TAGazine | VOL. 10 (Golden Globes)

GBK’s Celebrity Gift Lounge Honoring the Golden Globes

Vol. 10 | January 2017

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Inside this issue...

Why Handmade?

There is no better way to show family and friends how much you care than with an individually handcrafted gift.

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TV Show Giftings Our member’s products have been prominently featured on many top TV shows over the past few years.

Can you spot your favorites?

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Charity Giftings The Artisan Group is as known for our charitable giftings as we are for gifting celebrities. Take a peek at some of the great causes we support.

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Featured Artis ts Dieshawn L. Holmes

Angelic Soaps and Gifts Bath & Body Products

7

Wendy Sanchez Nepantla Shop Jewelry

8

Holly Rota

Primadonna Pieces Paper Goods

9

Amy Schofield Mixify Polish Cosmetics

10

Leslie D. Tucker

Surprise Designer Crocheted Goods

11

Blair Nadeau

Blair Nadeau Millinery Bridal Accessories

14

Julie Klaus

Joyful Moose Personalized Gifts for the Home

17

Erin Zisser

Diamonds and Coal Jewelry

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Why

Handmade?

There is no better way to show family and friends how much you care than with an individually handcrafted item that says, “You are important to me.” Our philosophy is simple. Buy handcrafted because you CARE… about beauty, about quality, about community and small business, about entrepreneurialism, about sustainability, and simply because there’s no greater expression of soul.

It’s been said that...

“Knowing someone has left their handprint on the product you’re using connects you to them— and that connection makes us more human.”

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We couldn’t agree more.

Members of The Artisan Group® come from the United States, Canada and around the world, representing a varied group of individuals whose mission is to spread the word about handcrafted by gifting celebrities, VIPs and members of the press at elite Hollywood award show gift lounges and through specially prepared collaborative gift bags. Above all though, it is a community of creatives supporting one another through the sharing of its collective knowledge and experiences.

Members of The Artisan Group are not only passionate about, but very good at what they do, which means you will be the beneficiary of the life, passion and years of experience that have gone into creating the products you purchase.

That’s a gift that’s hard to put a value on. When buying handcrafted, you’ll find you touch many hearts, and make a real difference in the lives of our members.

Whether you’re looking for trendy jewelry, bath and spa products, nail polishes & cosmetics, designer stationery, crocheted accessories, children’s apparel, purses & clutches, hand-poured candles, hand-bound journals, paintings, fine art photography, hair accessories, or pet products, you’re certain to find the perfect handmade gift created by The Artisan Group’s members.

“So, visit our member’s shops and purchase directly from them. You’ll love how you feel and the difference you’re making.” theartisangroup

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Our Sponsors...

Celebrity love for The Artisan Group... Feel free to tweet or Instagram a word of thanks to the TAG Team, too!

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Dieshawn L. Holmes Angelic Soaps and Gifts Bath & Body Products

Angelic Soaps and Gifts offers nourishing gifts for the bath, body and soul. We offer our customers a unique shopping experience provided from our uniquely designed mobile gift shop. We go to our customers private locations and offer girls night out parties and private shopping parties from our mobile gift truck.

“I am able to create gifts for my customers that will delight their hearts and inspire them to be Angelic: heavenly, lovely, good, beautiful and radiant.”

How did you approach building your brand?

Always keeping my customers in mind. I branded Angelic Soaps and Gifts with a purpose to make my customers happy and offer them gifts that would delight their hearts.

From the colors that we selected, purple which is calming/ relaxing along with our mobile gift truck to offer a unique shopping experience and to the relaxing scents mixed into our bath gifts.

How do you keep up with demand?

We recently purchased commercial-size soap making molds and a filling machine to keep up with product demand. And I am blessed with an awesome husband and three beautiful daughters along with amazing friends who step in to help me when needed.

Are there any moments that stand out for you over the years?

I’m most proud that I am able to continue the legacy of my late grandmother Ms. Nellie Webb who has always been my cheerleader and role model. Instilling in me to work hard and have faith. I will be launching a product line in 2017 in honor of my grandmother.

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Wendy Sanchez Nepantla Shop Jewelry

I am a big music lover and enjoy supporting the live music scene. After talking to many of my musician friends, I learned that the strings they use for their instruments usually get thrown away. This gave me the idea of using their strings to give my jewelry a unique twist. To tie together my love of music, creating, and giving, I donate a portion of profits annually to my favorite organization which provides music education/instruments for youth in underserved areas of Los Angeles.

“Since I was a kid I have always ‘made stuff.’ I used to give away my creations as gifts. I finally decided to turn my creativity into a business after being told ‘you should sell your jewelry’ so many times.”

What’s the hardest part about running your own business?

Time management. Since I am doing everything on my own, I often feel like there is not enough time in my day.

How did you approach building your brand?

My brand is basically a representation of me and the things I enjoy (especially music), with a southwestern and bohemian flair. If I cannot see myself wearing it, I do not make it or sell it. This also allows me to stand behind my products, 100%.

How has your process and relationship to your work evolved?

Everything I do is self taught. I started with teaching myself a few basic techniques and have evolved into teaching myself metal stamping and silversmithing techniques. This allows me to take a different approach by combining various mediums and methods in my work. I am constantly learning and every time I learn something new, I feel empowered.

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Holly Rota Primadonna Pieces Paper Goods

I launched Primadonna Pieces in 2007 as an accessory boutique specifically geared toward girls with over-the-top accessories to go with their outfits. My goal was to provide high quality products at fair prices that customers would love and appreciate.

Fast forward to 2016, Primadonna Pieces still provides accessories, but our focus now is on paper goods and printable art. Like DIY items for the everyday mom, aunt, dad, uncle, whomever -- something easy for them to take part in making it their own.

“I take pride in crafting my products, so that my customers are happy they chose to shop with me. I want my customers to keep coming back for more. I want repeat customers!”

What is your favorite part in the process of designing products?

My favorite part is using the creative side of my brain.

I love putting pieces together that are different or unique and that stand out from the rest. I always try to bring something different to the table, outside of the box. I love seeing my pieces being used. I love hearing customers say to me, “Oh I love it, it’s perfect.”

What is the biggest challenge you face during your daily schedule?

My biggest challenge is being in work full-time from 8-6. My creativity is limited to only a few hours each day, so I have to work extra hard to make a difference and make my items stand out from the rest.

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

The best advice I could give, is NEVER give up. No matter how many people wish bad on you, tell you negative things, NEVER give up on your dreams. Anything is possible in this day in age. Strive for the best and be the best artist you can be.

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Amy Schofield Mixify Polish Cosmetics

Mixify Polish began as a fun alternative to a traditional bachelorette party.

It developed into a quest to integrate the lost art of craft into modern lifestyle.

Far beyond a standard manicure, Mixify Polish’s create-your-own nail polish kits offer an experience to design your signature artisan nail colors with your friends and family. Each kit comes with 8 colors to create any color imaginable!

“I love playing with color and want to share my passion. I love being able to create the EXACT color I want for that special occasion. More than that, I love creating with others.”

What is your favorite part in the process of designing products?

Getting messy!! My favorite part in designing is not what I design, it’s what I see you design. I love seeing the colors people create, seriously, there have been no bad colors! Even more than this, I love seeing the look of sheer joy and amazement on people’s faces, men (yes men!) and women alike, when they see what they’ve created and that it looks great!

What is the biggest challenge you face during your daily schedule?

Finding that balance between home and business – the struggle is real! Laundry vs. creating… I know what wins every time! I’ve spent many a late night creating, but it’s worth it. It’s in creating that I better understand the product and can build a better experience for our customers.

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

Be distinctive, be authentic, be creative! In an industry where there are a lot of options, it is the differences that help you stand out.

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Leslie D. Tucker Surprise Designer Crocheted Goods

In 2002, I started crocheting accessories for my children. My daughter was in preschool at the time and many of the children’s parents started asking me to make accessories for their families. I was a stay-at-home mom with five children at home. I didn’t have a lot of time to run a business so I decided to treat this new venture as a hobby. In 2008 I applied for my tax ID number and business license and Surprise Designer was born!

“I am a fiber artist. I design beautiful crochet designs that are affordable, comfortable, colorful, warm and appealing to anyone who can appreciate handmade.”

Tell us about your professional background.

I am a professional baker. I have been baking for over twenty years. Prior to moving to Delaware in 2012 I baked for local restaurants and cafes in Philadelphia. I also ran a successful dessert business for several years, specializing in vegan and gluten-free desserts.

What’s the hardest part about running your own business?

The hardest part about running my business is balancing family, work and business.

What is your favorite part in the process of designing products?

My favorite part in the process of designing comes from a place of amazement. I have been crocheting for over thirty years but am always amazed that I can take string or yarn and create a wearable work of art.

What’s been your most popular item or line to date?

The most popular item in my shop to date has been the fingerless gloves.

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T.V. Gifting Ever noticed the beautiful jewelry and accessories on your favorite television characters?

The Artisan Group works directly with many TV costume designers to provide handcrafted products created by our team for use on such hit shows as “The Vampire Diaries,” “Jane The Virgin,” “Scandal,” and “Law & Order: SVU,” just to name a few.

Our stylists often say TAG’s collections of handcrafted products are “just like Christmas morning!” To date, The Artisan Group has successfully placed over 600 of our member’s products on over 40 hit television shows.

TV Shows We’ve Worked With...

The Vampire Diaries

Modern Family

How To Get Away With Murder

Jane The Virgin

Quantico

The Fosters

Pretty Little Liars

Teen Wolf

Days of Our Lives

Scandal

The Voice

The Young & The Restless

Law & Order: SVU

The Originals

The Bold & The Beautiful

Bones

Baby Daddy

Rizzoli & Isles

Empire

Chicago P.D.

Chicago Med

Blair Nadeau Blair Nadeau Millinery Bridal Accessories

Blair Nadeau Millinery handcrafts heirloom quality yesteryear inspired bridal millinery and adornments. Each of our pieces are hand made using the finest materials sourced from around the world.

Our unique designs are created in a beautiful blush and gold Atelier in Toronto Ontario Canada and have been the final touches for thousands of brides wedding looks across the world.

“My designs have evolved over the years to include hats, headpieces, shoulder necklaces and launching this season chokers, cuffs and back necklaces. Although I’ve evolved the collection, it still maintains the signature Blair Nadeau style.”

What are your favorite design/product trends?

Any favorite trending colors or color schemes?

Right now I’m seeing brides really gravitate to Gold and Rose Gold. Back about four seasons ago, gold began emerging on the market in fashion, so I decided to introduce it into my bridal lines. It took about two years for it to take off. I saw the same thing happening with rose gold and now it is one of my biggest sellers.

How did you approach building your brand?

As I have a background in marketing, branding has always been important to me and is ever evolving. I wanted to maintain a sophisticated and elegant, yet approachable and soft branding. Every successful brand needs to know their customer, and yes, I design for brides, but I always have a specific bride in mind. She is modern, yet a bit romantic for yesteryear. In maintaining my branding, I keep my photography consistent amongst collections, andI work with the same team on each shoot and make sure that all of my marketing, packaging and media channels maintain the same aesthetic.

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Our Sponsors...

Trendy invitations, announcements, and paper goods

BeezKneez Designs.com

Celebrity love for The Artisan Group... Feel free to tweet or Instagram a word of thanks to the TAG Team, too!

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t y i r a h C ing Gift

To date, The Artisan Group has helped raised over $10,000 for charities such as Project Chemo Crochet; Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi; Let’s Move Together Arthritis Foundation; WipeOUT Cancer Foundation; and The Joyful Child Foundation, just to mention a few.

Hearing what a difference we’ve made and the lives we have touched through these events makes charity gifting one of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of The Artisan Group.

“Opening The Artisan Group’s package made it feel like Christmas came early because there was something unique for everyone!”

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Julie Klaus Joyful Moose Personalized Gifts for the Home

Joyful Moose is a family-owned and operated personalized gift business nestled in a small mountain valley near the Canadian border. We have grown to include an extensive product line that has something for everyone. Joyful is how I want people to feel opening a package with our items, which are perfect for Birthdays, Holidays, Weddings and Anniversaries.

“Why a moose? I get much of my inspiration from the mountains and wildlife that surround my home. Moose are my favorite, and there are some that hang out in our backyard each winter.”

How did your business begin?

I have a background in graphic design and was tired of only seeing my work in digital format, so I decided to turn some of my designs into physical products. I started in 2013 with phone cases, mousepads and pet ID tags, and in 2014 we added coffee mugs, t-shirts and the part-time help of one of my daughters. In 2015 my husband left his day job thanks to the growth Joyful Moose had, and in 2016 my other daughter and son-in-law also joined the “Joyful Moose Family” full-time. Because we are surrounded by trees and locally harvested wood, we wanted to add a wood collection to our product line. We now make cutting boards from the finest hand selected hardwoods as well as wood signs, wine bottle balancers, napkin and kitchen utensil holders.

Are there any moments that stand out for you over the years?

It was exciting to be featured several times on BuzzFeed as well as The Today Show. But the moments that stand out the most are the everyday short notes we get from customers letting us know how much their Grandmother loved the personalized cutting board, or how our bridesmaid gifts were such a hit at their wedding. Or the families that come back year after year to purchase personalized Christmas ornaments.

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Erin Zisser Diamonds and Coal Jewelry

I have been creating since I was a little girl. My grandmother put knitting needles and a crochet hook in my hand as soon as I could hold them. My small business started as an accident. I was creating jewelry for myself that I couldn’t find in the marketplace, and as I wore it, all different kinds of people would stop me and ask me where I purchased it.

That was the beginning of Diamonds and Coal.

“Diamonds and Coal is handmade jewelry with an edge for both guys and girls. I love being able to create jewelry that has a bit of grit to go along with the glamour.”

What’s the hardest part about running your own business?

The hardest part is doing it all! I am the designer and creator first and foremost. But I am also the CEO, the web developer, the graphic designer, the publicist, etc. It is tough to wear so many hats, but I love doing it, so the lack of sleep is OK with me. ;) What is your favorite part in the process of designing products?

My favorite part of the process of designing is seeing the piece come to life. Sometimes I sketch out designs, and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and run down to my studio to create it. Some days I just start playing with different pieces and they come together in my hands like I knew how to create them all along. No matter how the process starts, the end result is my favorite part - knowing that you can take something made up in your head and make it a reality is pretty special!

What’s been your most popular item or line to date?

My most popular pieces to date have been my Sugar Skull cameos, my meteorite pieces, and my electroformed crystal pieces.

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