20 Women Owned Small Businesses to Celebrate

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned in 2020 is the tremendous value a small business brings to its community. The folks who dedicate their lives to their craft, and in turn do what they can to share their services with their neighbors, deserve our respect and support.

Here are some incredible women, working every day to bring their talents to you:

If you shop online this holiday season,
don’t forget these incredibly hard working folks.

1.) Bee Tree Farm

Leaving dreams of the corporate world behind, Jenna started her very own goat farm. It all started with a few chickens in her suburban backyard and morphed into a full-fledged 15 acre dairy farm and cheese shop outside of Austin Texas.

Jenna, Kathryn, and Filipa work tirelessly with the herd, particularly during kidding season. This three woman-run operation only makes farmstead cheese. That means they never buy milk from other farms. All of their products are 100% created on Bee Tree Farm.

“Farmstead cheese production is, for me, the most connected and therefore beautiful expression of the farm itself.”

-Jenna Kelly-Landes

Click here to find out more about the markets they host every weekend, or schedule a tour.

2.) Jones BBQ

Sisters and pitmasters, Mary and Deborah Jones, have made waves in Kansas City.

These Bar-B-Queens have gone from local celebrities to internationally renowned culinary artists. Their no-frills approach inspired people to make the pilgrimage to Jones Bar-B-Q from places all over the globe, even as far as Australia.

Jones Bar-B-Q is a complete barbecue experience, it boasts an authenticity only found from a humble, family-run joint operating in a roadside parking lot. The sisters’ pit prowess draws a crowd, creating a friendly line of characters as flavorful as the reward for reaching the end of it.

“Our motto is freshness, freshness every day. It has to taste that way today, tomorrow, next week…

-Mary Jones

Click here to order a bottle of Jones BBQ secret sauce straight to your front door.

3.) Messner Bee Farm

Rachael Messner of Messner Bee Farm in Kansas City spun her hobby into a flourishing business. Her operations began as a 900 square foot urban farm. Over years of never giving up despite what different seasons showered upon her, Rachael and her family now live on their very own bee farm. You can even stop by for a tour if you’d like to know more about where your honey comes from.

“The best way people can help bees is by minimizing their use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, and supporting other organizations that do the same. Buy local honey, support your local beekeeper.”

–Rachael Messner

Shop some of Rachael’s products here.

4.) Sculptures by Amber Jean

From giant sculptures made from entire trees to carvings that fit in your hand, the interplay between humans and nature is the driving force behind Amber’s work. She put herself through college, finding work in the great outdoors that fueled her passion for earth and art.

Amber helped build the Continental Divide Trail, was part of the first all female crew at the Forest Service in Bozeman, fought forest fires in West Yellowstone, and was the first female wilderness ranger based out of the West Yellowstone District.

Amber was also the first woman to carve in the country of Bhutan for the King’s palace. She’s created many large scale works that have earned her great recognition in the art community. And she even gave a Ted Talk about her work.

“I never wasted energy grumbling at, whining about or looking for prejudices. I just got to work, stayed curious, made lots of mistakes, and kept after it.”

–Amber Jean

Shop Amber’s sculptures here.

5.) Happy Acre Farm

Helena is a first generation farmer originally from Oakland, CA. She taught herself the ins and outs of ag life through volunteer work and digging her hands in the dirt. She approaches farming with her own unique style, greenhouse disco ball included. Follow her and the family on instagram for a way to virtually embrace where your food comes from.

“I’m not sure if there are more women farming or if now we’re just able to see each other, or both. Either way, it’s magic.”

-Helena Sylvester

Shop Happy Acre here.

6.) Blue Marble Ice Cream

Over ten years ago, Jennie Dundas and Alexis Gallivan, opened Blue Marble Ice Cream in Brooklyn. Their products are entirely organic, made from only high quality ingredients, and absolutely no hormones, antibiotics, harmful pesticides or artificial additives. Manufacturing in New York with ethical and sustainable practices is crucial to this woman-run company.

“Nobody can really be sad eating ice cream, can they?”

-Susan Jo, Ice Cream Chef

Ship Blue Marble Ice Cream anywhere nationwide.

7.) Greta de Parry Design

Greta is a classically trained woodworker and sculptor in the Chicago area. She’s been designing and making furniture since 2007, and has won many awards since. Her collection consists of clean lines and minimalist touches.

“Sometimes the simplest designs are the most complex to create.”

-Greta de Parry

Shop Greta’s furniture here.

8.) Elizabeth Belz

We met Elizabeth at the Austin Forging Competition earlier this year. She’s a talented blacksmith who worked in healthcare for 13 years before she dedicated her life to metalwork. Currently, she’s working at John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions people have about blacksmithing and fabricating in general is that it’s for big, strong men. If I can do this, anyone can!”

–Elizabeth Belz

You can shop Elizabeth’s work here.

9.) Homestead Wisconsin

Brit McCoy is a woman of many talents. She’s a full time farmer, runs her own flower business, and works at her family’s business, The Wood Cycle. Making strides in her career alongside her family is the most challenging and the most fulfilling part of the job

Brit majored in Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University. Upon returning to Wisconsin, she and her husband Matt founded their own farm, first selling their ethically raised meat, eventually expanding their reach.

“My business started just like my father’s, to make our hobby our career. I started raising livestock as soon as I could afford to feed them.”

-Brit McCoy

You can order a box of their fine grass-fed beef and lamb here.

10.) The Little Flower Soap Co.

Michigan florist, Holly Rutt, started making soaps as a hobby. Combining her love for nature and interest in healing plant extractions and essential oils, she and her husband created a line of body care products. After realizing how much steam her side gig was gaining, Holly decided to devote the majority of her time to The Little Flower Soap Co.

“If you think your life would be better as your own boss in a creative field then get started and stick with it.”

—Holly Rutt

Shop Holly’s body care products here.

11.) Circa Ceramics

Nancy Witt and her husband Andy have been making their wares in the Chicago neighborhood of Ravenswood since 2001. Their signature style is iconic in the windy city, with their Chicago flag items constantly flying off the shelves.

Browse their online shop here.

12.) Yonder Way Farm

Lynsey Kramer hasn’t always been a farmer. She and her husband, Jason, once lived a more suburban life. He was a firefighter and she was a photographer. The couple decided to make some lifestyle and diet changes following health problems. These adjustments completely shifted how they thought about food sources. As their search for local meats proved fruitless, they decided to take action.

The Kramers began their farming adventure on family land. Eventually their business grew and they were able to purchase some acreage of their own. As the farm expanded, so did the Kramer family.

“Being able to have a family farm business has made our family stronger and create this sense of a team.”

-Lynsey Kramer

Shop Yonder Way Farms here.

13.) Alexandra Climent

Meet woodworker Alexandra Climent. She operates out of her own shop in Brooklyn. Her passion for the extraordinary wood she found in the jungle led her to teach herself the trade.

All of the products Alexandra makes are set apart from other wooden goods. She sustainably sources her materials from the jungle, befriending locals and working with each regions’ governments along the way. The wood she harvests and brings back to her shop is ancient, packed tightly over years and years.

“The wood I use is some of the most dense in the world…It’s like working with steel, and it breaks pretty much any blade.”

-Alexandra Climent

Shop Alexandra’s one-of-a-kind creations here.

14.) Amaltheia Dairy Farm

Amaltheia Dairy Farm in Montana is a family run operation in the Bozeman, MT area. They’ve been churning out cheesy goods for decades.

“We are sustainable farmers and try to utilize all of our resources and byproducts responsibly. We use the whey from the cheese to feed organic hogs and compost and use all of our manure for fields and gardens.”

-Sue Brown

Ship the famous Amaltheia Dairy Farm goat cheese straight to your front door.

15.) Woodward Throwbacks

Bo Shepherd and her partner Kyle started Woodward Throwbacks in 2013 as a means to repurpose much of the discarded lumber and abandoned antiques that plagued Detroit’s streets. Their shop has moved from location to location, each time scaling up and offering even more goods and services.

“We combined our love for the city and the idea that taking materials found in the street would also help clean our neighborhoods.”

-Bo Shepherd

Shop Woodward Throwbacks salvaged doors, custom made and reclaimed furniture, and handmade goods.

16.) Seattle Urban Farm Co.

Hilary Dahl is co-owner of Seattle Urban Farm Co. and host of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast. The podcasts are quick lessons in farming, each one is easy to access—you can listen to them online and read the highlights.

Seattle Urban Farm Co. offers many services, and they differ from customer to customer. Their knowledgeable team can plan, build, and maintain the urban farm you always wanted but never thought you could personally manage—perfect for those of us who may not have a green thumb, but love the idea of homegrown tomatoes.

Farmers deserve more respect for the work that they do. I wish everyone had a personal relationship with a few farmers and could keep in mind what an essential job they have.

– Hilary Dahl

If you are an aspiring farmer or gardener, browse the different webinars Seattle Urban Farm Co. has to offer.

17.) Live Edge Detroit

In 2016, Jenny, her brother Joe, and her dad Mike founded Live Edge. They now salvage the trees that Mike’s company removes. Once the wood has been cut and taken back to their warehouse, the crew mills them into new usable material.

“We aren’t planning to take over the world, but we want to make a difference within the community, and we feel that starts right here in our own backyard.”

-Jenny Barger

Shop Live Edge’s offerings here.

18.) Five Marys Farms

A few years ago, Mary and her husband Brian were high-powered Silicon Valley lawyers/entrepreneurs who traded it all away to live the Carhartt way of life. Armed with a strong work ethic and the fearlessness to ask lots of questions, the couple and their four daughters who all share the first name of Mary – but who go by their middle name to keep things “simple” – have proudly become a fully-functioning ranch that sells its meats all over the country.

“I am so proud of the life we get to give our girls living and working together. They are so much more capable because of it.”

-Mary Heffernan

Shop Five Mary’s here.

19.) The Elk Coffee Shop

This charming coffee shop in the West Village of New York is owned by Claire Chan. She took over the space, renovated, and reopened with her grand vision in mind.

“I feel so proud of the all women-run businesses I see popping up, especially right now. There’s strength in numbers, and it feels amazing to surround yourself with like-minded and strong women!”

-Claire Chan

If you’re in NYC, you can order The Elk’s offerings straight to your door here or stock up on groceries.

20.) DOBBIN-KAUV FARM

Meet Tiffany Washington. She’s a service-disabled combat veteran, a mother of four, and a leader in her hometown.

Through her farming alter ego, Nancy Farm Fancy, Tiffany battles PTSD. She runs Dobbin Kauv Farm, the only black owned farm within Austin’s city limits. She now serves as a food justice warrior, protecting her childhood home by planting a nutritional defense around her community.

“Farming is the most underrated public service in the United States! Urban farming is the road to increased local food consumption. A healthier food system will emerge from the sharing of small farm culture.”

-Tiffany Washington

Looks for ways to support shop or support Tiffany here.

Shop Small with these Women Owned Businesses

It’s that time of year again, when we’re all looking to support the small businesses our communities hold dear. Purchasing goods and services from the pillars of your favorite neighborhood is the best way to show your support.

Here’s the quick list of Crafted in Carhartt’s favorite Women Owned Businesses (in order of appearance above):

  1. Messner Bee Farm
  2. Woodward Throwbacks
  3. Seattle Urban Farm Co.
  4. Homestead Wisconsin
  5. Blue Marble Ice Cream 
  6. Sustainable Crafted Wooden Goods by Alexandra Climent
  7. Sculptures by Amber Jean
  8. Circa Ceramics
  9. Greta de Parry Design
  10. The Little Flower Soap Co.
  11. The Elk Coffee Shop
  12. Amaltheia Dairy Farm
  13. Pewabic Pottery
  14. Live Edge Detroit
  15. Five Marys Farms

Below you can find out more about these 15 Women Owned Small Businesses. If you shop online this holiday season, don’t forget these incredibly hard working folks.

1.) Messner Bee Farm Shop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttRachael Messner of Messner Bee Farm in Kansas City spun her hobby into a flourishing business. Her operations began as a 900 square foot urban farm. Over years of never giving up despite what different seasons showered upon her, Rachael and her family now live on a full-fledged bee farm. You can even stop by for a tour if you’d like to know more about where your honey comes from.

“Honeybees pollinate over one-third of all the fruits and vegetables we eat. Of course they also make honey! The best way people can help bees is by minimizing their use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, and supporting other organizations that do the same. Buy local honey, support your local beekeeper.” –Rachael Messner
Shop some of Rachael’s products here. Read more about Rachael’s story here.
Shop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in Carhartt
Bo Shepherd and her partner Kyle started Woodward Throwbacks in 2013 as a means to repurpose much of the discarded lumber and abandoned antiques that plagued Detroit’s streets. Their shop has moved from location to location, each time scaling up and offering even more goods and services.
“My dad is a general contractor back in New York and when I was younger I used to go on some of the sites with him. I believe that is when I truly became fascinated with the idea of being able to design and build.
 

I started re-purposing found wood back in college but it became a serious hobby once I met Kyle. We used to bike around the city exploring different neighborhoods and during our excursions we noticed an abundance of wood from illegal dumping sites. We combined our love for the city and the idea that taking materials found in the street would also help clean our neighborhoods.” -Bo Shepherd 

Through their website you can shop salvaged doors, custom made and reclaimed furniture, and handmade goods. Read more about Bo’s story here.

3.) Seattle Urban Farm Co.Shop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttHilary Dahl is co-owner of Seattle Urban Farm Co. and host of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast. The podcasts are quick lessons in farming, each one is easy to access—you can listen to them online and read the highlights.

Seattle Urban Farm Co. offers many services, and they differ from customer to customer. Their knowledgeable team can plan, build, and maintain the urban farm you always wanted but never thought you could personally manage—perfect for those of us who may not have a green thumb, but love the idea of homegrown tomatoes.

If you are an aspiring farmer or gardener, browse the different webinars Seattle Urban Farm Co has to offer on their website, ranging from soil health to harvesting techniques. These online lessons are a great gift (for yourself or loved ones).

Read more about Hilary’s story here.

4.) Homestead WisconsinShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttBrit McCoy is a woman of many talents. She’s a full time farmer, runs her own flower business, and works at her family’s business, The Wood Cycle. Making strides in her career alongside her family is the most challenging and most fulfilling part of the job

Brit majored in Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University. Upon returning to Wisconsin, she and her husband Matt founded their own farm, first selling their ethically raised meat, eventually expanding their reach.

“My business started just like my father’s, to make our hobby our career. I started raising livestock as soon as I could afford to feed them.” -Brit McCoy

You can order a box of their fine grass-fed beef and lamb here. Read more about Brit’s story here.

5.) Blue Marble Ice Cream Shop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttTen years ago, Jennie Dundas and Alexis Gallivan, opened Blue Marble Ice Cream in Brooklyn. Their products are entirely organic, made from only high quality ingredients, and absolutely no hormones, antibiotics, harmful pesticides or artificial additives. Manufacturing in New York with ethical and sustainable practices is crucial to this woman-run company.

“Nobody can really be sad eating ice cream, can they?” -Susan Jo, Ice Cream Chef

Ship Blue Marble Ice Cream straight to your front door here. Read more about Blue Marble here.

6.) Sustainable Crafted Wooden Goods by Alexandra ClimentShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttMeet woodworker Alexandra Climent. She operates out of her own shop in Brooklyn. Her passion for the extraordinary wood she found in the jungle lead her to teach herself the trade.

All of the products Alexandra makes are set apart from other wooden goods. She sustainably sources her materials from the jungle, befriending locals and working with each regions’ governments along the way. The wood she harvests and brings back to her shop is ancient, packed tightly over years and years.

“The wood I use is some of the most dense in the world. When you put it in the water it sinks and termites can’t even penetrate it. It’s like working with steel, and it breaks pretty much any blade.” -Alexandra Climent

Shop Alexandra’s one-of-a-kind creations here. Read more about Alexandra here.

7.) Sculptures by Amber JeanShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttFrom giant sculptures made from entire trees to carvings that fit in your hand, the interplay between humans and nature is the driving force behind Amber’s work. She put herself through college, finding work in the great outdoors that fueled her passion for earth and art.

Amber helped build the Continental Divide Trail, was part of the first all female crew at the Forest Service in Bozeman, fought forest fires in West Yellowstone, and was the first female wilderness ranger based out of the West Yellowstone District.

Amber was the first woman to carve in the country of Bhutan for the Prime Minister. She’s created many large scale works that have earned her great recognition in the art community. And she even gave a Ted Talk about her work.

“I never wasted energy grumbling at, whining about or looking for prejudices. I just got to work, stayed curious, made lots of mistakes, and kept after it.” –Amber Jean

Shop Amber’s sculptures here.

8.) Circa CeramicsShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttNancy Witt and her husband Andy have been making their wares in the Chicago neighborhood of Ravenswood since 2001. Their signature style is iconic in the windy city, with their Chicago flag items constantly flying off the shelves.

Browse their online shop here. See behind the scenes into their studio here.

9.) Greta de Parry DesignShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttGreta is a classically trained woodworker and sculptor in the Chicago area. She’s been designing and making furniture since 2007. Her collection consists of clean lines and minimalist touches.

Shop Greta’s furniture here. Read more about her story here.

10.) The Little Flower Soap Co.Shop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttMichigan florist, Holly Rutt, started making soaps as a hobby. Combining her love for nature and interest in healing plant extractions and essential oils, she and her husband created a line of body care products. After realizing how much steam her side gig was gaining, Holly decided to devote the majority of her time to The Little Flower Soap Co.

“The maker movement is in full swing there has never been a better time to start your own small business. If you think your life would be better as your own boss in a creative field than get started and stick with it.” —Holly Rutt

Shop Holly’s body care products here. Read more about Holly’s story here.

11.) The Elk Coffee ShopShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttThis charming coffee shop in the West Village of New York is owned by Claire Chan. Five years ago, she took over the space, renovated, and reopened with her grand vision in mind.

“I feel so proud of the all women-run businesses I see popping up, especially right now. At a time where women’s rights and female empowerment is more relevant than ever, it is important to express your ideas and exercise your values so that others will be encouraged to do the same. There’s strength in numbers, and it feels amazing to surround yourself with like-minded and strong women!” -Claire Chan

If you’re in NYC, you can order The Elk’s offerings straight to your door here. Read more about The Elk here.

12.) Amaltheia Dairy FarmShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttAmaltheia Dairy Farm in Montana is a family run operation.

“We have had our farm for over 20 years. We love the Bozeman area and our goats get to enjoy beautiful scenery and seasons we have here. It’s beautiful every day. The best thing about what we do is to provide nutritious, delicious organic goat cheeses, pork, and vegetables to people. Those people appreciate being able to get great food and are thankful. It is a symbiotic relationship.

We have been making cheese for 17 years, certified organic for 12 years. We are sustainable farmers and try to utilize all of our resources and byproducts responsibly. We use the whey from the cheese to feed organic hogs and compost and use all of our manure for fields and gardens.” -Co Owner, Sue Brown

Ship some some of the famous Amaltheia Dairy Farm goat cheese straight to your front door here. Read more about the family here.

13.) Pewabic PotteryShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttPewabic Pottery in Detroit was founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton. Her ceramics were nationally renowned, landing her a spot in the Michigan’s Women Hall of Fame. Mary went on to win several awards and established the ceramics department at the University of Michigan. The touch she had on Michigan and the arts and crafts community will always be remembered. The shop is still operating to this day and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Shop some of their trademark Pewabic blue pieces here.

14.) Live Edge DetroitShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttIn 2016, Jenny, her brother Joe, and her dad Mike founded Live Edge. They now salvage the trees that Mike’s company removes. Once the wood has been cut and taken back to their warehouse, the crew mills them into new usable material.

“Our vision for Live Edge Detroit was to develop a branch of Mike’s Tree Surgeons, Inc. that focused on salvaging our local resources and making them available for the community to enjoy for many more years to come. Our long term goals are to uphold that initial vision and to see it bloom into a more sustainable and profitable branch of the family business. We aren’t planning to take over the world, but we want to make a difference within the community, and we feel that starts right here in our own backyard.” -Jenny Barger

Shop Live Edge’s offerings here. Read more about the family business here.

15.) Five Marys FarmsShop small this Small Business Saturday (and Cyber Monday) with these Women Owned Businesses / Crafted in CarharttA few years ago, Mary and her husband Brian were high-powered Silicon Valley lawyers/entrepreneurs who traded it all away to live the Carhartt way of life. Armed with a strong work ethic and the fearlessness to ask lots of questions, the couple and their four daughters who all share the first name of Mary – but who go by their middle name to keep things “simple” – have proudly become a fully-functioning ranch that sells its meats all over the country.

“I am so proud of the life we get to give our girls living and working together on the ranch,” Mary beams when talking about being the mother of four young farm girls. “I don’t think I gave my girls enough credit before we moved here,” she continues, “I made their lunches and filled their water bottles and did all of their laundry, not really expecting them to do too much. By necessity, when we moved to the ranch the girls had to step up to the plate and start helping more, and they are so much more capable because of it.”

Shop Five Mary’s here. Read more about this amazing family here.

Support Women Owned Businesses this Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday / Crafted in Carhartt

Happy Small Business Saturday

To celebrate Small Business Saturday, we’ll be introducing you to several small businesses and the women who make them run.

Seattle Urban Farm Co.

Meet the women of Seattle Urban Farm Company. Their knowledgeable team can plan, build, and maintain the urban farm you always wanted but never thought you could personally manage—perfect for those of us who may not have a green thumb, but love the idea of homegrown tomatoes.

Hilary Dahl is co-owner and host of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast. The podcasts are quick lessons in farming. Follow @seattleurbanfarmco to check out her tips and advice. The all female maintenance team includes Sarah Bolton and Emily Barry. Together, they care for over 60 urban vegetable gardens across the city. Daily tasks include planting the crops, keeping an eye on the soil, fertility, irrigation, pest management, pruning, weeding, and harvesting.

“Engaging with local businesses often takes more effort from the consumer, but I think it’s worth it. Buying local provides an opportunity for genuine human interaction, better quality products, and more interesting stories. The success of a small business often depends on word-of-mouth. Anytime you vouch for a local company, you are doing somebody a huge favor and I thank you on behalf of small business owners everywhere. Just get out there and rep the businesses you love.” -Hilary Dahl

Kubich Lumber Yard

Meet Bobbie Rowe. She’s been a nurse for two years, but she’s always played a big role at her family’s lumber mill. Her main gig is driving the water truck, and when it gets busy, it’s all hands on deck. Then you can find her throwing strips or controlling the multi-head resaw she built with her dad as a child.

The mill has been in operation for over 70 years. It sits deep in the woods of Grass Valley, a small Californian town that was the epicenter of the Gold Rush in the 1800s. With a population of just under 13,000, the city is closely knit together by a strong sense of community and tradition.

If you’re in the area and in need of some fresh milled timber, give Bobbie a call. They have a wide variety of products, ranging from sugar pine flooring to cedar siding. You can also visit their website: www.kubichlumber.com.

“People are especially shocked to find out I’m a nurse when I jump out of the water truck. I remember dad laughing really hard one day after I drove the truck when I first became a nurse. He told me a couple customers had just commented on how cool it was that he hired a woman truck driver and he replied ‘That’s actually my daughter, and can you believe she is giving up truck driving to be a nurse at Stanford? She must be crazy.’ The truth is I really would be crazy to completely walk away from the mill.” -Bobbie Rowe

Glass Artist Ona Magaro

One Magaro has been working with glass for 30 years. The shear heat and intensity of the craft most attracted her during summer camp. Years down the road, she earned her BFA from Alfred University and MFA from Bowling Green. Blowing glass requires immense physical strength, particularly when fabricating on the scale of some of Ona’s larger pieces. However, Ona considers her willingness and eagerness to evolve her approach to her work her greatest capability.

Though Thanksgiving has come and gone, hopefully the spirit of gratitude remains. Ona met her mentor in school, but he continues making an impact in her life to this day.

“My sculpture professor in undergrad at Alfred University, Glenn Zwygert, showed me that I needed to be fully committed and devoted to my passion. Glenn and I use to butt heads on a lot of topics, but through the years I realized that those interactions made me open up to being able to SEE. He is still mentoring me everyday, by his own pursuits and ambition to constantly be creating.” –@onamagaro

To see more of Ona’s work, visit her website: www.onamagaro.com.

Amaltheia Dairy Farm

Amaltheia Dairy Farm in Montana is a family run operation. Sue and Melvyn Brown broke ground on their very own Grade A goat farm Thanksgiving Day in 2000. After building their own cheese facility, they developed exceptional products with the highest standards for purity and flavor. Amaltheia offers 17 different products and the Browns are able to produce 2,000 pounds of goat cheese a week.

Sue and Melvyn’s children are a big part of the business as well. Their son Nate and his girlfriend Karen play a big role in caring for the vegetables and animals along with property maintenance. Their daughter Sarah oversees operations at the cheese plant, though you can often find her fixing fences and feeding animals.

“To be raised in a barn is the most fulfilling childhood I could possibly imagine. Yes, it’s a lot of hard work; but you develop a close-knit relationship with animals and nature. And my parents’ ideals of organic, home grown food for their children has definitely been instilled in my brother and myself. We are blessed to be able to continue to develop and hone-in our farming and cheese making skills into the future. My brother and I hope to take the reigns and continue to provide our community with farm-fresh, organic products.” -Sarah Brown of @amaltheiadairy

You can order a fresh batch of Amaltheia cheese for yourself at www.amaltheiadairy.com.

Ceramic Artist Alayna Wiley

Alayna Wiley is a ceramicist, an art educator, and a craft curator. She teaches at The Art Shack in Brooklyn. This women-owned non-profit ceramic studio offers classes to both offer classes to children and adults. If you’re interested in learning more about hand building, wheel throwing, glazing, plaster mold making or slipcasting—head on over to @artshackbrooklyn for more info.

When Alayna’s not working at The Art Shack, she’s a studio assistant at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her education is impressive and extensive. She’s studied at Oberlin College, Germantown Academy, Penland School of Crafts, and Harvard University to name only a few. Follow her instagram, @alaynawiley.nyc to take a closer look at her work.