Category Archives: local love

philly creatives – janet long

janet-long

 

I owe Janet Long a thank you.Without Clover Market, I’d be without some of my favorite vintage finds, wouldn’t have met so many talented local artists, and wouldn’t have been so inspired to get to know more philly creatives. When I first discovered the Market, I was new to the area and on the lookout for unique finds to furnish our home. As an interior designer, I’m always in search of the unique, the handmade, the one of a kind. I found it there, and then some…many of the vendors have since become friends! What I enjoy most about the Market is that it’s family friendly, manageable, and thoughtfully curated-the time and energy Janet pours into the event is evident. If you haven’t yet experienced it for yourself, be sure to get to Ardmore this Sunday! There’s something for everyone….you’re sure to get lucky.

explain your business and the idea behind it.

Founded in 2010, the Clover Market is a seasonal open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art.  It operates outdoors in the spring and fall in Ardmore and Chestnut Hill and in late January at the historic 23rd Street Armory in Philly.  The market was born of necessity when I realized there wasn’t a venue in our areas to scout affordable but still high quality decorative items for my clients (at the time I owned an interior design firm).  I wanted to carve out a distinct offering between a true flea market and a higher end gallery/shop, a place where creators and collectors could showcase their goods and customers could buy locally made goods.

what is the story behind your business name?

The business name, tagline (“Lucky Finds for the Home”) and logo were all chosen to represent the notion of finding something unique and special.  It’s exactly the experience I hope to create for customers when they shop at the Market; basically the polar opposite of the mass market, imported, cheaply constructed products most often featured in catalogs.  I wanted to offer a convenient and fun alternative to that shopping experience, and one that uniquely showcased sellers with antiques, vintage, and handmade goods.

what did you do prior to starting your own business?

The bulk of my background is in marketing – first at Leo Burnett Advertising, and then as marketing director for a startup consulting firm in Chicago after getting my MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.  After moving to the suburbs of Philly about 12 years ago when my oldest was born (our family is all on the east coast), I changed gears slightly into interior design as I realized that I most enjoyed the design aspects of my work and decorating had always been a strong interest.  Finally, about 5 years ago, I conceived of the Market as a side project to my design work and it quickly grew and became my sole focus.

at what point did you decide to make your passion a business, and what inspired you?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial inclination.  I was coming up with little business ideas when I was a little kid (my Dad would patiently sit with me to work up simple business plans), had my own flower business in college, loved working at the startup consulting firm during the early dot com boom, and joined with a colleague to start the interior design business.

Clover has been pretty a natural evolution of my skillset and my prorities and interests. I’ve always felt most comfortable in fast moving, creative environments, and it combines so many of the things that I love to do: planning and implementing the business strategy, constantly having to learn new skills, drawing inspiration from the creative force of the vendors, and just managing the operational aspects of to make everything work smoothly.  I love that it challenges both my left and right brain.

what are the most rewarding aspects of your work/passion? 

I love connecting with the artists and collectors and developing our community.  I love the professional relationships I’ve been able to develop – other shop owners, the vendors themselves, other local and regional craft fair organizers, supporters of the arts, etc. – a positive, supportive community that I am very honored to be part of.  I love not having layers of approvals to get something done.  I love not having meetings – well, not that often!  I love continually having to learn, experiment, and try new things.  I am just relentlessly curious, so I get to learn new things all of the time and stretch my skills and comfort zone.  And I love to see how broader community of vendors and customers has grown…that is just SO much fun since it’s all totally taken on a life of its own and blossomed into a really beautiful, highly supportive environment.

how has social media helped to further your business?

Social media has been hugely important in developing the Market.  It has quite literally grown in large part to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and the like.  They all play a huge role in marketing and communicating our message, defining the Market’s aesthetic, making connections, allowing for customer evangelism, and helping to keep the buzz going.  I’m not sure, actually, whether Clover would be where it is today were it not for social media.  It would have been much more difficult, if not impossible, for a small bootstrapping business to get the word out through traditional advertising only, and these social media tools have allowed me to reach so many in a really cost effective – and visually rich – way.

what is the most challenging aspect of running your own business?

It’s very difficult to put any boundaries on the work.  I have many days that never seem to end because the work is always “there” and I’m on the hook for it all as a one-woman operation. I have an amazing group of helpers and volunteers on Market days, but the rest falls to me.  At times the pressure can be overwhelming, and the balance seem way off kilter, but I can’t stop because I love it so much!  On the flip side, technology has also enabled this beautiful balance since I can review vendor applications on my iphone at a soccer practice, so it has its good and bad aspects for sure!

what’s a typical work day look like for you?

Up early to try to get in a little bit of work before my kids wake up, get the kids off the school, then work most days until they come home.  I’m in mom mode in the after school hours helping with homework, taking them to practices, preparing dinner, and hanging out with my kids and husband as much as possible.  Family dinner thankfully still happens every night – I am fiercely protective of that and hanging on as long as I can!  Then typically more work after the kids are in bed, usually in front of some cheesy TV (guilty pleasure) with my husband.  The nature of the work varies from day to day and time of year but of course involves heavy bursts of activity around vendor application review, keeping the website and social media sites updated, tackling billing, working on new marketing and advertising materials, and of course managing the logistics around each Market like the space assignments.  Bedtime is always too late, but blissfully exhausted. Repeat the next day!

as you’ve developed your business/brand, what has surprised you most?

I’ve been pleasantly surprised about how it’s been received by our customers and the community at large.  Clover was very warmly embraced, and our customers really do support and promote our vendors.  And the vendors…I just love seeing their interaction and connection with each other at the Markets and beyond.   They are just a super creative, hardworking and supportive group of people and I love providing, in some small way, a voice and a outlet for them to connect and thrive.

what advice would you give to someone considering a similar path?

For anyone considering a creative, entrepreneurial path I’d offer the following advice: if it’s something you love and are passionate about, and you can make it work financially for yourself, go for it!  I can’t imagine anything worse than a life fill with regret and “what if’s”.

Do your homework, understand your competitive environment, and spend adequate time defining what makes your product or business really different.  There’s nothing worse than a copycat in my book – find your niche and be uniquely YOU.  Stay true to yourself and your vision as you grow.  Be prepared to work a lot, be open to constant experimentation and learning, connect like crazy, and the rest will hopefully follow. And good luck!!!

 

please check out Clover Market elsewhere… site / instagram / twitter / facebook / pinterest / flickr

 **philly creatives is a regular feature…read the archives here** 

 

a bushel and a peck

apple-picking-with-toddlers

apple-picking

marieapples

 

I’m still in disbelief that Marie + Henry are 15 months old…and yet there are so many experiences to be had! Almost every day brings a new first, and this time it was apple picking at our beloved local orchard. They have loved apples since they first began eating solids, so we were excited to show them the source. Late in the season picking certainly has it’s advantages, such as deliciously ripe winesap apples and the field all to ourselves! In regards to the post title…I grew up with my Mom singing the “bushel and peck song” to me, and I now sing it to my children (they love it). That makes three generations of bushel + peck singing, as it began with my grandmother. Hopefully they will continue the tradition!

I love you…a bushel and a peck
A bushel and a peck though you make my heart a wreck
Make my heart a wreck and you make my life a mess
Make my life a mess, yes a mess of happiness
About you, about you
‘Cause I love you a bushel and a peck
You bet your purdy neck I do….

(this is a chorus I had not seen before, so true)

philly creatives – margaux kent

margaux-kent

 

Margaux Kent is a maker, a writer, and an artist, in every sense of the word. Deeply introspective, her work is very personal-her latest project, “Take Your Time Loving Me”, is a narrative about transformation…as a mother, as a woman, as a human. I’m so very intrigued by it, and find myself relating to much of the concept…especially the heightened sense of mortality after having children. Currently in the fundraising stages via Kickstarter, her goal is to raise enough funds to publish a book…please take a look and help spread the word! Most of the time you can find Margaux alongside her husband Walter-together they form the company Peg + Awl. (I must admit-our daily lives have been greatly improved both aesthetically and functionally by their goods.) Working from the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia, they transform old into new again. Their handcrafted treasures and curiosities are hard working, handsome, and timeless.

 

at what point did you decide to make your passion a business, and what inspired you? 

There was never a time in my life when I thought my passion wouldn’t be my livelihood. It was only a matter of what passion!

what is the story behind your business name?

Peg and Awl is a song by the Carolina Tarheels about industrialization coming along and ‘freeing’ the makers with machines. Walter and I wanted to make shoes first AND we looked at the song backwards! It came full circle though (except for the shoes) in that humans are back at the making, locally.

explain your business and the idea behind it.

The idea behind our business first is – we get to make our own rules. Second, we get to make stuff all of the time  – then comes all of the other things mentioned at various points here. The idea of designing simple useful objects whilst not digging into new resources to do so. Also, we are able to offer a bunch of jobs locally! We have a really fantastic group of people working with us that help make everything possible.

what are the most rewarding aspects of your work/passion?

Most of what we make stems from a want or need. We make the object, use it, and find our own personal happiness – but then – when we offer the object to the world and there are others who like it! That is the really exciting part. Also, we get in so much antique wood and leather and other materials that have already lived a l ing and purposeful life. To turn them into something long-lasting and useful all over again is pretty amazing.

what did you do prior to starting your own business? 

Prior to starting my own business with Walter, I had my own business (The Black Spot Books) and prior to that – I owned a record/cd/vintage clothing store- prior to that I ran an online CD company with a friend. And before all of this, I made jewelry and other art. At 6 I sold paintings for pennies in my neighborhood. (haha!)

how has social media helped to further your business?

Social Media (and Etsy) have MADE our business. I love taking photographs and posting everyday life – our work is everyday – around the clock – so I get to show our lives one frozen moment at a time. The process is fun and really gives a real peek into Peg and Awl.

what inspires you?

Inspiration is all over. Most comes from living, otherwise…a direct reference to the start of Peg and Awl is probably our travels to Iceland. The simplicity and multi-use of many of the historic homes was wonderful. Also, Walter and I both love history and the objects that are a result of the past.

what are the most challenging aspects of running your own business?

The most challenging part (now – this never was before!) is taking a break! Sometimes I want to think about something other then Peg and Awl! Like my family – haha. This is how TYTLM came about I think…

where do you work from? Tell us about your office and/or studio.

We work in an olde casket factory in Port Richmond. Our space is loaded with tools and stations ranging from woodworking to sewing to leather working to jewelry and book binding. Our boys can often be found running around and ‘working’ on things. The Peg and Awl gang is growing.

what project are you most proud of?

I am feeling really great about my current project Take Your Time Loving Me. For me it is a really complete thought process coming to life. A project that I must hone until perfect. I am excited for the challenge.

 

please check out Margaux elsewhere… shop / blog / etsy / twitter / facebook / instagram

 **philly creatives is a regular feature…read the archives here** 

indian summer

longwood-gardens-green-wall

babies-at-longwood

marieatlongwood

childrens-garden-longwood

childrens-garden-at-longwood

 

Well folks…I would say we’re having an indian summer, wouldn’t you?! These freakish 80+ degree temperatures in October have me a bit sad, I’ll be honest. We decided to cheer ourselves up with some sunshine and splashing around at Longwood Gardens. The kids couldn’t have been happier-we arrived early in the morning to avoid the crowds (and get home in time for naps), and let them roam free. Mommy was giddy to have an excuse for a photo shoot with the linen white dress Marie hadn’t worn yet (yay)! Fashion rules don’t apply to children, haven’t you heard?! We made our way through the kid-friendly areas…secret gardens, fountains, pumpkin patches, ending with an extra special Thomas the Train sighting! We left wet + tired, but with smiles and a sense of accomplishment…a great way to spend a Sunday.

philly creatives – jahje ives

jahje-ives

As an artist, entrepreneur, and Philadelphia native, it’s only natural that I thought of  the talented Jahje Ives to inaugurate the Philly Creatives series. Her childhood was rooted in creativity, and she was destined to become a maker. While nesting with her first child, her business was born, and her artistry is evident in each of her handcrafted creations. Her innovative designs have helped to advance the industry of baby + kids design, which is something I am also personally passionate about. I’m lucky to call Jahje a friend, and she is just as lovely and gifted as she appears online. She is truly an artist in every respect, a successful business owner, and proud mother of two…I hope you enjoy learning more about her background, inspiration, and creative journey. A big thank you to Jahje for her enthusiastic participation!

 

explain your business and the idea behind it.

My company is Baby Jives Co which creates heirloom mobiles inspired by the magic and wonder of childhood.  My background is in painting and sculpture so I often think of the mobiles as props or sculptures. I tend to pay attention to the smallest detail and want to make works that can grow up with a child or simply exist in any home.

at what point did you decide to make your passion a business, and what inspired you? 

When I was pregnant with my first child I searched for a unique mobile that was not made of plastic or covered with cartoon animals. I didn’t find anything I liked so I decided to make one using fabric that I had been hoarding for years (I love fabric!). After it was done many of my friends who were having babies asked me to make them mobiles too. I thought, hmm this may be something so I registered my shop name with Etsy shortly before my son was born in January 2009 but it took me almost a year and a half to get things ready (and to get my son sleeping). I opened my shop in August 2010.

what is the story behind your business name?

Baby Jives was our nickname for the baby when I was pregnant. We didn’t know if we were having a boy or girl so we simply referred to the baby as “baby Jives” which is an abbreviation of our names – Joe and Jahje Ives. Then our son was born, got a real name and I kept the name Baby Jives for my business.

what brought you to philadelphia, and how does the city inform your work?

Birth brought me to Philadelphia. I was born outside the city in Doylestown and then shortly thereafter my parents moved to Narberth. I was raised there then decided to go to University of the Arts for my bachelors degree in Crafts. So I am a Philly girl, born and bred. That said, I’ve never really thought about how the city might inform my work. If anything, visiting places with my kids like Morris Arboretum and the Azalea Gardens by the PMA (two of our favorite spots) do inspire me when I head back to my studio.

how did you get into the business of making things?

I went to school at University of the Arts for Crafts and then Tyler School of Art for Painting so I’ve been studying to be maker for years but it wasn’t until I was laid off following the birth of my son that I decided I wanted to try being a maker full time. Before his arrival I had been an adjunct professor at Tyler, teaching video and drawing and a part time assistant at a construction company. I decided to make the leap into my forming my own company and have never regretted it.

what inspires you?

My children. I want to create things that make their eyes light up and that will last…to be handed down to their kids years from now.The things I cherish most are those that are imperfect and have a real sense of the person who made them.  I have always loved making things – it’s just part of who I am. When I bring my kids into my studio they always smile and reach for my mobiles. Knowing that my work elicits that kind of response is what keeps me going on those late nights when I am running on fumes.

how has social media helped to further your business?

I love social media…sometimes a bit too much as I have to purposely lose my phone to disconnect. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and I use them all in different ways. I use Twitter mainly as a platform to talk to other businesses owners and friends – it’s like a virtual water cooler for me. Facebook used to be my main way to connect with customers but as they have made it harder in the past year to reach your customers and now make you pay for your posts to reach a larger audience, I use that more to post articles about Baby Jives Co, show pictures from customers and share select images from Instagram. The newest for me is Instagram-I joined last fall and I have worked pretty aggressively to grow my presence there with amazing results. Right now I find that I get at least one sale a day from Instagram and this month was my busiest ever which I know was a result of it, since I was doing a giveaway each week with other brands I love to celebrate my 3rd year of business. I post a mix of business life with studio shots, behind the scenes, new release images and my personal life, focusing on more universal family moments and always keeping in mind to make it my best photos (not just every shot I take of my kids being cute).

when did you know you’d “made it” as a creative entrepreneur?

This past year I’ve had my mobiles featured TWICE in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine which was pretty thrilling. Even more so because they had simply found me, I hadn’t sent them a press kit or anything.

what advice would you give to someone considering a similar path?

I just celebrated by 3rd year of business last month and shared 3 things I think have contributed to my success, but I think the most important aspect of my success is being original. If you want to gain notice in this very big world filled with amazing people you need to have a clear vision of who you are and what you are not.

what is the most challenging aspect of running your own business?

When you are just starting out you have to work almost non-stop. Knowing where to draw the lines and when to stop working is hard for me, especially since I choose to work from home and to work in pockets of time around my kids and family. Sometimes I have to deal with some major guilt when I have to ignore everyone and ask to be left alone so I can work.  I started my business so I could have the freedom to be home and actively raise my children while pursuing a creative life but sometimes I feel like my business is the loud attention hog and my kids have to wait while I deal with it. As I grow part of my development involves figuring out what I can and need to delegate so I can reclaim so of the family time that I miss when I get totally consumed. But even with that I know that I wouldn’t trade this for anything right now.

 

please check out Jahje elsewhere… shop / blog / etsy / twitter / facebook / instagram / pinterest