Meet Missy Stocks of Beast Little Cannery

Organizing a local event called The Maker’s Mash is one of my very favorite things! I love meeting talented makers and artists right here in our community. In the next few months, look for their stories here on the blog.

Now, your turn to meet Missy, who described herself as ,“just a lady with big dogs who needed a fence and ended up with a cannery!” If you’re local, you can shop with Missy in person at the Maker’s Mash on Dec 13th. Shop Beast Little Cannery any time on her website!

Now to the questionnaire:

What do you enjoy most about making?

My favorite thing about making is when someone buys our pickles (mostly the bread and butter) then they return, moved, telling us how they are just like their great-grand-mother's. I love making connections for people that strike a chord and offer a small window back to relationships that are gone.

Why do you think handmade is important and worth doing?

I'm the poster child for "shop small" and "buy local." Giving makers an opportunity to grow personally, offer a product that they believe in, and a chance to diversify their communities through art, food, clothing, etc is always worth it. You are also directly supporting the people beside you in the grocery store or car-pool line. Someone isn't putting your $10 toward a second home or massive retirement, chances are you are helping pay for a ballet class or carrots for the dinner table.

What advice would you give others just starting out?

Patience and hard work.

YES! Thanks so much, Missy!

See you at the Mash and don’t forget to connect with Missy on Facebook!!

Meet Sam Fletcher of Weaving for Good

Organizing a local event called The Maker’s Mash is one of my very favorite things! I love meeting talented makers and artists right here in our community. In the next few months, look for their stories here on the blog.

First up, Sam Fletcher of Weaving for Good!

Psst. If you’re local, you can shop Sam’s work in person at the Maker’s Mash on Oct 11th and Dec 13th. Shop Sam’s work any time on Etsy and give her shop a favorite if you’re inclined! Now to the questionnaire:

What do you enjoy most about making?

Making is my meditation. It allows me to get out of my head for a while and just explore. My favorite part is working through an idea only to then come up with 5 more ideas!

Why do you think handmade is important and worth doing?

Using your hands is so important for the soul. It really gives you that mind body connection, allowing you to take what your dreaming up in your head and putting them on paper, into textiles or any other media you can work with. We are all creative, but I think we forget that sometimes. Making something with your hands brings you back to that creative knowing.

What advice would you give others just starting out?

Well I'm pretty new to this myself, but I think the key is to keep coming back to your intention. Why is it that you wanted to be a maker? Why is it that you like to make your art? If you keep going back to those questions, whose answers may change over time, you will always find the inspiration to just keep making!

See you at the Mash and don’t forget to connect with Sam on Etsy or Instagram!

Local Makers: Paula Alicea of Poplar Ridge Specialty Soap

I first met Paula at the Holiday Pop Up last November at Reformation. My mom and I were both instantly smitten with her line of soaps. I love that her story involves her going into it with an abundance of soap! Take a read and check out her soap in person at the first Maker's Mash on June 16th, 5-8! (RSVP here!)

What do you make?

I make hand-crafted soap in small batches with vegetarian ingredients, essential oils, and natural colorants. I also enjoy providing bath bombs and bath salts to complement the soap.

How did you get started making soap?

I started making soap as a hobby to share with friends and family because I wanted to use a product that was as natural as could be. People enjoyed it and requested some to give to friends. All of a sudden, I had way more than any one person could reasonably use so I tried selling it at a farmer’s market. It sold well and I received a lot of positive feedback- I was off and running toward a soap business!

What does your average day look like?

I really don’t have a standard schedule. Some days I am up early to go out and make deliveries and run errands but other times, I stay home and work all day on everything including marketing, accounting, and production. Because this is my second business, I am often making soap after dinner and later in the evening after the obligations of my other business are complete.

What inspires you to keep making work? Where do you go / what do you do to shake out of a creative rut.

I find inspiration in all aspect of life! My husband and I were having a mojito at the end of winter because we were dreaming of summer- the smell of freshly squeezed lime and crushed peppermint smelled great and now there is a Mojito-scented soap. Another would be the autumn blend of soap named A Cup of Tea which is made with green tea and local honey, both of which have known benefits for the skin, and scented with ginger and lemon.

What is the hardest lesson you learned through your business/creative process?

Time management and planning so far ahead has definitely been a challenge! Making and curing soap takes about 4 weeks. When I plan to attend festivals, markets, and events I have to think about the inventory to have on hand at least 6 weeks prior.

What's the best part about making?

I get so excited to hear that my soap makes folks happy! I love it when someone shares their positive experience whether it be simply enjoying the scent or more in-depth like the moisturizing benefits, heart-warming memories triggered by scent, or the relief from poison ivy/itching with my remedy soap Quit ‘Yer Itchin’. Attending festivals and events is always fun, especially if my husband is there with me!

Also, through this business venture I have met some of the most wonderful people; creating friendships and memories that are truly wonderful and matchless. I look forward to seeing what each new day brings! I am grateful for the community of Woodstock which has been supportive, encouraging, and welcoming!

What are you working on now? 

Currently, I am keeping up with inventory for a few fantastic boutiques and stores who have wholesale accounts with me and also making a custom batch for an upcoming bridal shower.

View Paula's wonderful line of soaps on Instagram and Facebook, and don't forget to check out her Etsy! See her in person at the Maker's Mash on June 16th!