VOL. 3 | GBK’s New York Fashion Week Gift Lounge
Find Out What Makes HANDMADE So Special! Which Products Created by TAG Members Have Been Featured on Hit Television Shows? The Artisan Group Gives Back to Worthy Causes
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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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Featured Artis ts Melissa Ahonen BBT Style
Hair Accessories
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Kristi Brady
Blu Moon Design Children’s Apparel
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TV Show Giftings
Melissa Lund
Our member’s products have been prominently featured on many top TV shows over the past few years. Can you spot your favorites?
Melissa Lund Photography
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Aileen Parks
Fine Art Photography
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Jamison Olson
Jamison Rae Jewelry Jewelry
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Girl by Aileen
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’ve gifted.
Purses and Clutches
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Tania Reuben
Pure Natural Diva Bath and Spa Products
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S. Maria Chheo Stella Shen NailNation 3000 Cosmetics
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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 life of our members. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, bath and spa products, cosmetics, designer stationery, crocheted accessories, children’s apparel, purses, hand-poured candles, hand-bound journals, paintings, hand-dyed scarves, fine art photography, hair accessories or pet accessories and toys, 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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Melissa Ahonen BBT Style Hair Accessories
BBT Style started as a necessity for my son, who I needed to keep warm as a 6-week old preemie, and grew into something so unbelievable as of today. A personal need grew into requests from others and eventually launched a successful business.
“I work with the mindset each day that ‘No one will work harder for you than you’. And, no one will hand it to you, so work for it. It is endless and tiring but when you start to see results it is very gratifying.” Tell us about your shop. Soon after launching my business, I added simple but stylish fabric headbands to the mix of products as well. As the popularity of the headbands grew, I continued to add different styles to the product line. Currently my headbands range from sporty to fancier wedding styles. I really want to create looks that fit into everyone’s lifestyle, from casual to black tie. What’s been your most popular item or line to date? My dazzle line of headbands has been the most popular, with the Astare band in particular being a customer favorite. The Astare band was worn by Jacquie Lee on NBC’s fifth season of The Voice during her semi-final performance. Fans fell in love with the look, shimmer, and style that it added to so many different looks. Astare has traveled the world to many customers who specifically requested the band she wore during her performance.
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Kristi Brady Blu Moon Design Children’s Apparel
Blu Moon Design began years ago when I ran across women on eBay who were selling custom-made boutique children’s clothing, and I knew how to sew... so I thought I’d give it a try! Here we are nine years later, and I’m still designing and sewing trendy children’s clothing and selling to boutiques across the country!
“One of my favorite parts of this business is picking fabrics. I love to browse online and catalogs looking for new and fun things.” What are your favorite design/product trends? My inspiration always came from my own three girls and what I would like to dress them in. Our style is comfortable and cute. Stylish on-trend fabrics are our favorites. What’s your most popular items to date? My biggest selling item is our Twirl dress. It is so full, little girls just love them! I love that they can grow with them and be worn for a few seasons. Are there any moments that stand out for you over the years? Any accolades or awards you’re most proud of? I think the most exciting moment was brought about by The Artisan Group and sending one of my trendy outfits to NBC’s Parenthood. What an amazing experience to see your own designs on television!
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Melissa Lund Melissa Lund Photography Fine Art Photography
When I started taking photographs, selling them was the furthest thing from my mind. I kind of stumbled into photography when I was eighteen. It was my first year at the university and a friend was taking a beginner class. I tagged along because it seemed like fun. I had no idea that one class would turn into a life-long passion.
“I don’t have just one process; my photography is always a work in progress.” How has your process and relationship to your work evolved? When I look back at some of my very first photographs and where I am today, I’m honestly astonished I’ve come this far. Those first photographs weren’t very good, but I was lucky I had a natural talent and found my legs pretty quickly. I’m trying not to take myself too seriously and allow myself to play. Are there any moments that stand out for you over the years? A few years after I moved to Portland, I discovered that the Portland Art Museum had a Rental Sales Gallery and artists living in Oregon could apply to become a gallery artist. I struggled a little with the photographs that I should submit, but then decided on a few that I thought represented a good range of my work and sent in my application. They really liked one of my photographs so I sent in more from that collection. I was then invited to be a gallery artist. The icing on the cake came when I attended the show opening, and I saw those red dots on my name cards. My collection of five photographs had sold to a local Portland company. I’ve been a gallery artist for six years now, and it’s been one of the best experiences in my career.
society6.com/melissalund
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Jamison Olson Jamison Rae Jewelry Jewelry
I started my jewelry business because I was having a ridiculously hard time finding the kind of jewelry that I identified with, and at a price point that I could afford. It just didn’t make sense to me! I wasn’t lusting after items encrusted in diamonds or anything, I just wanted simple pieces that made me feel good.
“I think the thing that I enjoy most about not having a day job is the control over my own destiny. I see the direct results of the work that I put in, and that is a pretty awesome thing.” How did you approach building your brand? I just wanted to be honest. I get so sick of the pressures that are put on women, and I wanted to make sure that we weren’t participating in that. I want our brand to be something that people can identify with as they are now, something they can feel comfortable with. We wanted to “keep it real” with our brand. I use my friends as models. I make sure to post things on our social media pages that show what an enormous dork I am. I don’t want to build our brand on anything other than what is real. How do you keep up with demand? Growing quickly, but not too quickly, is one of the things that we are constantly struggling with. We feel so very lucky to be as busy as we are, but sometimes it can feel as though we are drowning in work. About a year ago we hired a production assistant, and that has helped a lot. Having more hands has been key to keeping up with things, and since we want to continue to grow, hiring is a must.
jamisonraejewelry.com
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Aileen Parks Girl by Aileen Purses and Clutches
There My shop is a one-stop-shop if you’re planning to gift your wedding party gal-pals or if you wish to look great throughout the season with a one-of-a-kind evening clutch. Often times brides struggle with something to gift their bridesmaids that can not only add to their dresses but can also be a practical gift the bridesmaids can use after the wedding.
“My clutches can be matched to the bridesmaid’s dresses or shoes and can still be used for any dressy event on a different occasion.” What’s been your most popular item or line to date? I really love the option to add messages and pictures to my clutches. It enhances the gift and often times touches the heart of your loved ones. When the bridesmaids or the Moms open the clutch gifted to them and see their own picture with their daughters or sons, or grandparents who have passed on, it’s really a moment to treasure. The value of the clutch gift now takes on a new meaning. Are there any moments that stand out for you over the years? I would have to say that my proudest moment has been seeing my clutch on The Wendy Williams Show in a gifting I participated in with The Artisan Group. At that moment I felt my world stop and I cried tears of joy because I felt all my hard work had paid off. The icing on the cake was hearing Wendy herself asking about my clutch on the air: “Tell me more about this sweet little bag!” I will never forget that feeling.
girlbyaileen.etsy.com
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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 costume stylists to provide handcrafted products created by our team for use on such hit shows as “The Vampire Diaries,” “Parenthood,” “Scandal,” and “The Voice,” just to name a few. The stylists we work with often say our gift bags of handcrafted goodies are “just like Christmas morning!” To date, The Artisan Group has successfully placed over 125 of our member’s products on hit television shows.
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A Few Hit TV Shows We’ve Worked With...
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Tania Reuben Pure Natural Diva Bath and Spa Products
Pure Natural Diva began as an eco-savvy lifestyle website in 2009. It was a passion project - my place to share all things green and chic. In 2013, I created our first products - all-natural perfumes, unlike most perfumes in the market ours are completely free of chemicals. Since our debut we’ve expanded the Pure Natural Diva line, adding Organic Body & Skin Care.
“When debuting Pure Natural Diva Botanicals it was beyond flattering to have Fragrantica.com call me a maverick.” Tell us about your shop and the idea behind it. I’m passionate about informing people of the potential health risks associated with chemically derived fragrances. Conventional personal care products are formulated from an unidentified array of over 6,000 different synthetic fragrance chemicals – including a neurotoxin that has been banned in Japan since the 1980’s and suspected hormone disrupters that have been found in breast milk. All this said... we all want to enjoy beautiful personal care products and smell good. Pure Natural Diva is dedicated to providing a beautiful and effective alternative. What advice would you give to someone considering a similar path? I tell aspiring entrepreneurs they need to be beyond passionate about their project because pursuing their passion will entail so many things that can’t be anticipated. Many of the dayto-day tasks that you’ll need to tackle will have little to do with your natural skill sets and areas of expertise – yet they will be tasks that need to be completed.
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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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t y i r a Ch ing Gift
Charity gifting. The reward in knowing you made a difference in someone’s life. Seeing the work that goes into the products our members create and knowing they are gifting these items for a good cause touches our hearts. 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. To date, The Artisan Group has helped raised over $10,200 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. 16 | Vol. 3 | GBK’s New York Fashion Week Gift Lounge
S. Maria Chheo Stella Shen NailNation 3000 Cosmetics
There What made me really want to launch my nail polish business was the vast markets for the products, coupled with the ability to be creative, and work for myself! Part of my mission for NailNation 3000 has been to do charitable work and raise awareness for many worthy causes. In doing so I have been successful in creating a sense of community among my manicuring clients, customers, and myself! This is the heart and soul of my business.
“I hope to grow and develop an even bigger following to do greater charity work, as well as champion Arnold Chiari Malformation Research Fundraising and awareness, as my 21-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with Type 1.” Tell us about your professional background. I worked for over fifteen years in the salon industry. After a neck injury, I was told I couldn’t work again! I thought what better time to pursue my dream of creating unique and creative nail polishes? I attended Plaza Cosmetology School in Memphis, Tennessee, and received an excellent education and full license for Manicuring that I still maintain today! How has your personal approach shaped your business? My approach is through social media and face-toface networking! Therefore everyone I see, meet online, or in person is aware in some way that I handcraft nail polishes. I pass out samples any chance I get, and I sponsor fun contests and giveaways for appreciation and sharing through social media. Building a brand takes tons of dedication and time.
nailnation3000.storenvy.com
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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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