Meet Your Makers: Kathy Mazur

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business.

Hi. My name is Kathy Mazur. I retired from Highmark in April 2015 after 20 years of working there as a web and UX designer. I wanted to do something that was more creative and not corporate, so I found an old canvas and played with some spray paint to create a fall leaf design. It came out even better than I expected, so I started creating more artwork.

How did you come up with your business name?

I don't really have a business name, but I sign my pieces with Kathy M. Since my maiden name began with an O, I was called Kathy O as I was growing up. A friend of mine started calling me Kathy M after I was married. It continued the same theme, so now that's my signature.

Where do you live?

I've lived in the North Side for six years and love it there. Before that, I lived in Murrysville while raising my kids.

Who’s in your family?

My husband is Cole. We've been married for 14 years. I have two grown children, Devin and Dani, who both live in Pittsburgh. I love having them nearby.

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead who would it be, and why?

I can't pick just one! So, one is my grandmother who I miss a lot and sometimes "feel" her around me. I want to ask her what it's like on the other side. Number two is going to sound cliche, but it's Jesus. I want to know the secret to why we are here. Number three is Andy Warhol. He seemed like a very interesting person and he's a Pittsburgher.

What inspires you?

People who are happy for who they are, not because of what they have. 

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?

So far, I've only made spray paint art, so I guess that's my favorite! In particular, my favorite is the long canvas of birch trees.

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?

I've only worked there one day so far, so I really need to look around more. I saw several things that I thought were amazing and want to buy.

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?

Be confident in your abilities. I was nervous about asking to sell my items in a shop, so my husband sent a picture of one of my pieces to a shop owner without telling her who did it. She loved it, wanted to see more, and then took a bunch into her shop to sell. That gave me a boost of confidence, so I stopped in at Boutique 208 to ask if I could sell items there, too. And, now, here we are!

Special Hours!

We have special hours running Christmas week!

Tuesday - 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday - 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday (Christmas Eve) - 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (or possibly later. We will update you if times change.)

Stop by and see us for your last minute shopping needs! 

Women in Hospitality Pittsburgh Networking event - join us!

WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY
SHOPPING & NETWORKING RECEPTION

Join Women in Hospitality Pittsburgh for an afternoon of shopping & networking. Start your holiday shopping with us!

Cash & carry vendors include Arbonne, Chakra Candy by Emunah Reiki, Colorful Creations, Donna Sale, Henne Jewelers, Hi-On-Hats, it works, jbailey, Mary Kay, Park Lane Jewelry, Roden & Fields, Silpada Jewelry, The Pop Cakery, Boutique 208, and Pretzel Crazy

Wednesday, November 11, 2015
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Rivers Club

One Oxford Centre, Pittsburgh

Complimentary admission includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
Parking is available on site at $5.

Event is open to the public, but you must register in advance.

register at events@prla.org
or call (800) 345-5353

Heidi Howard, CMP  |  Director of Events & Engagement

Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

100 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

717-963-8365 direct  |  800-345-5353

Meet Your Makers: Leslie Ann Collier of LArtC

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business.
Leslie Ann Collier
LArtC: Weekend Artist, Weekday Pharmacist.

How did you come up with your business name?
My initials,  plus art

Where do you live?
Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Who is in your family?
My 22 year old son Colton, and 21 year old daughter Maggie.

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Stephen King; I’d ask him how he decides to end several of his novels with Alien forces.

What inspires you?
Sunshine
Seasons

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?
Indigo dyed clothing, because it provides instant gratification of what the end result will be.

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?
Jewelry by Charmed by Jenn.
I love jewelry, but don't make it myself.

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?
Start now.

Meet Your Makers: Eryn Hughes of Apothecary Muse

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:

Howdy, I’m Eryn Hughes, the owner and adventure aromatherapy maker of Apothecary Muse.  My products combine herbalism and aromatherapy for environmentally safe and practical use by outdoor adventurers who bike, hike, run, paddle or ski.

How did you come up with your business name?

In the 90s and early 2000s, I was a professional DJ, with the name DJ Muse.  Not employing the cutthroat competition tactics observed in my colleagues, I considered it most advantageous to always be in a learning state; humble.  This philosophy continued as my obsession with bikes turned into a mission of advocacy, with an organization I founded to create lifelong cyclists, called Velomuse.  And now, I continue my pursuit of expertise through the senses with herbalism and aromatherapy, but am still closely tied to my cycling roots with the Woodsy Warrior, Bike Face Soap and Skin Salves.

Where do you live?

I am fortunate to work out of my Point Breeze home.  My soap studio is mostly confined to an extra bedroom in my Point Breeze apartment, but it often spreads to the kitchen and outside deck.

Who’s in your family?

Our household includes my supportive and equally creative boyfriend, Justin and our two cuddly – yet demanding - black cats, Burrito and Toni.  The cats hang out in a room treated with an air purifier when I’m using essential oils, because they metabolize essential oils (even in airborne state) differently than humans.  Burrito would supervise every step of my work if she could, though!

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would really enjoy to sit and have tea in the woods with the Dalai Lama, hear his laughter and experience his calm.

What inspires you?

I listen to music and dance a little bit every day, just to feel more like myself and not get weighed down with bureaucratic policies and the state of economics that can interfere with my creative process.  I don’t feel the need to be the best all the time, but it is more important to make something meaningful in my adventures.  When I’m not making products, I’m usually out in my garden or hiking/riding in the woods, and harvesting herbs for infusion into the products.  The sun also gives me a lot of inspiration, in this way.

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?

Although most of my items are seasonal, the Meditation Mixer soap is a year-round favorite because the traditional cold-process soap is made with base oils that have been solar-infused with organic lavender, for a deep, lasting aroma that makes me close my eyes in bliss every time.

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?

This is very difficult, as I also seek meaningfulness in process which I come to learn through the makers and I want to support all my fellow makers.  I recently bought one of Charmed by Jenn’s bracelets with the “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, it is one of my favorite quotes interpreted by many brave women throughout history.  I’ve spent a lot of time looking at this piece, and coming to my own translation.  In addition to the bracelet being made with strong materials that I expect to withstand many adventures, the quote is engraved on a piece of metal that resembles a military dog tag and I think, makes a subtle statement about how women’s rights is evolving.

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?

Talk to fellow crafters to get an idea of what is required, but do it your own way.  Always be honest and transparent about your process, that is what gives your craft value.

Work Week Wind Down @ Boutique 208

On Friday, August 14th, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Bethany Shea, of Indulgence Bath, Body, & Skincare Products, will be hosting a work week wind down event at Boutique 208.

She will be offering free facials, free hand treatments, and free refreshments, including sangria.


In addition to FREE refreshments & spa services AND free gifts with all Indulgence Purchases, we will be be offering several opportunities to win "Pamper Bucks", which can either be used as CASH toward indulgence purchases OR as tickets for a chance to win one of our prizes! We will be auctioning off an Indulgence gift basket and a FREE Pamper Party for one lucky winner and 4 of her closest friends! Chances to earn tickets include: adding your e-mail to our list, purchasing ANY item from Boutique 208 during the event, and participating in our 4 party games. 


The schedule for the games and drawings will be as follows:  
4:30 pm Kitchen Cabinet Beauty Trivia
5:30 pm Skincare Fact or Fiction
6:30 pm Indulgence Product Demo
7:30 pm Kitchen Cabinet Beauty Trivia Round 2
7:45 pm Drawing for Raffle Prizes

Use our hashtag ‪#‎PamperedinPGH‬ to earn "Pamper Bucks", which can be used as CASH toward any Indulgence Purchases or as Raffle Tickets at our event on Friday Night. Start using the hashtag now, and be presented with "bucks" upon arrival!

Meet Your Makers: Suzi Fortunato of Meanderer

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:  My name is Suzi Fortunato.   I love to use up every bit of stuff.  I sew aprons (my favorite item, they are indestructible) and potholders from old clothing, tie dye, crochet...anything that pops into my head.  Taking old, unwearable jeans, cutting them apart and making something new, fun and useful is so satisfying to me.  It is a challenge to use every scrap, repurposing and keeping all that good material out of the landfill.  I love it! 

 

 

How did you come up with your business name?  I sew with a general idea and allow the fabric to dictate the end product.  One idea leads to another...meandering around...Meanderer!   My friend Elle, an organic farmer, needed good, sturdy reusable bags when selling her produce.  She also asked for kitchen items. We wanted to use the unusable.  With her help, an idea took off.

 

Where do you live? My family and I live in the south hills of Pittsburgh. 
 
Who’s in your family? I have three grown up kids, two are professional artists.  My dog is a very talented sleeper.

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?  I would love to talk to my mom and dad again, just to tell them thank you.


What inspires you? Remaking. Recycling, repurposing.

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why? Aprons out of old clothing, especially the ones made out of denim. 
 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why? It is so much fun to see what other people create.  I love the batik items in Boutique 208.  I can't do that and am sooo jealous!

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations? It's been said too many times, but do what you love.  Keep the creative side of you alive and working.  It is who you are.

Meet Your Makers: Nicole Bloch of Erra Creations

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business: 

Howdy! Nicole here! I am the owner and only creator for Erra Creations. I grew up in an artistic family that also owned a local supply shop- but spent all my school years training as a classical flutist. After being a grown up in an office job for a few years, I subconsciously knew I had to get back to my roots. I started playing around with broken bits and bobbles of my great-grandmothers old stash. Over the past few years, Erra has transformed into so much more fun. I work with lots of reclaimed materials and am now known for my work with bicycle parts. The part I love is the never ending evolution of my art- and making and being able to share the newest and most fun things with others, while staying green and earth happy!

How did you come up with your business name?  Long story short... I was having a post-work brew with a dear friend. We were discussing the need for a new something for me to do. He suggested  I open a vintage boutique. Granted that would have been awesome(!), but I knew I needed to have more creative input somehow. I chatted about how I had been tinkering with great-gram's old stash and POOF, Erra was born - elegant. reclaimed. reminiscent. avant-garde.

 

Where do you live?  In the South Hills area of Pittsburgh, PA

Who’s in your family?  My house consists of my better half Pete and our 2 kids: Haleigh (14 yo-border collie) and Nicco, who we just rescued from Arkansas (1.5 yo- shepherd mix). Oh, and we have a family of dust bunnies, too.

 If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?  I would LOVE to talk with my Grammie. She is my hero and Mother since she raised me, passed just before I graduated high school. First off, she was the kindest, most thoughtful, purposeful living person I have ever experienced. She did everything with grace and respect. She was a master decoupage artist, teacher (art and English) and a crazy good business woman. And a darn good cook- I need to ask her for a few recipes that we can't find :)

What inspires you?  In the past, I have responded to this question by saying something like "everything in the world around me inspires me". While this is true, I am learning that I am inspired by something being out of place or a void of space...er something. Like right now typing this I got distracted while eating a pickled egg...wondering how I can re-create the funny texture from the bite side into resin. (you asked!)

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  That's a hard one! Let's say my vintage sheet music cuff links and earrings because they have connected me to some fabulous people in the music world of Pittsburgh, I am a classical flutist, Boutique 208 is in the heart of the cultural district of Pittsburgh - across from Heinz Hall, and I think they're awesome!

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  Greeting cards by John the Craftist. Why? Because they are simply the snarkiest cards and Pittsburgh themed= WIN!

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  Continually review WHY you are selling your art and make sure you are ok with your answer! It's very easy to burn out and/or let your heart get beat on when your art is on the line. 

Meet Your Makers: Kirsten Lowe-Rebel of K.LoRebel Art

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:

K.LoRebel Art is the hand drawn art and illustrations of Kirsten Lowe-Rebel.  Recently, I've 

started turning my work into a line of wearable art jewelry, stationery and a Home-Bar-Art idea for customizable bottle drawings.  

 

How did you come up with your business name? It's kind of my name, like J-Lo but (Kirsten) Lowe-Rebel ; )

Where do you live?  A Pittsburgh native, I have lived in various parts of the city.  I was raised in the Shaler/North Hills area and I now live in lovely Lawrenceville, PGH Pa.

Who’s in your family? 

My Grandparents are a huge part of my family. They both help me very much with my business. My sister lives close by in Bloomfield, I love her and want to always live close to her. My household consists of my boyfriend/partner and I, we both are living pretty creative lifestyles at the moment, as he is a composer, and we hope to someday be cat parents to one or a million cats.

 

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would actually much rather talk to someone from the future, if that could be an option? As in, anyone with future insight!

What inspires you?  Skilled professionals, basic and simple ideas, fashion, graphic texts and architecture, the hand drawn, food, booze and brand loyalty and enthusiasm.  I am also inspired by great color combinations... even though, I've recently taking a liking to the black and white color pallet.

 

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?

Art Print Money Clips! I think it's the perfect treat for the downtown professional. Why not add a little fun flair (and Pittsburgh pride) to your daily routine. They make great gifts for the gentlemen in our lives and I've been told that they are "lucky" as in hot at the casino! (***I am not promoting gambling here) However, they are definitely lucky money clips.

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?

I love the crocheted work of Alicia Kachmar. I think she is a very inspiring young lady and I have had the pleasure of meeting her during the crossings of her life here in PGH. Her stuffed plush cheery critters are totally up my alley, they are fun and cute but my favorite thing about them is the shorty stories that comes along with them. I am a proud owner of one of the BIGgest, Phattest @eternalsunshine (her biz name) perogies I've seen her make : )

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  I feel so new to the idea myself, it would feel ill fitting to supply sound advise.  I guess right now I would say: you'll never know unless you try... Do what feels right and keep learning new skills even if you're not sure how they will apply, because they will. It will ALL start to make sense! Oh, and also: allow yourself the time, because great things can happen when you stop procrastinating. 

Thank you so much for giving me the time to answer a few questions! Cheers!!! Shop at Boutique 208, Great community and representation of the Pittsburgh Indie Craft/Art scene! I am happy to be a part of it and the great location of what is now a really transforming downtown Pittsburgh ; )

Meet Your Makers: Karen Sturgeon of Tree Buds

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:  My name is Karen Sturgeon and my business name is Tree Buds.

How did you come up with your business name?  I knew I wanted something to do with trees, etc. since my business is largely wood working, however, I was at a stumbling block for a name.  I asked my neighbors and one of them came up with Tree Buds - not only is it about trees, and the promise of new things (buds), but my dog's name is Buddy and it was a natural fit for me.

Where do you live?  South of Pittsburgh

 

Who’s in your family?  Just me and my dog, Buddy!  He's a little guy who really enjoys sitting on the lawn and watching my all spring/summer/fall as I work in the driveway and garage creating my items.

 

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?  For some strange reason, I always wanted to talk with Albert Einstein.  I always wondered how he first came up with some of the ideas for his inventions - in other words, did they just "pop" into his head, or was it a long process.

What inspires you?  For many years, I was in a job where there was no creativity involved...now, I have the chance to really let my creative juices flow and I'll see something that I could work with, come up with a concept, and think to myself, "I have to try that NOW."

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  Well, I have many favorites, but the favorite of my customers seems to be the beer caddys.  Often you don't find many "gifts for men" that are in handmade stores and this is one that men really appreciate.

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  I love Nicole Bloch's bicycle chain items!

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?  As much as you want to offer something that you like, make sure that customers like it too.... it is a business!

Meet Your Makers: Thea Okonak of John the Craftist

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:  My name is Thea Okonak, but my crafting name is John the Craftist. I make greeting cards, shirts, totes, and other gift items which celebrate Pittsburgh -- the food, the language, the people, the culture. I started designing cards after I developed a chronic neuropathic pain condition. Receiving get well cards in the mail when I was first learning to navigate life with a new set of challenges was the highlight of my day. So I started making cards for friends and family, and, before long, I had a viable business.

How did you come up with your business name?  John the Baptist is my patron saint, so it's a shout-out (and a friendly wink).

Where do you live?  My husband and I rent a 19th century apartment above the local market (Feast On Brilliant) in the Aspinwall neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The market sells lots of in-house goodies, which means that my apartment is typically filled with delicious cooking smells. I work from home, so I'm pretty much hungry all day.

Who’s in your family?  My husband and myself. But my mom, aunt, sister, and brother are local, so I enjoy as many shenanigans as possible with that crew.

If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why? How about a fictional character? My first choice would be Sherlock Holmes, despite the fact that he would almost certainly be arrogant and morbid! Charles Dickens would be my second choice, because he died before he could finish The Mystery of Edwin Drood! I would also love to talk to him about social justice and reform.

 

What inspires you?  I find inspiration for my work in the city, my neighborhood, mid-century design, color theory, and classic typography.  I'm inspired to work harder by my maker friends, who never cease to blow me away.  The way I live my life is inspired by my mother, who is tough and smart and funny and compassionate. She always says that there's only one question you need to ask yourself when making a decision: "What is the loving thing?"

 

What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?  My Pittsburghese magnet sets; I get the feeling that they are frequently purchased as souvenirs by out-of-towners, and I love spreading The Gospel of Pittsburgh!

 

 

What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?  It's so hard to choose; if I had to list all of my favorites, we'd be here for days. But I really love the Natrielle Body Care bath tea, which has been a terrific weapon in my arsenal of pain management remedies.

What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations? 

JUMP RIGHT IN. Start small -- a neighborhood street fair, your grandma's church shindig. Build out from there. Social networking is your best friend; Facebook and Instagram are immensely helpful. Introduce yourself to other crafters -- we're a friendly bunch, we don't mind questions, and we're ALWAYS willing to give advice! Don't worry, at first, about your branding or identity; it'll fall into place as you grow. This is a wonderful time for makers and creatives and small businesses of all stripes, especially in cities like Pittsburgh. So much energy and excitement and support. So what are you waiting for?!?!