Artisan Joy Wilmington, Delaware Edition

Artisan Joy ®

Cover photo credits from left to right: photo courtesy of Harper and Hare; photo by Dave Tabler, provided courtesy of Huxley & Hiro; provided courtesy of The Sold Firm Art Gallery (top); bottom photo provided courtesy of Finist and Owl (bottom); Moonloop Photography, provided courtesy of Town and Shore Handcrafted.

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Stephanie Afonso Blanchard

Wilmington, DE Edition of Artisan Joy is a special edition of Artisan Joy. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or its affiliated website may be used without written permission of the publisher.

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Editor's Letter

Iam thrilled to share a special issue of Artisan Joy.the Wilmington, I am thrilled to share a special issue of Artisan Joy—the Wilmington, Delaware edition. It features five local business owners.

Although each creative entrepreneur featured in this issue operates a different business, all five interviewees share common threads:

Passion for their work: Whether it was creating sophisticated picnics, designing leather goods, curating books or appreciating art, each founder started their business with a deep personal interest.

Community and local support: The founders spoke of Wilmington’s vibrant sense of community and the pride residents take in shopping locally, which not only makes running a small business easier but also fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation. Additionally, the interviewees mentioned how much they enjoy interacting with their customers, further strengthening this sense of community.

A fundamental belief in helping others: The business owners expressed a strong commitment to empowering others, particularly through charitable works or fostering opportunities for women, minorities and the local youth. This dedication to the betterment of the Wilmington community is sure to inspire hope and optimism in all of us.

Ann Lowe: American Couturier Exibit at the Winterthur Museum. Johnson Publishing Company Archive. Courtesy Ford Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Smithsonian Institution. Courtesy of the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A HAVEN FOR BOOK LOVERS

DISCOVER BELLEFONTE'S FINIST AND OWL

Finist and Owl is a little bookshop that flourishes just north of Wilmington, Del., in Bellefonte. This woman-owned business is a true gem, offering a curated selection of books for all ages in three languages. With a passion for nurturing critical thinking, founder Yulia Watters has crafted a warm and inviting space where the community can come together through the power of literature. We chatted with Yulia to learn more about her bookstore.

Tell us about your Finist and Owl. independent woman-owned family bookstore offers books for children and adults, new and pre-loved, in three languages—English, French and Russian.

When did you open?

We opened the physical bookstore in April 2023.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

I had only been in Delaware for three years when I started my business. I would have appreciated knowing a place or online resources to connect with other artists, authors and artisans in my area.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

There are a lot of business related questions that you still have to be involved with.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I lived in five different countries before I arrived in the U.S.

Where do you find inspiration?

In books and nature

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

Be in the moment and enjoy little wins. There are no failures only opportunities to learn to move forward

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

I am passionate about independent bookstores, as they represent freedom of speech and innovation and support the development of critical thinking. They also stand for diversity and inclusion, causes that a dear to my heart. I am a member of the American Bookseller Association (www.bookweb.

I am passionate about independent bookstores, as they represent freedom of speech and innovation and support the development of critical thinking.

org); PEN America (pen.org) that advocates against book bans, and libro.fm that provides an audio platform for independent booksellers.

What do you love about living and working in Wilmington?

There is a diverse community of artists, book writers and artisans that I am still discovering and enjoy being connected with.

What brings you joy?

Reading books, recommending books to my

customers and friends and seeing sparkles in their eyes, being in contact with nature, being around animals and be with my family and supporting them in their passions.

Thanks, Yulia! You can learn more at www.finistandtheowl.com. Finnist and Owl is located at 811 Brandywine Blvd, Wilmington.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photo credits: All photos in article were provided courtesy of Finist and Owl.

Explore Liv McClintock’s Vision of Leather and Legacy at Town

and Shore Handcrafted

Handbag designer and founder of Town and Shore Handcrafted, Liv McClintock, creates fine leather goods at her studio, which also houses her store, in Wilmington, Del. Once a network engineer, Liv’s entrepreneurial journey began serendipitously over a decade ago. We sat down with Liv live to hear more about the catalyst for her creative business, insights she’s gleaned from her entrepreneurial journey and her valuable advice for aspiring art and artisan business owners.

What was the catalyst for starting your business? I started creating leather goods about 10 years

ago, initially for myself, and then I started getting requests for them from friends and family. But I didn’t start a business right away. I was at a leather store one day wearing one of my bags and accidentally met a stylist from California. One of the first things he said was that it’s almost impossible to find anyone who works with leather.

When he started inquiring about my products, I came to realize there was a market there. I developed a relationship with him and put up a website so that he could log in, and we could kind of compare notes on the type of leathers and colors his clients were interested in. And so, it grew from there. I added another stylist and eventually decided that as much fun as it was working with stylists, I wanted to expand the business further and do direct-to-consumer because I could get feedback about my product directly from the people who were using them.

I started slowly marketing my collections by attending fine art fairs and building an email list. In 2019, I planned to attend more shows and travel, but the pandemic forced me to change plans. So, I moved into a larger studio space and opened a store where customers could see the products being made. I think it’s important for people to understand the creation process behind the items they consume. My store is arranged so that customers can see the studio through glass doors, witnessing the entire process from conception to finished product.

I also wanted the store to highlight leathercraft and sewing as art forms that are often overlooked in art communities.

How did you begin working with leather?

Sewing had always been a calming hobby that I learned from family. It became a necessity when my daughter was born. She was growing like a weed. To keep up, I started making onesies. I was still working

as a network engineer, and when I went back to work, I needed a bag that could hold my breast pump and look professional in client meetings. The soft fabric diaper bags were not suitable. I took up the challenge of making one myself.

I started with just a basic leather tote. I broke my sewing machine and burned out the motor, so I invested in another machine, which required teaching myself how to use it. I spent 10 years refining my skills in sewing leather. A lot of the knowledge that I had to get, I either had to teach myself and learn the hard way, or I had to chase someone down. Learning how to hand sew was never something I learned from my brother or my aunt or even my mother.

I actually had to find people. And so, going through leather stores, I actually met a gentleman out in Lancaster, Pa. who still made saddles and repaired them. I convinced him to teach me how to hand sew. And that got me on my way into working with much thicker leathers that you really couldn’t work on a machine. It taught me to appreciate the prep work that you had to do when sewing with leather. I wanted to make something that looked as good as a European product you might invest in.

What’s a piece of advice that you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

I wish they would’ve convinced me how hard it is to educate the customer. It takes significant effort. Consumers often have misconceptions about the production process, assuming high-quality products are effortlessly made.

Conveying the true time, effort

and costs involved in developing and pricing your handbags can be a challenging but essential task for success.

It’s one of the reasons I opened the store. When someone shops in person, they see some of the aspects of what goes into making a handbag. Being able to interact, whether that’s in a fine arts exhibit or fine craft fair, is so critical for artists because you can talk with potential customers and understand their needs and wants for a product.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start selling their art or artisan goods?

The first advice I would give is to start slow. Pay attention to your customer. Get as much interaction as you can. Small fine art fairs, preferably ones that are juried, where you’re in the company of other people whose focus is on making quality products. Don’t be afraid to talk to people even if they’re not buying from you. That’s not what’s important. What’s important is the feedback, and that will make

you not only a better maker but it’ll give you a little more insight into researching your target market. Start slow in pushing the business further, whether it’s having a really great website, whether it’s going to more events, all of that costs money. Don’t be surprised if you don’t make any sales at your first or your second or maybe even your third event.

For that reason, it’s important to start slow because I know of artists and great leather workers who just create phenomenal products who have told me, “I can’t do this anymore.” I need to go and get a full-time job. I got a family to feed. And I totally understand. And some of it came from them taking that leap of faith and saying, “I had great sales here. Now I want to push it further.” But not understanding the length of time it may take to find that customer base or how much you may have to invest before it’s enough to cover your expenses. I’d say start slow.

that are out there, but I look to fashion for color trends because my customers look for a handbag to go with their outfit or coat or shoes.

As a designer, you look at a bag or an object and you start picking it apart in your head on how it’s made or the shape, and it’s just too distracting. I never anticipated the amount of noise that can be out in the industry, in the fashion world, that would impact me as a maker and as an artist. Don’t look at the internet. My advice is to give yourself a month to just design, to do pattern

the mindset that you use to analyze building out networks is the same analytical mind that you use for designing a pattern and working through converting that twodimensional object to a three dimensional one.

Where do you find inspiration?

I draw inspiration from the energy of both nature and cities. I grew up on the eastern shore of Delaware and spent summers traveling to visit family in various cities. I observed the transition of energy as people moved between work in the city and relaxation at the shore. I grew up on a farm surrounded by nature, which shaped my preference for natural fibers. I find similarities between the busyness of nature and the excitement of exploring a new city and aim to capture these feelings in my designs.

making. And then, when you come up for air, maybe you can compare it to what’s out there.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

The most surprising thing for me was the noise. I didn’t realize how noisy it could be inside your head when you’re trying to create. We are just overwhelmed constantly by the site lines of product. As a bag designer, when I’m ready to design a collection, I literally shut down everything because the noise is too much. Part of my job as a business owner is to understand the trends

What’s something our readers would be surprised to learn about you?

This is not my first business. I actually was a network engineer for 23 years. I had a consulting company that did network engineering and application development software systems. A lot of people are surprised that I went from a technology career into a fashion one, and it’s actually not that big a leap because the math and

What advice would you give to someone about handling the highs and lows of running a business?

I would say for someone who is going to begin seriously selling their work, it is important to make sure that they have a good emotional support team, people who will encourage them. You’re certainly going to find plenty of people who think you’re crazy for trying to sell it.

Finding a group of people who will encourage you is very important because there are always going to be bad days. I think artists are already pretty good self-motivators,

I also wanted the store to highlight leathercraft and sewing as art forms that are often overlooked in art communities.

When someone shops in person, they see some of the aspects of what goes into making a handbag.

Being able to interact, whether that's in a fine arts exhibit or fine craft fair, is so critical for artists because you can talk with potential customers and understand their needs and wants for a product.

but I think it is important to have those people—creative and non-creative. For example, my husband, who isn’t in a creative field, has always been very encouraging of my career.

Tell us about a cause that you're passionate about. I’m very passionate about waterways and nature. A lot of people feel that that is counter because they feel that the use of leather is detrimental to waterways. And I would say that they’re right to some extent. I put my store and studio in a place that, during the 1800s, was one of the primary businesses in Wilmington, and it was leather. They were partially responsible for nearly destroying the ecosystem of the waterways—the Christina River. What we learned from that and Wilmington’s effort in restoring that waterway to what it is today is amazing.

from tanneries that not only respect the need for clean water but are very assertive about following the rules and regulations. I feel that it’s very

bad choices on how we allow industry to destroy those things. You can learn more at www. delawarenaturesociety.org.

important not only to have great waterways but to have regulations to protect them.

I came from a family of fishermen. I grew up near water. I don’t think I’ve ever been that far from water in my life. So, I’m very passionate about farming, clean water and a clean environment for my business.

I put a lot of effort in sourcing

The Delaware Nature Society is one of those organizations that I donate to and support because they have done such a phenomenal job in Wilmington, along with the state and the city, in cleaning up the waterways, making it a wonderful place to be and learning from our very

What do you love about working and living in Wilmington?

One of the things that I love about it is its proximity to so many different types of people and different types of cities—the Mid-Atlantic in general. But Delaware is, to me, kind of that soothing in-between space, between so much energy from Baltimore, DC, New York and Philadelphia. You come here, and you feel a soothing, slower energy but still has a focus on being part of that crowd.

I love that it doesn’t take me more than an hour and a half to get to a beach. It doesn’t take me more than two hours to get to the hills and mountain areas in Virginia. And so just the proximity, the flora, the variety of it that you can go to one end of the state in the county that’s predominantly farming and resort and the other end of the state is predominantly banking and legal, and they’re two hours away from each other. That’s pretty amazing.

What brings you joy?

Getting my hands into a new piece of leather. Really good linen. The smells of vegetables and leather. My daughter’s face. She lights up at a new store window display that we put in. She often helps me create windows, and I’m a firm believer in really elaborate displays of color. I love when kids see you make something and learn how it goes from a thing to income. It’s hard for kids to make that connection. That’s one of the things that brings me— she’s able to see that at my studio and store. Mom came up with this idea and sketched it, made it and sold it. I love that.

Thanks, Liv! You can learn more at www.townshorestudio.com. The studio and shop is located at 221 N Market St., Wilmington.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited and condensed.

Photo credits: The three photos in the right column of page 22 are by Moonloop Photography and were provided courtesy of Town and Shore Handcrafted. The remaining photos were provided courtesy of Town and Shore Handcrafted.

Bound to the Community

Huxley & Hiro's Blends Books, Crafts and Local Flair

After Wilmington, Delaware’s only downtown bookstore closed, Claire van den Broek sought to fill the void. She opened Huxley & Hiro, an indie bookstore that features the arts and crafts of many local and minority-owned indie businesses. We sat down with Claire to learn more about her cozy and quaint bookstore.

How did you get started?

As the renaissance of downtown Wilmington began to accelerate, we felt confident the area could support at least one bookstore. We purchased our building in 2019 after the closing of Wilmington’s only downtown bookstore, the Ninth Street bookstore. We recognized the need for a local place where people could discover new reads, meet authors, attend events, such as lectures and literary performances, and find gifts and merchandise that showcase Wilmington pride, so we decided to open a book and gift store.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

Connect with others in the industry; going to an annual conference for the professional organization in your field can be a great way to become better prepared and gain new ideas for how to make your business successful. They can also be a great place to connect with suppliers.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

We were pleasantly surprised by how willing the community was to come out and support us, promote us by word of

mouth and partner with us. The Wilmington community loves the arts and literature, and many locals are committed to supporting small businesses while rejecting corporate giants. Wilmington understands the value of unique, locally owned businesses.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

In my spare time (when I have any), I work as a linguist, mostly contract work for the Department of Defense and various universities. I’ve

published various literary translations as well, including “Science Fiktion” by the German author Franz Fuehmann. That translation is distributed by the University of Chicago and we carry it in our store.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration by looking towards other small businesses. Their social media promotions, for example, on Instagram, help us see new possibilities for events and promotions of our own. We frequently talk to our small business partners here in Wilmington as well, so we can figure out new ways to collaborate and support one another.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

Remember that you can’t always please everyone, and you need to make some time for yourself. However, if you can, make an effort to do that one little extra thing for a customer. They will remember, and they will support you again in the future. Show them that they are seen, heard, and remembered and that you enjoy meeting them; you probably already feel that way, but let them actually know that you appreciate them, and that their purchase makes a genuine difference to your small business.

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

We are passionate about providing opportunities to women and minority-owned businesses, and we are proud to partner with various non-profit organizations in our area. We especially love the Junior League of Wilmington, which empowers young women to become civic leaders. We recently hosted a fundraiser for them, and the Junior League provides us with free period products for women in our bathroom, because we share their belief that period products should be available freely and widely to women everywhere. You can learn more at www.jlwilmington.org.

What do you love about living and working in Wilmington?

Wilmington offers the resources of a large city, such as world-class eateries including La Fia, Farmer and the Cow, and Scout Cafe, theater and concert venues with musicals and opera, and a wealth of stellar museums and estates to visit. At the same time, Wilmington has that small-town community feel, where you chat with neighbors you recognize on Market Street, and small business owners regularly work together to host events. From the day we opened, we have felt so welcomed, and it was heartwarming to see how the community stepped up to help us when our construction was delayed and we needed places to stay.

What brings you joy?

I find joy in discovering a book that I realize is a perfect fit for one of our customers, even if it’s an advance copy that we give away for free without a profit. It makes me happy that people are willing to share their lives with us and give us an opportunity to understand them well enough to intuit what they might be looking for.

Thanks, Claire! You can learn more at www.huxleyandhiro.com. Huxley & Hiro is located at 419 N. Market St., Wilmington.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Left photo credit: Dave Tabler. Provided courtesy of Huxley & Hiro. Right photo credit: Provided courtesy of Huxley & Hiro.

BRIDGING GAPS IN ART: HOW THE SOLD FIRM GALLERY AMPLIFIES UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES

Nestled in an intimate space at 800 N Tatnall St., Wilmington, Del, The Sold Firm Art Gallery is a contemporary art haven that showcases living artists and those who have made their work in recent decades. This gallery offers visitors a captivating journey through various forms of expression and artistic mediums. To delve deeper into the heart of The Sold Firm Art Gallery, we spoke with Nataki Oliver, the founder and CEO behind the venue.

Tell us about the gallery

The Sold Firm Art Gallery showcases a diverse selection of paintings, photography and sculpture and seeks to create lineage between emerging and established artists. It was founded to be inclusive and amplify works by contemporary artists unable

to exhibit in larger institutions. The gallery is committed to displaying works from innovators with clear visions.

Visitors to the gallery can expect to encounter thought-provoking and sometimes challenging artwork that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of contemporary society.

Why did you begin the gallery?

There was resistance in larger local institutions to exhibit some of the best artists in our state. After listening to several frustrated artists, it was clear a void needed to be filled by opening a more inclusive gallery space.

Tell us about your community partnerships

We partner for special community projects such as the Art Space Teen Program and SOCO Art Night Markets, as well as curatorial projects for DSU, Longwood Gardens, Wilmington Alliance, Bank of America, The Delaware Contemporary and the NBA.

At what point did you realize that it could be a full-fledged business?

The moment I curated my first art exhibit, in a space in the LOMA section of Downtown Wilmington. I didn’t have The Sold Firm at the time, but the artist 7God saw what I had accomplished and hired me to curate his breakout exhibit at Peace Academy. That night, his artwork sold out…there was even a bidding war. I knew it was time to start working on my online art dealer business.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

Get an assistant now!

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

The amount of people who have never stepped foot in an art gallery until walking in The Sold Firm.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

Despite how engaging I am, naturally, I’m an introvert.

Where do you find inspiration?

Voids or “glitches” in the art world inspire me to create change or provoke an idea for my next project.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

Give yourself grace when the lows happen because they will, but get up and praise yourself. In the highs, also praise yourself for every step it took to get to that high moment.

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

Art Space Teen program with New Castle County. This is our third year partnering with them at Route 9 Library. Teens 13-18 apply to be accepted into a 12-week art program

focused on developing better skills in drawing, painting and digital art while getting paid. I developed the program because I didn’t have this opportunity as a teenager in Wilmington. Find more about it at www. newcastlede.gov/2414/The-ArtSpace

What do you love about living and working in Wilmington? It’s all about convenience in the city and how close we are to surrounding areas.

What brings you joy?

My son.

Thanks, Nataki! You can learn more at www.thesoldfirm.com

The Sold Firm is located at 800 N Tatnall St, Wilmington.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Photo credits: All photos in this article were provided coutesy of The Sold Firm.

Harp and Hare Helps People Picnic in Style

Harp and Hare in Wilmington, Del. transforms the traditional picnic into a sophisticated outdoor dining experience—perfect for special occasions. It was founded by four women, and we sat down with marketing director Courtney Thornton to learn more about Harp and Hare.

Tell us about Harp and Hare. Harp and Hare’s luxury picnics are a curated and elevated outdoor dining experience designed for those seeking a blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It goes beyond the traditional picnic, offering meticulously styled settings with pillows, fine China, lush blankets and elegant decor. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, artisanal treats and fine beverages served in

exquisite settings, whether it’s a picturesque park, beachfront, or private garden. Perfect for special occasions or intimate gatherings, a luxury picnic transforms an ordinary outdoor meal into a lavish, sensory-rich affair creating unforgettable moments in a relaxed and opulent atmosphere.

How did you get started?

Harp and Hare is owned by four women: Brittanie Blackwell, Lindsey Thompson, Crystin Liboma and Courtney Thornton, who have curated events in the past for family and friends, including a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” themed bridal shower and a “Roaring 20s” themed party. We realized that everyone deserves luxurious experiences—whether a man looking to propose to his girlfriend, a new mother looking

to reveal the gender of her rainbow baby, children with lifealtering disabilities or girls in Zambia. Since launching Harp and Hare in April 2021, we’ve partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hotel DuPont, Penns Woods Winery and more.

At what point did you realize that you could create a fullfledged business?

Uniting in our shared vision for curating luxurious events for all, each owner leverages their realworld strengths and expertise to bring the vision of Harp and Hare to life. Lindsey, renowned for her creativity and artistic flair, was the natural choice for our creative director, leading the design of our picturesque picnics. Courtney, a seasoned marketing manager in the arts industry, seamlessly transition

We are passionate about empowering other women and collaborating, not competing.

to the role of Harp and Hare’s marketing director, overseeing our website and social media presence. Drawing on her experience as a partnerships manager for the state of Delaware, Brittanie now guides Harp and Hare’s partnerships. As a project manager in healthcare, adept at financial intricacies, Crystin has assumed the role of our finance director. Together, we harmonize our strengths, propelling Harp and Hare towards continued success.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you started Harp and Hare?

A valuable piece of advice we wish we had received at the outset of our business journey is the importance of strategic budget allocation during the initial year of operation.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

That it’s important to be able to think on your feet.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about Harp and Hare?

We are a family-owned business! Crystin and Courtney are sisters, and our two cousins are Brittanie and Lindsey.

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature gives us inspiration for our picnics. Whether it’s Positano on the Amalfi Coast, which inspired our RoyalTea theme or the hues of autumn

which inspired our boho theme, we look to our natural backdrop for inspiration. What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business? The lows don’t last forever. Ride the waves—you’re closer to the shore than you think!

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

We are passionate about empowering other women and collaborating, not competing. We recently launched the Cycle of Change

where we solicit donations of period products from the community and send them to girls in Zambia. After a trip to Zambia, we learned that some girls have to drop out of school and stay home due to lack of access to period products. Since life is no picnic for these young girls, we made it our mission to help them. Additionally, we hosted “Ladies Who Launch: A Bridgerton Business Bazaar” in November 2023. This luncheon was equipped with networking activities and a keynote speaker with the purpose of uplifting and uniting female entrepreneurs in Delaware. We plan to host at least one Ladies Who Launch event a year with different themes.

What do you love about living and working in Wilmington?

Wilmington has an intimate community, and many Wilmingtonians enjoy supporting local businesses.

What brings you joy?

Uplifting others and creating unforgettable memories

Thanks, Courtney! You can learn more at www.harpandhare.com

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. All photos in this article were provided courtesy of Harp and Hare.

IT’S ALL GREEK AT THIS CUSTOM APPAREL BUSINESS

Graphic designer Janelle Bowman was working as a marketing manager when she launched a side hustle that would become her business. Today Janelle runs Couture Greek, which creates high-quality lifestyle apparel and promotional products for fraternities, sororities, small businesses and corporations. Keep reading to learn more about the creative entrepreneur and her endeavor.

Tell us about your business.

Couture Greek was launched in 2019 as a family business. We set out to fill the need for fashionable custom apparel vendors in the Delaware tri-state area. Most of our designs are custom-created, in-house and limited stock with the intent of maintaining the element of couture and made-to-

order. We are authorized licensed vendors for members of the Greek-letter organizations within the National Pan-Hellenic Council. We provide custom design services, embroidery, silk screen printing, heat press graphic services and consultation for unique apparel customers cannot typically find in the retail market.

What prompted your decision to start a business?

I am a 20-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and members of my chapter would ask me to create shirt designs and custom creations for various events. I was tasked with creating a shirt for an annual event, shirts for our youth programs and chapter shirts for when we attend conventions and conferences. I've always aspired to be an entrepreneur, so I started the

business in late 2018 as a parttime side hustle, and over time the demand grew more and more.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

It’s essential to reflect on your journey and learn from your experiences to make informed decisions for the future. Too often, we move on to the next thing right away without taking time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

I work a lot of long hours and weekends, but I don’t mind it like I thought I would.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I was a long-time substitute high school math teacher in Chester, Pennsylvania for two years right after college.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from like-

minded individuals, my sister circle and other thriving businesses.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

There's always going to be ebbs and flows; the key is how you manage it. Owning and operating a business is not for the faint of heart. But anything that's worth having is worth fighting for. It always seems impossible until it’s done.

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about mentoring our youth. As a member of the Wilmington, Delaware Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I’ve been a co-chair for our Delta GEMS program and Jabberwock scholarship program for teen girls between the ages of 14 and 18. The Delta GEMS framework is designed to provide specific skills that develop a cando attitude through interactive lessons and activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and growth. The Jabberwock Scholarship Program offers young ladies an opportunity to receive

personal development support and mentoring to earn valuable scholarship funds for postsecondary education.

What do you love about living and working in Wilmington?

Wilmington is a blooming metropolitan area with a community of thriving businesses, big and small. New restaurants and nightlife are drawing more people to the city.

What brings you joy?

Spending time with my family and circle of friends always brings me joy. I’m a wife to an amazing husband who’s encouraged and supported me while I’ve been building my business. I’m a football mom to two active boys, ages 12 and 14. I love winding down at home and watching movies with them or hanging out with them at the mall or Target.

Thanks, Janelle! You can learn more about her business at https://couturegreek.com/.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photos provided courtesy of the interviewee.

The Art of Charcuterie

Meet Anita Crocker

Anita Crocker, founder of Posh Boards by Anita, discovered her knack for creating artful charcuterie boards several years ago. In her interview with Artisan Joy, she shares more about turning her talent into a business.

How did you begin building charcuterie plates?

I started Posh Boards by Anita in 2019, marking a significant shift in my life. I have always enjoyed every aspect of entertaining. We all love to entertain; however, we don’t know where to start. I would see pictures of charcuterie boards and say to myself I’m going to make one. When I created my first board, I surprised myself. It became my go-to for gatherings with my family and friends.

At what point did you realize that you could start a business?

Designing charcuterie boards was a hobby that turned into my small business. When others recognized my talent and the convenience, it became a business. I have always been creative and artsy I never thought there was a niche for charcuterie entertaining. I started sharing pictures of my boards and boxes on social media, and the feedback was unbelievable.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

It's okay to adjust your pricing for goods and services to be aligned with today's market value.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

With each grazing board or table, they are all so unique—the art of creativity.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

Designing charcuterie boards is like therapy where I can express myself freely.

Where do you find inspiration?

I draw inspiration from the fruits and vegetables that are in season.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

Accept the compliments and welcome feedback.

What do you love about living and working in Wilmington?

Wilmington is a small community. If you have a successful business, word of mouth travels fast.

What brings you joy?

Seeing the reaction from clients at first glance of their Posh Board by Anita.

Thanks, Anita! You can see more of her work at www.instagram.com/poshboardsbyanita or get more information by emailing PoshBoardsbyAnita@yahoo.com.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photos provided courtesy of the interviewee.

DISCOVER DELAWARE’S ONLY CRAFT CAFÉ

During the pandemic when social distancing and small gatherings were necessary, Diante Simmons reimagined celebratory events.

“We launched Cabernet Candles in September 2020 as an alternative to provide new and soon-to-be brides with the opportunity to celebrate with intimate gatherings for their bridal parties,” Diante said. “Hosting in-home candle-making bridal showers and birthday events afforded the opportunity for a worryfree and safe affair.”

When the world returned to its new normal and COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Simmons opened a storefront in New Castle, Delaware. Currently, Cabernet Candles is the state’s only craft café, offering candle-making, perfume curation, succulent planting, poetry and other art-centered events.

Learn more about the small business in Artisan Joy’s interview with Diante.

At what point did you realize that you could create a fullfledged business for Cabernet Candles?

After hosting my first in-home bridal party, I knew I created something special. The smiles and happiness festered a type of feeling I’d never experienced before.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

I wish someone would have told me being afraid is ok. It’s a part of the growth process.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business? It never ceases to amaze me how appreciative others are of small gestures. Sometimes I give out flowers

After hosting my first in-home bridal party, I knew I created something special. The smiles and happiness festered a type of feeling I’d never experienced before.

or small trinkets, and it makes them light up!

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

My primary career is in law enforcement, a field completely opposite of my business.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in my community. I always listen to my guests and pay attention to those around. Then I ask myself what else I can bring to make others want more.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

You must take the goods day with the bad and appreciate them equally. It is the bad days that make you strong and humble enough to respect and appreciate the good days.

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

Mental health is something that is very important to me and something I advocate for. It’s part of why I started Cabernet Candles. I wanted to provide a safe space to be vulnerable and creative for those who feel like they don’t have one.

What do you love about living and working in Greater Wilmington?

I love the beauty it possesses. There is so much rich history and culture in the area. I love watching it grow.

What brings you joy?

Watching my guests create something uniquely special and beautiful.

Thanks, Diante! You can learn more about Cabernet

Candles at https://www.cabernetcandles.com

Cabernet Candles is located at 410 Delaware St., New Castle.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photos provided courtesy of the interviewee.

Meet Podcaster Lorraine Williams

Lorraine Williams is the founder of the podcast ‘Conversations with Bald Girl,’ where she delves into topics that inspire her and share things she’s passionate about. It’s all about sharing thoughts, passions and good vibes. Learn

more about Lorraine in her interview with Artisan Joy.

How did you become a podcaster?

‘Conversations with Bald Girl’ was born from my desire to open up and express my feelings in a meaningful way. It’s a journey of self-discovery and connection, where I share my thoughts, experiences and emotions with honesty and authenticity.

At what point did you realize that you could create a full-fledged business with your podcast?

My journey with my ‘Conversations with Bald Girl’ podcast has been an evolving one. Initially, it started as a personal outlet where I could share my thoughts and feelings. As the podcast gained traction and resonated with listeners, I began to see the potential for it to become something more. Each step along the way has contributed to the organic growth of what is now shaping up to be a full-fledged business. It’s a journey of continuous discovery and adaptation, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first?

Embrace small beginnings and cherish every step of your journey, no matter how modest. Progress is progress, and with dedication, even small beginnings can lead to incredible success.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

Starting the podcast revealed a surprising source of support—strangers. It’s amazing how individuals from diverse backgrounds, initially unknown to me, became some of my strongest supporters along this creative journey.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an introvert who thrives on alone time. It’s not just a preference; It fuels my creativity and energizes me. Contrary to the usual assumptions about introverts being shy or reserved, I’ve found that my alone time is where I truly thrive, finding both inspiration and inner strength.

Where do you find inspiration?

I get inspired by little things all around me—finding creativity in everyday moments.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

It’s important to take everything in stride and not take things personally. Embracing challenges with a resilient mindset can lead to valuable learning experiences and growth.

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about the education of young Black men and women, and the vital role Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play cannot be overstated. Personally, Cheyney University, the first HBCU, gave me a chance when I didn’t have one, and I will forever be grateful. These institutions are not just schools; they are beacons of hope and opportunity for many young individuals. For some, HBCUs represent their only shot at a college education, and they serve as the launching pad for life-changing experiences and future successes. You can learn more about Cheyney University at https:// cheyney.edu/.

What do you love about living and working in greater Wilmington?

Living outside the city doesn’t diminish my love for its energy and excitement. The hustle, diversity and constant flow of ideas are magnetic. My podcast may transcend locations, but I’m fueled by the vibrant spirit of the city and its boundless inspiration.

What brings you joy?

Joy for me stems from the blessings of life—laughter with family, adventures with friends, and the deep sense of purpose and faith that comes from my relationship with God. It’s about cherishing moments, making memories, and living each day with gratitude and enthusiasm.

Thanks, Lorraine! You can learn more about her work at https://anchor.fm/conversationswithbaldgirl and http://www.lorrainemwilliams.com/.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photos provided courtesy of the interviewee.

Tamara Earl is the chef behind Delectablez, where she crafts vegan eats.

When asked what inspired her to open her eatery, she said, “I noticed in 2019 that there were no vegan restaurants near me.

I also noticed the demand for more plant-based food options.”

Learn more about Tamara in her interview.

How did you get started in the culinary arts?

I started when I was 12; I’d watch the Food Network all day!

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you

Vegan Vibes

A SIT-DOWN WITH DELECTABLEZ’S TAMARA EARL

when you first started your business?

If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Also, you get what you work for.

What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business? All the paperwork and people managing that you have to do.

What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you? I’m very good at impersonating people. I can also talk like the character Stitch from “Lilo & Stitch.”

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature. I take walks and go to orchards. I also look at old cookbooks.

What’s your advice for handling the highs and lows of running a business?

You’re never going to be still. For every low you take, you get higher! Every loss is a lesson - in turn, making you better.

What’s a cause you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about introducing vegan food options in schools. There’s no reason why we are not offering options for different diets. There’s no option for plant-based milks— it’s mind blowing. You can learn about a petition I started at bit.ly/4adqAgc

What do you love about living and working in Wilmngton?

I love how you see the same people every day. It’s a family vibe for sure. Because Delaware is small, you can get in touch with people a lot quicker.

What brings you joy?

My son, my fiancé, rules changing for the better, plants, vintage architecture, and cars.

Thanks, Tamara! You can learn more about her restaurant at www.delectablez.net. Delectablez is located at 111 W. 10th St., Wilmington.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photos provided courtesy of the interviewee.

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Top photo credit: Provided courtesy of The Sold Firm Art Gallery. Bottom photo credit: Provided courtesy of Huxley & Hiro.