Shopping Local Makers in Orlando
Shopping small should be a part of our every day agenda when our budget can handle it, not just when we are getting smacked in the face with reminders the Saturday after a huge corporate appointed shopping day.
Shopping small also means (to me at least) doing the research to find the lesser-known locals that are trying to get noticed to hit the tipping point that helps their enterprise thrive. This also means supporting them, visiting them at markets, and sharing their products with others.
I’ve been putting together a list of some of my favorites that you may already know about, and some makers I recently found while searching online with the help of hashtags you makers should continue using. If someone tells you hashtags are worthless, please don’t listen to them.
If you feel overwhelmed with the amount of markets popping up, I’ve also listed who is popping up where this month so you can plan your trips accordingly.
GREEN QUEENS
Hello Happy Plants
Plant lovers come with a variety of styles and aesthetics. If your vibe is more like mine (i.e. Taco Bell, McDonalds, and La Croix) you may want to check out Hello Happy Plants. Each planter is made from the owners own molds and then hand painted. Hello Happy Plants actually sells her merch in several shops across the country, so make sure she’s getting some hometown love. Image credit: Hello Happy Plants because I’m patiently waiting for my order.
Instagram: @hellohappyplants
Website: www.hellohappyplants.com
Lemesto Art
The first time I saw these planters made by artist Arielle, I loved the textures and was surprised to find out these designs were hand-painted watercolors. On her site you will also find coasters, jewelry, and other home goods. She also takes custom work requests. Class up those succulents and make sure to check the sizing of the planters you order.
Instagram: @lemesto.art
Website: lemesto.com
Land of Alice
Where can we get plants for all these adorable planters? Well, truthfully there are several options in town, but Land of Alice owner Alicia Fernandez goes to the local nurseries for you, and puts together a great selection of affordably priced plants that she hauls around town at local markets. She recently has opened her showroom for those that want to shop on their own time. Grab some friends for a field trip; even pot your own plants, and make a real girls trip out of it.
Instagram: @landofalicestudio
Website: Etsy Shop
Upcoming Markets: Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturday + Downtown Farmers Market on Sunday.
MAKE THAT PAPER
Bloom Wolf Studio
Betsy Garcia, owner and designer of Bloom Wolf Studio has a great selection of stationary goods; from cards to planners to decorative prints. Some of my favorite items are her stickers, perfect for water bottles and laptops. Her city prints are probably her most popular items and she has all major cities in the U.S. beautifully illustrated.
Instagram: @bloomwolfstudio
Website: www.bloomwolfstudio.com
Brandelane
Artist and owner Brandi Monard caught my eye with her candy-colored Instagram feed filled with whimsical illustrations covering all of my favorite things: travel, fruits, and junk food. She also makes some beautiful Disney illustrations that have a very vintage feel to them if that is your vibe. Shop her goods including calendars, pins, totes and cards on her website. I’m definitely a fan and customer now.
Instagram: @brandelane
Website: www.brandelane.com
Small Branches
Sara Yoho is another local lady I found thanks to the gram. I’m no Joanna Gaines, but I do love a clean, well placed banner mixed into a gallery wall as a part of my home decor. You can shop Sara’s designs and stop giving money to Hobby Lobby (even if you do get 40% off). Shop her clean and cute banners on her Etsy page. Image credit: Small Branches because my order has not arrived yet.
Instagram: @smallbranches
Website: Etsy Shop
Other artists to check out:
BEJEWELED
Carla Poma
Carla recently moved to Orlando from Portugal and has gotten right to work showcasing her jewelry at local markets. She uses high quality metals and materials to mix textures in her creations. You can find her pieces at Echoes of Retro and Yay! Tiny Shop; two great local businesses you should be checking out. Image credit: Carla Poma
Instagram: @carlapomajewelry
Website: www.carlapoma.com
RockHaus Metals
Owner and metal-smith Kristina Brownell utilizes traditional metal-smith techniques into her pieces incorporating sterling silver & 14k gold fill, semi-precious stones, rocks and gemstones. I absolutely love her rings, and I own two beautiful stunners I rotate. Kristina just recently took the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship so make sure to support her when your purse strings allow.
Instagram: @rockhaus_metals.
Website: https://rockhausmetals.com/
Upcoming markets: Indie Flea at the Heavy December 8th + Mellow Market in Audubon Park December 9th + Girl Power Pop Up at Se7enbites December 23rd
Other jewelry makers to check out:
ROPE SLINGA’S
Larks and Leo
I found Larks and Leo on Instagram while looking for local fiber artists that were killing it. It’s hard not to want to purchase something when looking at her feed, so of course I did. Her prices are very reasonable, and shipping was pretty fast! Check out my new piece below.
Instagram: @larksandleo
Website: www.larksandleo.com
Every Other Weekend
Owner of Every Other Weekend, Tammy, mixes woodworking, fiber arts and florals together in her custom pieces. When you order an item from her it comes beautifully packaged with a vintage photo attached to it. Gotta love something a little different that stands out. Keep your eyes peeled for more from her in 2019!
Instagram: @everyotherweekend
Upcoming Markets: Mellow Market in Audubon Park, December 9th | Grandma Party in Audubon Park, December 16th
Other rope slinga’s to check out:
SNITCHES GET STITCHES
The Folk Lohr
I have so much respect for people that create in ways I can’t. Polly, owner and artist behind The Folk Lohr, has some of the most beautiful embroidery pieces I’ve found locally. From sweet Florida-centric stitching, to amazing pop culture figures (hello Prison Mike). I’m a big fan and supporter. Image Credit: The Folk Lohr as I wait for my own Prison Mike to make his way to me.
Instagram: @thefolklohr
Website: Etsy Shop
Hoop There It Is
I found Hoop There It Is back at a past Grandma Party and I stood at her booth for awhile trying to decide which pieces I wanted more. I own three different designs including the Serenity Now you see below in this picture and I always love to see her popping up at markets in Audubon Park.
Instagram: @hoop.there.it.is
Markets: Grandma Party in Audubon Park December 16th
More Stitches to seek out:
GHOSTED
Julie Harbers Pottery
As soon as I saw Julie’s pottery online I fell in love with the color abstract patterns. She teaches along with making her own goods. So you can either enroll in some classes or buy her work. Follow her Instagram account for future pop ups. Image Credit: Julie Harbers
Instagram: @harbjul
Shop local markets: FL Craft Art Gallery & Driftwood Market
Koozeh Pottery
This handmade pottery by Gilda Alai is inspired by her Persian background. If you are looking to check out her handy work in person, visit the Gypset pop-up in the East End Market during the month of December. Image Credit: Koozeh Pottery
Instagram: @koozehpottery
Website: Etsy Shop
ON YA BODY
Brown Girl in a Green World
Antoinette is a esthetician, a vaginal steaming practioner, and a women’s wellness coach. I am a daily user and big fan of her Fleur Douce plant-based feminine wash. Ya know, cause you shouldn’t be using soaps and other chemically-filled washes on your bajinko! She is a deep well of info, and her product is amazing. You can find it at Naked Bar Soap Co. or purchase it online.
Instagram: @browngirlinagreenworld
Website: Etsy shop
Illuma Cosmetics
Amanda created her own line of cruelty-free, vegan, beauty products right here in Orlando that has seen national press. Her mantra is that of a minimal beautification process that leaves you feeling good not only about how you look but the products you support. She’s stepped away from her cosmetics line to fully focus on her skincare products, so if you are in the market for something new, check her out.
Instagram: @illumabeauty
Website: https://www.illumacosmetics.com/
Naked Bar Soap
Everything goes down in this small shop/production facility in College Park. When you walk in you are hit with delightful fragrances from the handmade soaps and bath products made by co-owners Natasha and Jennifer. Their salt bars are a favorite of mine as well as the rose oil.
Instagram: @nakedbarsoapco
Website: www.nakedbarsoapco.com
Markets: Mellow Market in Audubon Park, December 9th
More things for your body:
ALL THINGS FLORIDA
Jelly Press
Chelsea Preston’s original watercolor designs & illustrations encapsulate some of the best parts of Florida living. I’m a big fan of her Manatee Season series, but her prints and stickers showcase the natural beauty of some of Florida’s most recognizable cities and parks. I recently found her on Instagram and fell in love with her art. Image Credit: Jelly Press
Instagram: @jellypress
Website: www.jellypressnsb.com
Just Okay Things
I got to know designer Matt awhile back when he was working with Orlando Shirts. He has since moved on to his own line of Just Okay Things that all seem to be doing more than just Okay. Take a look at his new collection of designs and I’m sure you will find a piece that strikes a cord with you. You can find some of his merch at the Gypset pop-up inside the East End Market this month. Image Credit: Just Okay Things
Instagram: @justokaythings
Website: www.justokay.co/
Orlando Shirts
O.G. Orlando apparel can be found by my girls at Orlando Shirts. Designer Liv Jones runs the business while working with other artists on fun designs from the colorful and happy to the tongue and cheek, sarcastic aspects of living in Shadelando. Image Credit: Orlando Shirts
Instagram: @orlandoshirts
Website: https://orlandoteeshirt.com/
Next pop ups: The Lovely Boutique Market December 16th
Rebecca Carmen
We experienced quite the doughnut boom over the last two years, and artist Rebecca Carmen created a pin that showcases the iconic Lake Eola fountain with a fun sprinkle doughnut design. DOUGHLANDO! It’s the perfect addition to any pin collection you’ve begun hoarding. Image credit: Rebecca Carmen
Instagram: @rebeccacarmen
Website: http://rebeccacarmen.com/shop
Macey Mack Designs
I’m not gonna lie, I hadn’t heard of Macey Mack Designs until I dug deep into Orlando makers on the gram. Her Etsy is filled with Florida inspired designs on coffee mugs, kitchen towels, coasters, and more. If you have a friend or family member that lives elsewhere, she features other states or cities so you may find a cute gift for them as well. Image credit: Macey Mack Design
Instagram: @maceymackdesign
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/maceymackdesign
Where you can shop: Driftwood Market in College Park
Hillery Powers
Hillery may have left us for the mountains of Colorado, but her illustrations can be found all around Orlando. For those who love Orlando so much that they want pieces of the city displayed as art in their home, I’d suggest browsing Hillery’s website. Image Credit: Hillery Powers
Instagram: @hillerypowers
Website: https://shop.hillerypowers.com/
IT’S LIT
Sugar and Geek
You had me at geeky, feminist, dessert candles in the bio! Melissa Astacio makes candles with a sweet pop culture twist. How can you go wrong with a set of Gilmore Girl candles where each character has their own scent! Image Credit: Sugar and Geek
Instagram: @sugarandgeek
Website: Etsy Shop
Little Byrd Candle Co
Neida began making candles as a way to provide additional income for her family in addition to her 9 to 5 grind, and she has been working with soy and coconut candles that have a clean burn. The name Little Byrd is a way to carry on the family name since and she is the youngest of the Byrd family. You can find her candles at Naked Bar Soap Co.
Instagram: @littlebyrdcandleco
Where you can find it: Naked Bar Soap and Gratitude Coffee in College Park
Other lit ladies to check out:
I know we have more local makers and more markets popping than ever before, so I promise to continue to find you and support you all when I can. All images above are mine unless credited to the maker.