Celebrating our Black Members
We’re celebrating the rich and vibrant heritage of Black makers of crafts, whose creativity, skill, and artistry have made contributions to the world of handmade creations.
Sue Rock of Sue Rock Originals
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I love Fashion but my PASSION is music. I've been a vocalist for decades singing everything from Jazz to Broadway to Pop Music
What would you tell your younger self?
Follow your dreams right now! Immerse yourself in every aspect of your talents - you will go far!
What advice would you give the younger generation?
Grab your friends hands and GO OUTSIDE - Explore everything, the museums, the library, the parks everything. And never discount the value of your age. Depending upon where you live there are amazing FREE programs available to you now as a young person. Everything from Travel to Training is available. EXPLORE your world....
What are you most proud of?
It sounds corny but BEING HERE! With a sense of joie de vivre, insight, hopefulness, deep love and an understanding of how rooted in truth my belief system has been all along.....
Is there anything else you want to tell us?
This life is not perfect but it is the one we all have - Our beautiful Earth is always here to support, nurture and strengthen our resolve - GO OUTSIDE!
Rob Rodrigues of Luna Jars
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I enjoy exploring different cultures through travel and food. And re-watching old sitcoms can be such a fun way to unwind and reminisce. I have a family to share these experiences with, including my 20-year-old child and adoring husband. And of course, my furry babies add so much joy and entertainment to the household with their unique personalities.
What would you tell your younger self?
1. Be proud of who you are: Embrace your identity and don't let anyone make you feel ashamed or inferior for being who you are.
2. Find your community: Seek out other queer individuals and allies who can offer support, guidance, and understanding. You don't have to go through this journey alone.
3. Educate yourself: Learn about the history of the LGBTQ+ community and the struggles that have been faced in the fight for equality. This knowledge can help you understand the challenges that still exist and how to advocate for change.
4. Advocate for yourself and others: Speak up for your rights and those of others in the LGBTQ+ community. Your voice matters, and your activism can make a difference. 5. Take care of yourself: Self-care is important for everyone, but it can be especially crucial for those who face discrimination and marginalization. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and seek out mental health support if needed. Remember, you are valid, loved, and deserving of respect and equality.
5. You are not weird for having these feelings and they are valid. Your experience is valid.
Lila Rose of The Kraft Dealer
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I've always been an all-around creative person since I was little. I said I didn't want to wear a monkey suit, aka work for someone else, and that's what I've been working towards. I have many hobbies, but my most recent one is woodworking! Building and designing vendor displays that make setup and clean-up displays easier. My passion is to enjoy life and share my art!
What would you tell your younger self?
Don't give up on your art it's weird because there's people that will love and appreciate it it!
What advice would you give the younger generation?
Do whatever makes your heart sing in all aspects of your life!
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the person I'm becoming
Support your local artist!
Coleen Phoenixx of Rising Phoenixx
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I love to craft and create. In the process of designing packaging for my skincare products, I discovered the calming effect of paper crafting and took up bookbinding as a hobby. Now I have countless notebooks lying around to document my travels in! I gift as many to friends as a can.
What would you tell your younger self?
Do what you want, not what you've been told you're supposed to. The 'American Dream' is a lie, just find joy in life. Also, Buy stock in Apple!
What advice would you give the younger generation?
Continue to burn down societal norms! So much energy is spent trying to define the perfect or 'proper' life path and there's just no such thing. I love that this is becoming more evident and younger generations are focusing more on what's really important for a functioning society: Human rights, personal freedoms, environmental responsibility. Forget the 'you should's' and 'you're supposed to's', burn those to the ground!
What are you most proud of?
My capacity for learning. I learn from everyone I meet and everything I see. I collect information and life skills like Pandora charms lol. I've use these learnings to craft a life that's full of love, laughter and adventure.
Amy Crews of Up Studio
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a mother, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, cousin, and friend - my people are my world. I love design, jewelry making, gardening, all of the fiber arts (especially knitting) – I am at my core a maker.
What would you tell your younger self?
Who you are is just fine.
What advice would you give the younger generation?
Never stop exploring and learning, you get to define who you are and what you do with your life.
What are you most proud of?
Raising my three astounding children. Having spent my life learning and exploring it’s so gratifying to teach others what I know. I've taught over 200 people to knit, the only one who didn't learn was my grandmother, she was about 80, and a skilled seamstress. This is one of my fondest memories with her - we laughed so much during our lessons and every time we spoke about it after. She was a gem.
Taylor Tankson of Tribe & Oak
Tell us a bit about yourself:
We are a couple who works in Fashion and IT as day jobs while we grow our baby, this business. We love to hang out, eat new foods, and try new activities in the city.
What would you tell your younger self?
Take risks earlier and go after the things you want, so many experiences and lessons come from that.
What advice would you give the younger generation?
I would say that there is no longer a traditional road to success but hard work will in all areas is what gets you to the next spot.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of having lived in another country for work and have travelled 6 out of 7 continents