Creative Entrepreneur
Ilira Steinman fell for bookbinding during a workshop in Italy as a student at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). In her interview, the co-owner of Pawtucket-based Rag & Bone Bindery shared how a class abroad became a lifelong craft – and a family business. What do you make, and
artisan
Editor's Note: This story was first published in Artisan Joy magazine (Issue 4) in 2023. Meet Adella Colvin, the founder of LolaBean Yarn Co., a brand of custom hand-dyed luxury yarns for knitting and crocheting. Born in the Bronx, Adella never imagined becoming a yarn dyer. That part
artist
Monika Gentry is a self-taught fashion illustrator and content creator passionate about health and disability-inclusive art. In her interview, Monika shared details about her career trajectory, social media growth and commitment to showcasing diversity in her work. Despite challenges, Monika's creativity and resilience propelled her passion into a
creative
Tiombe Huggins believes creativity and well-being go hand in hand. Her self-care stationery brand, Living on the Butter Side, invites women to slow down, reflect and find joy beyond the daily grind. Tiombe’s guided journal, the Living on the Butter Side Playbook, was her first product. Its success inspired
handmade jewelry
As a fan of all things handmade, I always look out for artisan businesses when I travel. In April, I visited Belize, a small country in Central America, with my family. While searching for an ATM in the popular town of San Ignacio, we stumbled upon Kaj Expressions. Stepping inside,
Creative Entrepreneur
Meet Amanda R. Carlson Back in the early aughts, Amanda R. Carlson was hosting a house party for 30 people who didn't know each other and needed an icebreaker. She searched high and low for a good party game but only came across murder mysteries. "It was
Creative Entrepreneur
Meet Alexandra Tinsley Alexandra Tinsley weaves her talents as an illustrator into retro-inspired designs. With a penchant for nature puns and vibrant patterns, Alexandra's work radiates charm. She sells unique pins, patches, stickers, and more in her online shop, Wild Hunt. Additionally, Alexandra specializes in creating brand identities
art
For artists like Kimberly Lavon, the struggle is real. Constantly on the move, her sketchbooks often become beat up and disorganized, a common frustration for artists, writers and anyone who carries around a notebook. “I was tired of dealing with damaged sketchbooks. I wanted something simple and effective to keep
Creative Entrepreneur
Ann Chikahisa gives off an artsy, spiritual vibe, so it may surprise you that she worked in the corporate world for years before stepping into full-time jewelry design, creating bold, empowering pieces. Today, every piece of Chikahisa Studio jewelry is handmade with materials sourced from suppliers that prioritize sustainability and
Creative Entrepreneur
Nearly every time we interview a creative entrepreneur, we ask what advice they wish they’d gotten before starting their business. Here’s what they told us. Start small Several creative entrepreneurs mentioned beginning with a modest approach, evaluating the business concept, and proceeding with caution when expanding. “It’s
art
Bianca Valencia Criscuolo is a contemporary fine artist who works predominantly in oils, carving out a realm where creativity and conviction intertwine. When the artist isn’t taking her brush to canvas, she creates detailed pen-and-ink illustrations and also works in mixed media. For Bianca, pursuing art as a business
Creative Entrepreneur
Candlemaker Gloria Young is the spark behind Hudson Avenue Company, a New England-based business. In her interview, Gloria shares her unexpected beginnings, noting the chance events that led her from making candles as a hobby to selling them in retail shops. Continue reading Gloria’s story below. How did your