please, pardon the lack of detail. this page is still under construction but I couldn't wait another minute to share my love for these people with the world. if you have stumbled upon this and find that your name is not listed, give me a shout. like i said, still under construction. i promise i haven’t forgotten you.

food & beverage

Oaklyn Springs Brewery

Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

Y’all. This beer is absolutely amazing.

On the Square , Tarboro Brewing Company , TBC West

Tarboro, North Carolina.

Inez and Stephen Ribustello are like bringing life to this little town in Eastern NC. one cool project at a time.

Raleigh Wine Shop

Raleigh, North Carolina

I loved this place long before I ever worked there.

Voyage to First Vintage Podcast

McMinnville, Oregon

Danielle and James are sharing their story of life in the wine business as they head towards their dream of owning their own winery and vineyard!

André Mac

Brooklyn, New York - Willamette Valley, Oregon

Sommelier, winemaker and designer. This fella just opened up a ham bar in Brooklyn. Yes, a ham bar. That has a beautifully curated wine menu and he also has a new book coming out soon!

jewelry / metalsmithing

Geoflora Jewelry

Charlotte, North Carolina

Fellow grads of ECU, these twins are killing it in the jewelry game.

Tara Locklear

North Carolina

i have this killer ring that I always get compliments on. This brilliant lady made it. Out of a skateboard deck.

Hannah Weaver

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

I’ve literally known this chick since we were like 10 years old. Camp buddies, now both artists. Her jewelry is amazing. Her wood panels are mind blowing with texture.

drawing / painting

Alice Holleman

Raleigh, North Carolina

illustrator! I’ve been collecting her illustrations for years and they always bring a smile to my face with their bright colors and beautiful line work.

Ashley Phillips

McMinnville, Oregon

wow. realism. her portrait work blows my mind. Oregon native, lover of beer and all things beautiful.

Joseph Hood

Kinston, North Carolina

I used to cook this kid dinner when I worked in Kinston, NC. I remember our conversations about East Carolina’s art program that we had over the kitchen bar. Now, he has blossomed into an amazing painter and has his pieces in galleries now.

fabric and leather work

Anna and Ellana Maynard

Saxapahaw/Raleigh, North Carolina

This mother-daughter team is making custom coats and jackets from materials such as wool, recycled quilts and on top of that are other amazing artists of other mediums. Painting, photography and dance are ways these ladies show their amazing talents with the world.

Cimarron Aflague Leather

Marshall, North Carolina

Y’all have probably noticed my signature hat and hatband in my about me photo. Cimarron made my badass hatband that has the Raleigh city skyline extending into the Appalachian mountains. He started his leather work in Antarctica (yes, that other continent way down there) back in 1980 and everything he does is handmade with no machinery.

Hawks + Doves

Raleigh, North Carolina

Jessica Ullom makes my favorite knife roll! She also makes purses, clutches, face masks, jewelry and so much more! Each piece is one-of-a-kind and sourced as locally as possible.

mentors

Inez Ribustello

my wine professor, my friend, always supportive. always loving

Tracy Callahan

saving lives. one free skin screening at a time.

Jules Zoetmulder

you. you are so amazing.

Lucetta Zaytoun

hey mama. i sure do love how brave and loving you are.