Local Makers: Samantha Muntz of Peachy Buckeye Designs

I met Samantha though a local arts based nonprofit called Paint Love. Samantha makes jewelry inspired by travel. Think Ireland’s grassy meadows, Ohio’s wheat fields, Arizona’s canyons, Atlanta’s hustling skyline, to pagodas in South Korea, and coffee shops near and far. Heart eyes! Sounds dreamy right? Take a peek into her process and story below - and don't forget to check out her work in person at the Maker's Mash on June 16th!

How did you get started making?

I have always been sort of crafty and prefer to make my family and friends presents for different occasions. A couple years ago, I made a few personalized necklaces for my roommates at the time and as they wore them around, their friends and family noticed and started asking if I could make necklaces for them. It kind of took off from there.

What does your average day look like?

My day always starts with a good cup of coffee! Then it's a mix of working as an admin, working on jewelry pieces, trying out new recipes for dinner, catching up with friends.

Sounds so lovely! What do you do to keep things fresh and inspired?

My travels inspire me. When I am stuck in a creative rut, going on even a day trip somewhere can help me to come up with new ideas by just going somewhere new and talking to the people I meet along the way. A lot of my pieces are inspired by stories from people I have met while traveling.

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

One of the hardest things I have learned probably be how to balance the creative side and the business side of things.

Preach! What's your favorite part about making?

Getting to hear the stories behind what draws people to different pieces. Most of my designs are inspired by places and people I have come across when traveling. Then when I go to sell these designs, I love interacting with people and hearing their story and what draws them to certain designs.

What are you working on now? 

Right now I am working on incorporating organics into my resin pieces, things like coffee beans and flowers.

View Samantha's jewelry on Instagram and Facebook, and don't forget to check out her shop! See her in person at the Maker's Mash on June 16th!

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!