Local Women Artisans to Shop this Holiday Season
Shopping during the holidays can be overwhelming as we all know but feeling good about where you are spending your money can ease this stress. Since Etsy has changed a lot of how we shop online, it makes people more thoughtful of their purchases. The holidays bring markets and craft fairs galore which for some can be quite overwhelming. Supporting small businesses, especially around the holidays, is so impactful. Here are just a few local women artisans to check out this holiday market season.
For more holiday fairs and markets, check the Twin Cites Guide to Holiday Markets!
Boxes by Genna
Boxes by Genna is a local gift-giving company started by Dr Katie a licensed psychologist in the Twin Cities. In 2013 Katie started her therapy business and then in 2019, started Boxes by Genna with the idea of connecting with others through gifts. The idea is to support and feel connected to others by sending them a gift made just for them, taking into consideration what they might be going through in their life at that time. “A gift can be worth a thousand words in helping someone process their grief, relax after a hard spell, or celebrate their success.” Visit the Boxes by Genna website to learn more! You can find her at Visitation School at Vis the Season on Dec 7. You can also pick up your Boxes by Genna downtown Mpls at Dayton’s now through December 28.
Chalkboard Candles
Chalkboard Candles were sparked from an idea Kari had to make eco-friendly, quality candles with a purpose. “After being an elementary school teacher for over 10 years and burning hundreds of candles in our home, I decided to combine my desire to create a richly scented, natural candle with a mission to bring awareness and gratitude to the sacrifices teachers make for their students each day.” With every candle purchased, customers can enter the name of their favorite educator. The names get randomly chosen and she sends checks to the winners. Chalkboard Candles has already given away over $12,000! Her website is “chalk-” full of candles with clever names and aesthetically pleasing jars, sprinkled in with some fun apparel in support of teachers, of course. You can smell these candles for yourself on December 7 and 8th at the Holiday and Craft Show at the Eagan Community Center. The perfect Christmas teacher’s gift is waiting for you!
Marissa Martinez Jewelry
Marissa Martinez Jewelry | photos used with permission
Marisa Martinez Jewelry is hand-crafted jewelry and adornment. Marissa creates pieces that are powerful and healing while inspiring the wearer to shine. She believes that jewelry, life, and art connect to a rich, indigenous cultural heritage. Marisa tells me, “I am so grateful for the way our community has shown up for artists and small women-owned businesses over the years. Now more than ever it’s so important for people to show each other kindness and offer support, to connect and lift each other up. That is always a goal in my work. To spark and connect hearts in small and meaningful ways. To create ripples. When people support a small business like mine they are supporting a whole chain of other people.” Her beautiful and powerful jewelry can be found on her website.
Jaeda’s Crochet Creations
Jaeda Archer is only 13 and started her own crocheting business less than a year ago. She got started like most kids learn about new things, she found videos on YouTube. She enjoyed watching the process and although learning something online is wonderful, it can be frustrating when you get stuck. This is where her Grandma Nam came into the picture to help teach her new techniques and various stitches. Jaeda’s adorable crocheted leggy frogs, mushroom pops and turtles to sloths and bunnies this is the perfect gift for all the little ones in your life who love a good snuggly friend. Starting a business as a young person teaches them hard work, dedication, people skills, and organization, and builds confidence and self-esteem. If you would like to learn more or put in an order contact her at jaedaarcher22@gmail.com. Website coming soon!
KTDesign
KTDesign | photos used with permission
Katie Sansted started out her crafting career using the time while her kids were napping to get her creative juices going. As her children grew so did her small business, from Naptime Treasures to her now hugely successful business KT Design. Katie has an Etsy page, and website and attends many markets and craft fairs throughout Minnesota. You can check out her creations on her Shopify, Etsy (ShopKTDesign), Facebook, and Instagram.
NikkiK Custom Apparel
NikkiK Custom Apparel started about 9 years ago. Her daughter went to Concord Elementary and wanted a T-shirt that was pink with her school’s name on it, so she went to Michaels and made one for her! Her fun and creativity turned spirit wear apparel into fashion. Nikki said she is all about connections that come when she is able to attend the markets and pop-up shops. She currently has lines for Edina, St Louis Park, Peter Hobart Elementary, and Hair District Collective. Contact Nikki for custom orders!
