Aimee Cox nails rustic décor. Literally. “I love the whole process, from digging through countless wood piles, picking each board for a piece, using all of my saws and finally packaging each one up to make its way to a new home. I truly love every step of the process.” The resultant designs would make even Joanna Gaines proud.

Cox launched Rustic Occasions in 2013, focusing on home décor handcrafted from layers of mixed reclaimed wood, moldings and trim. “My husband recently surprised me with a whole truck full of white chippy wood. It was better than jewelry,” she joked. Rustic Occasions is where rustic meets refined. “I have always spent my spare time making things as gifts or for our home. Six years ago, I decided to do a holiday craft show for fun,” she recalled. “I never would have guessed it would now be my full time job. I feel so lucky every day to have a job that makes me so happy.” The small shop name “Rustic Occasions” pays homage to Cox’s mother. “My mom had a business called ‘Any Occasion’ when I was growing up, selling things for the different holidays and I thought it would be sweet to alter her business name to fit what I do.”

Rustic Occasions offers small shoppers farmhouse chic wooden designs in the shape of hearts, stars, anchors, animals and others. Heavily inspired by the seasons, Cox also creates colorful holiday decorations, like wooden eggs and bunnies for Easter and fir trees and reindeer for Christmas. They range in size from two inches all the way up to sixteen inches and look great hung on a wall using the attached hanger or placed on a shelf, mantle or console table. I have a four-inch heart on the windowsill in my master bathroom and admire it often. “Hearts are my absolute favorite. I love making all white hearts but with different textures on each panel,” Cox shared. “I hope that the use of reclaimed wood helps us stand out. I enjoy turning something that was going to be thrown away into a pretty piece of home decor.” Cox is plenty familiar with farmhouse décor, having moved her own office into an actual backyard barn. “We run our business out of our two-story barn, with a wood shop on the bottom floor and shipping on the top floor. I love being able to walk just across the yard to go to work,” she said.

Cox is busy sawing away with an eye on her calendar. “As crazy as it sounds, I am already starting on pumpkins for the fall,” she laughed. Pick out something to decorate your own home on the Rustic Occasions Etsy shop and check out all the photos of past designs on the shop’s Instagram account here.

Scents can be transformative, just like a good snuggle. “Lavender is a sleepy time blend used for napping and a restful night,” explained Angie Nguyen of small shop Munkins Studio. “Peppermint and orange are an uplifting blend. These blends are best used in the morning and after a nap.” Nguyen has found a way to combine her plushie making skills and an interest in essential oils through Munkins Studio. “Most of our aromatherapy bears are made with a felt heart patch, star patch, or an optional felt bow. This allows for your favorite oils to be applied. My most used oils in our household are lavender, orange and peppermint,” she said. “Our focus at Munkins Studio is to bring a new style to the world of dolls and teddy bears that offers comfort to all age groups, from the baby all the way up to adults.”

There is something charming about the Munkins plushes, with their signature heart-shaped eyes and colorful face patches. “Munkins stands out with its unique detailed work because each design is made with a mix of styles ranging from grunge, hip and vintage to modern style with a splash of Kawaii cuteness,” Nguyen shared. “The Panda Bear has always been my favorite animal. If you look closely at the eyes of a baby panda bear, they have the black heart shape around their eyes. That is where my biggest design inspiration comes from.” The shop’s “Sprinkles Bear,” released last August, has been one of Nguyen’s most successful designs. She used lux rainbow fur, ice cream patch appliqués and a doTERRA essential oil blend to scent the bear like a creamsicle. Almost makes you want to nibble it while you cuddle! “It is hard to pick just one favorite item that I enjoy making the most, but at this very moment, I am going to have to say our newest styles Sweetheart and Starry Eyed boy minky dolls,” she professed. “They are a cross between a teddy bear and a doll, so children get the best of both worlds. They support cuddling for sleepy time and help promote role play during the day.”

Based in New Mexico, Nguyen started Munkins Studios a little over a year ago. “I have always loved making handmade toys for my little ones, from Waldorf dolls, plushies, handmade wooden toys, to children’s clay jewelry charms,” she recalled. “It has always been a passion of mine. I decided to share my creations with family and friends and it just took off from there.” The name “Munkins” is a sweet twist on a childhood nickname she gave her oldest daughter when she was a baby. “The name then carried on and stuck with all three of my kids, turning it into a rhyme, ‘Munkin pumpkins.’” Nguyen has spent the last year navigating the competitive small shop community (“I think every small shop goes through a run in of some kind with another maker at one point or another”) and has found that bringing her creations to life gives her deep satisfaction. “After hours of cutting, sewing and hand-stitching their cute faces, my favorite part is turning the plushie inside out and stuffing them. This is when all that hard work pays off and you watch them come to life. Not one being exactly identical. They each have their own unique character.”

Earlier this summer, Munkins Studio announced its new “Berry Berry Cute” Snail Mail surprise subscription bags. “Each bag comes with a Bear you will only be able to get in a subscription bag,” said Nguyen. “Each bear will come with a cute Snail Mail story time patch on the bum. You can grab one here.” The small shop also accepts custom orders. “If you are looking for a unique bear that is custom made just for you and would like to work closely with the designer, find more information here.”

Check out all the different styles on the Munkins Studio website and join Nguyen’s VIP Facebook group here for surprise drops and giveaways. 

Run About Clothing’s signature apparel designs are the “Hoodsies,” the popular hooded baby bodysuits with coordinating print leggings. “I recently added ears to the hood this past year and the level of cuteness is practically unbearable,” squealed shop owner Amanda Williams. “But, honestly I love variety more than anything and enjoy coming up with new adorable designs and sharing them with my customers.”

There is no shortage of adorable designs on the Run About Clothing website. I personally love the spring bunny dresses and “gnome sweet gnome” hooded tank. “I have always placed a great importance on creating and designing clothes that are meant to be played in. Clothes that will survive childhood adventures and be comfortable and fun at the same time,” said Williams. “I really do love the colors found in minimalist aesthetics and a lot of European designs as well.” You might never guess that the shop originated from William’s early attempts at handcrafting cloth diapers for her own littles. “Back in 2016, I started looking into cloth diapering in order to save money for our family. My husband knew that I had done a lot of sewing in the past and he encouraged me to look into making them,” Williams recalled. “Because I had never made diapers, I started with making some cloth wipes and sold those. I took that money and went to buy some fabric from our local thrift store. I continued to reinvest and buy more supplies with everything I made until I was running a full-fledged business. When I was talking with my husband about a name, we kept coming back to clothes that kids can ‘run about’ in and the name just stuck.”

Williams has spent the last year reinventing herself and the shop. “I was hospitalized last year after the birth of my youngest and the shop was put on hold for much of the year. This summer, we are revamping the entire business,” she shared. Two things that remain consistent, however, are Williams’ quality of workmanship and her commitment to supporting small businesses on every level at Run About Clothing. “For example, even the thread that I use on my machines is higher quality than the thread that is typically used. It is designed to stretch with the garment to help avoid popped seams,” she explained. “I source all my fabric from small businesses that print their designs to withstand multiple washings and adventures without fading. I topstitch my neckbands and many other seams so that even after washing, it will not have that ‘handmade wrinkled look’ that so many items get. I also only buy my fabric and patterns from other small businesses and I really enjoy getting to know these fellow business owners, knowing that I am not only supporting a small business, but ones that are run by good people.”

What other new things can small shoppers expect from Run About Clothing? “Keep an eye out for weekly releases of new, limited edition designs and more giveaways and collaborations,” Williams teased. “Plus, I am working on my YouTube Channel and offering sewing tutorials, sew-alongs and live chats for those that want to learn to sew themselves or even start their own business. I believe we only grow by sharing, so I love sharing what I have learned with others.” Join the shop’s VIP Facebook group for updates on all the new releases and check out the ready to ship section of the Run About Clothing website here.

Seed & Soil “sprouted” from a small antique shop where designer Whitney Pope was selling refinished furniture and vintage home goods. “I started under the name ‘The Vintage Nest’ and I began experimenting with making botanical jewelry,” she recalled. “It was well received, so much so that I stopped the furniture and home goods aspect and just focused on expanding my jewelry.” In January 2019, Pope rebranded under the name Seed & Soil. “After much thought, I decided on Seed & Soil because of the powerful metaphor of the seed and the potential that is possible with a single tiny seed and some soil! I want my business to be a force for good in the world, a little space where I can encourage others in their own potential.”

With some careful planning and nurturing, Seed & Soil is now blossoming. The small shop offers gold and silver plated necklaces, pendants, earrings and rings featuring pressed flowers and seeds. “I have always loved flowers. It is such a joy to work with beautiful bits and pieces of nature and preserve them in such a way that others can enjoy them and wear them,” Pope exclaimed. “I am having a lot of fun with some of our new earring styles, especially the sun shower hoops and the fern drops.” For brides, Seed & Soil produces beautiful bridesmaid gifts and custom bridal bouquet preservation, so you can wear a piece of your wedding day everyday. Pope named her mustard seed necklaces, however, as her top sellers. “I love the demi lune (half-moon) shape mustard seed necklace because it is classic but also a little modern.” The mustard seed, a symbol of faith and the power of small beginnings, provides her with encouragement as Pope continues to develop roots. “One thing that is really important to me is giving back to my community, so we donate a percentage of every sale to local non-profit Miriam’s House in the organization’s fight to end homelessness in our city.”

While nature noticeably influences the Seed & Soil jewelry designs, Pope also finds “fruitful” ideas simply by experimenting. “I enjoy playing around with colors, plants, and shapes to find designs that are be current and fashion forward but also last for years of wear,” she explained. “At first, I had a very simple line of necklaces. Now, I have everything from earrings to rings, fun shapes, and different colored backgrounds.”

This summer, Seed & Soil has been hitting the road (and hopefully seeing the green). “I will be traveling on a market tour – from coast to coast! I hope to introduce Seed & Soil to more people and meet a lot of new friends,” said Pope. “I don’t have a lot of new designs planned yet, but I am always playing and creating so maybe I will have some new products to share too.” In the meantime, check out the garden of different Seed & Soil jewelry designs on the small shop’s website and Facebook page here.

Katdi Totes, or KT Totes for short, has become known for its personalized handbags for littles with big “pursonalities.” Shop owner and head designer Alix McGuffin-Litel hand paints and fabricates each of the leather works of art. “Because the root of my shop is art and creativity, I try to bring a high level of personalization with every item,” explained McGuffin-Litel. “People come to me with ideas and dream purses and I love being able to bring the ideas and designs to life and create something so unique. The shop stands out in ways that I think inspire people and they help inspire me.”

It was her daughters that initially inspired McGuffin-Litel to open up shop in April 2018 and she selected the name Katdi Totes in their honor. “Katdi Totes (pronounced ‘cat-dee’) is a combination of my two girls’ names, Katalisa and Adileigh. It is very sentimental to me,” she said. “It was also important to be to not have the same name as another shop, so the more unique the better.” The small shop began as creative outlet for the talented artist. “Since childhood, I have used art to express what I see in my mind. I have painted ever since I can remember and the purses are just my newest canvas and most successful artwork that I am able to paint and create, fabricate and customize,” recalled McGuffin-Litel. “It started off as personalized little totes for my two daughters and grew with a lot of paint and even more love from the customers.”

Even as Katdi Totes expanded, McGuffin-Litel has not lost her love for the artistry. “When I first started, I would just paint and create and put the items in my shop. It was almost like a gallery for my work. Today, I try and create things for my customers that they want. This guides me with certain themes and holidays and gives me a base for my creation.” The most popular Katdi Totes accessory is the Brown with Cream Lacey Tote, a toddler-sized leather crossbody style with lace tassels. “The majority of my customers are from the south and they love their antique lace and brown leather,” McGuffin-Litel laughed. Her personal preference is the Noir with White Lacey Tote. “It is just so pretty! It is a beautiful statement piece and I love that classic black with the white lace, throw on a pearl strap. Just totally classic.” McGuffin-Litel still draws inspiration from her daughters, as well as feedback from small shoppers. “I used to come up with a design for the tote based on my daughters’ outfits and what I imagined to match them,” she shared. “Over time, I started creating more and exploring as an artist. Many of my customers come to me with a picture in their mind and we work together to make that vision come to life. It is really rewarding to see children playing and loving something that was made specially for them.”

Join the shop’s VIP Facebook group for sneak peaks and check out previous bags on the Katdi Totes website here.

“My goodies, my goodies, my goodies / Not my goodies!” – Goodies, Ciara

I found MommyGoodies while searching for small shop custom accessories to fill the boys’ Easter baskets this year and shop owner Ashlee Villanueva personalized a cuff for my oldest. “I do custom orders to fit almost any request. This could be custom snapback hats, bracelets, cuffs, visors, headbands, sunglasses and more,” said Villanueva. “Also, there are items in the shop that I hand paint, like dinosaur necklaces, jewelry boxes and treasure chests, cuffs and visors.”

Villanueva started MommyGoodies in 2016 and slowly found a niche in the small shop community. “I started my shop a few years ago because I am a stay at home mom and I’ve always loved fashion,” she recalled. “So I put two and two together – kids and fashion – and that became MommyGoodies.” Since opening, Villanueva has picked up plenty of “goodies” knowledge. “I wish I knew what I know now when I opened up my shop,” she laughed. “MommyGoodies has evolved in more ways than one. A few examples are the variety of listings offered, paying attention to what people are seeking, and the more personalization, the better! With that being said, MommyGoodies has more listings and personalizing options than ever.”

Listening to feedback from her customers has paid off and the shop now focuses on stylish mommy-made accessories for littles. “I feel kids have such big imaginations and love lots of color. And, sometimes kiddos like to wear all sorts of fun accessories that maybe an adult would not,” said Villanueva. “This makes designing for little ones never boring and always evolving.” She finds design inspiration everywhere. “I always have fun new creations on my radar. It could be from a movie, an outfit, a theme, color, holiday, something I would like for my child but can’t find in stores, etc.” I am a big fan of the checkered toddler sunglasses and colorful charm jewelry, but the shop’s top selling goodies are actually Villanueva’s pom socks. “These are knee high socks with handmade removable poms at the top. Since the poms are removable you can switch up the poms to match any outfit. These can be any color, theme, or combination of colors.” I bet you want the goodies / Bet you thought about it…

What goodies are coming next to MommyGoodies? “Who exactly knows? That’s what’s fun about doing this business,” Villanueva joked. “There is constantly new stuff being added and sometimes the surprise is the best part.” Check out all the fun accessories in the MommyGoodies Etsy shop and in the shop’s VIP Facebook group here. Plus, use code VIP15 to save on your next purchase. Thanks Ashlee!

Playing with dolls cultivates a child’s imagination and helps in the development of both a healthy self-image and a well-rounded sense of other cultures. But, while skin tones come in all different color shades, not every doll is designed the same way. “I am a part of a biracial family and it is important to me that my children see themselves represented in toys they play with,” explained Jennifer Relerford of Fox and Babe. “When I first looked for a handmade doll for my daughter, I had a hard time finding her coloring in our price range. This is when I knew I had to be the shop that represents and supports every race. I have six different skin tones to choose from and I am so proud that any child can have a quality handmade doll that looks just like them!”

Fox and Babe celebrates inclusion. The shop’s dolls range in race and ethnicity, sending a message to the recipient that there are children like you in the world and you matter. “I love being able to offer multiple skin tones,” said Relerford. “Supporting people of color is a huge priority for me and my shop.” Beyond the girl and boy dolls, the shop includes stuffed animal figurines, like the new llamas, lions, rabbits, and, of course, foxes. “I also love introducing new animals monthly to create a wide range of dolls to choose from.” Each Fox and Babe doll features Relerford’s signature long legs. “They look so cute dangling from a toddlers grasp. I try to keep my designs consistent to this look. When creating a new animal, I have to decide if it fits in well with the rest of my dolls.”

Relerford handcrafts all of her patterning. “It usually starts with a crazy late-night idea and then converts to many trial and error dolls,” she laughed. “When I finally lock down the perfect pattern on a new animal doll, it is the best feeling.” She grew up watching her mother sew and crochet. “I would go to craft fairs with her and see her have much success. I picked up sewing because of my daughter Aria. Girl things are just so much fun to make,” she exclaimed. “I made her a fox doll and seeing how happy it made her, I knew I had to make more.” The Fox and Babe shop name refers to the first doll she ever made for Aria. “That is why my logo is so special to me. It is an actual photo of the fox doll and Aria.”

Relerford is proud of the shop’s direction and her commitment to diversity. “It started out as a hobby, with one craft show a year, and turned into a full time online shop.” In fact, Relerford’s husband recently decided to stay at home with the kids so she could transition to Fox and Babe full-time. “I love seeing the dolls go to their new homes and the adventures they get to go on,” she shared. “They give confidence and hugs to littles. The smiles on their faces are what make it all truly worth it.”

Don’t miss the next Fox and Babe restock! Check out past designs on the shop’s website and Instagram account here or message Relerford to customize your own doll.

Kawaii, best translated as “lovable,” “cute,” or “adorable,” often refers to the Japanese culture of cuteness. Think Hello Kitty and friends or Pokémon’s Pikachu. “I find inspiration through my love for anything kawaii,” said Lailani San Pedro of Claytive Designs. “I always see the same style of jewelry in the high streets and sometimes it bores me. That is why I created something quirky and fun to wear.”

Based in London, Claytive Designs has capitalized on this Japanese trend. The small shop handcrafts jewelry and accessories from polymer clay and resin. “Claytive Designs aims to bring cuteness and fun with every piece of jewelry we make,” San Pedro shared. “It’s the ‘ahhhhh how cute’ comments I get from every customer. The feedback we receive every day on how much joy and how many smiles my creations bring them. I don’t just create beautiful pieces, but I create them with so much love and passion that customers can feel it when they receive each piece of jewelry and charm from me.”

San Pedro launched Claytive Designs four years ago. “I have loved making something out of nothing since I was a kid, finding non-useful things and making them into something useful and pretty. I have always dreamed about becoming an artist, but I ended up in nursing, which I guess is also an art. I got too preoccupied and focused on my nursing career and forgot about my first love, which is art,” she recalled. “One day, I looked back and realized I needed to go back to crafting again. That is when I discovered polymer clay.” While she faced initial setbacks working with polymer clay, San Pedro was determined to refine her skills. “I remember my first few pieces were nowhere near where I wanted them to be, but I did not give up because I knew being artistic was within me. Months and years passed researching, practicing and rolling clay in my hands over and over again until I got the shape I wanted. In 2015, I decided to take the big step and started a small Etsy shop with a few of my creations. At first, I did not expect anything or to even sell anything, but Claytive Designs grew every day and is still growing.” The shop name – a play on “clay” and “creative” – is derived from San Pedro’s preferred art medium. “Polymer clay is a very versatile medium. You can create almost anything from it, which is why I love working with it,” she explained. “When I start kneading and sculpting, I find myself in my own world and I don’t realize the time passing by. I think it also became my stress reliever.”

The Claytive Designs charms are very much in the style of kawaii, featuring cheery colors and sweet, smiling characters. “When I first started, most of my designs were very simple, like cupcake earrings or a donut necklace. As time went on, I started to add something kawaii and quirky, hence those cute little faces on my charms,” said San Pedro. “And when people went mad for unicorns, I started to add cute and unique unicorns designs, which are my favorite. Now, my jewelry has grown to more complex designs, such as flower applique, Chibi dolls, realistic miniatures and more.” San Pedro has also recently expanded her jewelry line. “Every day, I learn and discover new techniques. I discovered UV resin and started to mix clay and UV resin for some of my projects. Also, I started a new technique where I put prints like flowers, hearts and rainbows in my pieces.”

Check out all the clay cuteness in the Claytive Designs Etsy shop or on San Pedro’s Instagram account here.  

Slone Steidle has her hands full with tumblers. Her six year old daughter Luci is enrolled in tumbling classes after school and Steidle is a busy cheer coach. But, she also fills her days customizing drink tumblers, sippy cups, mugs and water bottles through her vinyl shop, Willow and Stone. “We are super busy! I am a soccer coach and I volunteer a lot at Luci’s school and on the PTA,” Steidle exclaimed. “Being involved in a lot of activities feeds into my creative flow. My customers definitely inspire me too. They ask if I can make a specific design and I blow up with thoughts and ideas. It’s never ending and I love it.”

Based in Ohio, Steidle launched Willow and Stone about a year ago. “I started out small crafting cups in December of 2016 and that slowly turned into Willow and Stone,” she recalled. “Crafting is my therapy. I have always been a crafty person. Whether it is with Willow and Stone items, clothing, home décor, all of it. I would like to think I have an eye for design.” When she focused her skills on the small shop’s customized drinkware, Steidle selected the name Willow and Stone, a combination of her children’s middle names. “The whole reason behind this business is my family. My children – Luci Willow and Brady Stone (fifteen months old) – are the most important people to me in the world. There is nothing else I would want my business to be named after other than my greatest blessings,” she shared. “Their names together gave me everything I wanted for a business name: delicate and strong, a powerful combination.”

Virtually every item Willow and Stone sells is custom-made. “I don’t have a set list of designs to pick from, but I have a wide variety of tumblers to chose from, all different styles,” said Steidle. “I do make a few designs to get some ideas flowing, but they can all be personalized for each customer.” Steidle also plays well with other small shops. “I collaborate with a lot with other businesses and make tumblers with their logos. It helps spread the love for all shops involved,” she explained. “Business logos are some of my favorite tumbler designs, making them bright and glittery and super fun. I have lots of different techniques that I use to get that sought-after look.” I asked Steidle to name some of the shop’s other popular designs and she pointed to her Disney-inspired tumblers. “I am a huge Disney fan! (Fun fact: my husband proposed to me in front of the castle).”

Other than crafting and coaching, Steidle can add juggling (everything) to her list of special skills. “I am always super proud of each piece I make. Sure, it can be challenging at times when I feel like I am in over my head and feel overwhelmed, but when it is all done and the customer loves it, I know it was worth it.”

Willow and Stone is currently working on a new line of accessories to be released shortly. “I am so excited for them! I am practicing on them very soon, but I don’t want to spill the beans yet.” Join the shop’s Facebook group here and browse through the albums of prior Willow and Stone custom designs to inspire your next purchase.

“There is nothing as powerful as a mother’s love, and nothing as healing as a child’s soul.” – Unknown

With four daughters, four sons, and a stepson, Katrina Harrison is not short on kiddos offering input. “My design inspiration comes from all over, but hearing my daughters’ opinions – and trust me, there are a lot of them between four daughters – helps too,” she joked.

Harrison recently launched Hooked on Lace Denim, a new small shop for distressed and tie-dyed denim. “Hooked on Lace Denim was started just a few months ago. I have been making denim for my daughters for a long time but never for sale. I had only sold bracelets in the past,” she explained. “I think I am most proud that I have finally found the courage to step out of my comfort zone and try to help support my family in a new way.” Harrison initially selected the name Ems Gems, a reference to both her family and her jewelry-making past, before landing on Hooked on Lace Denim. “The shop name Ems Gems comes from my youngest daughter’s name, Emery. My oldest daughter, age 11, actually came up with it and it stuck.”

Hooked on Lace Denim has already started releasing ready-to-ship jeans and denim shorts embellished with acid wash, lace, colorful fabric swatches and rhinestones in a variety of sizes for littles. “My favorite tie-dye design will always be the rainbow colors,” Harrison shared. “After that would probably be a combination of red, white and blue because, you know, America.” And, as a new shop, Harrison maintains a short turnaround time and competitive pricing for her custom creations. “I hope Hooked on Lace Denim will stand out as a shop that holds customer service as a top priority above all else,” she shared.

The shop also allows Harrison to collaborate creatively with her girls. “I love distressing denim and enjoy all the fun my daughters and I have sitting around the table laughing while I am working.” In fact, if Harrison was not designing, she would simply be doing her other very important job: “I would just be a mom, I guess. I have never thought of myself as anything other than mom.”

Support the new Hooked on Lace Denim and join the shop’s VIP Facebook group here, where Harrison has been actively posting photos of her decorated denim (plus, keep an eye out for the open brand rep search). Use the code EMERY10 to save 10% off your next purchase. Thanks Katrina!