go back as a vendor as much as my schedule allows.

What motivates you to create?  

There is really nothing like the excited feeling I get when I pop a piece of Jazzy Chalk.  Each piece is unique and colorful in its own way.  But deeper than the thrill of popping chalk, I love the opportunity to support others and give back.  This year I have take.n a special interest in educators.  So often they buy their own supplies. If I can gift them fun chalks for their classroom, I am all for it.  

What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?

In my 25 years at Wooddale Church, I held many positions that included leading our connections, communications, events and volunteers.  I also was part of the team that implemented our database.  Add to all of that the way God made me to be creative. I will be forever grateful for my experiences. 

How do you usually prepare for the holiday season?

Several months ago I developed a seasonal line and then made a pouring schedule to be ready for all the holiday shoppers.

Will you be featuring any special holiday items?

We have some sweet holiday products lined up for this season. This fall, The Chalk Bloc has a sweet Fall Colors gift set that is complete with a pumpkin, colored leaves and a Jazzy Maple leaf.  I also am pouring some unique fall color sets that feature colors such as cinnamon, brown, curry, peach, orange, red and ivory.  Our Apple A Day set is so beautiful... I know the saying says an apple a day keeps the doctor away but I think Doctors don't want to stay away from this one. Christmas is also going to be represented well with our Jazzy Christmas Tree set, Stick Snowman set and fun Tree Lights set. We are also giving a nod to some Christmas classics like a build your own train set, our version of the childhood favorite wooden blocks -- Chalk Blocs, Letters, Numbers and an assortment of amazingly colorful Chalk Sticks. Stockings need to be filled and we have the perfect little something for everyone.

www.thechalkbloc.com

www.facebook.com/thechalkbloc

www.instagram.com/thechalkbloc

Who are you and what do you do?
We are MINNEØATS, an oatmeal catering and packaged granola company located in Plymouth, MN. In 2017, we started MINNEØATS out of our college apartment at the University of Minnesota. We operated as a “cafe” where we served friends hot & fresh bowls of oatmeal topped with our signature maple almond granola. With lines out the door & encouraging feedback from customers, we took the concept off campus & started catering events. It didn’t take long for customers to ask for our signature oatmeal topping: maple almond granola to be packaged & sold separately. Our granola is now available at local retailers and on our website. Since serving our first bowl, our mission has been to share the love of Jesus through wholesome food & meaningful community! Today, we operate as an oatmeal catering & granola company.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
Customers love our granola because of its light, flakey texture & irresistible taste. We use simple, wholesome ingredients that make for a perfectly sweet & salty combination. Our handcrafted, slow cooked method creates granola “clusters” that double as a perfect snack size treat. These granola clusters are the signature of our brand and what makes opening a bag of MINNEØATS different and delightful for our customers.

How did you get started in your business?
The inspiration behind MINNEØATS was the combination of our faith and shared passions for food, health & wellness. While studying abroad in Europe we came across an oatmeal cafe and we were inspired to bring the concept of made-to-order handcrafted artisan oatmeal bowls to Minnesota. Our signature maple almond granola had only been a topping for our oatmeal bowls until 2020 during COVID. It was during that time that we decided to package and sell our granola. In December of 2020 we launched our granola and it is now available for purchase online on our website as well as local retailers.

Who are you and what do you do?
I am an Art major who became a Psychology and Religion major who became a Family Therapist who became a College Mental Health Counselor who became a Jewelry Artist. So my passions have brought me full circle! I love that I get to wake up in the Northwoods of Ely, head into my home studio, and create fine silver jewelry. My favorite thing of all is to work with clients on special orders, collaborating together, and creating something meaningful to them.

What is the latest thing you have been working on?
In addition to my nature-inspired jewelry, I have created an Art Nouveau & Fantasy Collection that primarily stems from my unapologetic love of Lord of the Rings. This led to incorporating semi-precious stones, which has been a journey in itself. I love designing a piece around a specific stone or adding just a bit of color or bling to a design as an afterthought.

Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
Absolutely! Living in the Northwoods of Minnesota, wintertime is magical! My Winter Wonderland Collection is overflowing with intricate snowflake designs and plenty of bling using cubic zirconia and quartz. It also includes some great gifts for the skiers and dogsledders on your holiday wish list.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
They love that no two creations are identical, that theirs is special and unique. Whether they are buying something for themselves or for that special friend, they know that each piece of my jewelry is formed, carved, textured, and antiqued by hand and cannot be replicated. It gives each piece a “specialness” that is rare. In addition, each piece is 99.9% fine silver – as close to pure silver as is possible. That means it is a brilliant silver color, is less likely to tarnish than sterling, and will be a wonderful keepsake.

Have you always been passionate about art and design?
For sure! I was raised in an art-loving home as my father was a water-color artist. This led to me being an art major in college, and although I ended up with careers in the counseling field, I always sought ways to be creative. Finally, three years ago I took a U-turn and sought out classes and private instruction in Precious Metal Clay Jewelry, which is the medium in which I work today. I love that I can create whatever I want all the way from beginning to end.

What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
Silver Clay is a fairly uncommon medium. Each piece takes about three days to complete from beginning to end. It starts out as organic material (like clay), water, and recycled silver. (Yes, it’s even environmentally friendly!) I can shape, texture, carve, add imprints of leaves or other botanicals to it …. the possibilities are endless! The piece then goes into a kiln and is fired at 1650 degrees. This is where the magic happens! When the organic compound and water burn off, I discover a 99.9% fine silver piece of art. The result is a one-of-a-kind, unique fine silver piece of jewelry, different than any other, with an artisan feel and organic charm.

What are some inspirations for your work?
My inspiration has primarily been the breathtaking environment of Minnesota. I live in the middle of the woods in Ely, on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. My work has always been influenced by the beauty of nature that surrounds me and my home. Many of my designs are of the trees, wildflowers, and even creatures that we live with in Minnesota. Over time, I also fell in love with Art Nouveau which includes fantasy-inspired work.

Natural Inspiration Fine Silver Jewelry

www.etsy.com/shop/NaturalInspirationCB

www.instagram.com/naturalinspirationcb

www.facebook.com/NaturalInspirationbyCindyBina